That Australian giant Jordan Mailata’s name was rarely uttered by commentators in Super Bowl LVII was perhaps the biggest accolade he could have asked for.
Moreover, his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, turned in one of the all-time great performances. More than 300 passing yards and three rushing touchdowns were the main takeaways from a performance that will rank alongside the best turned in by a losing QB. All while Mailata was protecting his blind side.
For Mailata’s name to be spared during play-by-play commentary means only one thing – he wasn’t being beaten by his opponents and protected Hurts from the men in red and white who were intent on destruction.
Mailata and his contemporaries on offensive lines all around the NFL love the days when they do their job in a relatively anonymous fashion. Anonymous to everyone but their grateful teammates.
In the end, the second-half mastery of Kansas City playmaker Patrick Mahomes derailed the Super Bowl dreams of Mailata and his Eagles teammates, the Chiefs edging home 38-35 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The lack of team success will rankle Mailata for years to come, but his performance will only enhance his already high standing in the game.
Jordan Mailata congratulated Jalen Hurts after a score during Super Bowl LVII.Credit:Getty
In a match where both offensive lines enjoyed dominance, Mailata’s work in giving Hurts space and time was crucial.
Of all his powerhouse blocking efforts on Hurts’ blindside, Mailata’s effort in setting up his second touchdown of the day was exceptional.
His combination with Eagles centre Jason Kelce resulted in Hurts getting into the end zone untouched.
Another high point for Mailata came when he helped create the running lane that resulted in Hurts levelling the scores at 35-35 with a two-point touchdown conversion late in the same.
On this occasion, the one-time South Sydney Rabbitohs junior joined with fellow offensive line player Landon Dickerson to create a running lane for Hurts. The Eagles star still had some work to do, but if not for his two blockers, the Chiefs would have almost certainly rounded him up.
Earlier in the match, Mailata and Dickerson combined to give Hurts enough time to launch a pass that resulted in a 45-yard touchdown to AJ Brown.
Hurts finished the game being sacked twice. Those plays were also the only time the Eagles offensive line allowed the quarterback to be pressured, according to ESPN.com.
Mailata now finds himself halfway through a four-year US$64 million contract. If he’s able to replicate his form from the 2022-23 season, an even better deal will be coming his way.
One thing Mailata wasn’t happy with was the slippery surface at State Farm Stadium.
“It was terrible but, again, the Kansas City Chiefs had to play on it, too. To be fair, they came and said it was terrible too in the TV timeout. I was glad we were all on the same page,” Mailata said after the game.
“You couldn’t anchor, you had to get your whole foot in the ground … You saw the receivers, it was like a water park out there.”
While Mailata had no black marks against his performance, one unhappy moment for fellow Australian Arryn Siposs had a huge impact on the match. After his only punt of the first half reaped a handy amount of territory, Siposs’ only second-half kick ended horribly.
The Eagles trailed 28-27 when the play that will haunt Eagles fans for years took place.
After managing to only make 38 yards with his kick, the Eagles’ tackling unit was unable to prevent Chiefs kick returner Kadarius Toney from setting a Super Bowl record with his 64-yard scamper.
Soon after, Mahomes launched his third touchdown pass of the day to establish an eight-point lead.
Siposs’ kick didn’t ensure a touchdown in the same way Hurts’ first-half fumble did, but those two plays proved the difference in an otherwise even match.
