The Eagles are soaring with a 2-1 start. It’s not perfect, but they are getting into the groove. However, week 4 could hit a speed bump with some key players sitting out. One major absence? Lane Johnson‘s expertise against the Bucs. But his team didn’t let him forget he’s still a cornerstone.

Per NBC’s John Clark, The Eagles linemen waited for Johnson to show up in the tunnel and lead them in the huddle before taking the field. That right there is a lesson in, ‘how to show respect to your seasoned vet’.

With Lane Johnson sidelined, how do they fill that gap? You may ask. Well, stepping up is the name of the game, and the Eagles are likely to start veteran Fred Johnson in his place.

Lane made solid progress but didn’t clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for week 4. So, it was time to look for other ops. Fred filled in well against the Saints last week, but this will be his first start since 2021. Big shoes to fill, right? Now, guess what, this isn’t the only shortcoming for Philly going into the SNF.

Adding to the injury woes, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are also out. If Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert don’t step up and make some big plays, the offense could find itself stuck in neutral.

Swapping one Johnson for another may help, but it’s clear Lane’s energy is tough to replace.

Lane Johnson: A key ingredient for success?

Lane Johnson’s absence isn’t just felt—it’s almost like the offense loses a bit of its heartbeat. After leaving Week 3 with a concussion, Johnson gave it a go in practice but didn’t clear protocol in time for Week 4. That’s a huge hit for the Eagles, especially considering how much they rely on him to anchor their offensive line. Don’t buy that statement? Let’s break down just how crucial he is.

Since being drafted fourth overall in 2013, the Eagles are 97-59-1 when Johnson plays. But without him? A shaky 14-23. It’s a totally different game. His absence clearly disrupts their offensive rhythm and protection schemes, leaving gaps that other teams can exploit.

Now, this is where it gets more serious. Since 2016, Philly boasts a 73-38-1 record with Lane on the gridiron. Without him, they’re 11-22—almost a complete flip in performance.

That’s not just a stat line; it’s the difference between a playoff run and a season full of what-ifs. Let’s see if Philly can keep soaring without their veteran Eagle.