The Dominance of Philadelphia's Offensive Line: Sirianni and Johnson Weigh In
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has never been shy about acknowledging the talents within his team, and his admiration for his offensive line is as high as ever. Overshadowing much of the gridiron discussion is Philadelphia’s impenetrable tackle duo—Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Both players are not only cornerstones of the Eagles' offensive strategy but are also at the pinnacle of their individual prowess, setting benchmarks that resonate throughout the NFL.
For Jordan Mailata, the path to being dubbed as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus is quite a journey. At 27, Mailata’s rise in football is one that seems almost scripted out of a rags-to-riches story. With a staggering grade of 94.9, he commands respect and admiration across the league. No left tackle compares in today’s game, particularly when it comes to his run-blocking and pass-blocking capabilities with corresponding grades of 94.2 and 91.5.
Lane Johnson, his counterpart, echoes this sentiment, stating, "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." These words capture the awe and respect Mailata garners from teammates and opponents alike. His ability to allow only one sack and eight pressures across 260 pass-blocking snaps is a testament to his skill and dedication.
A Stellar Tandem with Unprecedented Talent
At a time when the Eagles’ offensive strategy is more dynamic than ever, having two tackles of this caliber is critical. While Mailata handles one side with youthful vigor, the experienced Johnson, at 34, enforces the other. Johnson's performance is solidified by allowing a league-best pressure rate of just 1.7% per dropback. Having an offensive line where both tackles rank within the top ten by Pro Football Focus is an advantage that the Philadelphia Eagles are using to its fullest potential.
Johnson’s words further capture Mailata's brilliance: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Johnson's own extraordinary ability magnifies the rarity of having two top-tier tackles effectively stifling the opposing defense. Together, Mailata and Johnson form a line that is both physical and cerebral, efficiently executing plays that others may find challenging.
The Vision of Nick Sirianni
Nick Sirianni has emphasized not just their physical presence but their growing football intelligence as well. Of Mailata, he notes, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." That power isn't solely motored by physical prowess but supported by an understanding and progression in the game that has been fostered through consistent coaching and personal development.
"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 adds, in a statement that reaffirms Mailata's steady ascent in the league. However, Lane humorously hints at Mailata’s indomitable strength, admitting that the only obstacles that could hinder him are "Hamstring or a f---ing gun."
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles are currently the sole team featuring both tackles ranked among the top by Pro Football Focus, a remarkable achievement shared only by the Denver Broncos. This accomplishment highlights the exceptional talent within their squad. Sirianni's pride and Johnson’s praise underscore a pivotal aspect of the Eagles’ gameplay that is built on reliability and excellence.
As the NFL season progresses, the dynamic duo of Mailata and Johnson continue to be indispensable assets to the Eagles’ aspirations. Their collaborative efforts not only uphold the Eagles’ offensive line but also carve paths for running plays and provide a haven for the quarterback under pressure. In essence, their combined prowess is not just an asset for Philadelphia; it’s setting a benchmark for what NFL teams aspire to achieve on their offensive lines.