Despite the loss of future hall of famer Jason Kelce, the Eagles’ offensive line is as good as ever. They have been fantastic in pass protection, but even better at creating holes for Saquon Barkley. While Saquon is getting the praise he deserves, the offensive line is also playing a part in his massive production. After playing behind bad offensive lines for years with the Giants, Saquon is well aware of this. After his 255-yard rushing game against the Rams, he shouted out the offensive line.
The Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line Is Dominating
Helping Saquon
Saquon Barkley and the Eagles offensive line has elevated each other. Both were excellent before his arrival, but are playing even better now. The Eagles’ offensive line has given Saquon running lanes he has never seen before. Barkley leads the NFL in yards before contact by over 100 yards. This is due to a combination of the Eagles’ elite offensive line, and Barkley’s breakaway speed. However, the combination of Barkley and the mobility of Jalen Hurts makes life easier for the offensive line as well. This symbiotic relationship has been the core of the offensive success.
Another reason for the line’s success is its sheer size. Even by NFL offensive line standards, they are massive. Jordan Mailata and Mekhi Becton are both over 360 pounds. The only starter under 325 pounds is center Cam Jurgens, who makes up for it with elite quickness. These behemoths are a brick wall in pass protection and road graders in the run game. General manager Howie Roseman loves building teams through the trenches, and we are seeing why. In an era where so many teams have questions across the offensive line, the Eagles have had consistently elite units year after year. After running behind bad offensive lines his whole career, Saquon Barkley must be a happy man right now.
Stoutland University
When Jordan Mailata did his introduction on Sunday Night Football, he said he went to Stoutland University. This shoutout to the Eagles’ offensive line coach was more than appropriate. When the Australian was drafted in the 7th round in 2018, he had never played football before. He was a rugby player who the Eagles thought had ideal size and athleticism. Stoutland has taken that ball of clay and turned him into one of the best left tackles in football. At 6’8 365 pounds, Mailata has the power you would expect but is also shockingly light on his feet. Stoutland took the physically gifted Australian and gave him the technical skills to become an elite tackle. This season, Mailata is the highest-graded tackle in the NFL per PFF.
Another success story has been Mekhi Becton. Like Mailata, Becton is massive, at 6’7 363 pounds. Becton was the 11th pick in the 2020 draft but was a bust for the Jets. Unlike Mailata, Becton was not quick enough to play left tackle. He was also plagued by injuries in New York. However, Howie Roseman still saw the talent and sent him to Stoutland University. The Eagles made him a guard, where his lack of quickness is not as big of an issue. Becton can now use his size to bully people, especially in the run game. Stoutland also rebuilt his confidence, which has been critical.
Moving Forward
As the weather gets colder, and we move closer to the playoffs, the trenches become even more important. The Eagles can dominate the trenches. Unlike previous years, they also have an elite running back who can maximize the opportunities given by the offensive line. With elite talent and an even better developmental pipeline, the Eagles consistently have good offensive lines in an era where most of the league struggles to even have competence on the line.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
