The Eagles just proved toughness beats beauty — and they did it without their two best linemen.QQ
It was ugly but the Eagles pulled off another victory.
The Philadelphia Eagles are 7-2 after taking down the Green Bay Packers, 10-7, on Monday Night Football.
It was far from a pretty performance with quarterback Jalen Hurts completing 15 of 26 pass attempts for 183 yards and one touchdown. Running back Saquon Barkley also had a disappointing 22 carries for 60 yards. Philly’s defense gave up just one touchdown in the game.
Nonetheless, the Eagles managed to come out on top without two of their best offensive lineman in starting center Cam Jurgens and starting right tackle Lane Johnson.
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Jurgens had been ruled out with a knee injury before Monday, while Johnson left in the second quarter of the win and was questionable to return after suffering an ankle injury.
Johnson was in the process of blocking for Barkley when his leg got rolled up on. The good news is that he was able to help himself off the field before having to lean on others to hobble to the locker room.
Johnson remained sidelined until returning late to the game in the fourth quarter.
“He’s a warrior,” Sirianni said. “These guys put their bodies on the line. I just have so much respect for that. … Lane goes through that and wants to come back at a critical time. It just makes you want to fight as a coach, too. … All those guys are going through something right now.”
Eagles need a healthy offensive line with playoffs inching closer
Brett Toth filled in for Jurgens while Fred Johnson stepped up for Johnson’s abscense, though the difference was definitely felt.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson has an overall grade of 76.3 this season, putting him 18th among 75 tackles. His pass-blocking grade is even better at 80.4, which ranks 10th. Jurgens currently has a 65.7 run-blocking grade (12th) and 60.8 pass-blocking grade (20th). He has also allowed 0 sacks so far.
As the Eagles inch closer to the playoffs, it will be pivitol to have both Jurgens and Johnson healthy in the lineup.
