by **Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson: Pillars of the Eagles Offense**
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The Philadelphia Eagles have established themselves as one of the top offenses in the NFL over the past few seasons. While stars like Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown have played a big role in their success, two players that truly form the backbone of this unit are veteran center Jason Kelce and perennial Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson. Kelce and Johnson anchor the offensive line and are the driving forces behind the Eagles’ dominant rushing attack and sturdy pass protection. Through their excellence in blocking, leadership on and off the field, and commitment to team-first football, they have transformed the Eagles into a formidable offensive force.
Kelce has been the Eagles’ starting center since 2011 and is regarded as one of the best at his position in the league. Now in his 11th season, the 34-year-old shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to impress with his quickness, intelligence, and technical blocking skills. Kelce’s ability to make line calls and adjust protections allows the Eagles to run a variety of plays from various formations. His cerebral approach to the game and attention to detail are invaluable for an offensive line. It’s no surprise that Kelce has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times and named a first-team All-Pro three times.
Lane Johnson is also in his 11th season with the Eagles after being drafted fourth overall in 2013. The 32-year-old right tackle is a physical specimen, combining rare size, strength, and athleticism. Johnson uses his combination of power and agility to overwhelm defenders on both running and passing plays. He has developed excellent technique to mirror pass rushers and redirect them away from the quarterback. Johnson’s dominance on the edge is a big reason why the Eagles have one of the best rushing attacks and most protected quarterbacks in the league. It’s no wonder Johnson has been chosen for the Pro Bowl six times in his career.
Together, Kelce and Johnson form an immovable wall on the Eagles’ offensive line. Their combination of size, power, quickness, intelligence, and technical skills allows them to completely take over games at times. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen understands how vital these two are and designs schemes to maximize their talents, whether it’s gap or zone blocking runs or protecting the passer. The Eagles are able to consistently control the line of scrimmage and dictate the tempo of games thanks to Kelce and Johnson’s dominance up front.
**Establishing a Formidable Ground Attack**
One area where Kelce and Johnson truly shine is in run blocking. Their combination of strength, leverage, and technique creates huge holes for running backs like Miles Sanders and Boston Scott to exploit. The Eagles consistently rank among the league’s top rushing offenses thanks to Kelce and Johnson’s ability to blow defenders off the ball and wall off the point of attack.
On gap schemes, Kelce and Johnson are masters of getting low and driving defenders backwards with their power. This allows running backs to hit the hole quickly with a full head of steam. On zone plays, they show great footwork and awareness to seal the edge and wall off outside runs. Their mobility and angles also help them pull effectively on toss plays. The Eagles are one of the best teams in the league at running to the outside thanks to Johnson’s pulling skills.
Kelce’s intelligence as a veteran center also helps him recognize defensive alignments and make line calls that put the offense in optimal run blocking situations. His pre-snap adjustments put blockers in positions to succeed. The combination of Kelce and Johnson’s physical dominance and Kelce’s mental mastery allow the Eagles to consistently gash defenses on the ground. In 2021, the Eagles led the NFL in rushing yards per game at 159.7. They remain one of the top rushing offenses this season thanks to their stellar blocking tandem.
**Protecting Jalen Hurts in the Passing Game**
While Kelce and Johnson excel at paving the way in the run game, they are equally impressive in their pass protection abilities. This is crucial for keeping quarterback Jalen Hurts upright and giving him time to make plays downfield.
Kelce’s quick feet, leverage, and intelligence make him a formidable one-on-one pass blocker. He can slide laterally to wall off defenders or counter their moves with effective hand usage. This allows Kelce to consistently hold his own against powerful interior pass rushers like Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, who he faces in practice.
However, Kelce’s true value comes from his pre-snap adjustments. As the quarterback of the offensive line, he can recognize blitzes and sliding protections to keep Hurts clean in the pocket. This mental processing and ability to make line calls is a huge asset that helps compensate for any mismatches elsewhere on the line. It gives Hurts confidence that he will have time to survey the field.
Meanwhile, Lane Johnson is arguably the best pure pass blocking right tackle in football. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him nearly impossible for edge rushers to beat one-on-one. Johnson has the feet and quick hands to mirror speed rushers as well as the power to stonewall bull rushes. He doesn’t give up much ground and can redirect defenders away from the quarterback with ease.
Together, Kelce and Johnson form a formidable pass protecting wall on the Eagles’ right side. Their combination of skills at recognizing pressures and stymieing rushers allows Hurts to step up in the pocket without fear of pressure up the middle or off the edge. This protection gives Hurts the time he needs to make accurate throws downfield to receivers like A.J. Brown. It’s a big reason why the Eagles have one of the best protected offenses in the league.
**Leadership and Setting the Tone**
While Kelce and Johnson are invaluable for their play on the field, they are also respected leaders that help set the tone for Philadelphia’s offense. Kelce in particular is known for his fiery pregame and halftime speeches that implore his teammates to raise their intensity and effort. His passion and commitment to winning are contagious in the locker room.
Johnson, while more reserved, leads by example through his tireless work ethic and attention to detail. Teammates see how he out-prepares opponents in film study and training, setting the standard for professionalism. Both Kelce and Johnson demand excellence from those around them at all times.
On the field, their focus, communication, and team-first mentalities are evident. They are constantly coaching up younger linemen like Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata to improve. Their experience recognizing defensive schemes and adjustments helps less experienced players as well. Kelce and Johnson’s selfless, blue-collar approach breeds confidence in those around them.
The entire Eagles offense feeds off the energy and determination that Kelce and Johnson bring on gamedays. Players know they have the support and protection of two elite veterans leading the way. It creates a cohesive unit where everyone is willing to do their job to help the team succeed. The leadership, preparation, and example set by Kelce and Johnson are as important to Philadelphia’s success as their stellar play.
**Continued Success and Importance Going Forward**
As long as Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson remain at the heart of Philadelphia’s offense, the Eagles will continue to be a formidable team. Both players show no signs of slowing down in their later careers and remain driven to help the team win. At just 32 and 34 years old respectively, Kelce and Johnson could anchor the Eagles’ line for several more seasons.
Their importance to Philadelphia’s offense cannot be overstated. As the team looks to take the next step behind Jalen Hurts, having elite veterans like Kelce and Johnson paving the way will be crucial. Their dominance in run blocking creates balance, while their pass protection allows Hurts the confidence and time to develop as a quarterback.
With young talents like AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Miles Sanders, and Dallas Goedert continuing to emerge around them, Kelce and Johnson give the Eagles one of the best offensive cores in the league. Their leadership in the locker room and on gamedays also breeds a winning culture. As long as #62 and #65 are leading the charge up front, Philadelphia will remain a threat to contend for championships.
In summary, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson are the pillars upon which the Philadelphia Eagles have built one of the NFL’s most formidable offenses. Their exceptional play in both the running and passing games, along with their invaluable leadership, have transformed Philadelphia into perennial contenders. As long as these future Hall of Famers continue anchoring the offensive line, the Eagles will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
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