Imagine seeing this guy on Capitol Hill? It could happen sooner than you think.

From blocking imposing defensive lineman to blocking health care reform? Is that what is in former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan’s future?

According to numerous reports, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Runyan may be in line to run against NJ Rep. John Adler (D), who represents New Jersey’s Third Legislative District.

Runyan would run as a Republican and said through a spokesman that he is considering running for the seat, which represents part of Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties.

It should be noted that Adler broke from party lines and voted against the health care reform package last year. That could cost him some democratic support.

As for Runyan, he’d have the backing of Republicans, who controlled that seat for years. Plus, the Eagles connection will drag in the casual political observer to vote in his favor. However, in Ocean County, Giants fans will play a part in the equation.

Back to the serious side of this, Runyan could obviously raise funds and create a huge war chest, which would be critical in a battle against Adler. In his race against then-incumbent James Saxton, Adler had a five-to-one advantage in terms of money available to his campaign. In fact, he had raised more than any non-incumbent Congressional candidate in the nation.

If and when Runyan declares his candidacy, it will be interesting to see how he fares and which endorsements he receives. In recent years, voters have shown they are not afraid of giving new blood a shot at running the government. Just look at Sarah Palin, Jesse Ventura and even President Barack Obama as examples.

OT Winston Justice answered his critics with a strong showing on Sunday.

Sheldon Brown, DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel are used to postgame accolades. Sunday’s 38-10 thumping of the Carolina Panthers provided yet another glimpse into the firepower these guys provide each Sunday.

Winston Justice hasn’t been that lucky. For the last year and a half, Eagles fans, the media and every radio talk show host this side of Glen Beck has reminisced about the Osi Umenyiora six-sack attack in 2007 whenever they read the word “justice” in the newspaper.

Based on how well Justice has played this preseason and during Sunday’s game, he may finally receive due process from those analyzing his game tapes.

The fourth year offensive tackle played well, and you didn’t hear his name once on Sunday. That means no penalties, no big-time sacks surrendered. He won’t make anyone forget about the anchor of the line the last decade, Jon Runyan. On the flip side, nobody is clamoring about Shawn Andrews this morning either.

Reid said Justice had a chance to win the starting job; Andrews may want to give it a go this week, or Justice could very well secure the job.

Omar Gaither and rookie Macho Harris are two other Eagles who rose to the occasion against the Panthers as both took a step forward in Sean McDermott’s defense.

Gaither was awarded the starting MIKE backer’s job when Joe Mays handed it to him during training camp. The competition was expected to continue, but Mays was injured, and Gaither’s play today should keep him on the field in the coming weeks.

He recorded four tackles, .5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He won’t be punching any Pro Bowl tickets, but a few more weeks like this and he may even keep a starting job the entire season, something he hasn’t done the last two years when he lost spots to Stewart Bradley and Akeem Jordan.

Rookie saftey Macho Harris only had one tackle, but didn’t get burned on Sunday. That’s more than Quentin Demps has been able to say during his brief career. It’s still early, but Harris has played solid football since the start of training camp.

If these three guys can compete this way each week, three of the Eagles questions entering the fall may have been answered already.

Jon Runyan worked out for the Eagles today and could be signed to take the place of Shawn Andrews.

Eagle Nation is getting sick of Shawn and his back. Sure, back injuries are serious and should not be taken lightly. However, until he is healthy and gets his a$$ into a game, he needs to keep his mouth shut.

Two weeks ago, Andrews declared he would start the season opener. He hadn’t even practiced at that point yet.

Two days ago, he gave Julius Peppers bulletin board material by saying he wasn’t scared of the All-Pro defensive end and, “I’m a beast, too.” He implied that Peppers would have his hands full trying to get to Donovan McNabb.

And, don’t even get us started about the YouTube Michael Phelps’ garbage.

Now question marks surround Andrews’ status for Sunday. He better show up and back up all his talk from the last few weeks. If not, then just ship him to the padded beds of the IR list now.

That’s what Andy Reid must be thinking as he finally worked out Runyan just days after the veteran lineman showed the Kansas City Chiefs what he can still offer an NFL franchise.

Obviously, the Eagles have kept tabs on Runyan this offseason  in the event that Andrews doesn’t meet expectations this season. (Practicing one week straight would be a start!). Now that Big Jon has gained the interest of others, dailyphiladelphian.com wouldn’t be surprised to see Runyan signed by Friday’s practice.

Even then, there is no way Runyan would be able to play this week.

Hey Eagles fans, guess who your likely starter against the Panthers is? Winston Justice.

Peppers just watched video of Winston against Osi Umenyiora two years ago. He instantly made his Pro-Bowl reservations for Miami this year.

Let’s hope the failure to acquire a competent back-up during the offseason doesn’t bite the Eagles backside like their failure to secure a kick returner at the start of the 2007 season.

Now, we receive word that Runyan has been cleared to play seven months following knee surgery.

Runyan is ready, but will the Eagles sign him?

If you don’t know who Runyan is, then you clearly are a fan of a team that wastes $1.2 billion on a new stadium with a scoreboard that blocks punts like Shaq.

I seriously hope Andy and Co. put an end to the Shawn Andrews experiment and resign your starting right tackle before he drives up the turnpike and comes back to haunt us.

Shawn Andrews expects to start the first game of the year. Actually putting pads on would be a good start, Shawn.

Then I realize it’s Shawn Andrews making those statements and I go back to bed.

Andrews, who has practiced once this year, played sparingly in two games last year, and has never started an NFL game at right tackle said today he expects to start Sept. 13 at Carolina. Sounds like a guy we can certainly depend on to keep No. 5 safe, while opening holes for Brian Westbrook.

While I’m sure Andrews will block the Eagles all the way to the Super Bowl this year while playing himself into Canton, Andy Reid might want to make contingency plans and quick. There’s a guy sitting at home right now who might be able to help. Maybe you have even heard of him. I think his name is Ronin?  Onion? Runyan? It’s something like that.