Philadelphia's Dynamic Duo: The Eagles' Stellar Tackles
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to command respect in the NFL under the astute leadership of head coach Nick Sirianni. At the forefront of this success is a formidable offensive line, anchored by two exceptional tackles whose performances have resonated throughout the league.
Nick Sirianni, now in his third season with the Eagles, has the luxury of coaching two of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles. Lane Johnson, at the seasoned age of 34, and Jordan Mailata, a 27-year-old phenom, both stand as pillars of strength and skill in Philadelphia’s front line. Their excellence has not gone unnoticed, not least by Sirianni himself, who has never shied away from singing their praises.
"He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni remarked of his star players, underscoring the impact they have on both the tactical and morale aspects of the team.
Mailata: A Rising Force
Jordan Mailata's journey to the NFL is nothing short of inspirational. Transitioning from a background devoid of football experience to becoming what Lane Johnson calls "the best left tackle in football," Mailata has defied expectations. His progression has been nothing less than meteoric, establishing himself as an elite force on the Eagles’ offensive line. Pro Football Focus ranks Mailata as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL, culminating in an impressive overall grade of 94.9. His prowess extends to every facet of his role; he ranks first in run blocking with a 94.2 grade and second in pass blocking at 91.5.
Evidence of Mailata's dominance is reflected in the detailed metrics of his gameplay. This season alone, he has allowed a mere single sack and only eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps, translating to a pressure rate per dropback of just 3.1%. Even amidst such competitive frameworks, Mailata still ranks tenth among all NFL offensive tackles in this statistic.
Lane Johnson’s admiration for Mailata is palpable. "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 stated, capturing the remarkable capabilities of his teammate.
Johnson and Mailata: An Unmatched Pair
Lane Johnson is no stranger to accolades himself. Known across the league as one of the most reliable tackles, he holds the title for the best pressure rate allowed per dropback at a scant 1.7%. This elite performance places him firmly amongst the NFL’s top echelons, helping to establish the Eagles as the only team with both tackles positioned within Pro Football Focus's top 10 list.
The symbiosis between Mailata and Johnson is a significant advantage for Philadelphia, allowing them to boast an offensive line that is both impenetrable and dynamic. Their presence has been a crucial factor in the Eagles' effectiveness on the field this season, contributing a solid foundation on which their offensive strategies are built.
When asked about Mailata’s potential stumbling blocks, Johnson humorously points out they might be limited to “a hamstring or a f---ing gun.” The jest not only highlights Mailata’s current physical prowess but also the confidence his teammates have in his continued ascendancy.
Eagles and Broncos: Leading the Charge
The Philadelphia Eagles are not alone in their dominance. The Denver Broncos also boast an offensive line with both tackles ranked among the elite, creating a Western counterpart to Philadelphia’s Eastern stronghold. This testament to both teams' scouting, coaching, and player development efforts demonstrates the importance of having top-tier tackles in a league defined by high-octane offenses and sophisticated defensive schemes.
As the Eagles push through the season, their offensive line remains a critical engine of their success. With players like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, they are well-equipped to tackle any challenge that comes their way, quite literally. Their continued performance is a credit to the team's recruitment and development strategies and offers their fans much to look forward to as the season progresses.