Aussie NFL player Jordan Mailata has earned plenty of praise for his performance on the banged up Philadelphia Eagles offensive line, with one hit in particular raising eyebrows.
The Eagles have battled numerous injuries this season, especially on their offense. In Philadelphia's week six clash against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday morning (AEDT) they went down 30-28, but there were some positives to take from the loss - one being, Mailata.
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs junior has been an intriguing prospect since taking his unconventional road to the NFL, having never played a game of American football before he was drafted in 2018.
He's been biding his time at the Eagles though, and his patience overcoming injury setbacks while developing into a starter has finally paid off, with a string of injuries this year handing No.68 his NFL regular season debut and his first NFL start.
At 6-foot-8, 156kg, Mailata showed all his physical prowess against the Ravens. Coming in for veteran tackle Jason Peters who was injured in week four, the Aussie showed his hustle and awareness in an astounding play.
Normally Mailata's position means he just protects his quarterback by swatting, driving and out-maneuvering his opponent's defensive line, but that changed when Eagles' Carson Wentz fumbled in the first quarter after attempting to rush. As the Ravens collected the loose ball, Mailata needed to quickly switch from offense to defence and made a thumping tackle on Baltimore's Chuck Clark to dislodge the ball.
Though the Ravens still recovered the pigskin, Mailata's play at left tackle was a rare highlight on the day.
While Peters, 38, has been on injured reserve, Eagles coach Doug Pederson has backed the 23-year-old born in Bankstown to continue to deliver in the veteran's absence.
"In the case of Jordan Mailata, as long as he plays well, right now, in the near future, it's his job," Pederson said following the Sydneysider's efforts two weeks ago against the San Francisco 49ers.
In that game - his first start in the NFL - Mailata gave up zero sacks, did not let his quarterback cop any hits, and had just one hurry.
"At the same time, we understand that when JP (Jason Peters) is healthy, that's a decision that we are going to have to make at that particular time," Pederson added.
So it seems there's a coaching headache brewing for the Eagles. Against the league-leading Pittsburgh defence last week Mailata gave up his first sack, but the reviews from fans and Eagles pundits have been overwhelmingly positive.
https://twitter.com/ByADiBona/status/1315781797700083712https://twitter.com/EaglesXOs/status/1315778953232121858https://twitter.com/WooMan2025/status/1317966741310459905After the defeat to the Ravens, Eagles centre Jason Kelce said with all the injuries they've endured, Mailata has been a shining light.
"I have been honestly quite happy with a number of the guys who have come in and played. Some of these young guys have gone in and battled and have done a great job," Kelce said.
"Mailata, obviously everyone wants to talk about him. The big rugby player has gone out there and done a great job.
"We have gotten some guys who have answered the bell. For me, I just try and make sure I overstate communication during the week and try and help these guys so anything that could arise, they are ready for it and prepared for."
https://twitter.com/YungStunna05/status/1317948262431793152https://twitter.com/_BEN_11/status/1317942321904844800https://twitter.com/DrunkSixersFan/status/1317893684352946178https://twitter.com/theBrixtonSaint/status/1317932475826491392https://twitter.com/iAmDJ88/status/1317951837329412098https://twitter.com/PhillyFreck215/status/1317932389486780416https://twitter.com/_BEN_11/status/1317940248391962625The Eagles coach teased media after the Ravens game that some of their sidelined offensive linemen may be fit to return soon, which could see Mailata pushed out of a regular starting role.
But for now, he's made a very strong case to remain a feature on Sundays, and at just 23 he's an extremely valuable long-term asset for Philadelphia.
"I'm hopeful that a couple of these offensive line guys that have been hurt, that we can maybe get them back this week. But we've got to wait and see tomorrow and Tuesday, and put the pieces together," Pederson said.
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/news/nfl-jordan-mailata-tackle-philadelphia-eagles-baltimore-ravens/cde2c625-6225-432c-b8b0-c8a7030886d2
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