Washington Commanders’ Ron Rivera: Jason Kelce ‘One of the Really Good Ones’

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera had high praise for Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.

Priority No. 1 for Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy this week will be trying to protect quarterback Sam Howell, who was sacked nine times in a humiliating 37-3 loss last week to the Buffalo Bills. 

Rivera and company will be able to look across to the field to home sideline at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday afternoon and know that no such concern exists for the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been afforded arguably the best protection in the sport since he became the full-time starter in 2021. And at the forefront of that, according to Rivera, is center Jason Kelce. 

“Their center [Jason Kelce] is probably one of the really, really good ones," Rivera said. "He’s played in this league a long time, and when you have an anchor like that, naturally a lot of good things will happen. It's a veteran group, it's a big, massive group. I think the key to it is being together.”

Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles impresses Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera.  / USA Today

While his younger brother, Travis, is a surefire Hall of Famer, Jason himself has built quite a case for Canton. He's one of the most athletic offensive linemen in recent memory, and at age 35, he's playing as well as he ever has. Across his first 12 NFL seasons, Jason was an All-Pro five times, including in each of the last two campaigns. 

Kelce, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg for an offensive line that he may not even be the best piece of. Right tackle Lane Johnson is a two-time All-Pro himself, and hasn't surrendered a sack since 2020. Left tackle Jordan Mailata, left guard Landon Dickerson and right guard Cam Jurgens round out a tremendous unit that will have their work cut out this Sunday trying to stop Washington's ferocious defensive line. 

The difference is that if any offensive line is equipped to slow down the Commanders pass rush, it's the Eagles. On the flip side, it would be generous to call Washington's offensive line a work in progress. And with star rookie Jalen Carter leading the Eagles defense, it could be another tough week for Howell and Washington's offense.