The Philadelphia Eagles' Dynamic Duo: Offensive Line Excellence
Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has nothing but praise for his top-tier offensive tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. As the Eagles continue their charge in the current NFL season, the performances of these two standout linemen have garnered attention not just from their coach, but from analysts and fans alike.
Lane Johnson, a seasoned veteran at 34, has long been considered a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line. His excellence is quantified by commanding the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an impressive 1.7%. It's no wonder Sirianni refers to Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," a testament to not just his skill but also his undying influence on the field.
Across from Johnson is Jordan Mailata, a 27-year-old who has made a remarkable ascent to become one of the NFL's elite tackles. His prowess is evident in the latest analysis from Pro Football Focus, which rates Mailata as the highest-graded tackle in the league with an outstanding grade of 94.9. These accolades place him first in run blocking with a 94.2 grade and second in pass blocking with a 91.5 grade, a testament to his all-around game.
Johnson himself is effusive in his praise for Mailata, highlighting the Australian's unique skill set. "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 noted. It's a glowing endorsement from one of the game's proven performers, underlining Mailata's rapid development and exceptional talent.
Mailata’s performance statistics further highlight his growth. This season, he has allowed only one sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps. With a pressure rate per dropback at 3.1%, he ranks tenth among all NFL offensive tackles—a stellar accomplishment that signifies his ascent into the league's upper echelon.
"Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," Johnson continues, illustrating the unique athleticism Mailata brings to the field with his size and agility combination. It's a rare profile for a player who began his athletic career not on the gridiron, but in rugby back in Australia.
Nick Sirianni, who has witnessed Mailata's transformation firsthand, is equally impressed. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni remarked, acknowledging the blend of power and finesse Mailata brings to his position.
The synergy between Johnson and Mailata has positioned the Eagles as the only team with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. This accomplishment underscores the importance of having a fortified offensive line in today's NFL. It’s a feat matched only by the Denver Broncos, further highlighting the rarity and value of such a formidable duo.
With the season progressing, the stability provided by Johnson and Mailata could be a decisive factor in the Eagle's success. Sirianni's faith in his players is evident, along with Lane Johnson's seasoned insight. "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 adds, reinforcing the sentiment shared by the Eagles' camp regarding Mailata's capabilities.
As the Eagles forge ahead, much of their offensive charge will ride on the enduring strength of their tackles, whose collective performance continues to earn admiration league-wide. Together, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata embody a potent mix of experience, skill, and progression, marking them as a force that defines the Eagles' offensive front.