Fred Johnson Readies for His Moment with the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a challenging position as they navigate the injury of star right tackle Lane Johnson. Known for their struggles when Lane is sidelined, the Eagles are now looking to swing tackle Fred Johnson to fill the gap left by the veteran’s Lisfranc injury. Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 326 pounds, “Big Fred” is ready to step up and make his mark.
Stepping into a Critical Role
History tells a story of inconsistency for the Eagles when Lane Johnson is not on the field. However, optimism surrounds Fred Johnson, who has shown resilience in past seasons. Last year, he stepped in admirably during Jordan Mailata’s absence, helping maintain the team’s momentum despite the loss of their star left tackle for four games. Now, with Lane expected to be out for a similar stretch, Fred’s experience becomes invaluable.
Reflecting on the situation, Johnson acknowledges the physical nature of the game. “They are the best in the business; you never expect them to get banged up, but it’s a physical position, and things happen,” he said. Lane’s injury presents a chance for Fred to showcase his abilities. “Now he’s got to rest up, and that’s where I come into play.”
Aiming for Personal Success
While Lane Johnson’s legacy in the league is well-established, Fred Johnson is on a quest to carve out his own identity. “Lane Johnson is cemented as one of the greats. I’m still trying to make a name for myself, so that’s how I approach it,” he stated. Fred recognizes the challenge ahead as he transitions to the right side of the line after playing on the left last season. This shift will serve as a significant test of his skills.
Despite receiving positive feedback for his performance in the previous season, Fred feels he left opportunities untapped. “I don’t think I did it the way I should have,” he admitted. “There are a lot of things I would take back from last year. Now I have the opportunity to showcase what I can do on the biggest stage, execute, and play my game.”
Embracing His Style of Play
Fred Johnson is eager to bring his unique style to the Eagles’ offensive line. He refers to it as “Fred Johnson physical football,” a testament to his approach and mindset. “Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland already knows I come to work with a certain expectation, and that expectation is to execute and play my game,” he explained.
With a focus on preparation, Johnson emphasizes the importance of being ready. “This week is about being in the game plan, making sure all my boxes are checked off, and waiting for Sunday.”
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming challenges, Fred Johnson stands poised to embrace this opportunity. His journey from a backup role to a starting position embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the NFL. The coming games will be crucial not only for the team but also for Fred as he seeks to establish his legacy within the franchise.
