The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high this season, and a significant portion of the credit belongs to their formidable offensive line. Under the watchful eye of head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles have honed two of the most formidable tackles in the NFL, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Each player brings unique skills to the table, contributing to a line that has been the backbone of the Eagles' impressive performance thus far.
A Dual Threat on the Offensive Line
Nick Sirianni couldn’t be more pleased with his elite duo. Lane Johnson, who at the age of 34 stands as a bastion of excellence and experience, complements the younger, yet equally formidable Jordan Mailata. "He's playing really good football," Sirianni remarked of his youthful phenom, Mailata. "Yeah, he is powerful in the run game."
Pro Football Focus recognizes Mailata as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL, a testament to his prowess with a stellar 94.9 overall grade. Mailata’s offensive capabilities are marked by his elite performances in both run and pass blocking — ranking first with a 94.2 in the former and an impressive second with a 91.5 in the latter. His transition from a rugby player with no football background to a premier NFL tackle is nothing short of remarkable, as acknowledged by his teammate and veteran, Lane Johnson.
A Prodigy in the Making
Lane Johnson expressed admiration for Mailata's unique capabilities. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," Johnson declared, reflecting on Mailata's extraordinary journey. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Johnson added, underscoring Mailata's unrivaled mobility.
This season, Mailata has allowed just a single sack and eight pressures across 260 pass-blocking snaps, earning him a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. Although respectable, this percentage ranks tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, a statistic he shares alongside his equally revered teammate, Lane Johnson.
A Veteran’s Resilience
Laden with accolades, Lane Johnson's contribution to the Eagles’ offensive line remains unrivaled. At 34, he commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback, a mere 1.7%, a figure that not only speaks to his technical prowess but also his extensive experience and enduring athleticism.
Johnson holds Mailata in high regard, praising Mailata's relentless momentum toward elite status. "He's on his way and he knows it," Johnson stated. "We've all known it. We've seen him progress over the years. But yeah, he's, he's premier, he's elite."
A Formidable Tandem
The unique synergy between Johnson and Mailata epitomizes the Eagles' forte. They are the linchpins of a Philadelphia team that remains the only franchise with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. Their mutual understanding and complementary skill sets have created a nexus of strength and agility that few defensive lines have been able to penetrate effectively.
The Eagles' dominance, however, is not unchallenged. The Denver Broncos also boast both of their tackles among the league's elite, establishing a new high-water mark in the competitive landscape of the NFL. Nevertheless, Sirianni’s admiration is unwavering when it comes to Mailata. Perhaps the final word belongs to Johnson, who succinctly captured Mailata’s determination. "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," he quipped — alluding to Mailata’s only potential impediments being injury or extraordinary bad luck.
In sum, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line is a testament to skillful coaching, the blend of seasoned experience with youthful prowess, and a clear commitment to excellence. Nick Sirianni's approach has allowed talent to thrive, turning the Eagles’ offensive line into an admirable force.'