Second look: Grading the Atlanta Falcons versus Minnesota Vikings

Offensive Line – D

The Vikings defensive line is going to end up being the best in the NFL when the 2019 season comes to an end, and the Falcons offensive line will not be their only victims, but that is a terrible excuse given this team really believes they addressed the OL woes.

A year after being named to his first Pro Bowl, veteran Jake Matthews looked terrible. Made some really bad reads that ended with Matt Ryan on his back. Rookies Chris Lindstrom looked great together and will eventually become the league’s best RG/RT duo. Ty Sambrailo did not look bad at times and Wes Schweitzer looked fine when he filled in for an injured Lindstrom.

Overall, this group helped the offense put up 345 yards, but they have a long way to go.

Running Backs – D

This is because of Devonta Freeman, who was terrible in all areas of the game. He failed to hit the holes when they were there and is no longer fast enough to beat anyone to the corners. His pass protection is still terrible six years into his professional career, which should be unacceptable.

Ito Smith looked like the much better option at running back. Backs are going to fumble, so we won’t hold that against Freeman, but Smith just looked more fluid, hit the holes, ran good routes out of the backfield and blocked better.

Ito Smith is the Falcons best option moving forward, hopefully, we will see more of him. Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison did not get a chance to run the ball Sunday.