Eagles offensive line remains No. 1 in PFF’s rankings after Week 1
Although the Eagles offensive line has received some slack from the fanbase this week following an up-and-down showing in Week 1, Pro Football Focus is still confident in the hogs up front for Philly.
In the outlet’s most recent offensive line rankings following opening weekend, the Eagles’ line remained in the top slot.
PFF’s explanation on why the Eagles’ line remains No. 1:
“The Eagles have an outstanding offensive line with little in the way of weakness across the board. That includes a pair of excellent tackles who combined for two pressures surrendered against the Lions, and the interior trio is strong. Their line really doesn’t have any weak links.
Forced to choose the weakest of a strong group, Landon Dickerson has the smallest track record of quality play but still earned a 78.8 PFF pass-blocking grade against the Lions on 44 passing plays. Minnesota’s defensive line will have a tough task attacking this unit in Week 2.”
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Though PFF points to Landon Dickerson as the weakest link along the Birds’ line, left tackle Jordan Mailata actually posted the worst PFF offensive grade among the Eagles lineman in Week 1. He finished Sunday’s contest with a 59.8 mark, ranking Mailata 47th out of 64 qualifying tackles from opening weekend.
Only one lineman finished inside the top-10 at their respective position in PFF’s grading system this week, center Jason Kelce. He posted an overall grade of 73.4, third-best among 33 qualifying centers.
Despite the line’s pedigree, none of the Eagles lineman aside from Kelce ranked higher than 34th at their position in Week 1, according to PFF.
Here’s a look at where each of the starters ranked among their position group:
- LT Jordan Mailata (47th out of 64 tackles)
- LG Landon Dickerson (35th out of 68 guards)
- C Jason Kelce (3rd out of 33 centers)
- RG Isaac Seumalo (35th out of 68 guards)
- RT Lane Johnson (34th out of 64 tackles)
As a unit, the Eagles line finished Week 1 with a 76.1 pass blocking grade (4th) and a run blocking grade of 59.8 (T-21st).
The eye test from Sunday’s game would lead you to believe those grades should be flipped, as the Eagles’ running game amassed 216 yards on 39 attempt (5.5 YPC). It was the third-highest rushing total of any team in Week 1 and the seventh-highest YPC average.
Philly’s rushing attack also posted a whopping 18.33 EPA (expected points added by rushing offense), nearly eight points higher than the next best team.
Although the line only surrendered one sack against Detroit, it was evident that they were struggling to keep up with what Detroit’s defensive line was throwing at them, despite PFF’s assessment.
Brian Baldinger’s film breakdown from Sunday’s matchup illustrates that.
Regardless of how well the Eagles line performed in Week 1, it was just Week 1 after all.
PFF is still correct when they say Philly has the best offensive line in football. Jason Kelce and Co. will continue to prove that sentiment throughout the 2022 season.
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Eagles are now betting favorites to win NFC East after Week 1
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
