Every Super Bowl contender has players and position groups they simply can’t afford to lose. For most teams, it’s the quarterback. Fortunately, the 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles had a backup plan. You get the idea, though. If, Heaven forbid, something were to happen to Jalen Hurts, things would change for Nick Sirianni’s team in a hurry.

Other positions are important too. Some teams rely heavily on an elite pass rusher or shutdown cornerback to drive their championship aspirations. For Philadelphia, the answer may be much simpler. It begins with two offensive tackles, or at least that’s what a whole heck of a lot of NFL coaches and decision-makers think

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That reality was reinforced in ESPN’s recent ranking of the NFL’s projected starting lineups, where league analyst Mike Clay identified offensive tackle as Philadelphia’s greatest strength. It’s difficult to argue with the assessment. Jordan Mailata has developed into one of football’s premier left tackles, while Lane Johnson continues to perform at an elite level despite entering his 14th NFL season.

Everything starts with the Eagles’ offensive tackle duo

Few teams can match what the Eagles put on the field at offensive tackle. Mailata has finished among Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked tackles for three consecutive seasons, developing from one of the NFL’s most remarkable projects into one of its most dominant players. Johnson, meanwhile, continues to defy Father Time.

Even after battling injuries last season, he remained among the league’s most effective right tackles in both pass protection and the running game. Their value extends well beyond keeping defenders away from Jalen Hurts.

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Philadelphia’s rushing attack, whether powered by Saquon Barkley or Hurts himself, begins with the ability to control the edges of the line of scrimmage. The Eagles’ play-action game, deep-passing concepts and overall offensive identity are all more effective when Mailata and Johnson are healthy and performing at their usual standard. That’s why their ‘importance’ reaches beyond individual accolades.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ offensive tackle duo remains foundation of a Super Bowl push