Philadelphia Eagles Soar with Elite Offensive Line Performances
The Philadelphia Eagles are off to an exhilarating start this season, and much of their success can be attributed to the outstanding performances of their offensive linemen. Head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive tackle Lane Johnson have nothing but praise for what is arguably the most formidable tackle duo in the NFL: Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
In a recent discussion, Sirianni didn’t shy away from showering accolades on his star players. Referring to Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," Sirianni highlights the immense pressure that Johnson relieves off quarterback Jalen Hurts. This sentiment resonates through Johnson's remarkable statistic as he commands the league’s best pressure rate allowed per dropback, standing at an impressive 1.7%.
Elsewhere on the line, Jordan Mailata is experiencing a stellar period of his own. At just 27 years of age, Mailata is already making waves across the league, being duly recognized by Pro Football Focus as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL with an outstanding grade of 94.9. His prowess in both run blocking and pass protection has elevated his game, topping charts with a run-block grade of 94.2 and ranking second in pass-blocking with a grade of 91.5.
Mailata's journey from rugby player to elite NFL tackle is nothing short of extraordinary. As Lane Johnson put it, "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 testimonials testify to the unique skill set Mailata brings to the field.
The statistics reflect the duo's dominance, with Mailata allowing just a single sack and eight pressures over 260 pass-blocking snaps, translating to a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. These figures do not merely represent excellence but indeed fortify the title of being among the NFL’s elite. Johnson humorously yet earnestly noted, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
Coach Sirianni further acknowledged Mailata's upward trajectory by affirming, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." Sirianni’s words convey clear confidence in Mailata's abilities and maturation as a player. Johnson, too, remains optimistic about Mailata’s bright future, stating, "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."
It’s not just the individual accolades that set this duo apart. The Eagles find themselves in a unique position as the lone team in the NFL with both tackles ranked within the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. Such a distinction speaks volumes of the cohesiveness and strength of Philadelphia's offensive line, an essential component propelling the Eagles toward their broader aspirations this season.
Only the Denver Broncos can lay claim to a similar accolade, reinforcing how rare it is to find such synchrony and talent on the tackle front. For rivals and fans alike, the prowess of Johnson and Mailata presents an awe-inspiring spectacle and sets a benchmark of excellence in NFL offensive line play.
The Philadelphia offensive line's brilliant performances are more than just a cornerstone of their current success. They symbolize the perfect blend of individual talent, hard work, and tactical acumen that define championship-caliber teams. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these gridiron warriors to fuel the Eagles’ flight towards potential glory.