Lost amid all the excitement of the Philadelphia Eagles' passing attack coming to life was the incredible offensive line change that sparked it. Fred Johnson stepped into the spotlight and didn't miss a beat, replacing Lane Johnson in what was a dominating second-half performance from the Philly offense. However, it is important to note that Fred wasn't the team's first choice.
Veteran Matt Pryor got the first shot at replacing the injured Johnson. His effort was so ugly that head coach Nick Sirianni quickly put the journeyman back on the bench. It's not hard to see why the Eagles let Pryor go the first time, and now it's hard to imagine this stint in Philly lasts much longer either.
Matt Pryor Should Be on His Way out of Philly After Ugly Performance vs. Rams
Pryor was a 6th-round pick with the Eagles back in 2018. Departing after 2020, the lineman spent time with the Bears, Colts, and 49ers before returning to Philadelphia. If Sunday's performance was any indication, that reunion is going to be very short-lived.
It wasn't as if it was just one bad moment or Pryor needing time to settle in, the guard looked completely lost on the football field. Unable to execute the most basic of plays and looking a step behind the rest of the field, this is the type of performance that could earn a mid-season cut. But Pryor's struggles don't mean the situation was all bad.
Fred Johnson's Debut a Silver Lining in Lane Johnson Injury Aftermath
The flip side of this is what a moment it was for Fred Johnson in a dominating debut. It is the level of play that is not only going to garner incredible respect from the Philly fans, but more importantly, the trust of Sirianni. As great as Lane Johnson might be, it's hard to ignore his long-running injury history, especially now that he's 35 years old.
Fred Johnson's breakout will go a long way to erasing those concerns, though. His play means Sirianni and company can give Lane the time he needs to recover properly. They no longer need to fear that Pryor is going to step in and implode a game.
With that said, it is obvious the Eagles do need to get back to full health to play up to their full potential. So much of this team is built around the offensive line and being able to bully the other side in the trenches.
Whether it is the tush-push or simply playing keep away, having Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley control the clock, much of Philadelphia's recent dominance is credited to the offensive line. A unit that now has one more piece it can trust, spelling trouble for Pryor.
The Eagles simply can't afford to overlook how poorly Pryor played, regardless of his experience in the league and with the franchise. It was just one bad day, sure, but it was bad enough to send a clear message about his future — especially when you factor in that the Eagles have a cheaper option who has already proven superior.