Eagles OT Lane Johnson Reveals 'Challenge' of Patriots Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles begin their season on the road against the New England Patriots.

The Philadelphia Eagles' path toward a second straight Super Bowl berth will begin at one of the toughest places to play for opposing teams. 

Philadelphia heads to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 10 at 4:25 p.m. Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, New England has gone 134-35 in the regular season. Including the playoffs, the Patriots are 153-39. 

Part of what has made Foxborough one of the best home-field advantages is its defense, which has consistently been one of the best in the NFL under head coach Bill Belichick. 2022 proved to be no different, as the Patriots were third in sacks (54), third in interceptions (19), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (105.5), eighth in quarterback rating (83.5) and tied for 10th in points allowed per game (20.4). 

Defensive end Matthew Judon poses a formidable challenge for the Eagles. He had 15.5 sacks in 2022, and fellow defensive end Josh Uche had 11.5.

With the Patriots' ability to rush the passer and stop the run, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson noted the unit's versatility and the challenge it poses.

"Great defense," Johnson said. "They've had some guys there for a number of years, so they've been pretty consistent with what they do. Run a multitude of different fronts. They kind of build of wall with their fronts, try to build a bear or some way to stop the run. They're pretty efficient at it. Good pass rushers, so it's going to be a challenge."

New England had six different players with at least two interceptions. Defensive backs Jonathan Jones and Devin McCourty each led the team with four. McCourty retired after last season. 

New England bolstered an already strong secondary by taking cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Philadelphia is looking to become the first team to win the NFC East in back-to-back seasons since they accomplished the feat from 2001 to 2004. With playing the Patriots Week 1, Philadelphia's offense will face a stern test against one of the best defenses in the NFL. 

If Jalen Hurts and the offense don't miss a beat compared to last season and put together a good showing against New England, the Eagles would further solidify themselves as the team to beat in the division and the NFC.