In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in an enviable position, thanks largely to the stalwart performances of their offensive linemen. At the heart of this success are tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, two of the league’s most formidable linemen, praised extensively by head coach Nick Sirianni.
Dominant Tackle Duo
The Eagles boast the rare distinction of having both their tackles ranked among the top 10 in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. This achievement underscores the caliber and consistency of Johnson and Mailata. Hailing them for their exceptional skills, Sirianni, who helms the Eagles, has referred to Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," a testament to his unparalleled performance on the field.
Johnson, a veteran at 34 years old, commands the league’s best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an astonishing 1.7%. His agility and effectiveness in both run blocking and pass protection stand as pillars that underpin the Eagles' offensive stability. Sirianni’s admiration for his tackles echoes in his words, highlighting Johnson’s prowess as a lineman.
Jordan Mailata: The Rising Star
On the other side of the line stands Jordan Mailata, the 27-year-old powerhouse who has rapidly become a force to be reckoned with in NFL circles. According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata is currently the highest-graded tackle in the league, boasting a phenomenal overall grade of 94.9. His prowess in run blocking, with a grade of 94.2, is unparalleled, earning him the top spot in that category.
Mailata’s abilities don’t end there. He ranks second in pass blocking with a grade of 91.5, evidencing his comprehensive skill set. This season, Mailata has allowed only one sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps, resulting in a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. Though he ranks tenth in this statistic among all offensive tackles, it is indicative of his growth and dominance on the field.
Praise From Within
The respect and recognition Mailata commands from his peers are palpable. Lane Johnson, his fellow tackle, has heaped praise on Mailata, remarking, "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." Johnson's words reflect the remarkable journey and talent of Mailata, whose transition from rugby league to American football has been nothing short of remarkable.
Johnson further accentuates Mailata’s capabilities, saying, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Such endorsements not only highlight Mailata’s physicality but also illuminate his versatility, capable of dominating in both run schemes and protecting the quarterback.
A Coach's Confidence
Sirianni’s confidence in Mailata’s future is unwavering. "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," Johnson noted, echoing Sirianni's sentiments. Mailata has evolved into a player who is not only central to the Eagles’ immediate success but one who promises to anchor the line for years to come.
Furthermore, Sirianni recognized Mailata’s prowess, stating, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." His acknowledgment underscores Mailata’s critical role in executing the offensive strategies that have positioned the Eagles as a formidable team.
As with all remarkable players, challenges are inevitable. Lane Johnson referenced Mailata’s journey by stating, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," highlighting both Mailata's physical resilience and the threats, albeit in jest, that formidable talent like his might face.
The Path Ahead
As the Eagles progress through the season, the performances of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata will undoubtedly be pivotal. Under Sirianni’s leadership and with such elite tackles fortifying the line, the Eagles' offensive potential seems boundless. The amalgamation of seasoned expertise and emerging prowess in their line ensures that the Philadelphia Eagles remain a team to watch, with a foundation strengthened by two of the NFL's best.