Atlanta Falcons offense really misses Austin Hooper

The Atlanta Falcons went up against the Tampa Bay Bucs in an effort to win their third straight game. Let’s just say Sunday wasn’t their best day.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was playing behind an offensive line Sunday that looked as if they were holograms and not actual people. Calvin Ridley didn’t play well and Julio Jones got injured during the game even though he was available to come back.

Justin Gage did have somewhat of a coming-out party with eight receptions and 76 which is a good thing if you’re trying to find a silver lining in the debacle of a football game.

Even though he hasn’t been available for the past two games for Matt Ryan, it’s safe to say they he misses Austin Hooper dearly.

Hooper was having his best season and if he would have been able to play a full season there is no doubt he would have been mentioned among the elites at the tight end position.

The importance of having Hooper in the game was visible from the start. While Jaeden Graham was responsible for the biggest play on the offensive side of the ball, there nothing like having that security blanket in Hooper ready just in case the pass rush was coming.

Ryan has been available to avoid many would-be sacks this season because Hooper was squatting in the middle of the field for the five to ten yard gain. Ryan didn’t have that today and it meant Ryan being sacked six times.

Hooper wouldn’t have been able to save Ryan all six times but having him there would have been a major plus in helping the Falcons avoid long-yardage situations.

The Falcons have the Saints coming up on Thanksgiving day which means they have less than a week to find a way to help Ryan from hitting the ground in the backfield.

While the chances are slim to none that Hooper will be available, his presence is missed in this offense and the Falcons as well as the fans can’t wait until he gets back.