Philadelphia Eagles' Dominant Duo: A Closer Look at the League's Finest Tackles
As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to establish themselves as a formidable force in the NFL, much of their success can be attributed to their stellar offensive line, spearheaded by head coach Nick Sirianni. Under his leadership, the Eagles boast the league's top offensive tackles, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, each excelling in their respective roles and earning acclaim across the league.
Jordan Mailata, a towering figure at just 27 years old, is regarded as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, with an impressive overall grade of 94.9. His dominance in run blocking is unparalleled, earning a first-place ranking with a 94.2 grade. In pass blocking, he ranks second with a solid 91.5 grade. This season, Mailata's resilience and technique have allowed only one sack and eight pressures in a challenging 260 pass-blocking snaps. His pressure rate per dropback stands at a commendable 3.1%, placing him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles.
His teammate, veteran Lane Johnson, known as "the best tackle in the world" by Sirianni, continues to excel at 34 years of age. Johnson commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an astounding 1.7%. The synergy between Mailata and Johnson not only enhances Philadelphia's offensive strategies but also cements the Eagles as the only team with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. Remarkably, only the Denver Broncos share the distinction of having both their tackles ranked among the elite alongside Philadelphia.
Lane Johnson, never short on praise for his partner on the line, states, "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." His admiration extends beyond Mailata's physicality, celebrating his versatility: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
The journey of Jordan Mailata seems almost like a fairytale. From his early days without a football background to becoming a premier offensive tackle, his evolution is nothing short of spectacular. "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," Johnson further observes, speaking to Mailata's upward trajectory and ability to overcome obstacles. In a moment of light-hearted camaraderie, Johnson humorously reflects on Mailata's immense potential and grit, saying, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun."
For Coach Nick Sirianni, the successes of Mailata and Johnson are testament to the hard work and synergy within the Eagles' ranks. Acknowledging Mailata's contributions, Sirianni remarked, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." Under Sirianni's stewardship, the thoroughness and precision of the offensive line become a compass that guides Philadelphia's on-field performance.
This dynamic duo not only provides quarterback protection but also enhances the Eagles' run game, offering their offense tremendous versatility and efficiency. Their technical skill, paired with exceptional physical attributes, allows Philadelphia to stand out in a league brimming with elite defensive talent.
As the season progresses, all eyes remain on these imposing tackles. With their blend of skill, perseverance, and raw talent, Mailata and Johnson continue to redefine the standards of excellence on the line. For the Eagles, the road ahead is solidly paved by the reliability and prowess of their world-class tackles, ensuring that Philadelphia remains a formidable opponent for any team they face.