Jordan Mailata's Bulldozing Tackle Sends NFL Fans Into A Frenzy

Jordan Mailata is proving to be a revelation in Philadelphia.

Since the revamped NFL season began, the majority of Eagles fans have been pulling their hair out.

Injuries off the field matched by poor performances on it has left the 2018 Super Bowl champions with a 1-4-1 record.

But one incident against the Baltimore Ravens involving Australian wrecking ball Mailata might just have given those passionate Philly fanatics reasons to be cheerful.

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With just three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Philadelphia were already down by seven points when quarterback Carson Wentz lined up alongside his undermanned offensive line.

The ball was snapped on first down and Wents decided to peel-off left.

He only managed to advance about five yards down the field when he was met by a wall of Ravens defenders.

The force of the three-man hit saw the ball spring out of Wentz's hands.

Unfortunately for Wentz and the Eagles, the strip saw the Baltimore defence recover the loose ball through Chuck Clark.

With the end zone in sight, Clark scooped up the ball and began running.

But that's when Mailata intervened.

Seeing the potential of a scoring chance for the Ravens, the 6-foot-8-inch left tackle sprung into action and and hit Clark a monster tackle which saw him go flying into the air.

156kg Mailata absolutely drilled Clark and somehow managed to punch the ball free.

The massive challenge left the Ravens strong safety in a heap on the Lincoln Financial Field turf.

To be fair to Clark, though, he was quick to bounce back to his feet after the tackle - although it certainly looked like it hurt.

Despite Lamar Jackson and the Ravens going on to a seal a 30-28 victory, Mailata's individual tackle was the sort of play that often turns the tide of a games.

But, as has been the case so often in recent seasons, Wentz and the Philadelphia offence were unable to convert.

As for Mailata, he is quickly becoming a fan favourite among fans.

Instagram/@jordanmailata

The former South Sydney Rabbitohs star, who has been battling for a starting position in the Eagles' offensive line, has been in inspired form since the NFL's long-awaited restart.

"In the case of Jordan Mailata, as long as he plays well right now, in the near future it's his job," head coach Doug Pederson said.

"But, 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."

Either way, it appears Pederson has options.

And in sports, especially in football, that's never a bad thing

Topics: American Football, NFL, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry