Atlanta Falcons Grades: Week Six Player Grades Versus Tampa

Alex Mack – Center and Jake Mathews – Tackle Grade: B

The Atlanta Falcons offensive line was much improved against the Buccaneers. They bounced back from a poor performance in which they allowed six sacks vs the Steelers. Tampa was only able to bring Matt Ryan down once in the game.

Alex Mack was graded 75.6 by PFF 3rd best on the offense in the week 6 win. His pass blocking grade of 85.3 lead the Falcons line. He also led Falcon’s linemen with a run blocking grade of 71. 7. He allowed zero hits or hurries of Matt Ryan.

Jake Mathews was the fourth best graded offensive player of the week according to Pro Football Focus. His grade is 74. Jake rated third in pass blocking among Falcons’ offensive linemen with a 73. He wasn’t flawless however, allowing three pressures, two hurries, and one hit on Matt Ryan. His run blocking grade was 2nd on Atlanta.

Austin Hooper – Tight End Grade: B –

Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper continues to play well. His nine catches for 71 yards versus the Buccs, were second to only Julio Jones. Unlike Jones, Hooper scored a touchdown in the victory. PFF gave Austin Hooper a 71.8 grade vs Tampa, the fifth best on the Falcons.

Austin Hooper was very effective as a receiver grading 76. Blocking is what hurt his grade. He particularly struggles to block on screen passes. For this reason his grade lowers to a B-. He has certainly improved from last season. Is the time spent with Matt Ryan in the offseason making the difference?

Honorable Mention Ryan Schraeder Grade: C+

Ryan Schraeder rebounding from a career worse performance (detailed here), was a huge reason the Atlanta Falcons passing game was able to be successful versus Tampa. Ryan improved from a career low 55.5 pass blocking grade in week five, to an impressive 83.4 in this week’s win.