Dave Uram
Dave Uram is an update anchor on SportsRadio 94 WIP. You can follow him on Twitter (@MrUram).
Earlier this season I wrote a column saying that the Eagles should consider trading Lane Johnson because of his unreliability.
That was a stupid opinion. It wasn’t the first time I’ve written or said something illogical.
It took just over five minutes of football between the Eagles and Giants to realize Johnson’s impact. The man, albeit a dope, is the best right tackle in the NFL and he makes a significant difference on the field. Even though the team’s stats weren’t overwhelming, Johnson’s presence resulted in better protection for Carson Wentz and clearer lanes for the running backs.
If anything, the continuity on the offensive line was much better. As you and I saw for 10 weeks, missing only one guy will affect the entire unit. It’s a domino effect that spread beyond the Eagles offensive line to everywhere else on the team.
So, it made me think what the Eagles’ record would be if Johnson wasn’t caught with an illegal substance in his system.
Would the Eagles win the Super Bowl? No.
Would the Eagles win the conference? No.
Would the Eagles win the division? No.
Would the Eagles make the playoffs? Possibly.
I know I go after Howie Roseman on a regular basis for once again putting together an overrated roster. I know I’ve criticized Doug Pederson for his high school play calling in key situations. But, blame Johnson for the Eagles not being in playoff contention. They should’ve been good enough for that.
I would like to believe they would have won both Redskins games. Ryan Kerrigan wouldn’t have been as dominant with Johnson at right tackle.
There’s a good chance the first Giants game would go in the Birds’ favor because Carson Wentz would have had more time to make a good throw on that final drive in the fourth quarter.
There would’ve been a better chance the 10-point lead they held in the first Cowboys game would’ve stayed in tact with a stronger offensive line.
And if Johnson really has that much impact throughout the team, the Ravens game, which the Eagles were so close to winning without him, would’ve definitely gone in their favor.
That’s at least three more wins, maybe five, which either solidifies a playoff spot or puts them right on the cusp.
Should the Birds trade the 2013 fourth overall pick like I suggested in a previous piece? Absolutely not.
But, at least monitor this guy’s locker on a regular basis and put a clause in his contract to stay away from any GNC outlet. Johnson is too valuable to not wear midnight green for the entirety of his NFL career.