As the NFL season progresses, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line continues to be a standout unit, largely due to the exceptional performance of their tackles, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles have fortified their reputation as a formidable force, particularly in the trenches.
A Dynamic Duo on the Offensive Line
Nick Sirianni, who headlines the Eagles' coaching staff, has repeatedly emphasized the pivotal role that his offensive linemen play. His admiration for Lane Johnson is palpable, with Sirianni lauding him as "the best tackle in the world." Johnson's dominance is reflected in his league-leading pressure rate of just 1.7% allowed per dropback, making him a cornerstone of Philadelphia's offensive line.
Johnson, at 34 years of age, remains a stalwart presence on the field, combining experience with an innate ability to perform at an elite level. His veteran leadership complements the youthful vigor of 27-year-old Jordan Mailata, who has emerged as another linchpin in the Eagles’ offensive arsenal.
Mailata's Meteoric Rise
Jordan Mailata's journey from unlikely beginnings to the summit of professional football is nothing short of remarkable. With a Pro Football Focus grade of 94.9, Mailata is not merely making his presence felt; he is dominating. He ranks first in run blocking with a score of 94.2 and second in pass blocking with a grade of 91.5, underscoring his dual-threat capability.
Sirianni’s assessment of Mailata is equally glowing, with no hesitation in praising his achievements. “He’s playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game,” Sirianni mused. The young tackle’s ability to combine his immense size with unprecedented agility is a rare sight in the NFL—a sentiment echoing throughout the league as Lane Johnson himself acknowledges, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
Strength Embodied
Mailata’s statistics this season further highlight his imposing presence on the field. With just a single sack allowed and eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps, his pressure rate per dropback stands at a commendable 3.1%. This ranks him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, a testament to his proficiency and growth.
Lane Johnson, reflecting on Mailata’s contribution, aptly encapsulated his unique attributes. “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 asserted.
Eagles’ Dominance Cemented
The synergy between Mailata and Johnson has catapulted the Eagles to the forefront of NFL discussions regarding offensive line prowess. The Eagles are notably the only team boasting both tackles ranked within the top ten by Pro Football Focus. This accolade is a reflection not only of individual talent but also of the cohesive unit that Nick Sirianni has cultivated.
Across the league, only the Denver Broncos can rival the Eagles with both of their tackles graded as elite. Yet, the distinction that Philadelphia enjoys speaks volumes about the caliber of their players and the strategic guidance of their coaching staff.
While success in the NFL often hinges on a multitude of factors, the contributions of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata have undeniably fortified the Eagles’ competitiveness. This potent blend of experience and burgeoning talent bodes well for Philadelphia as they continue their campaign, with Sirianni poised to harness the full potential of his team’s offensive line.