Philadelphia Eagles' Rising Stars: The Dominance of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata
The Philadelphia Eagles are soaring high, not just in victories but also in the impeccable performance of their offensive line. Under the masterful guidance of head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles have fortified their offensive line with two of the NFL's most formidable tackles: Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Sirianni's profound admiration for his linemen is telling, as he refers to Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," a bold yet justified proclamation considering Johnson's outstanding contribution to the Eagles' offensive prowess. At 34, Johnson remains a stalwart presence, showcasing a sophisticated approach to both pass protection and rush offense. Perhaps most impressive is Johnson's league-leading pressure rate allowed per dropback—a mere 1.7%—a testament to his impeccable skills and tenacity on the gridiron.
Across the line stands Jordan Mailata, the 27-year-old phenom who is rapidly carving a name for himself in professional football. Rated as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, Mailata's grade of 94.9 speaks volumes about his remarkable performance. His spectacular stats are not merely numbers on a page but indicators of his dominance: Mailata ranks first in run blocking with a score of 94.2 and second in pass blocking at 91.5.
The partnership of Mailata and Johnson forms a perfect dual-threat. While Johnson's efficiency keeps adversaries at bay, Mailata's presence amplifies the Eagles' offensive game. Much like Johnson, Mailata is adept at maintaining the line; in 260 pass-blocking snaps this season, he's allowed only one sack and eight pressures. With a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%, Mailata ranks tenth among all NFL offensive tackles—a formidable achievement for someone who only a few years ago had not played any organized football.
This ascent hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. Lane Johnson, in a candid reflection of Mailata's journey, 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." Johnson's words convey more than admiration; they reflect a deep understanding of the technical prowess and physical attributes Mailata brings to the field. Johnson elaborates on Mailata's capabilities, saying, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
Indeed, Mailata's rise is characterized by an unusual blend of agility and power. His athleticism defies the customary restrictions associated with players of his size. This isn't lost on Sirianni, who shares in the acclaim, noting, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." Such commendations from his coach underscore Mailata's critical role in the Eagles' strategy and success.
This formidable duo isn't just the pride of Philadelphia—they represent an elite class within the NFL. Along with the Denver Broncos, the Eagles are the only team boasting two top-graded tackles, making their offensive line a formidable barrier for any opponent. Mailata's only adversary, as jokingly noted by Johnson, may be "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," an acknowledgment of his extraordinary resilience and talent.
The synchronous excellence of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata positions the Philadelphia Eagles with a robust foundation to not only fend off opposing defenses but also to create opportunities for their offense. As Mailata continues to mature and Johnson maintains his elite performance, the Eagles are poised to maintain their offensive line as one of the league’s most formidable for years to come.