Things started out very well on Sunday for the Philadelphia Eagles, as the linebacker Zack Baun intercepted Matt Stafford on the first drive. The Eagles would go down and score a touchdown, as Jalen Hurts scored on the tush-push.
However, that was the last play that Lane Johnson played, as he was forced to leave the game with a neck and a shoulder injury.
After that, things have went downhill for the Eagles, as the Rams scored the final 19 points of the first half to take a comfortable lead into intermission in a game between 2-0 teams.
On that first scoring drive, the Eagles went nine plays and finished with 38 yards. In the rest of the half, Philadelphia ran 11 plays and gained a total of -4 yards.
We’re seeing Lane Johnson’s impact on display.
Since he’s been out, the Eagles have run 9 plays for -9 yards.
All-time, the Eagles are 104-55-1 with him and 15-23 without him. pic.twitter.com/fWNNJMiPjW
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) September 21, 2025
The passing game was non-existent in the first half, as Jalen Hurts was only 4-of-8 for 17 yards. The Eagles haven’t been able to throw the ball really at all this season, and now Hurts doesn’t have his security blanket at the right tackle spot.
Johnson isn’t the guy who gets all of the talk when it comes to the Eagles, as guys like Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown garner a lot of the attention. However, Sunday is even more evidence that Johnson is as important of a player as there is on the Eagles.
During his career, the Eagles are 104-55-1 when he plays, and only 15-23 when he misses a game.
Johnson was replaced by Matt Pryor, and he is still questionable to return.
The Eagles have been able to be in control of their games in the first two weeks. In both of the wins against the Cowboys and Chiefs, they were either up, or within three points. This allowed them to play exactly how they want to on offense which is through the run game.
Now, against the Rams, they are going to have to put the ball in the air and make plays in the passing game. The Rams have one of the best defensive fronts in the league, and can make things very difficult for opposing quarterbacks. They have already sacked Hurts twice in the first half, and without Johnson, it could be a long second half for the Eagles.
The Eagles have the playmakers on the outside with Brown and DeVonta Smith, and it is time for those guys to step up and make plays.
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