Grading Atlanta Falcons’ Through 4 Games

Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) blocks against Tennessee Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (95) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line:

The Falcons badly needed to address their issues along the offensive line in the off season, and did so in hiring new OL coach Mike Tice and using the 6^th overall pick on LT Jake Matthews. Despite losing Sam Baker for the season before a regular season snap was taken, the line has performed admirably especially when compared with 2013. Matt Ryan has been sacked just 5 times, good for 23^rd in the league, and has usually had a solid pocket to work with. A week 2 matchup with the Bengals proved a little too much for the Falcons line, but otherwise they have stood up well to some excellent pass rushers. Improved run blocking has also been evident, with the strong play of RT Lamar Holmes in the run game and the emergence of FB Patrick DiMarco as a blocking threat helping the Falcons ground and pound. Unfortunately, the line depth will be tested, as week 4 saw injuries to starting C Joe Hawley, LG Justin Blalock and RT Holmes. Peter Konz, Ryan Schraeder and James Stone may see more opportunities going forward. Grade: B

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Overall Offense Grade: B+

A potent offense that looks like it’s capable of hanging a lot of points on any defense, ranking 2^nd in offensive points per game with 32 and 1^st in offensive yards. There is still much more room to improve, particularly in the distribution of carries through the running back group, which is a scary thought for opposing defensive coordinators.