Eagles OT Lane Johnson: 'We have to go prove things and are eager to do so'

Following a season that started off promisingly but ended with a lackluster wild-card exit, the Eagles were left with the task of rebuilding during the offseason.

Many months into the wait to write a new narrative, longtime Philadelphia offensive tackle Lane Johnson is pleased with what the team has done to improve and excited for what a face-lifted roster can accomplish.

“We have a lot of new faces, a lot of turnover,” Johnson said Monday on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “But [I] felt comfortable with the way we drafted. Got some great players. And really when you look at our roster, we have a lot of size. Obviously we have to go prove things and are eager to do so. But when you just look at the guys walking around the building, we’ve got size, we’ve got speed, and guys willing to work.”

Despite their shaky performance, the reigning NFC champions managed a 10-1 start last season. However, instead of capitalizing on this momentum for the final stretch, Philadelphia crumbled. The team suffered six losses in their last seven games, including a crushing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers during Super Wild Card Weekend.

After what the Eagles went through, it’s understandable to fear a potential hangover. However, enough changes have been made in the roster and staff that could potentially offset any negative repercussions.

Although some of those will surely hurt, especially the retirements of center Jason Kelce and defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, there’s plenty to be optimistic about.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are both trusted minds capable of breathing new air into the building. On defense, Philadelphia signed vets like linebacker Devin White and reunited with difference makers such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who tied for the league lead with six interceptions as an Eagle back in 2022. The draft also provided two more highly touted cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, to help rectify a 30th-ranked scoring unit.

On offense, the much ballyhooed signing of Saquon Barkley remains the highlight.

Considering his role as the anchor of the offensive line, Johnson is particularly excited about the potential outcomes of such a move.

“Once you lay eyes on him, you’ll never forget. Barkley is just an incredibly imposing guy,” Johnson expressed. “I believe he weighs around 230 pounds. He’s extremely competitive. His abilities as a running back are astounding, and he’s also versatile enough to be flexed out as a receiver. It’s truly remarkable. I never anticipated that he’d be part of our team, but here we are. I can tell he’s thrilled, and we are certainly excited as well. I believe he’s ready for a significant year ahead.”

Barkley will be but one element of making sure last season doesn’t seep into this one. Along with the desperate need for an improved D, it’ll also take Johnson assuming the leadership mantle left over by Kelce on the O-line and the brain trust of head coach Nick Sirianni, Moore and Jalen Hurts avoiding similar lulls to when Philly scored under 20 points five times from December on.

Johnson is looking forward to the challenge of training camp, which is a month away.

“He stated, “Each year is unique. I wish I comprehended why the latter half of the season unfolded as it did. It was a swift period, and I know there were no issues afterwards. However, I am eagerly anticipating the new offense under Kellen Moore. There will be modifications for us in the front. I’m excited, it’s my 12th year. It’s astounding how quickly time flies.””