Understanding Eagles' Excellence: The Linemen of Philadelphia
Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, is not one to mince words when he speaks of his offensive linemen. His candid admiration reflects a deep respect for the talents anchoring his team’s offensive line. With the likes of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata leading the charge, the Eagles' line is a formidable force in the NFL. As of the current season, the Philadelphia Eagles stand as the only team with both their tackles rated within the top ten by Pro Football Focus, a testament to the strength and skill of these players.
Lane Johnson, a stalwart at 34 years old, garners attention not just for his experience but for his unparalleled skill set. Known to command the league’s best pressure rate allowed per dropback at an impressive 1.7%, Johnson's skills are not going unnoticed. His ability to maintain such a rate is a rare feat, putting him in an elite circle of NFL tackles. But it's not just the numbers that define Johnson; it's his overwhelming physicality and football intelligence that prompt accolades from teammates and analysts alike.
The emerge of Jordan Mailata as one of the league's finest has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 27, Mailata is at the peak of his game, earning the highest grade among NFL tackles from Pro Football Focus with a commendable 94.9. The accolades do not stop there. He leads in run-blocking with a 94.2 grade and follows closely in pass-blocking at 91.5. His journey from a background with no football experience to becoming what many deem as the best left tackle in the sport is unprecedented. Lane Johnson himself attests to his transformation, noting, "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."
Mailata’s on-field performance speaks volumes. Over 260 pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed only one sack and eight pressures. His pressure rate per dropback stands at 3.1%, ranking him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles in that category. Such numbers validate the high praise and reveal a lineman who can adapt and excel in the high-octane environment of the NFL. Mailata’s physical prowess is highlighted by Lane Johnson, who states: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all."
The synergy between Johnson and Mailata is evident on and off the field. With Nick Sirianni recognizing their value and impact, the linemen have a platform to continue their dominance. Sirianni emphasizes Mailata's versatility and power: "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." This recognition from the head coach underscores Mailata’s rising trajectory, echoing Johnson's sentiments of Mailata being "on his way" to elite status, having progressed meticulously over the years.
In the landscape of NFL teams, the Eagles are not alone in boasting an elite tackle pair. The Denver Broncos also share this distinction. However, it's the distinct personalities and path each of Philadelphia's tackles has traveled that make Johnson and Mailata exceptional in their own right.
The road for each lineman is accompanied by challenges and triumphs. As Johnson astutely puts it, for Mailata, “Hamstring or a f---ing gun" might be his only real threats, a playful nod to the Australian’s resilience and physical dominance.
The chemistry, talent, and strategic awareness embodied by the Eagles' offensive line offer a glimpse into why they are consistently ranked at the top. With Johnson and Mailata setting the standard, Philadelphia’s offensive front will continue to be a force to reckon with. Their efforts not only safeguard their quarterback but set a high bar for offensive linemen across the league.