Amidst the roaring excitement of the NFL season, Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni holds a confident ace in his pocket, evidenced by his glowing admiration for the team's stalwart offensive linemen. Under his leadership, the Eagles’ offensive line shines brightly with both strength and elegance on the field.
Masterful Tackles at the Helm
Leading this formidable line is Lane Johnson, who Nick Sirianni reverently calls "the best tackle in the world." At 34 years old, Johnson effortlessly commands the line, boasting the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at a mere 1.7%. His remarkable performance sets a standard in the NFL, showcasing both experience and skill as integral parts of his play.
However, it’s his counterpart, Jordan Mailata, who garners attention and intrigue. The 27-year-old Australian, known for his towering presence and agile footwork, is now considered the highest-graded tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, achieving an impressive overall grade of 94.9. Mailata ranks first in run blocking with a score of 94.2 and stands second in pass blocking at 91.5, reflecting his dual-threat capabilities that keep defenses on the back foot.
The Evolution of a Force
Jordan Mailata’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, not least in the eyes of Lane Johnson who 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." Such high praise from a seasoned veteran exemplifies Mailata’s remarkable transition from rugby league player to NFL elite, bolstered by his sheer physical prowess and technical acumen.
Mailata's stats are a testament to his development. This season, he has allowed only one sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps, with a pressure rate per dropback of just 3.1%, placing him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles. His performance is further underscored by Lane Johnson’s own observations, noting that, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
The Eagles' Double Threat
The Eagles hold the distinction of being the only NFL team with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, further asserting their dominance on the field. This tandem's capability not only defines the team's offensive strength but also contributes to Philadelphia’s consistent performance against formidable rivals, such as the Denver Broncos, the only other team to have both their tackles ranked among the NFL elite.
Nick Sirianni’s strategic mastery flourishes with players like Mailata and Johnson providing a solid foundation. Sirianni openly appreciates Mailata’s contribution, stating, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." Such high regard from both Sirianni and Johnson amplifies the linemen's impact, drawing focus to their fundamental role in the Eagles' tactical success.
Future Prospects
As the season progresses, anticipation builds around the potential that this formidable duo will continue to unlock. Johnson’s perceptive commentary suggests an exciting trajectory for Mailata, "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." Their ongoing collaboration could shape the Eagles' hopes and strategies in the riveting quest for NFL supremacy.
Indeed, with such talent anchoring the line, the Eagles are poised to maintain their offensive momentum, while Nick Sirianni’s astute leadership ensures a coherent and powerful performance. As challenges arise, the sheer determination of players like Mailata and Johnson will be key in navigating the team towards potential triumphs.