Atlanta Falcons Grades: Week Six Player Grades Versus Tampa
Offensive Players That Struggled
Wes Schweitzer and Brandon Fusco – Guards Grade: D
The game against Tampa would be a game to forget, for the Atlanta Falcons guards if not for the victory. Neither guy blocked particular well in the running or passing game.
Brandon Fusco was the Atlanta Falcons lowest graded offensive player, grading a concerning 53.8 by Pro Football Focus for the game. Fusco, who typically is a good run blocker, struggled with a grade of 57.4 in that department. This was part of the reason the Atlanta Falcons struggled to run the football against the Buccaneers.
Fusco also didn’t fare well in the passing game. He allowed Matt Ryan to he pressured twice, hit once, and hurried once by Tampa. His pass blocking grade of 61.9 was tied for last on the team.
Fusco who signed a 3 year 12.75 million dollar contract in the offseason, thus far isn’t playing up to the level that he played at in San Francisco last year. He ranked as the 21st rated guard last year, and is down to 38th thus far this season.
Wes Schweitzer who was forced back into the starting lineup due to a season ending injury to Andy Levitre has struggled as mightily as he did last season. That trend continued against Tampa.
Wes Schweitzer allowed three pressures, two hurries, and gave up the team’s only sack of Matt Ryan. He was beaten on an interior rush by Jason Pierre-Paul. Wes was also called for a penalty. Schweitzer earned a pass blocking grade of 61.9, tied for lowest among the team’s linemen.
Wes Schweitzer didn’t far much better in the running game grading a team low 52.7 for offensive linemen. If the Atlanta Falcons don’t get better guard play, it’s going to cost them against teams with two stud defensive tackles.
Justin Hardy – Wide Receiver Grade: D
Justin Hardy was forced into the lineup due to injuries sustained by Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu. Hardy was the preferred reserve receiver when the need surfaced. Justin played 36 snaps as a reserve wide receiver, ahead of Marvin Hall who played 15, and Russell Gage who played seven.
Hardy caught just three of the seven targets thrown his way for only 33 yards. PFF gave Hardy an overall grade of 55.9. His passing game grade of 53.6 was the lowest of any Atlanta receiver. The main positive that Hardy brought was his run blocking. He graded a respectable 73.8.
The Atlanta Falcons are certainly hoping Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu can play Monday night versus the Giants as Hardy just doesn’t bring to the table what those guys do.