Sirianni's Trust in Eagles' Tackles Builds Unbeatable Front Line
Nick Sirianni, the head coach responsible for transforming the Philadelphia Eagles into a formidable force on the gridiron, has no shortage of admiration for his offensive line, particularly for his elite tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. In a league where such positions are often unsung heroes, Sirianni's acknowledgment places them in a brighter spotlight.
"He's playing really good football. Yeah, he is powerful in the run game," Sirianni stated, highlighting Mailata's exceptional abilities. And no wonder—Mailata, at just 27 years of age, is rapidly ascending the heights of the NFL, heralded a star by both his coach and teammates. According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata boasts a staggering grade of 94.9, making him the highest-graded tackle in the league. His performance in both run blocking and pass blocking is equally impressive, standing first with a 94.2 grade in the former and second with a 91.5 in the latter.
But it isn't just the statistics that paint Mailata as an exceptional talent. Lane Johnson, himself described by Sirianni as "the best tackle in the world," has offered unequivocal praise for his counterpart. "From coming from where he was, not playing any football to the best left tackle in football I think," Johnson shared, gesturing to Mailata's unconventional path from a background in Rugby League to NFL exceptionalism.
Johnson continued to laud Mailata: "Usually you have guys 370, 365, they can't move. He can do it all." This is no small accolade coming from a figure like Johnson, whose own domination on the field is exemplified by a league-best pressure rate per dropback at 1.7%. At 34, Johnson remains unparalleled in this realm, reinforcing the Eagles' offensive line strength. Together, Mailata and Johnson create a powerful barrier for any opposition, so much so that the Eagles are the solitary team with both tackles placed in the top 10 by Pro Football Focus.
Mailata's journey and present success speak to an elite-level drive and skillset. This season, he has allowed just one sack and eight pressures throughout 260 pass-blocking snaps, with a minimal pressure rate per dropback of 3.1%. Such metrics make him rank tenth among all NFL offensive tackles, solidifying his status in the upper echelons of the sport.
This duo's performance has not gone unnoticed by their teammates. Johnson encapsulated the shared sentiment towards Mailata's rise: "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." These words provide insight not only into Mailata's growing prowess but also into the culture within the Eagles' locker room, where mutual respect and upliftment propel them forward.
The Denver Broncos stand as the only other team with both tackles ranked among the elite. This fact further underscores the rarity and value of what the Eagles have accomplished with Johnson and Mailata. With such formidable tackles upholding the line, the offensive capabilities of the Eagles are always on sure footing, allowing for strategic flexibility and maximizing the potential of their playmakers.
As the Eagles advance through the season, the assured presence and exemplary performance of their tackles form the backbone of their success. The mutual respect and camaraderie between Johnson and Mailata embody the spirit of a unit that not only protects but also propels this franchise toward continued achievement.
The Eagles’ faith in strengthening their line with two of the top tackles in the league reflects a broader strategy that integrates skill, intelligence, and above all, trust in each player's unique qualities. For Nick Sirianni, the protection provided by Johnson and Mailata isn't just about game-day statistics but a cornerstone for the continued quest for football glory on the Philadelphia stage.