“A Right-Handed Running Team”
September 28th, 2024
Some teams have a wrecking ball of a left or right tackle and run in his direction.
You know, maximize the guy’s value.
No, this is not a Tristan Wirfs post. (Joe wants a peaceful Saturday.) It’s about All-Pro Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who seems likely to miss tomorrow’s Bucs-Eagles game in Tampa with a concussion.
Longtime ESPN NFL insider Sal Paolantonio, based in Philadelphia, will be broadcasting Sunday’s game for ESPN Radio with Steve Levy.
“Sal Pal” was on WDAE radio this week talking about what a profound impact losing Johnson would be. He noted the Eagles have only won 37 percent of games without Johnson in the lineup. Joe’s math says 34-year-old Johnson has missed 36 regular season games through his career.
“Sal Pal” also emphasized how the Eagles have been “a right-handed running team” for years because of Johnson, and he added that no Johnson would change the Eagles’ approach Sunday.
The Eagles may update their official injury report today regarding Johnson.
So is Sal Pal picking the Eagles? He didn’t go there.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts’ propensity for throwing into double-, triple- and quadruple-coverage is carelessness, not aggressiveness, per Sal Pal. And he noted that Hurts is holding the ball too long, leading the NFL in “Time To Throw,” the stat that measures how long it takes a quarterback to release the ball after the snap.
Joe is very dialed in on the Johnson status and will update that when it arrives. It’s a game-changer.
September 28th, 2024 at 11:17 am
Love to see Vea back and rag-dolling the new Eagle’s RT. That would be fun to see even if we lose. I’m sure Vea will be at his normal NT position, and if so, it will be fun to watch him tossing around their undersized center.
Vea is integral to Bowle’s philosophy on D, but I hope we see middle pressure no matter who lines up at NT. Force Hurts into (more) mistakes!!
Go Bucs ! ! !
September 28th, 2024 at 11:32 am
It’s the guys 4th concussion and he was vomiting on the sideline after being hit. It would be medically irresponsible for him to be cleared to play
September 28th, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Vea and Luke are still questionable, along with those who are out.
I have never seen an injury report with so many names; many of them are starters. I don’t know what to think. Bowles has his hands full. Who will play?
September 28th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
So Hurts is ‘holding the ball too long’. Hmmm, so is Baker.
Hurts has taken 7 sacks in 3 games. Hmmm, Baker’s taken 14.
Hurts has run 34 times for 143 yards. Hmmm, Baker’s run 8 times for 55 yards.
Hurts has thrown 4 INTs in 3 games & lost 2 fumbles. Baker’s thrown 2 INTs & lost 1 fumble. OK, that stat works. Bucs win.