The Philadelphia Eagles have long been a bastion of elite offensive line play, with a reputation forged by gritty battles in the trenches. This season, much of that credit goes to their exceptional tackle duo, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, who have cemented their standing among the NFL's elite linemen. Under the stewardship of head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles' offensive line continues to be one of the most formidable in the league, yielding impressive accolades for its unsung heroes.
Mailata’s Meteoric Rise
At 27, Jordan Mailata's ascent into the NFL's upper echelon has been nothing short of remarkable. The former rugby player from Australia has been turning heads with his athleticism and technical prowess, as evidenced by his top grade of 94.9 from Pro Football Focus. This achievement marks him as the highest-graded tackle in the league.
Mailata has demonstrated unparalleled ability in run blocking, grading first with an astonishing 94.2. His prowess in protecting the quarterback has also been impressive, with a second-best pass blocking grade of 91.5 in the league. Allowing only one sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps, Mailata’s pressure rate per dropback stands at a lofty 3.1%, ranking him tenth among his peers.
"From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," laced Lane Johnson's praise, reflecting on Mailata’s journey from obscurity to stardom. "I don't think anybody can run block the way he can and pass pro," he continued, acknowledging the unique blend of skill and size that Mailata brings to the field.
Lane Johnson’s Unyielding Excellence
On the opposite side of the line, veteran Lane Johnson, at 34, continues to defy age with performance levels that speak to his enduring skill and dedication. He commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at a mere 1.7%, a testament to his impeccable technique and innate understanding of the game.
Johnson has high regard for his fellow lineman, singing praises of Mailata’s capabilities: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," he stated, encapsulating the fear Mailata strikes into opponents. For Johnson, the synergy between skill and athleticism across the line makes the Eagles a daunting matchup.
Sirianni’s Admiration and Strategy
Head coach Nick Sirianni, known for his strategic acumen and ability to foster talent, has a clear admiration for his tackles. His endorsement of Johnson as "the best tackle in the world" is more than just praise; it is a nod to the lineman’s hard-earned reputation. Of Mailata, Sirianni remarked, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," emphasizing the dynamic energy Mailata brings to the Eagles' offensive strategy.
Such individual accolades contribute to the broader narrative of the Eagles being the sole team with both tackles ranked in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, a notable distinction shared only by the Denver Broncos. This pairing symbolizes the Eagles' unwavering commitment to building an indomitable line.
Sirianni’s tactical foresight has been instrumental in the Eagles' dominant performances on the field. "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 added on Mailata’s future, hinting at the promising trajectory the young lineman is on.
With this combination of experience and emerging talent, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line not only secures its position as a bastion of protection and power within the squad but also defines the team’s identity as a relentless offensive force. Acknowledging these players' contributions is essential to understanding what makes the Eagles a team to watch each season.