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Atlanta Falcons: Starters that will lose jobs to rookies in 2020

By Jeff Benedict

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons talks to teammates in the huddle in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons talks to teammates in the huddle in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 13: Alex Mack #51 of the Atlanta Falcons in action during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Falcons 34-33. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

James Carpenter (predicted starter) vs Matt Hennessy

Let’s start at left guard, the weak point of the offensive line in 2020. Former first-round pick James Carpenter is the assumed starter heading into 2020, but he will have some competition from rookie Matt Hennessy as well as Matt Gono, who has primarily worked at tackle the last couple years on the Falcons practice squad.

When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Hennessy in the third round, he was being projected as the future replacement for Alex Mack at center. While that is still more than likely the case, the Flacons will want to get him on the field now.

Carpenter was not great in 2019 and will not be able to hold off either Hennessy or Gono. Don’t be surprised to not only see him get beat out but also be cut by the end of camp.

The Atlanta Falcons offensive line should go from a perennial weakness to a strength in 2020 if everyone can stay healthy. Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary will be among the best young linemen in the game while veterans Alex Mack and Jake Matthews continue to contribute strong play and leadership upfront.

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