Insight into the Eagles’ Elite Offensive Line
The Philadelphia Eagles' head coach, Nick Sirianni, finds himself at the helm of a franchise blessed with extraordinary offensive linemen, a sentiment clearly echoed in his public admiration for his standout tackles. In recent discussions, Sirianni has not held back his praises, making bold endorsements of his players' prowess on the field.
The Dominance of Lane Johnson
At 34, Lane Johnson continues to establish himself as a formidable force within the NFL. Known as "the best tackle in the world" by his coach, Johnson has put up numbers that justify such high praise. With a league-best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an impressive 1.7%, Johnson’s performance is unmatched, effectively shielding his quarterback and contributing to the Eagles’ offensive success.
In an interview, Johnson returned the favor to his fellow tackle, Jordan Mailata, highlighting Mailata’s unique attributes. Johnson's admiration isn’t unfounded. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think. I don't think anybody can run block the way he can and pass pro, first time anybody that size that can move the way it does,” he remarked. His words reflect an understanding of not just skill but the journey of Mailata, from a rugby player to an elite NFL tackle.
Jordan Mailata’s Rise to Excellence
Jordan Mailata, now 27, has been a revelation on the Eagles’ offensive line. Pro Football Focus grades him as the highest-graded tackle with a remarkable overall score of 94.9. Such stats place him at the pinnacle of both run blocking and pass blocking in the NFL. With a grade of 94.2 in run blocking and 91.5 in pass blocking, Mailata showcases his versatile skills on the gridiron.
This season, Mailata has been something of a fortress, allowing just one sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps, maintaining a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. Remarkably, he ranks tenth among all NFL offensive tackles in this metric. Nick Sirianni noted, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," further cementing the belief within the organization about Mailata’s invaluable contribution.
Coming into the league with no prior football experience, Mailata's ascent to the apex of NFL tackle rankings is a testament to his natural talent and adaptability. Lane Johnson acknowledged this by stating, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Mailata’s capability to combine size with agility indeed sets him apart.
The Dynamic Duo’s Impact
Such high-level performances from both tackles naturally affect the Eagles’ standing within the league. They are currently the only team with both tackles positioned in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, underscoring their dominant line play. Other teams, such as the Denver Broncos, strive to emulate such balance and excellence on both sides of their line, but few have succeeded to the degree that Philadelphia has.
Lane Johnson’s additional comments about Mailata’s journey illuminate the broader narrative of aspiration and achievement. “He's on his way and he knows it. We've all known it. We've seen him progress over the years. But yeah, he's, he's premier, he's elite," he noted. This acknowledgment from a peer and fellow elite athlete paints a vivid picture of respect and camaraderie within the team.
When considering the potential challenges Mailata faces, Johnson’s colorful metaphor, “Hamstring or a f---ing gun,” described by Johnson in reference to Mailata’s formidable strengths, candidly sums up the obstacles that could hinder his path, indicating the physical demands and inherent risk of playing at the highest level.
In closing, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line, with stalwarts like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, exemplifies a blend of experience, talent, and tenacity. Through complimentary play, their presence not only enhances the squad's performance but also sets a benchmark for offensive line play in the NFL.