During the second day of Eagles-Browns joint practices at the NovaCare Complex, Jordan Mailata found himself in a rare rough patch trying to block one of the game’s all-time greats, Miles Garrett. The moment was a reminder that even the league’s best can be tested by elite talent. Mailata described the constant back-and-forth as a push-and-pull of results, noting that you fight to the next rep and try to “do your job and fix it up later.”
Garrett, a likely Hall of Famer, disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm so much that, mid-practice, the Eagles shifted away from moving the ball downfield and spent more time on runs and dump-offs to the backs. A.J. Dillon even drew a dozen or so passes on the day as the offense adapted to Garrett’s relentless pressure.
Mailata, one of the league’s premier left tackles and a 2nd-team All-Pro last season, admitted the showcase was jarring but valuable. “When you go up against the best, you’re able to learn from the next rep,” he said, acknowledging Garrett’s uncanny ability to bend and corner from a four-point stance. His teammate Cam Jurgens called Garrett “an alien out there,” praising the way he moves.
Garrett’s resume adds extra weight to the day. With 102 ½ sacks before turning 30, he sits near the top of all-time lists for players with that milestone, second only to a recent benchmark set by others who reached lofty sack totals early. The matchup this week echoed a similar scene from 2022, when the two faced off during Berea’s joint practices, followed by a productive, post-practice chat where they traded notes about what worked and what didn’t.
Mailata remains confident in his preparation and approach. He stressed that Garrett’s style is unique and not easily replicated, but emphasized that each rep offers a chance to refine technique, study the film, and sharpen his game for the season ahead. “There’s no one like Miles. He’s just a freak,” Mailata said with a nod to the challenge he faced.
The exchange between Garrett and Mailata ended on a constructive note, with the players exchanging insights after practice. Mailata pointed out his own need to be firmer on the blind side, while Garrett’s presence underscored the kind of competition that can elevate a unit through a long training camp.
Overall, there’s no cause for alarm. In 1,249 pass-block snaps since opening day last season, Mailata has allowed only five sacks and two quarterback hits, a testament to his resilience and technique. He and the Eagles will continue to use these high-caliber reps to sharpen their protection schemes and grow tougher for the regular season.
Takeaway: facing Miles Garrett provides a meaningful benchmark and growth opportunity for Mailata and Philadelphia’s line. It’s a reminder that elite pass rushers can reveal flaws, but they also drive improvement, and the Eagles appear ready to channel those lessons into stronger continuity up front.
Summary: A tough but valuable day for Jordan Mailata against Miles Garrett during joint practices shows the kind of high-level competition that can spur growth, with Mailata and the Eagles taking lessons from every rep and looking to turn a challenging moment into long-term improvement. Positive outlook remains as Mailata and the line prepare for the season.