Eagles lineman Jordan Mailata deserves chance at end zone

According to Statmuse, only five offensive linemen have scored a rushing touchdown in NFL history. Darrell Dess, Joel Williams, Glenn Bujnoch, Bronko Nugurski and Clyde ‘Bulldog’ Turner all have one rushing score. Mailata should be next on that list. 

Mailata just saved the team millions of dollars by restructuring his deal this week. Philadelphia could return the favor by giving him a carry and a chance to push the pile. Eagles fans have been clamoring to see their favorite left tackle punch one into the end zone since he was drafted in 2018. Sometimes you need to give the people what they want.

What Eagles’ fans don’t want is an injury to their quarterback. Jalen Hurts’ 20 carries inside the five-yard line last season were second-most in the league last year. While no one will complain about his 26 career rushing touchdowns, he could still stand to take fewer shots, especially now that he’s guaranteed $179 million from the team.

Ideally, Philadelphia’s running backs should handle the red zone carries next season, but it’s hard to trust the Eagles’ backfield right now. Leaning on a 6-foot-8, 365-pound bulldozer with 5.12 speed, now that’s much easier. If only the team would stop teasing its fans with these videos and give Mailata the ball in earnest.