Breaking Down the Eagles' Shift to a Run-First Offense: Lane Johnson Weighs in on the Offensive Line's Crucial Role
As the Philadelphia Eagles head into the final stretch of the season, they have found themselves on a winning streak since the end of their bye week. While much of the credit has been given to the team's defense, it is clear that the offense has also found their groove. In a recent media session, offensive tackle Lane Johnson revealed that during the bye week, the team had discussions about embodying their successful formula from the previous year: utilizing the run game and play-action plays.
These discussions seem to have paid off, as the Eagles offense has seen a significant improvement since their bye week. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore credits this to the team finally finding their rhythm. But it is not just Moore's play-calling that has contributed to this shift in identity. The Eagles' offensive line, led by Johnson, has also played a crucial role in this newfound success.
For much of the season, the Eagles' offense struggled to find consistency and establish an identity. They had flashes of brilliance, but they were often overshadowed by costly mistakes and underwhelming performances. However, during their bye week, the team took a step back and evaluated what was working and what needed to change. It was during this time that the decision was made to go back to the same formula that had brought them success in 2021.
The first key component of this formula is the run game. In 2021, the Eagles had one of the top rushing offenses in the league, led by running back Miles Sanders. However, in the early part of this season, the run game seemed to be an afterthought. It was not until the bye week that the team made a conscious effort to feed the ball to Sanders and rely on the run game. And the results have been evident.
In the three games since the bye week, Sanders has rushed for a total of 350 yards and two touchdowns. He has also been a reliable receiver out of the backfield, adding an additional 123 yards and a touchdown. Sanders' dynamic playmaking abilities have been a significant factor in the Eagles' recent success. But he would not have been able to do it without the help of the offensive line.
This brings us to the second component of the Eagles' formula: play-action. With the run game being the focal point, the play-action pass has become a dangerous weapon for the Eagles. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been able to use the threat of the run to open up passing lanes and create big plays down the field. And the offensive line has been instrumental in making this happen.
Johnson, along with the rest of the offensive line, has been dominant in the run game, opening up holes for Sanders and providing Hurts with the time he needs to make throws. But their contributions do not end there. The offensive line has also been effective in pass protection, giving Hurts the confidence and comfort he needs to execute the play-action game effectively.
It is clear that the Eagles' offense has found its identity in the run game and play-action. But it would not have been possible without the discussions and adjustments made during the bye week. And the players, particularly Johnson and the offensive line, have fully embraced this identity shift and have played a crucial role in its success.
As the Eagles head into the final stretch of the season, they will need to continue to rely on this formula to secure a spot in the playoffs. With the offense firing on all cylinders and the defense finding their groove, the Eagles are a team to watch out for in the coming weeks. And it all started with a decision made during their bye week – to go back to what worked in the past and trust in the players to execute it effectively.