Atlanta Falcons May Never See Anticipated Offensive Line

Left Guard

Newly signed left guard James Carpenter allowed the Atlanta Falcons quarterback to be hurried two times himself by the Minnesota Vikings. He was also far from dominant as a road grader, earning a PFF run-blocking grade of just 60.1 out of a possible 99.9.

Center

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack held up well in pass protection, earning a grade of 76.9, but he did allow one hurry of Matt Ryan. Yet he managed to grade worse than any other starter in run defense, with a shockingly low 44.8. Mack is still playing football at a high level, but he is clearly showing signs of decline.

Left Tackle

The most surprising performance or lack thereof, came from Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Matthews. The normally steady veteran allowed a whopping team-high five pressures.

Jake Matthews’ nightmare game included allowing two of the four sacks allowed on Ryan, one quarterback hit given up and two additional hurries allowed. This was the reason he received a putrid pass-blocking grade of 47.0. Astonishingly he was even worse as a run blocker with a 46.6 grade.

Jake was especially victimized by spin moves and was beaten multiple times by the maneuver. If he doest correct his balance and footwork against the spin, opposing pass rushers will continue to replicate the move.