Eagles OT Lane Johnson discusses expectations after 2023 collapse

During a Monday appearance on NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson discussed his expectations for the upcoming season following the club's collapse during the second half of the 2023 campaign.

"Obviously we have to go prove things and are eager to do so," Johnson acknowledged, as shared by Bobby Kownack of the league's website. "But when you just look at the guys walking around the building, we've got size, we've got speed and guys willing to work."

Much has been written about the 2023 Eagles going from 10-1 to 11-6 before they made a rather uninspiring wild-card exit from the playoffs. With that said, a Philadelphia offense that is returning key figures such as quarterback Jalen Hurts along with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith could be an even more dynamic unit this fall thanks to the addition of former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

"He's ultra-competitive," Johnson said about Barkley. "When you see what he can do at the running back position and we can flex him out at receiver, he can go. It's unbelievable. I never thought that he would be playing for us, but here it is. I know that he's excited. We're definitely excited up front. I think he's poised for a big, big year."

There are legitimate reasons to believe that Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie could consider moving on from head coach Nick Sirianni if the club fails to win at least one playoff game for a second straight year. Living legend Bill Belichick remains available and reportedly would consider replacing Sirianni assuming Belichick wants to set an NFL record for career victories earned by a head coach (regular season and postseason combined) as most assume.

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Eagles third among the betting favorites at +700 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX. During Monday's show segment, Johnson sounded eager to put the woes of the past campaign behind him with the help of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

"I wish I had the answers to why the second half of the season went the way it did," Johnson added. "It was something that went by so fast, and I know after it wasn't a problem."