The left hand of Justice

By David Landry  |   Tuesday, June 06, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Philadelphia Eagles
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Would you believe that one of the biggest news items out is Philadelphia this week is about a single hand? "It's difficult, you know, putting my left hand down," ran the quote hitting newspapers and web pages. The absurdity of such a notion becomes more believable, however, when one takes into account the source: Winston Justice, The Eagles' steal of a second-round draft pick.

The 6'6", 320-pound OT is slated to play on quarterback Donovan McNabb's blindside. On the surface, of course, this appears to be no problem: After all, Justice made a name for himself doing the same for Heisman-chaser Matt Leinart at USC. The oddity of Justice's situation stems from the way Leinart throws - from the left side.

Therefore, whereas most right tackles would keep the same position and play it in the same fashion, Justice will have to make the switch to the left.

Philadelphia Eagles fans, however, can breathe a sigh of relief that the young man with a kit bag of troubles (attitude problems, it is widely acknowledged, are what kept Justice out of the first round) will probably not be listing difficulties with adjustment to his new position among them. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of it," he told the press, crediting offensive line coach Juan Castillo for his improvement.

Should the flipside prove a bit perplexing to the former Trojan, though, he'll have plenty of time to adjust. Barring the unforeseen, Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are set to occupy the starting OT positions for years to come (2008, to be precise, the year through which Thomas' contract runs).

Regardless, Winston Justice is a piece of the future puzzle. Maturation (both on- and off-the-field, perhaps) is still necessary on Justice's part, but his 2005 season with USC - after missing the whole of 2004, mind you - shows the raw talent and fundamental skills necessary to play at the highest levels in the big leagues. Now, if only he can get that left hand thing down...

Soar with the Philadelphia Eagles at Realfootball365.com
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