In the high-stakes world of the National Football League, having a strong offensive line can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as a formidable force in this domain, largely thanks to the prowess of their standout tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Head Coach Nick Sirianni has not been shy about voicing his admiration for these linemen, whose contributions are critical to the Eagles' success.
Dominance on the Line
Lane Johnson, who has long been a stalwart on the Eagles' offensive line at the age of 34, commands a remarkable pressure rate of just 1.7% allowed per dropback. Such statistics have earned him the title of "the best tackle in the world," as lauded by Sirianni. Johnson's influence on the field is undeniable, solidifying the Eagles’ line as one of the most feared in the league.
Meanwhile, the other half of this formidable duo, Jordan Mailata, is carving his niche as one of the game's elite. At only 27, Mailata has taken the league by storm. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL with an impressive grade of 94.9. His performance in both run blocking and pass blocking is exemplary, holding first place and second place with grades of 94.2 and 91.5, respectively.
Mailata's Meteoric Rise
Mailata's journey to the top is nothing short of remarkable, a fact not lost on Lane Johnson who candidly reflects, "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football, I think." Mailata has shown that his immense size—an attribute often wrongly equated with lack of agility—can be coupled with speed and finesse. Johnson couldn't help but express his astonishment: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." It’s a testament to Mailata’s talent and dedication that he’s overcome the absence of a traditional football upbringing to achieve such elite status.
This season, Mailata has allowed only one sack and eight pressures on 260 pass-blocking snaps, an achievement that places him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles in pressure rate per dropback, at 3.1%. His ability to protect the quarterback and create space for the running game positions him as a dual-threat offensive tackle that defenses struggle to contend with.
Eagles' Elite Status
The Eagles are the league's only team boasting two tackles in Pro Football Focus’s top ten rankings—an accolade shared only with the Denver Broncos. This dominance is part of what makes Philadelphia’s offensive strategy so effective, providing ample time and opportunity for their skill players to execute plays, and giving Sirianni the confidence to utilize a multifaceted offensive approach.
Coach Sirianni doesn’t hold back his praise, acknowledging Mailata's contributions: "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." As Mailata continues to develop, there’s no shortage of anticipation for what heights he might yet reach. "He's on his way and he knows it. We've all known it," Johnson continues, "But yeah, he's premier, he's elite."
Words of Caution
Despite the accolades and achievements, there's an acknowledgment of Mailata’s vulnerability, at least in jest. "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," Johnson quips, addressing what it might take to halt Mailata’s relentless rise. This humorous caution also underscores the competitive nature of the game and the ever-present physical demands placed on these athletes.
As the season progresses, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line remains a crucial component of their tactical playbook, driven by the brilliance of Johnson and Mailata. With Sirianni at the helm, the Eagles continue their pursuit of glory, their strategy built on the solid groundwork laid by these exceptional talents. Fans and analysts alike eagerly watch to see how far this duo can take their team in a high-pressure league where every play counts.