Philadelphia Eagles' Offensive Line: The Rise of Jordan Mailata and The Consistency of Lane Johnson
Nick Sirianni, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has not held back in expressing his admiration for his top offensive linemen. When it comes to his tackles, Sirianni refers to Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world." However, the buzz lately surrounds another lineman, Jordan Mailata, whose remarkable progression is redefining what it means to excel at his position.
A Journey from Rugby to American Football Stardom
Jordan Mailata's transition from rugby to the NFL offensive line is a narrative worthy of legend. At 27, he has rapidly advanced to become the highest-graded tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, boasting an impressive grade of 94.9. Mailata's prowess extends to both run and pass blocking, where he ranks first and second with grades of 94.2 and 91.5, respectively. His evolution into a top-tier left tackle has set the stage for what many believe to be an inevitable ascent to All-Pro status.
Lane Johnson, Mailata's teammate and the seasoned pillar of the Eagles' offensive line, is vocal about Mailata's exceptional skills. "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," he praises.
Statistics Fueling the Hype
The numbers speak volumes. This season, Mailata has allowed only one sack and eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps. His pressure rate per dropback stands at 3.1%, marking him as a top performer across the league—it ranks him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles. In a conversation brimming with superlatives, Johnson further emphasizes the uniqueness of Mailata's abilities, exclaiming, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
These statistics highlight the formidable tandem of Mailata and Lane Johnson on the Eagles' offensive line. Johnson himself commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at 1.7%, underscoring the Eagles as the only team with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus.
The Mentor and the Protégé
Despite being 34 years old, Lane Johnson continues to exhibit a standard of consistency which even Sirianni lauds. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni notes, recognizing Johnson's enduring influence both on and off the field. His experience and ongoing mentorship have allowed Mailata to thrive in an environment that promotes growth—highlighting the veteran's impact beyond physical play.
Mailata's journey to becoming an All-Pro candidate is not only a testament to his skill but also to the relentless support and coaching he has received. Lane Johnson's words resonate powerfully when he mentions, "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."
An Unbreakable Line
The Eagles currently stand unique in the NFL hierarchy, with both their tackles ranked among the elite, an achievement matched only by the Denver Broncos. This duo’s dominance is accentuated not only by statistics but by an unmistakable synergy that has equipped the Eagles to challenge even the most formidable defenses.
Mailata’s ability to blend agility with power, alongside Johnson’s experience and unmatched skill at nullifying edge threats, creates an unyielding line that physically defines the Eagles' offensive strategies. As Mailata prepares to unleash what might be his best season yet, he carries both optimism and expectation, fueled by the understanding that significant recognition—such as an All-Pro nod—might soon accompany his burgeoning legend.
In the world of NFL tackles, where size and strength reign supreme, Jordan Mailata stands out as a colossus on the field—drawing admiration not just for his physical presence but for the journey that has led him to his current stature. Lane Johnson aptly captures this sentiment with a mixture of pride and humor, noting that the only thing that could thwart Mailata may well be a "hamstring or a f---ing gun." Indeed, for Eagles fans and NFL observers alike, this is just the beginning for both Mailata and a redefined Eagles offensive line.