The Dominance of Philadelphia’s Offensive Line: Nick Sirianni Praises Eagles Tackles
In the realm of the National Football League, few teams can boast an offensive line as formidable as the Philadelphia Eagles. At the helm of this juggernaut is head coach Nick Sirianni, whose admiration for his top offensive linemen, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, has never been more apparent. With the Eagles' tackles setting the benchmark in numerous performance metrics, their formidable presence is a key contributor to Philadelphia's prowess on the field.
Sirianni, while reflecting on the contributions of his linemen, recently expressed particular admiration for Lane Johnson, whom he lauds as "the best tackle in the world." But it is not only Johnson who is drawing accolades; his counterpart, Jordan Mailata, at a spry 27 years of age, is commanding attention across the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata is now considered the highest-graded tackle in the NFL with an astounding grade of 94.9.
The statistics speak volumes about Mailata’s performance this season. He ranks first in run blocking with an impressive grade of 94.2 and holds second place in pass blocking at 91.5. Over 260 pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed just one sack, yielding a mere eight pressures. This level of performance has placed him tenth among all NFL offensive tackles in pressure rate per dropback, at 3.1%.
On the other side, Lane Johnson remains a paragon of durability and efficiency. At 34 years old, Johnson commands the best pressure rate allowed per dropback in the league, a stellar 1.7%. This exceptional partnership between Mailata and Johnson makes the Eagles the only team with both their tackles graded in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus. Sirianni’s confidence in his line is echoed by Johnson’s own words: "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 high praise from a seasoned veteran like Johnson speaks to Mailata’s meteoric rise in a league where often only results matter. Johnson goes on to describe Mailata’s versatility: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." Such accolades illustrate the awe-inspiring physicality and technical skills Mailata brings to each snap.
Sirianni, reflecting on Mailata’s progression, asserts: "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game." For both Mailata and his teammates, such acknowledgment is a testament to their hard work and a herald of potential future success. In Johnson’s words, Mailata is "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."
Not to stand in the way of excellence come a few quips and candid asides. In a moment of humor, Johnson remarks wryly, "Hamstring or a f---ing gun," hinting at the only things that might derail Mailata’s path to greatness. This mix of jocularity and respect within the Eagles' locker room further reflects the camaraderie and spirit that power this team forward.
Though the individual accolades are meaningful, it is the collective effort that defines Philadelphia's front line. Alongside the Eagles, the Denver Broncos are the only other team with the distinction of having both tackles ranked among the league’s elite. Yet, with coaches and players alike lauding Philadelphia's unit, the Eagles' line remains a pivotal factor in their relentless march toward success.
As the football season unfolds, all eyes remain on the tenacious pair guarding Philadelphia’s offense. With Sirianni at the helm and stalwarts like Johnson and Mailata setting the pace, the Eagles stand as a testament to the synergy and excellence that define the upper echelons of professional football.