3 Takeaways: A different perspective on the Lane Johnson suspension

The Lane Johnson suspension is finally official.

If there’s any positive that comes out of the NFL finally deciding to hand down the ten-game suspension of Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson it’s the fact that at least it didn’t catch anyone off guard. The team, players and fans have all known for quite some time that the all-pro tackle tested positive for PEDs and may have to sit out a considerable portion of the 2016 season.

Head coach Doug Pederson found himself in a weird predicament as he was placed between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, Johnson was still available. If he’s available to play you have to put him out there, but you also have to get the backups and younger guys ready as they’ll have to take up the slack once he’s gone right?

Over the last day or so, you’ve been bombarded with article after article about the suspension, its’ length and its’ pending appeal. We at Inside The Iggles watched, gathered info and wanted to attempt to find other intricacies of this important story. The results are as follows. It may be, officially, time for the Eagles to employ their version of the “next man up approach”.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65) plays against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: The Eagles won 29-10. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Suspension:

Believe it or not, some people are actually still a little hazy on the story, so we’ll start there. Near the start of training camp in late July, Johnson was informed of a failed drug test based on the fact that he had tested positive for a banned substance. He continued to play throughout the pre-season and has lined up, as he always does, at right tackle through the first two weeks of the season. Pederson backed up his all-pro right tackle stating “Until I hear from the league office Lane’s my starting right tackle”.

Prior to Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears, it became official. We have all been awaiting the results of Johnson’s B sample. The news wasn’t good. The B sample confirmed the A sample, and, again, the tests were positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Johnson has asked for an appeal, and it has been granted. It’s scheduled for October 4th, which allows Johnson to play in Sunday’s game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. An arbitrator will render a decision, and if Johnson loses his appeal, he’ll serve a ten-game suspension starting on October 9th that will continue until December 12th. He’ll return in time for the Eagles’ final three games of the season.

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Appeal:

The amount of evidence present and this being Johnson’s second offense (he was also suspended for four games in 2014 for the same reason) makes one wonder what’s the point of attempting to launch an appeal. Johnson maintains his innocence.

According to Johnson’s appeal, he checked a mobile application provided by the NFL Player’s Association called “Aegis” and based on his findings and research, the supplement was approved. He’s since blamed the union, stating that they actually don’t stand up for players. If Johnson’s right, why would the player’s association endorse said application in the first place? If Johnson’s wrong, it makes one wonder. Why not make a phone call? Why leave such things to chance if you weren’t sure in the first place? Again, you’ve already been suspended, and a second suspension would be tragic. A third suspension would put an end to your NFL career.

The risk was too high. The reward wasn’t sufficient enough to take the chance.

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Aftermath:

In wake of the pending suspension, terms like “cheater” and “stupid” now follow the all-pro. Truly, it’s both wrong and totally unfair to go that far. Johnson’s kept his nose pretty clear. He’s stayed out of trouble, developed into what some believe is the best offensive lineman of the 2013 class and is, without question, becoming one of the team’s leaders on offense.

Whenever PEDs are mentioned, the questions flood the imagination and social media. Were the PEDs the reason for his success? How good will he now be without them? Johnson maintains the confidence of both his teammates and his coaches. Pederson believes in his right tackle, has spent a lot of time with him and doesn’t believe he’ll be set back by any time that he may miss. He’s said it over and over that, if Johnson is available, he’ll be on the field. For now, expect the offensive line to be shuffled a little following the bye week. Left guard Allen Barbre will be moved to right tackle, and Isaac Seumalo will take over starting duties at left guard.

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We’ve heard about how great Seumalo’s development has been. We’ve heard Barbre is versatile. Let’s hope both reports are accurate. First thing’s first though. Let’s hope this appeal results in a clean slate. It doesn’t happen often based on the NFL’s recent history, but we have to hope.