Injuries Force Another Shakeup on Eagles Line

Starting left tackle Jason Peters is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury he suffered in a loss to the 49ers two weeks ago, and his replacement, 6-foot-9 King Dunlap, missed a second consecutive day of practice Friday because of back spasms.

The two injuries have left the Eagles with only two healthy offensive tackles — Todd Herremans, the usual right tackle, and Winston Justice, who missed all of training camp because of offseason knee surgery and hasn't played all year.

Coach Andy Reid said after practice Friday that if Dunlap's back spasms don't abate by Sunday, Herremans will start against the Redskins at left tackle — where he hasn't played since 2005 — and Justice will make his first start since undergoing major offseason knee surgery.

"We don't," Herremans said, "have too many other options right now."

Reid said Dunlap injured his back on the final play of practice Wednesday. He's now questionable.

"We were doing a two-minute drill, non-contact," Reid said, "and he came out of his stance and it locked up on him."

Dunlap attended part of Friday's practice in the team's indoor bubble but did not participate.

Reid said if Dunlap's back spasms go away, he'll be fine to play, despite missing the last two days of practice.

"King's a smart kid, so I don't think that would necessarily be a problem," he said. "I want to make sure he feels all right before we do that, but I think he would be OK."

Herremans has four career starts at left tackle, all during 2006, his rookie year. He spent the last four years at left guard before moving to right tackle just before this year's opener.

"I know the technique, I know the steps I'm supposed to take and everything, it's just getting my body used to being on that side," Herremans said. "I got used to being over on the right again and now getting switched up. But the main thing is we want to get our five best guys out there, whatever arrangement we have, and go out there and win the game."

The Eagles (1-4) face the Redskins (3-1) Sunday at FedEx Field. No team has opened a season 1-5 and reached the playoffs since the 1975 Bengals.

Justice missed all of training camp and most of the preseason while rehabbing his knee. He started practicing on Sept. 5 but hasn't played on offense since last year's playoff game against the Packers.

"It seems like every week he's getting a little bit better and feeling more comfortable," Reid said. "He deserves the opportunity to play if that presents itself."

Justice said he's put in extra time over the past few weeks with new offensive line coach Howard Mudd, whose scheme is dramatically different than what Justice played in under former offensive line coach Juan Castillo, now the team's defensive coordinator.

"It's always a little bit uncomfortable at first to try something new," he said. "But I think I feel comfortable."

Justice has 32 career starts, 31 of them at right tackle and one at left tackle.

"He's been out there getting scout team reps for a couple weeks now, so I think he's getting more and more comfortable," Herremans said. "Running with the first team over there at right tackle (is) probably a good confidence builder for him. It looks like he's got his punch and everything still. He looks comfortable."

Reid said if Dunlap is unable to play, and either Herremans or Justice get hurt during the game, left guard Evan Mathis would move to right tackle, and Jamaal Jackson would likely move in at left guard.

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Hillman Leads San Diego State Past Air Force

Hillman ran for 103 of his 172 yards in the fourth quarter, including touchdown runs of 22 and 57 yards, and San Diego State survived a series of trick plays figuring in two Air Force scores to pull away for a 41-27 victory Thursday night.

"The offensive line got better and better as the game went on," Hillman said. "I just think we got hats on hats and the holes were just there, and I just ran."

The sophomore running back shook off a late fumble to finish with his 11th 100-yard performance in 18 career games. He had a 191-yard effort last year in a 27-25 victory over Air Force in San Diego.

"I try to have a big game every game, so that's just a coincidence," Hillman said. "I'm just happy I helped my team win tonight. We've had two tough weeks so this was nice."

Ryan Lindley threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead 28-yard score to Colin Lockett late in the third quarter to help San Diego State (4-2, 1-1 Mountain West) bounce back from consecutive losses. The Aztecs are off to their best start since 1977, when they began the season 5-1.

"I don't think any of us on the offensive side were playing our best football the past two weeks," Lindley said. "We knew we needed to step it up. Hats off to Air Force. They're a team that's going to grind with you for four quarters. We just continued to do our thing. We were running the ball well and kind of worked our play-action game in there, and everything worked out pretty good."

Tim Jefferson had touchdown passes of 18 and 26 yards to Jonathan Warzeka among his 22 completions in 36 attempts for 224 yards for Air Force (3-3, 0-2).

Air Force kept it close for much of the game. Mikel Hunter helped to break a tie with his second big run on a reverse, gaining 33 yards to the San Diego State 17.

The Falcons advanced to the 14 before Parker Herrington, who earlier kicked a 44-yard field goal, came on to add a 31-yarder for a 20-17 lead midway through the third quarter.

But San Diego State scored 10 points in a 14-second span following two Air Force turnovers.

"There were stretches where we did play well, but not nearly the way you have to for a full 60 minutes," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. "There's no doubt (the turnovers) were key plays. Fundamentally, there's some work that certainly has to be done."

Rene Siluano's interception of Jefferson's pass set up Abelardo Perez's second field goal, a 25-yarder that evened the score at 20 with 2:30 left in the third quarter. Then, on the first play of Air Force's next series, Mike DeWitt fumbled after a hit by Jerome Long, and Logan Ketchum covered the loose ball for San Diego State at Air Force's 28. From there, Lindley found Lockett open in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.

Hillman added to San Diego State's lead with a 22-yard touchdown run, breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage and then dragging a defender the final 3 yards into the end zone.

He broke loose for his second score moments later, taking advantage of solid blocking at the point of attack.

Herrington kicked his first field goal, and Air Force pulled into a 17-17 tie in the finishing touch to a pulsating second quarter in which the teams combined for 24 points.

