Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players Primed For A Breakout in 2015
By John Buhler
44. . LT. Texas A&M. Jake Matthews. 70. player
NFL players often make the biggest leap in their play between their rookie and sophomore years. Atlanta Falcons fans should hope that franchise left tackle Jake Matthews is one of those players making the leap in 2015.
Last year was a baptism by fire for the newest member in the line of the NFL’s first family. Jake embraced the positional change from RT to LT after Sam Baker‘s knee injury in the preseason. Even though he is a Matthews, demanding elite protection on the blind side as a rookie is an insurmountable order for a 23 year-old. Because of his football pedigree, many expect Jake to play like his dad Bruce Matthews on the left side of the offensive line.
More from Atlanta Falcons
- Atlanta Falcons Yet Again Making a Terrible Move Signing Matt Schaub
- Atlanta Falcons Must Make This Off-Season Move
- Dan Quinn’s Press Conference Was Filled With Notable Moments. Here’s Some Highlights.
- Atlanta Falcons Re-Sign Kicker Younghoe Koo In Solid Move
- Atlanta Falcons: Is Devonta Freeman’s Time With Falcons Over?
After a season’s worth of NFL tape on his technique at left tackle, I’m sure that the Matthews clan has been able to rectify any issues in Jake’s protection game. He has the privilege to protect one of the NFL’s Top 10 QB’s in Matt Ryan every Sunday. I see Jake Matthews taking a gigantic leap forward in Year Two with the Atlanta Falcons.
Going against another first-round pick in OLB Vic Beasley in practice every day should only bring out the best in the two young studs on this Atlanta Falcons team. How Jake Matthews plays will play a huge part in Matt Ryan’s health and the offensive line’s overall success or failures this season.
Next: Kyle Shanahan: The Importance of Offensive Accountability
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up