Alshon’s Alleged Injury Explains SO Much

In case you missed it, after the game in the locker room, Lane Johnson (among others) issued their support for Alshon Jeffery. While everyone had Jeffery’s back, Johnson threw an interesting tidbit out there:

Adding context to #Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery’s day. He played today’s game with cracked ribs, which teammate Lane Johnson disclosed to reporters. An MRI earlier in the week revealed the injury, but he played through it. Jeffery also hung tough answering every question post-game

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2019

That explains SO much. On the disastrous interception play, two defenders were closing in on Jeffery:

Alshon Jeffery just ended the @Eagles season#GoSaints #FlyEaglesFly #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RFY4MtKVuE

— TRSN NFL (@TRSNNFL) January 14, 2019

I can’t believe I have to post that replay or how I can still stomach it. I’ve already replayed it in my head a sick amount of times. But, you can see on the play that linebacker Alex Anzalone had a free shot to light Alshon up. I’ve never broken my ribs (I’ve also never played in the NFL). But, I’m assuming it’s natural human reaction to tense up before getting obliterated while thinking of the crack in your ribs.

It’s only fitting the Eagles season ended on an injury related issue. I will remember this season obviously as the resurrection of Nick Foles. But, I’ll also remember it as the year we took the “next man up” approach, and then had to take the next men up after that. Just brutal.