San Diego State went in front 10-7 on Lindley's 27-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alston Umuolo with 14:11 left in the second quarter.

Air Force answered with a scoring drive that featured two trick plays. On a third-and-9 play, Hunter broke free on a reverse for a 29-yard gain to the 11. Air Force managed to get to the 4, where they Falcons lined up for an apparent field goal try on fourth down. But Herrington lined up as the holder and punter David Baska, normally the holder, took his place as kicker. Herrington got the long snap and took off around the right side, pitching the ball back to the trailing Baska, who dove over a San Diego State defender and shoved the ball one-handed over the goal line for the touchdown.

The Aztecs wasted no time responding. Brandon Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and a 17-14 San Diego State lead. Davis bolted up the middle, stepped out of a tackle at about the 25 and quickly veered into the clear down the right sideline, going the rest of the way untouched.

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Instant Analysis: Air Force 14, Ga. Tech 7

Air Force beat Georgia Tech 14-7 in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl on Monday. Here is a quick instant analysis:

How the game was won: This ended up being a defensive struggle. The top two rushing teams in the country were held below their season averages on the ground. Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson threw more than he normally does, recording his second-highest pass attempts of the season. He did have several costly drops that could have led to scoring opportunities early, but his passing helped Air Force get a field goal just before halftime to close the gap to 7-6. The ultimate difference were turnovers from Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets gave the ball away four times, and Air Force finally took advantage when Jared Tew ran up the middle for 3 yards with 13:24 to go in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Warzeka rushed for the 2-point conversion to make it 14-7. Zack Bell missed a 37-yard field goal that would have iced the game, and Air Force had to survive a frantic rally from Georgia Tech that started with 1:48 to go. Jon Davis made the interception with 11 seconds left to seal the game.

Turning point: The third quarter. Georgia Tech lost three fumbles in the quarter, including two from muffed punts by Daniel McKayhan. Air Force failed to take advantage of the first two, but was able to convert the third into the decisive points to win the game.

Player of the game: Air Force may not have had the rushing day it is used to, but the dynamic duo of Jefferson and Tew get the nod here. Interestingly, Jefferson kept the Falcons in the game with his arm by completing 11 of 23 passes for 117 yards. Tew, playing in his first game since breaking his leg against San Diego State on Oct. 16, scored the decisive touchdown.

Unsung hero: How could you not go with Davis, whose interception saved the game for the Falcons.

Best call: Clinging to a 14-7 lead, Air Force got the ball back at its own 9 with 10:57 to play. The Falcons marched down the field, but faced a fourth-and-1 from the Georgia Tech 27 with just under 3 minutes to play. Coach Troy Calhoun had been going for it on fourth down all day, and decided to do it again. Jefferson got the first down. Air Force took more than 9 minutes off the clock, though the drive ended with a missed 37-yard field goal.

What it means: Air Force (9-4) finishes the season with its fourth straight season of eight wins or more, the first time that has happened since 1982-85. The Falcons lose nine starters, including some of its best players -- Tew, cornerback Reggie Rembert and defensive end Rick Ricketts. But Jefferson and Asher Clark return on offense. If this season is any indication, Jefferson is poised to be at his career best in 2011. But will that be enough to compete for a Mountain West title with Boise State joining a lineup that also includes TCU and a resurgent San Diego State?

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Instant analysis: Air Force 14, Ga. Tech 7

Air Force beat Georgia Tech 14-7 in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl on Monday. Here is a quick instant analysis:

How the game was won: This ended up being a defensive struggle. The top two rushing teams in the country were held below their season averages on the ground. Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson threw more than he normally does, recording his second-highest pass attempts of the season. He did have several costly drops that could have led to scoring opportunities early, but his passing helped Air Force get a field goal just before halftime to close the gap to 7-6. The ultimate difference were turnovers from Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets gave the ball away four times, and Air Force finally took advantage when Jared Tew ran up the middle for 3 yards with 13:24 to go in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Warzeka rushed for the 2-point conversion to make it 14-7. Zack Bell missed a 37-yard field goal that would have iced the game, and Air Force had to survive a frantic rally from Georgia Tech that started with 1:48 to go. Jon Davis made the interception with 11 seconds left to seal the game.

Turning point: The third quarter. Georgia Tech lost three fumbles in the quarter, including two from muffed punts by Daniel McKayhan. Air Force failed to take advantage of the first two, but was able to convert the third into the decisive points to win the game.

Player of the game: Air Force may not have had the rushing day it is used to, but the dynamic duo of Jefferson and Tew get the nod here. Interestingly, Jefferson kept the Falcons in the game with his arm by completing 11 of 23 passes for 117 yards. Tew, playing in his first game since breaking his leg against San Diego State on Oct. 16, scored the decisive touchdown.

Unsung hero: How could you not go with Davis, whose interception saved the game for the Falcons.

Best call: Clinging to a 14-7 lead, Air Force got the ball back at its own 9 with 10:57 to play. The Falcons marched down the field, but faced a fourth-and-1 from the Georgia Tech 27 with just under 3 minutes to play. Coach Troy Calhoun had been going for it on fourth down all day, and decided to do it again. Jefferson got the first down. Air Force took more than 9 minutes off the clock, though the drive ended with a missed 37-yard field goal.

What it means: Air Force (9-4) finishes the season with its fourth straight season of eight wins or more, the first time that has happened since 1982-85. The Falcons lose nine starters, including some of its best players -- Tew, cornerback Reggie Rembert and defensive end Rick Ricketts. But Jefferson and Asher Clark return on offense. If this season is any indication, Jefferson is poised to be at his career best in 2011. But will that be enough to compete for a Mountain West title with Boise State joining a lineup that also includes TCU and a resurgent San Diego State?

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