In the high-stakes world of professional football, elite performance on the offensive line often separates contenders from pretenders. At the forefront of this defensive barricade are the Philadelphia Eagles' standout tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, both of whom are regarded among the league's very best.
Two Titans of the Tackle Position
Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Eagles, is effusive in his praise of his offensive linemen. He regards Lane Johnson as "the best tackle in the world," a weighty statement considering the wealth of talent in the National Football League (NFL). Johnson, at 34 years old, commands the league’s most impressive pressure rate allowed per dropback, standing at a mere 1.7%. This defensive aptitude remains a vital ingredient in the Eagles' recipe for success.
Beside him, 27-year-old Jordan Mailata stands as a linchpin in the Eagles' frontline. Lauded as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, with an astounding rating of 94.9, Mailata's prowess is plainly evident. Mailata excels in both run blocking and pass blocking, possessing grades of 94.2 and 91.5, respectively, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
A Journey of Remarkable Evolution
Lane Johnson, who has played a significant role in Mailata's development, describes his teammate's journey from a novice to a star with a tone that borders on awe. "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," Johnson reflects, a resounding endorsement from a seasoned veteran.
Mailata's growth is not a mirage, as his statistics this season bear testament. To date, he has allowed merely one sack and eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps, translating to a pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. This mark places him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, a significant achievement in a league known for its ferocious pass rushers.
Shared Excellence in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Eagles stand in rare company as the only team with both starting tackles rated in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. The Denver Broncos share this accolade, underscoring the importance of cohesive and reliable offensive lines in achieving team ambitions.
Coach Sirianni and the Eagles' management have crafted a potent mix with their current roster, a sentiment echoed by Johnson, who admires the unusual agility and capability displayed by Mailata: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Such versatility and power are rare finds, marking Mailata as a cornerstone of the Eagles' future ambitions.
Elite Potential Recognized
"He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni acknowledges, reinforcing Mailata's credentials as an elite player. Yet it is Johnson who perhaps sums up Mailata's trajectory most succinctly: "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."
This pairing, of youth and experience, skill and power, positions the Eagles on a formidable path. While Lane Johnson continues to exemplify consistent excellence, it's Jordan Mailata’s electrifying ascent that captivates, painting a tantalizing picture of the Eagles' potential on the gridiron. With superior defensive wall enforcement, Philadelphia's offense is positioned to thrive, emboldened by the unmatched proficiency of its standout tackles.