Matt Ryan needs help from the Atlanta Falcons offensive line

Thursday’s game against the New York Jets definitely could’ve gone better for the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan.

Ryan had barely any time to throw and the dropped passes in the end zone at the end of the first half should have been easy touchdowns. If the Atlanta Falcons want to be contenders, it is important that the offense is able to click on all cylinders.

The dropped passes for the Atlanta Falcons were bad, real bad. However, I’m not super concerned with the dropped passes. They were bad drops for sure that would’ve gone for touchdowns, but the recipients of the the two would be touchdowns were Brian Hill and Justin Hardy, two guys that will more than likely not be in that position come regular season time.

I have confidence in Brian Hill considering the improvement he has shown in training camp and the pre-season. So i chalk up that dropped pass as one bad play. Justin Hardy on the other hand has not performed well and is on the verge of not making the team if he continues to struggle.

Again, I am not too worried about the drops because those passes will be going to the likes of Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu, Austin Hooper, Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith. What worries me is the offensive line.

Jets defensive coordinator Greg Williams was a blitzing machine Thursday night and the Atlanta Falcons had absolutely no answer. It felt like Ryan spent the majority of the first half on his back or running around like a headless chicken.

The offensive line was a definite weakness last season. This issue was addressed through the draft and free agency, but last night was a miserable performance. Ryan was visibly frustrated and angry with the lack of protection and who could blame him. He had very little time to throw the ball, which honestly worries me for the regular season.

I know teams won’t be blitzing that much during the regular season, but still, the o-line has to perform better. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the game and it is vital that the o-line gives him time to be Matty Ice.