Third Year’s The Charm

PHILADELPHIA – Tyler Steen has already cleared one major hurdle on his path to seizing control of a starting job. Last summer, on the third training camp practice, Steen sustained an ankle injury, sidelining him for much of camp as he strived to entrench himself as the Eagles’ starting right guard.

Next up was converted tackle Mekhi Becton, an intriguing reclamation project trying his hand at guard. Becton  performed capably enough to effectively “Wally Pipp” the projected starter. Adaptability is paramount in the NFL, and Steen was no exception. Plans changed, as Steen would undertake a key reserve role, appearing in all 17 games (two starts) and postseason contests, notching another start in the NFC Championship clash with the Washington Commanders.

Often times last season, Steen’s number would be called in-game, presenting a unique set of challenges for a second-year player. For him to enter in relief and perform as admirably as he did under those circumstances required attentiveness and engagement from the sideline, preparation throughout the week and an ability to apply the lessons learned on the practice field.

There’s also a certain amount of pressure that accompanies filling in on a fully loaded offense, as one of the objectives is to never be the reason the engine stalls.

“I think that really goes a lot with just preparing throughout the week, preparing like you’re the starter,” Steen said. “And then, going in there – it’s a little tougher, just ’cause you’re cold, going in mid-game – but just having that same mindset and knowing that you already prepared, going in there with confidence and talking to the guys that have been in the game. And then, just going from there.”

Steen admitted that he experienced invaluable growth last season compared to his rookie campaign, becoming more comfortable playing his position of trade while simultaneously building confidence. Tools that should come in handy this summer, when the Alabama product is once again positioned to assume the baton at right guard.

Watching Steen conduct himself so far with the first-team offensive line confirms the increased strength to which Lane Johnson recently referenced when asked about his projected fourth right guard in as many seasons.

While not much has changed in terms of Steen’s offseason training, the 25-year-old made strides to enhance his mobility, a facet primarily influenced by Johnson, among others. His approach may have largely remained the same, but the emphasis of self-improvement was evident.

ITB PHOTO: Eagles RG Tyler Steen is ready to become a first-time starter in 2025.

The reality is that Steen joins a high-powered Eagles offense equipped to hit the ground running under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. The Eagles, and Steen, can ill-afford many growing pains that would impede progress. For his part, Steen is doing all he can to ensure his addition bolsters the league’s top offensive line.

From his perspective, the veteran-laden group – brimming with All-Pros and Pro Bowlers – have “set such a high bar” for everyone in the room. A bar that everyone, including Steen himself, strives to reach. In other words, the talent that makes up Jeff Stoutland’s group is bringing out the best in everyone.

The other part of the equation correlating with Steen’s success will be communication. Perched between center Cam Jurgens and the right tackle Johnson, Steen becomes the next contestant at a position that best depicts a revolving door. Working in his favor, of course, is continuity, as Steen enters his third season. He also repped alongside both Jurgens and Johnson last season at various points. The familiarity, Steen said, has been a benefit.

“It’s really good,” he said. “I mean, I’m going into my third year, so I know those guys. I know how to communicate with them. And so, I think that part has been really good. Just really knowing that it’s better to over-communicate than under-communicate.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.