Inside the Locker Room: The Eagles' Offensive Line Excellence
Nick Sirianni, the authoritative head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, doesn't mince words when it comes to the caliber of his top offensive linemen, particularly Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. In the echelon of football's elite, these two tackles have carved out a reputation that has not only impressed their teammates and coaches but also the league's most discerning analysts.
Sirianni's admiration for his players is unmistakable. He hails Lane Johnson with high praise, dubbing him "the best tackle in the world." Johnson, standing tall at 34 years old, has become a mainstay in Philadelphia's offensive fortitude. His prowess is not just subjective acclaim; it’s validated by his remarkable league-leading pressure rate allowed per dropback at 1.7%, making him an indispensable protector and key to the Eagles' offensive consistency.
On the other side stands Jordan Mailata, a 27-year-old who has taken the NFL by storm. Mailata holds the proud title of the highest-graded tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, boasting an impressive grade of 94.9. His ascension from a budding talent to one of the league's premier tackles is a testament to his hard work and the Eagles' strategic patience and development regime.
The numbers behind Mailata's performance paint a picture of dominance. He ranks first in run blocking with a grade of 94.2 and second in pass blocking at 91.5. This season, Mailata's defensive solidity has been nearly impenetrable, allowing only one sack and eight pressures across 260 pass-blocking snaps. His pressure rate per dropback stands at a commendable 3.1%, positioning him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles.
Echoing similar sentiments of awe for Mailata, Lane Johnson 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 and pass pro, first time anybody that size that can move the way it does." The physicality and agility that Mailata brings to the field are rare for someone of his size—a fact not lost on Johnson, who added, "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
Nick Sirianni also sees the exceptional growth trajectory in Mailata, recognizing his power and skill set that has elevated him into the upper echelon of football talent. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni commented, acknowledging the dynamic impact Mailata has in defining their offensive strategies.
The significance of having both Johnson and Mailata cannot be understated. Their elite performances place the Eagles in a unique position within the league. Philadelphia is the only team to possess both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, a distinction that not only underscores individual excellence but also collective strength on the front line.
Looking beyond their own locker room, Johnson recognizes Mailata's trajectory towards attaining hallmarks of greatness, noting, "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."
These accolades aren't merely idle locker room banter. The Eagles' victories and maneuvers on the field backed by statistical milestones reinforce the assertions made by Sirianni and Johnson. While challenges await every NFL team, the foundation laid by these formidable tackles gives the Philadelphia Eagles a competitive edge, propelling them as formidable contenders in the league's challenging landscape.
Only the Denver Broncos can claim a pair of elite tackle rankings alongside the Eagles, underscoring the rarity of such comprehensive talent in the position. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains intensely focused on Philadelphia's offensive line, with both fans and analysts alike eager to witness how these linchpins continue to hold their ground. As Lane Johnson so aptly put it, whether facing a "hamstring or a f---ing gun," the strength of the Eagles' offensive line remains unparalleled.