Nick Sirianni, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has never been one to shy away from recognizing the talent and hard work of his players. Under his watch, the Eagles' offensive line has flourished, with particular attention given to tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Each has consistently proven his mettle on the field, gaining accolades not just from their coach but from the wider football community as well.
The Rise of Jordan Mailata
Mailata, at just 27 years old, has carved out a formidable reputation in the NFL. Initially coming into the league with limited experience, his growth has been nothing short of spectacular. This season, he is heralded as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, achieving an impressive overall grade of 94.9. His capabilities in both run blocking and pass blocking are second to none, with Mailata ranking first with a run blocking grade of 94.2 and second in pass blocking at 91.5.
Lane Johnson, Mailata’s fellow tackle and staunch advocate, recognizes his extraordinary progress. Johnson effusively praises Mailata, saying, "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."
Stable Defense, Elusive as Ever
In his 260 pass-blocking snaps this season, Mailata has allowed a mere one sack and eight pressures. His pressure rate per dropback stands at a commendable 3.1%, placing him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles. Sirianni, who has witnessed Mailata’s evolution first-hand, acknowledges his impact on the field. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni remarks, emphasizing the intrinsic value Mailata brings to the team. Mailata's progression from a novice to an elite athlete is something Johnson has seen and appreciated. "He's on his way and he knows it. We've all known it. We've seen him progress over the years," Johnson shared, noting that Mailata has become a premier player in the league.
Lane Johnson: The Maestro of the Eagles’ Defense
Lane Johnson, at 34 years old, commands respect and admiration not only for his longevity but for his continued elite performance on the field. His remarkable pressure rate of 1.7% per dropback is the best in the league, a testament to his exceptional defensive skills and strategic acumen. Johnson’s effectiveness is integral to the Eagles' success, forming one half of a dynamic duo that opponents are learning to fear.
Johnson’s appraisal of Mailata's abilities comes as high praise, given his own outstanding track record. Known for both his wisdom and skill set, Johnson is uniquely positioned to assess the burgeoning talent alongside him. He quips with admiration about Mailata, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Even with the challenges that come his way, Johnson remains confident in Mailata's ability to overcome them, humorously noting, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun."
The Unyielding Fortress of the Eagles’ Line
The Philadelphia Eagles manifest excellence with both their starting tackles graded among the top ten by Pro Football Focus. This is a distinction shared only with the Denver Broncos, highlighting the rarity and skill present within the Eagles' ranks. Although defenses across the league train their sights on weakening this fortress, Mailata and Johnson continue to anchor the line unfalteringly.
With Sirianni at the helm, the Eagles' offensive line is more than just a unit; it's a strategic weapon. The collaboration and mutual respect among players like Mailata and Johnson set a high standard for the league, demonstrating that success comes from both talent and teamwork. As the season progresses, one can only anticipate further accomplishments and acknowledgments for these linemen who continually redefine the benchmarks of excellence on the field.