Philadelphia Eagles' Dominant Bookends: The Elite Journey of Johnson and Mailata
In the world of the National Football League, where offensive linemen often work in the shadows, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni shines a spotlight on his imposing duo: Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Both towering figures have become indispensable assets in the Eagles' offensive machine, earning accolades not only from their coach but from the league's evaluators as well.
The Eagles have the unique distinction of having both their offensive tackles—Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata—ranked among the top ten by Pro Football Focus. This combination of skill and performance is shared only by the Denver Broncos, making Philadelphia's tackle tandem a rare gem in the NFL. Sirianni did not hesitate to label Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," a testament to the guard's dominant presence on the field.
Nick Sirianni's admiration doesn't end there; he's equally impressed by Jordan Mailata’s meteoric rise in the NFL cosmos. Mailata, the 27-year-old powerhouse, has earned the highest grade among tackles with an astounding rating of 94.9 from Pro Football Focus. His prowess is evident in his first-place ranking in run blocking with a score of 94.2 and a close second in pass blocking at 91.5.
"He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," said Sirianni of Mailata, encapsulating his effectiveness with simplicity and accuracy. The numbers certainly echo the sentiment. Mailata has given up only one sack and eight pressures across 260 pass-blocking snaps, boasting a commendable 3.1% pressure rate per dropback, placing him tenth among all NFL tackles in this metric.
On the other side of the line, at age 34, Lane Johnson commands the league's best pressure rate allowed per dropback at a mere 1.7%. His ability to stymie defensive efforts is unparalleled, earning him the admiration of both peers and analysts. Johnson himself has expressed nothing but high praise for his younger counterpart, recognizing Mailata's unique athletic ability.
"From coming from where he was, not playing any football to [being] 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," Johnson said. His words highlight not only Mailata's physical gifts but also his growth from a rugby player to one of the NFL's premier tackles.
Mailata's rare combination of size and agility has captured the attention and imagination of those in the league. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," Johnson added, underscoring the exceptional nature of Mailata's athletic prowess.
Johnson further remarked on Mailata's potential, stating, "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." Such endorsements from within the team highlight the growing confidence and recognition of Mailata's role as a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line.
Despite the praise, the journey is not without its challenges. In a colorful expression, Johnson quipped about what might hinder Mailata's path: "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," illustrating the physicality and toughness required to excel at the highest levels of professional football.
Ultimately, the Eagles have built a fortress with their formidable pair of tackles, setting a standard for excellence in the league. With Johnson and Mailata anchoring the line, the Philadelphia Eagles can look forward to maintaining dominance in protecting their quarterback and opening lanes for their rushing attack, a true testament to their hard-earned status at the pinnacle of NFL offensive linemen.