PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) sets up to block during the NFC Championship Game between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 29, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)
After the Philadelphia Eagles victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, their sights are now set on the upcoming championship matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 12. One key factor for the Eagles during their impressive postseason run has been the stellar play of their offensive line.
The Eagles offensive line was ranked first overall by Pro Football Focus this season, and a large part of the reason has been the performance of star right tackle Lane Johnson. Coming off of a First Team All-Pro selection for this 2022-23 season, Johnson suffered a torn adductor in his groin during the Eagles week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and proceeded to miss the final two games of the regular season. Normally this injury would require surgery and Johnson would be sidelined for 10-12 weeks during his recovery process, however Johnson elected to forgo surgery and return to the field for the postseason in an attempt to help the Eagles during their run at the Super Bowl.
Johnson’s impact for the Eagles can’t be overstated; since the start of the 2016 season the Eagles are 59 - 29 - 1 with Johnson in the lineup and 9 - 21 without him. His decision to put off surgery has been unmistakably noticeable for the Eagles, as their offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage against the 49ers formidable pass rush during their latest playoff contest, playing extremely well against dynamic pass rusher and 49ers most valuable defender Nick Bosa. The Eagles will need him to repeat his excellent performance in the Conference Championship as their offensive line will be faced with the difficult task of slowing down Chris Jones, one of this seasons most elite pass rushers.
Johnson is undoubtedly playing through considerable pain, but his commitment to the team has been unwavering as the biggest moment of their season approaches.
