Philadelphia Eagles' Dominant Duo: Johnson and Mailata
In the dynamic world of the NFL, where every play can swing the fortunes of a franchise, the Philadelphia Eagles have quietly established a formidable presence on the offensive line. Head Coach Nick Sirianni, at the helm of the Eagles, is not shy about expressing his admiration for his linemen, particularly the standout performers at tackle, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Nick Sirianni has often praised Lane Johnson, a seasoned 34-year-old known for his remarkable efficiency in pass protection. Johnson’s command of the game is best illustrated by his league-leading pressure rate allowed per dropback, a minuscule 1.7%. It is no wonder that Sirianni refers to him as "the best tackle in the world." The Eagles' reliance on Johnson's prowess cannot be overstated, and his continued excellence anchors the offensive line, offering crucial protection for the team’s offensive endeavors.
However, the emergence of Jordan Mailata adds another layer of excellence to the Eagles’ lineup. At just 27 years old, Mailata's journey from rugby league in Australia to being regarded as the NFL's highest-graded tackle is a feat in itself. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," Lane Johnson noted, capturing the essence of Mailata's exceptional transformation. Mailata's grading by Pro Football Focus showcases his dominance on the field: a formidable overall grade of 94.9, ranking first in run blocking (94.2) and second in pass blocking (91.5).
While praise flows from Sirianni and teammates, Mailata's performance metrics speak volumes. In 260 pass-blocking snaps this season, Mailata has allowed only one sack and eight pressures, translating to a pressure rate per dropback of just 3.1%. This places him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, cementing his status as a key player on the Eagles’ roster.
Yet, it isn’t merely statistics that define the prowess of Johnson and Mailata. Their synergy on the field is part of what sets the Eagles apart as the only team with both tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," Johnson adds, highlighting Mailata's rare athleticism for someone his size. This potent combination of agility and strength is vital in both the run and pass game performances.
The respect earned by Mailata and Johnson extends across the league. The Eagles, alongside the Denver Broncos, are distinguished by having both their tackles ranked among the NFL elite. This distinction is a testament to the formidable pair's influence and consistency, enabling the Eagles to maintain robust offensive strategies.
To Lane Johnson, his line mate’s growth has been a remarkable journey, declaring, "We've seen him progress over the years. But yeah, he's, he's premier, he's elite." Such endorsements are echoed by Coach Sirianni, who acknowledged Mailata’s contributions, stating, "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game."
As the Eagles advance through the season, the partnership of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata stands as a cornerstone of their team’s success. Both players exemplify dedication, skill, and teamwork, ensuring that the Eagles remain competitive. Importantly, their stories resonate beyond the statistics, highlighting the elements of grit and growth that fans and aspiring players admire across the NFL.