As the Philadelphia Eagles soar to unprecedented heights in the NFL, much of their success can be credited to the formidable duo manning their offensive line. Head coach Nick Sirianni is unabashed in his admiration for his top offensive linemen, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Their performances this season underscore their reputation as two of the most proficient tackles in modern football.
Masterful Edge Protection
In the world of professional football, where the margin for error is razor-thin, having linemen who can effectively protect the quarterback is invaluable. Sirianni speaks highly of his pair of tackles, often referring to Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world." It’s a bold statement, but one grounded in performance analytics.
Johnson, who is now 34, continues to dominate in his role, commanding the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an astoundingly low 1.7%. Pro Football Focus, a leading analytics company, supports this assessment, ranking Johnson among the elite tackles in the NFL. His ability to prevent pressure is unmatched, providing his quarterbacks the precious seconds they need to execute plays effectively.
The Rising Star
While Johnson's prowess is well acknowledged, his counterpart, Jordan Mailata, is rapidly making a name for himself. At 27 years old, Mailata’s journey from a non-football background to the upper echelons of NFL tackles is nothing short of remarkable. His current ranking as the highest-graded tackle in the league, with an impressive grade of 94.9, speaks volumes about his development and skill.
Mailata’s performance metrics are staggering. He ranks first in run blocking with a 94.2 grade and second in pass blocking at 91.5. Over the course of 260 pass-blocking snaps this season, he has conceded just one sack and a mere eight pressures, resulting in a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. This places him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, a position of prestige that can’t be overstated.
The Dynamic Duo
The Philadelphia Eagles have the distinct honor of being the only team with both their tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus, with only the Denver Broncos managing a similar feat. This dual excellence in their tackles provides the Eagles with an unparalleled offensive advantage.
Lane Johnson is generous with his praise for Mailata, saying, "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." This acknowledgment from a seasoned player underscores the gravity of Mailata's achievements.
A Shared Drive for Perfection
Both players are driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," Johnson states, marvelling at Mailata's versatility and agility—a rare combination for someone of his stature. Each game, they bring a blend of size, speed, and intelligence that consistently neutralizes the league's best defensive ends and pass rushers.
Nick Sirianni shares the sentiment, articulating, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." He notes Mailata’s growing stature in the league, adding, "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."
As the Eagles continue to cement their status as contenders, the rapport and performance of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata will be pivotal. Their dominance on the offensive line not only fortifies the team's tactical execution but also inspires others, setting a benchmark of excellence and commitment that resonates throughout the organization.