Atlanta Falcons: Offensive line still a major concern
By Curtis Hobbs
There is much to like about what the Atlanta Falcons have done this offseason through the draft to the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, there seems to be one glaring hole that will prevent them from rising up to the level of Super Bowl competitor.
Jun 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) stretches during minicamp at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
If you were to ask any head coach what the second most important positions are on a team were, most would say that it is found in the big beefies of the offensive line.
The reason they say it is because no matter how great of skill players you have, they can’t be effective on their backside, constantly picking themselves off the ground.
When the draft came around, the allure of Vic Beasley, Tevin Coleman, Jalen Collins, and Justin Hardy has made every Falcons fan begin to drool over themselves with the thoughts of these players becoming the “x” factors that will heal the wounds of ineptitude of years previous.
Though there is every reason to salivate with the additions of these incredible steals of the draft, the uncertainty of the behemoths protecting the prized possessions of Matt Ryan and opening lanes for the Freeman and Coleman should raise a warning flag of concern.
May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It was a sad day when the Falcons released Sam Baker this offseason and not for the reasons you may think. It was depressing that it took as long as it did to release the giant of a man who was about as effective a parka in the Sahara.
With this glaring weakness outside of Matthews, the Falcons have placed themselves in a shouting distance of the wild card spot for the playoffs.
But without addressing this area, the cliche of “we’ll get there next year” will continue.
So for this year, Falcons fans, watch the jewels of the draft begin to shine as they transition into the NFL, but don’t let the shimmer blind you from seeing that this team is not quite there yet with the players they have. We will all have to wait until next year.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Players who risk getting cut