Lane Johnson gave up on training camp early as Eagles OT confirms 'worst' issue

The dog days of August are a universal truth in the NFL. For veterans, training camp is a necessary evil. It is a grueling marathon of repetition and heat. And Lane Johnson knows this rhythm better than most.

The Eagles' cornerstone is entering his 13th season. His mindset, however, is always worth monitoring. And that mindset became crystal clear on the SportsRadio 94 WIP show.

Johnson was brutally honest about his camp fatigue when asked, "At what point during training camp are you like, 'I have had enough of training camp?'"

"About the first week, and then you kind of get into the rhythm of it," Johnson said. "Yeah, the first week you're like, 'Yeah, I'm done with this.' But after a few practices, you kind of get into the mode of getting on the field again." This admission is more than just a veteran grumbling.

It underscores a larger issue for the reigning champs. Their camp was far from smooth. Injuries plagued the offensive unit throughout training camp. Key players like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith saw limited action.

So, the first-team offense rarely practiced together. And this lack of cohesion is a legitimate concern. The defense faced its own problems, particularly in the secondary.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio admitted the cornerback battle lacked a clear winner. "Usually, it does become obvious to everybody as to who's going to win the job. That hadn't happened yet," Fangio stated. This uncertainty is not ideal for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

The "worst" part of camp wasn’t the physical grind for Johnson, though.

It was the tedious schedule. He pinpointed the endless, early meetings that disrupt any flow. "Bad part of training camp is, we got to start our meetings like early," Johnson explained.

"So like usually guys go back to meetings around 3, but anytime the special teams meet, that's when the O-line meeting room starts. So, we're always in there pretty early," the veteran offensive tackle added. This minor frustration symbolizes the larger, disjointed feel of the Eagles' preseason.

Lane Johnson: The Anchor in the Storm

Johnson remains a constant amidst the chaos, though. At 35 years old, his performance defies time. He allowed just five sacks over the last five seasons. That is a remarkable statistic for any tackle. Johnson's presence provides a safety blanket for Jalen Hurts. Besides, his leadership is invaluable for a team navigating a tricky preseason.

Johnson’s candidness about camp is refreshing. It also highlights a veteran’s perspective on the long season ahead. The Eagles’ rocky camp does not define their season. However, it presents immediate challenges.

Their early schedule is a gauntlet. They open with the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Rams. They must find their rhythm quickly. The team will rely on leaders like Johnson to steady the ship. And his experience in big moments is irreplaceable.

The quest for a repeat championship is never easy. And Philadelphia’s journey begins with overcoming its August adversity. To be honest, every team faces preseason hurdles. But the great ones adapt and conquer.

Johnson’s honesty reflects a player who has seen it all. He knows the real work begins in September. The Eagles will be tested. They'll be tested early and often. But their resilience will determine their chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once more.

As legendary coach Bear Bryant had once said, “It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”