Controlling the trenches: Eagles O-Line notes Week 15

Every week this Philadelphia Eagles offensive line proves they are the most dominant front five in the NFL. Without their left guard, and facing an elite rushing defense, the Eagles still managed to rush for over 230 yards, continuing their historic season. Jeff Stoutland has done a tremendous job coaching up this line, controlling the trenches no matter who is in the game.

I know Jason Kelce ain’t faster than Miles Sanders in a foot race. 😭 pic.twitter.com/QQBXZPgLdE

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) December 22, 2021

Sua Opeta struggled during the first few drives, but finished out last night well. When all was said and done, he posted a run-blocking grade of 88.4. Despite the great showing, Opera was still just the third-best run blocker on his team this week, trailing Lane Jonhson and Jordan Mailata.

Eagles Offensive Line Grades per PFF:

• Lane Jonhson: 91.1 (69.9 pass blocking)
• Jordan Mailata: 90.8 (84.9 pass blocking)
• Sua Opeta: 85 (64.9 pass blocking)
• Nate Herbig: 77.2 (70.4 pass blocking)
• Jason Kelce: 69.2 (77.3 pass blocking)

While they did great on the ground, yesterday was one of the Eagles’ worst games in pass protection. Jalen Hurts was sacked three times and pressured ten. Mailata, Herbig, and Opeta each allowed one sack. Seven of Washington’s ten pressures were allowed by Opeta and Herbig. This statistic isn’t too surprising, with Opeta being thrown in against Jonathan Allen, so it’s not the worst thing to occur yesterday.

To be fair, Jordan Mailata only started playing football in 2018, but unfortunately you can't block a defender by bear-hugging them. https://t.co/8dlIoFStsm

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 22, 2021

One notable issue was Mailata’s holding penalty on fourth down that killed the Eagles’ drive. He bear-hugged a defender downfield when Jordan Howard was running out of bounds. The call wasn’t necessary as neither player was ever close to Howard when he ran out, but it was a blatantly obvious hold regardless. 

Philadelphia did just fine against the Giants the last time they played, and this Sunday shouldn’t be any different. The only change might be Landon Dickerson remaining out, but Opeta should be able to hold his own for another week.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated