AS DOUG Pederson's new coaching staff set into evaluating the roster, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, the most important holdover from Chip Kelly's staff, harped on one point in particular:
There was no need to replace left guard Allen Barbre.
"I know we got Peters and Lane and Kelce, but this guy's a good football player. This guy's a good football player," Stoutland said.
Tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson and center Jason Kelce were the foundation of the line, but the guard positions were unsettled. As the Birds considered free-agent upgrades and graded college players for the draft, Stoutland, in his gut-punch staccato, re-emphasized: "I'm just telling you: Don't underestimate this guy.