As the Philadelphia Eagles carve their path through the NFL season, much of their success can be credited to their formidable offensive line, spearheaded by standout tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Under the guidance of Head Coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles' offensive prowess continues to garner admiration across the league, with both tackles earning high praise for their exceptional skills and performances.
The Rise of Jordan Mailata
At just 27 years old, Jordan Mailata has risen to the pinnacle of the NFL's tackle hierarchy. Heralded as the “highest-graded tackle” by Pro Football Focus (PFF), Mailata boasts an impressive grade of 94.9. His excellence extends to both run blocking and pass blocking, where he ranks first and second respectively, with grades of 94.2 and 91.5. These numbers translate into a remarkable season where Mailata has allowed just one sack and eight pressures across 260 pass-blocking snaps.
Lane Johnson, Mailata’s veteran counterpart on the Eagles' offensive line, succinctly captured his incredible journey: "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 underscore Mailata’s metamorphosis from a rugby player to an NFL elite.
Lane Johnson: A Pillar of Strength
On the other side of the line, Lane Johnson continues to assert his dominance at 34 years of age. Known for commanding the league's best pressure rate per dropback at an astonishing 1.7%, Johnson remains a critical asset to the Eagles' strategy. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," Johnson said, reflecting his own capabilities alongside his high regard for Mailata’s versatility.
This pairing of Mailata and Johnson forms a unique strength for the Eagles, with both tackles placed in the top 10 rankings by PFF, a feat achieved by no other team except the Denver Broncos.
A Testament to Nick Sirianni’s Vision
Coach Nick Sirianni’s vision for the Eagles is vividly reflected in the performance of his offensive line. His admiration for his players is evident: "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni said, commending Mailata for his physicality and skill, which have become crucial to the Eagles’ lineup.
The trajectory of both tackles is a testament to Sirianni's trust in their potential and the development they've undergone. "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, further highlighting Mailata’s continued rise in the league.
Critical Contributions to Philadelphia’s Success
The Eagles' offensive line, anchored by the unparalleled talents of Johnson and Mailata, represents more than just statistical excellence. Their skills ensure quarterback protection and drive the team's running game, forming the backbone of Philadelphia's strategy this season. Johnson’s comment about Mailata's capabilities, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," offers a candid insight into Mailata's resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles.
In an NFL landscape that demands versatility and excellence, both Mailata and Johnson exemplify these traits, making the Eagles’ offensive line a formidable force this season. As Philadelphia forges ahead, their eyes fixed on greater accomplishments, the contributions of these standout tackles will remain pivotal.
As the season progresses, all eyes will continue to be on Philadelphia to see if Goliath-like talents can push the Eagles to new heights. With Sirianni at the helm and Johnson and Mailata protecting the trenches, the team's offensive line is set to face challenges head on, bolstering the Eagles’ pursuit of greatness.