Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Eagles

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Andy Levitre. 67. player. 44. . G. Oregon State

The biggest concern for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015 Preseason was attempting to develop continuity on the offensive line. The Atlanta brass released OT Sam Baker, G/C Peter Konz, and C Joe Hawley before the start of the regular season. Only LT Jake Matthews and RT Ryan Schraeder are returning starters for the Atlanta Falcons up front in 2015 from 2014’s team.

The Atlanta Falcons have drawn a bunch of criticism for the personnel moves on the offensive line, from their inability to draft effective starters to not pursuing lucrative low risk-high reward players like G Evan Mathis and LT Jake Long in free agency.

One move that makes sense is the trade with the Tennessee Titans to acquire veteran Guard Andy Levitre. Levitre has never missed a start in his six NFL seasons split between Buffalo and Tennessee. It seems that Atlanta will start Levitre, C Mike Person, and G Chris Chester on the interior in Week 1 versus Philly.

Perhaps Levitre’s addition brings stability to the offensive line that has not been there all preseason. While I’m not completely sold on Person at Center, I’m okay with Chester and Levitre at Guard for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. I think a veteran presence on the interior gives Matt Ryan more confidence in the pocket to deliver accurate passes. He really just needs a few seconds to find the open man. Hopefully, Levitre and the rest of the Atlanta Falcons offensive line can provide their quarterback the necessary protection.

Next: Devin Hester: Likely to Miss Games with Turf Toe

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