The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rocky start for revamped line
Falcons’ $80.3 million splurge isn’t showing up in protecting quarterback.
FLOWERY BRANCH— Over the offseason, the Falcons spent $80.3 million to revamp their offensive line, with $51.7 million of the outlay guaranteed.
However, through seven games, the line is on pace to give up more sacks and quarterbacks hits than it did in 2018. Its next challenge is facing a stout Seattle defensive front Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons’ offensive line gave up 108 quarterback hits and 42
sacks last season. While posting a 1-6 record this season, the Falcons have given up 19 sacks and 48 quarterback hits. Projected over 16 games, they are on pace to allow 43.4 sacks and 109.7 quarterback hits.
The line will have a different challenge against Seattle’s defensive line, which features defensive
end Jadeveon Clowney. “From the outside they feel disruptive, and
sometimes that can be just as effective,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
The Falcons wanted better protection for quarterback Matt Ryan, but the revamped line has struggled early.
Ryan was knocked out Sunday during the 37-10 loss to the Rams with a high right ankle sprain and did not practice Wednesday.
“We didn’t play well in any areas of the game on offense,” coordinator Dirk Koetter said of the Rams’ game. “It was our worst game of the year. I don’t think it’s right to put (the blame) on any one group.”
Koetter was adamant about not pointing toward the offensive-line woes.
“We didn’t execute well across the board,” Koetter said. “We felt like against the Rams’ defense we needed to stay ahead of the chains. We did a good job of that the last three games, but we did not do a good job of that” against the Rams, who ended up with five sacks and nine quarterback hits.
“We did have problems in protection, but that was across the board,” Koetter said. “When we did protect, we didn’t execute as well as we needed to in the passing game.”
Rookie tackle Kaleb
McGary had a rough outing. Wes Schweitzer was rotating at left guard with James Carpenter, who was trying to play through a knee injury. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald beat Schweitzer on the play when Ryan was injured.
“We got beat on the edge,” Koetter said. “(Outside linebacker Dante) Fowler, he had an excellent game. We had trouble on the edge, and they collapsed the pocket. When Matt stepped up, they usually had (extra players), and they hit Matt.”
With the Falcons unable to keep the Rams out of pass-rushing situations, Ryan had a long day. “Protection is a team game,” Koetter said.
“It’s on everybody.”
The Falcons believe McGary will bounce back. “Kaleb has been trending upward this whole season and has been getting better and better,” Koetter said. “That’s pretty common for young guys. As they go through their first NFL season, there are going to be some highs and lows. Obviously, this was not Kaleb’s best, but he wasn’t the only one in that boat.”
The Falcons are hopeful that a tweak will help the rookie. “He has to be more aggressive in his sets and get his hands on guys quicker,” Koetter said. “When he does that, he’s been real successful.”