Fred Johnson Saves the Day: Backup Tackle Ignites Eagles’ Epic 19-Point Comeback vs. Rams
Share this article:
The Philadelphia Eagles looked dead in the water on Sunday — down 19 points, the offense stuck in neutral, and momentum fully in the Rams’ hands. Then came Fred Johnson, a mid-game substitution who sparked an unbelievable turnaround that led to a 33-26 victory.
Lane Johnson left the game early with a neck injury, and Matt Pryor initially took over at right tackle. The result? A disaster: five drives, four three-and-outs, one costly strip-sack, and minus-10 net yards.
When Fred Johnson entered in the third quarter, everything changed. With him at RT, the Eagles suddenly looked unstoppable: four drives, three touchdowns, 260 net yards.
Johnson downplayed his heroics:
“All I know was my number was called and I gotta deliver,” Johnson said. “My brothers need me — I gotta execute.”
Deliver, he did. Jalen Hurts regained confidence, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith exploded downfield, and Saquon Barkley praised Johnson’s impact:
“Fred’s a starting tackle in this league. He came up big for us tonight.”
This wasn’t Johnson’s first Philly stint. After joining the Eagles’ practice squad in 2022, he carved out a key depth role, starting six games in 2024. Traded back from Jacksonville this August, Johnson proved his worth in the biggest moment yet.
Head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t hold back:
“What a great trade by Howie (Roseman) to bring Fred here. He changed the game tonight.”
The Eagles don’t win without Johnson. Depth won the day, and one man reminded the NFL why “next man up” isn’t just a cliché in Philadelphia — it’s the culture.