For the Philadelphia Eagles, the strength of their offensive line is not just a talking point, but a cornerstone of their strategy, largely credited to head coach Nick Sirianni’s confidence in his top linemen. Having shown admiration for his elite offensive tackles, Sirianni’s praise transcends simple flattery, instead illustrating the raw talent and skill of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, who are acclaimed as two of the league's best.
Elite Tackles with Stellar Records
At the heart of the Eagles’ offensive line, Jordan Mailata has emerged as a towering presence. At just 27 years old, Mailata has achieved what many young offensive tackles could only dream of; he is currently the highest-graded tackle in the NFL, boasting a head-turning grade of 94.9 according to Pro Football Focus. His proficiency in both run and pass blocking is remarkable, leading the league with a run blocking grade of 94.2 and sitting in second place in pass blocking with a grade of 91.5.
This season alone, Mailata’s outstanding performance is evidenced by allowing only one sack and eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps, positioning him tenth in terms of pressure rate per dropback among all NFL offensive tackles at 3.1%. Such statistics are not only numbers to Jordan Mailata; they encapsulate the measure of growth and excellence he has achieved since stepping onto the field.
Lane Johnson: A Veteran Mentor and Leader
Lining up on the same frontline is the venerable Lane Johnson, a 34-year-old lineman who brings experience and skill to the Eagles’ lineup. Johnson, highly praised by Sirianni, commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at a mere 1.7%. Describing him as "the best tackle in the world," Sirianni acknowledges Johnson’s immense contributions to the Eagles and to the integrity of their line.
Johnson’s evaluation of Mailata exemplifies the camaraderie and respect shared within the team. Johnson remarked, “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.” His understanding of Mailata's strengths goes beyond numbers, highlighting the unique blend of size and agility Mailata brings to the field.
The Chemistry of a Premier Line
The accomplishments of both Mailata and Johnson are critical components to the Eagles’ stated record of success. Notably, Philadelphia stands as the only NFL team with both of its tackles graded within Pro Football Focus's top ten, a testament to their robust offensive line. Besides the Eagles, the Denver Broncos are the sole team with a similar accolade, further underscoring the rare talent Philadelphia nurtures on its line.
Behind the Numbers: A Narrative of Strength
Sirianni’s and Johnson’s collective reflections allow us to better appreciate the nuances of their roles beyond ordinary statistics. Sirianni hailed Mailata’s performance, stating, “He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game.” Meanwhile, Johnson, never short of bold declarations, added, “Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all.”
Johnson also acknowledged Mailata’s continued potential, remarking, “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,” further intensifying Mailata's profile as a starter of indomitable prowess on the gridiron.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, the importance of a formidable frontline cannot be overstated. The Philadelphia Eagles, through the formidable duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, exemplify what it means to have a powerful, adaptable, and strategic offensive line. For fans and critics alike, watching this pair dominate represents the epitome of what strong teamwork and individual excellence can achieve in professional football. As their journey continues, both players stand as paragons of strength and skill within the league. With a blend of experience and youthful vigor, they are not just linemen, but the defining pillars of an offensive strategy that propels the Eagles forward.