Despite Holmes’ Injury, Quinn Likes His Offensive Line

By John Buhler | Jun 17, 2015

During the second day of the Atlanta Falcons’ 3-Day Minicamp, HC Dan Quinn likes his new look offensive line. Though OT Lamar Holmes broke a bone in his foot during yesterday’s practice, Quinn feels confident that the unit will improve in 2015. It has been a big culture shift in Atlanta during the Dan Quinn Era as the Falcons have made speed at seemingly all positions a major point of emphasis.

-= Related: Atlanta Falcons Release OT Sam Baker ==

The offensive line will be more mobile in 2015 due in large part to new OC Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Quinn spoke highly of both Ryan Schraeder and Tyler Polumbus this afternoon when he met with the media.

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Schraeder is a third year OT out of Valdosta State, hoping to win the starting RT position on the offensive line. Quinn believes that Schraeder “took it to heart” when he asked his players to have the best offseason that they have ever had. With Holmes out for an undetermined amount of time, the work ethic displayed by Ryan Schraeder might be enough to earn him that starting RT position.

That is, unless newcomer Tyler Polumbus has anything to say about it. Polumbus is a seven-year veteran OT out of the University of Colorado. Atlanta is the fifth organization he has been a part of. His most notable tenure in the NFL was with the Washington Redskins (2011-14).

Quinn has Polumbus learning both tackle spots on the Falcons offensive line. He might be the true swing tackle that the Falcons have lacked these last few years, somebody who can go in and fill multiple holes on the offensive line. Quinn loves his “lunch pail work ethic”. As another one of Coach Q’s ‘grit’ guys, Polumbus will need to showcase his versatility as the competition between tackles heats up heading into training camp later this summer.

There are many new faces on the Falcons offensive line (Polumbus, Chris Chester, Mike Person, etc.). Some familiar ones are no longer with the team (Sam Baker, Justin Blalock). But Quinn seems adamant that speed is the way to go on the offensive line for his football team. I’m all for anything that can keep Matt Ryan clean and upright in the pocket so that he can play like an elite NFL quarterback. The final day of Minicamp begins tomorrow at 11:30 AM live from Flowery Branch. Rise Up, ATL!

Next: Ricardo Allen Embracing the Move to Free Safety

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