The Philadelphia Eagles have been in the spotlight this season for all the wrong reasons when it comes to their offensive line. Injuries, inconsistency, and communication issues have plagued a unit that’s long been considered one of the league’s best. But in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders, we saw a different story-one that showed flashes of the dominant trench play that’s been a hallmark of Philly football.
Let’s be clear: this was one of the offensive line’s best performances of the season. They gave up just one sack and one quarterback hit on Jalen Hurts, and that kind of clean pocket is a rare luxury in today’s NFL.
The Eagles also ran for 183 yards and a touchdown, steamrolling their way to a 31-0 shutout win. That’s not just a bounce-back-that’s a statement.
Saquon Barkley, who led the team with 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, was quick to credit the big guys up front. And while he didn’t break off any highlight-reel 20+ yard runs, he didn’t need to.
The line gave him lanes, and Barkley hit them with purpose. After the game, he made it clear: he still believes in this offensive line.
“I just felt like we had a mindset and we stuck to it,” Barkley said. “We didn’t let the defense dictate what we do.
You can feel it. I still believe we have a great offensive line.
I know we have a great offensive line.”
And on Sunday, they looked the part.
With Lane Johnson sidelined, Fred Johnson stepped in at right tackle and held his own, allowing the only sack of the game. But the real standout was left tackle Jordan Mailata, who was a wall in pass protection.
On 18 pass-blocking snaps, Mailata didn’t allow a single pressure. That’s elite work, especially against a Raiders front that’s been able to get after quarterbacks this season.
Across the board, the Eagles’ offensive line kept it clean. No one allowed more than two pressures, and perhaps even more importantly, they played with discipline-something that’s been missing in recent weeks.
Just three penalties for 35 yards all game long. That’s the kind of cohesion and focus the Eagles have been chasing.
There was also a bit of encouraging news before kickoff: Lane Johnson is expected to return to practice this week. Whether he’s ready for the Week 16 matchup against Washington or the following game against Buffalo, his return would be a massive boost. Johnson hasn’t allowed a sack all season, and getting him back in the lineup could be the final piece to solidify this unit down the stretch.
Make no mistake-this was a step in the right direction, not the finish line. The Eagles’ offensive line showed signs of life, and if they can build on this performance, they’ll be a problem for any defense come playoff time. With Johnson potentially returning and the group starting to gel again, Philly might just be getting hot at the right time.