Justin Blalock: How Do The Falcons Replace Him?

Did the Atlanta Falcons really have to get rid of G Justin Blalock? Part of the Atlanta Falcons’ revitalization this offseason required many calibrations to the roster. While I agreed with most of the front office’s decisions to revamp the team to Coach Quinn’s liking, this is the one move that I still don’t fully understand.

While I don’t really know all the nuances that come with playing offensive line, I always felt that Justin Blalock played extraordinarily well for the Atlanta Falcons. He came from a football powerhouse in the University of Texas and started 125 games at guard for the Dirty Birds. When GM Thomas Dimitroff signed G Jon Asamoah last spring in free agency, I was thinking that Atlanta was going to look rock solid at guard for the forseeable future.

In their one year together on the Falcons, Blalock and Asamoah played well on a rather underwhelming Atlanta offensive line. I understand that Justin might have lost a step or two over the years as he’s 31 and still a free agent. But it’s hard to turn away a likable starter after seven plus years of tremendous productivity.

I think it’s the nature of the position but guard seems like the most overlooked role on the gridiron. Guards don’t snap the ball nor are they the primary protectors for the quarterback from edge pass rushers. They are most valuable in keeping the pocket’s integrity and pulling to either side on a run sweep. While it’s great to have strength at guard, a front office certainly doesn’t want to overpay for an interior pass protector. Just ask New Orleans Saints fans if they would rather have Jimmy Graham or Jahri Evans?

So if it simply came down to price with Justin Blalock, where do the Falcons go from here? Besides Jon Asamoah, there are five other guards on the Atlanta Falcons roster: Harland Gunn, Peter Konz, Mike Person, Adam Repogle, and Jared Smith. I do remember Gunn and Konz starting before but if I had to venture a guess to who replaces Blalock, I would think that it’s Mike Person who came over in free agency.

More from Atlanta Falcons

Although he has never started an NFL game before, Person has played in 17 games since 2011 most notably with the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams. The former Montana State Bobcat has been a part of offensive line units that emphasize speed and would fit well in Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme.

Honestly, the other starting guard spot for the Atlanta Falcons might be the team’s biggest issue. Perhaps even more pressing than getting any productivity out of tight end. While I have faith that someone will rise to the occasion and play well at guard for Atlanta this fall, I can’t take another season of Matt Ryan living on his back. If training camp proves disastrous for the Falcons’ guards, I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing back Justin Blalock on a team-friendly deal. Let’s hope that it doesn’t come it and he’s out of playing shape.

Home/Atlanta Falcons