Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Vs. New York
By John Buhler
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) comes off of the field with an apparent injury in the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
LT. Texas A&M. Jake Matthews. 70. player. 44.
Jake Matthews had a noticeably strong game for the Atlanta Falcons at left tackle on Monday Night. He and Left Guard Andy Levitre seem to have good chemistry in run blocking, as OC Kyle Shanahan felt comfortable sending both Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman on counters and sweeps to the left side.
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Matthews had a baptism by fire rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. He had to start at LT the whole season, when the original plan was to get acclimated to the NFL at RT before transitioning further down the road. More proof that the game of football is all about the next man up mentality.
The Giants pass rush is good, but not on the level it once was with Justin Tuck leaving the team, Osi Umenyiora leaving for the Atlanta Falcons, then retiring, and Jason Pierre-Paul losing fingers. However, someone new will emerge in the pass rushing machine that is the New York Football Giants.
Jake looked good against a strong front seven in the Philadelphia Eagles. Can he keep up the strong play and elevate his game as a franchise left tackle? The next step in that progression is protecting the blind side at all costs against the New York Giants.
Next: Have a Better Game Than Last Week?