Three Match-ups to Watch in Falcons vs Bengals Showdown
By Sam Kweon
Carlos Dunlap vs Gabe Carimi
Aug 1, 2014; Lawrenceville, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Gabe Carimi (68) and offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) work on a drill watched by offensive line coach Mike Tice (hat) during practice during Falcons Friday Night Lights at Archer High School. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
With Jake Matthews probably being sidelined this week, Gabe Carimi will step in at left tackle. Needless to say, Carimi had a dreadful performance against the Saints last Sunday.
Falcons OL Gabe Carimi (-7.1) is currently last in overall @PFF grade for offensive tackles, sitting at 67th overall.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 11, 2014
But throughout practice this week, coach Mike Smith went on and on about how he was so impressed with the reserve left tackle.
Coach Smith: Gabe Carimi did an outstanding job stepping into that role (LT). He will get a lot more snaps at LT this week. #ATLvsCIN
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 10, 2014
To make matters more nerve-wrecking, Carlos Dunlap is no joke. Dunlap has the ability to take over any game with his pass-rushing skills, even recording 7.5 sacks in 2013. He started off strong with a sack against the Baltimore Ravens last week.
If Carimi wants a chance against Dunlap, he must stay his ground and not get bull rushed. Dunlap is huge at 6’6 and 280 pounds, a size in which most offensive tackles aren’t used to. Let’s hope Matt Ryan just comes out of the game healthy….