Nick Sirianni's Trust in Eagles' Offensive Line is Justified
The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high, not only with an admirable start to their season but also due to a formidable offensive line that commands attention and admiration across the NFL. With Nick Sirianni at the helm as head coach, the Eagles have not only soared but have cemented their status as a team built on strength, precision, and resilience, much of which is attributed to their exceptional tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Sirianni has not shied away from expressing his admiration for his linemen, a sentiment that resonates throughout the Eagles' locker room. Lane Johnson, a veteran presence at 34, continues to define excellence in pass protection. "The best tackle in the world" is how Sirianni describes Johnson, a compliment that squares with the numbers. Johnson's pressure rate allowed per dropback stands at an astonishing 1.7%, the best in the league. It's a testament to his world-class ability to neutralize the fiercest of pass rushers.
Meanwhile, Jordan Mailata, at just 27, is proving to be the revelation of the season. The Australian, who once had no American football experience, is now celebrated as the highest-graded tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus with an impressive grade of 94.9. His remarkable journey from a rugby field to the gridiron is as inspiring as his performance is dominant. Mailata leads the league in run blocking with a grade of 94.2 and ranks second in pass blocking, boasting a grade of 91.5. This season alone, Mailata has allowed only one sack and a mere eight pressures in 260 pass-blocking snaps. His pressure rate per dropback of 3.1% ranks a commendable tenth among all NFL offensive tackles.
Lane Johnson, a linemate and a vocal supporter of Mailata, paints a vivid picture of Mailata's unparalleled abilities. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," Johnson remarked, underlining Mailata's meteoric rise. "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." Such praise speaks volumes, especially coming from someone who shares the trenches week in and week out.
Johnson continues to expound on Mailata's prowess by highlighting his agility. "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all," he adds, offering a nod to Mailata's unique blend of size and speed. Johnson goes further, saying, "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." It's clear that within the Eagles' camp, there's a deep-rooted belief in Mailata's potential to maintain his upward trajectory.
Such a potent combination of tackles is a rare find in the NFL today, with the Eagles and the Denver Broncos being the only teams who can claim both their tackles are ranked among the elites. The Eagles' dominance in this area not only provides Jalen Hurts with much-needed protection but also offers a stable platform for their potent offensive strategies.
Sirianni, with his blunt yet passionate style, sums up the profound impact of his linemen, especially in the run game. "He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni says of Mailata, recognizing his dual-threat capability.
As the Eagles continue their campaign, they do so with a resounding vote of confidence in their offensive line. Lane Johnson may have whimsically suggested that only a "hamstring or a f---ing gun" could halt Mailata, but the message is clear. The Eagles are built to protect and attack with skill and ferocity. With Mailata and Johnson leading the charge, Nick Sirianni’s admiration is well-placed, underpinning the team’s aspirations for success this season.