The Philadelphia Eagles: Driving Force in the NFL with Elite Tackles
The Philadelphia Eagles, one of the NFL’s powerhouse teams, have the advantage of possessing two of the most formidable offensive tackles in the league: Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Head coach Nick Sirianni, understandably proud of his top-flight offensive linemen, has been vocal about their skill and contributions to the team's dominance on the field.
Lane Johnson has been a stalwart of the Eagles' offensive line for years. At 34, he continues to command respect and admiration, both from his coach and teammates. Described by Sirianni as "the best tackle in the world," Johnson's unmatched pressure rate allowed per dropback of 1.7% is a testament to his agility and precision. His enduring ability to protect the quarterback while minimizing defensive pressures reflects his invaluable role in Philadelphia's offensive machinery.
Jordan Mailata, the sensational 27-year-old tackle, complements Johnson and has emerged as a premier talent in his own right. According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata boasts an impressive grade of 94.9, ranking him as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL. His dominance isn't limited to a single aspect of the game; Mailata stands first in run blocking with a stellar grade of 94.2 and ranks second in pass blocking with a grade of 91.5. These statistics underline his versatility and the dual-threat he poses to opposing defenses.
In 260 pass-blocking snaps this season, Mailata has demonstrated remarkable resilience by allowing just one sack and eight pressures. This achievement is reflected in his pressure rate of 3.1% per dropback, placing him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," says Johnson, highlighting Mailata's unique journey and transformation into a top-tier player. "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."
Nick Sirianni shares his admiration for Mailata's game-changing abilities. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni notes, further emphasizing the tackle's impact on the Eagles' success. "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 elaborates, acknowledging Mailata's steady rise to the top echelon of NFL tackles.
The Philadelphia Eagles stand as the only team currently with both their tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, a feat shared only by the Denver Broncos. This distinction underscores the exceptional caliber of Johnson and Mailata and the pivotal roles they play in the Eagles' robust offensive strategy.
Mailata's journey from a rugby player with no formal football experience to being recognized as a dominant NFL tackle is remarkable. His teammates recognize more than just his achievements; they acknowledge the challenges he has overcome. Referring to Mailata's rare combination of size and agility, Johnson remarks, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Moreover, when considering the potential obstacles Mailata might face, Johnson's candid quote, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," alludes to the rare vulnerabilities that could hinder Mailata's path.
The synergy between Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata isn't just a linchpin for the Eagles' offense but a defining factor in the team's ongoing pursuit of greatness. As they continue to set benchmarks and protect the Eagles' quarterbacks, their presence fortifies Philadelphia's standing as a formidable contender in the NFL. With leaders like Sirianni steering the helm, the Eagles' flight path appears promising, bolstered by the strength and resilience of Johnson and Mailata.