Atlanta Falcons: What can we expect from the running game in 2020?
The 2020 Atlanta Falcons offensive line.
You’d struggle to find many teams that have invested as many resources into the offensive line as the Falcons. Three of the expected starters were first-round draft picks for the team, while Alex Mack was taken 21st overall by the Cleveland Browns back in 2009. The emphasis tends to be on keeping Matt Ryan on his feet, but all will be expected to contribute to run blocking too.
Jake Matthews (Left Tackle)
Athletic and technically refined. Matthews has never been a mauler in the run game and he’ll struggle if asked to overpower defensive linemen, but he’s excellent in space and his movement skills are an asset on the second level. He’s a borderline top 10 left tackle and a return to the outside zone scheme should benefit him.
Matt Hennessy (Left Guard)
The assumption was that Hennessy would redshirt his rookie season as the successor to Alex Mack at center. Dan Quinn’s announcement of Justin McCray as the team’s backup center looks to have tipped his hand, though, and the assumption now is that Hennessy will start at left guard. His experience has been mainly at center, but he’s shown good mobility and is a natural fit in a zone-blocking scheme. He’s at his best when on the move and the Falcons will need to put him in these situations in order to help him overcome the limitations to his functional strength.
Alex Mack (Center)
Mack is still one of the top centers in the game. He’s responsible for calling out the protections and making the calls along the line and is a crucial part of the run game. He’s previously expressed his excitement at the return to the outside zone scheme and, with young guards either side of him, his value can’t be overstated.
Chris Lindstrom (Right Guard)
Lindstrom is perhaps the biggest reason for optimism along the Falcons’ offensive line. A surprise first-round pick in 2019, his return to the lineup after injury contributed to the team reeling off four consecutive wins to end the season. He’s been praised heavily by those inside the building for his improvement and has the athleticism and aggression to dominate as a run blocker.
Kaleb McGary (Right Tackle)
The second surprise first-round pick from a year ago, McGary largely struggled as a rookie. There were encouraging signs, though, and the fact that he played as much as he did should help his development. McGary’s an aggressive run blocker who’s familiar with the outside zone scheme thanks to his time at the University of Washington.
The Falcons enter the season with three question marks on the offensive line and the depth behind them isn’t inspiring. Matthews and Mack are pro bowlers who can be depended on, but if the run game is to be successful then they can’t afford to have players who don’t pull their weight.