The Atlanta Falcons have shot up PFF’s offensive line rankings

One of the biggest surprises so far this season has been the performance of the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons.

Heading into the season it was a huge worry for everyone. They ended last season as one of the worst units and during the offseason, they really only made one minuscule upgrade by going from Jalen Mayfield to Elijah Wilkinson (who will not play on Sunday).

They also switched Matt Hennessy and Drew Dalman, but no one could have expected to see them skyrocket up Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings so quickly.

The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line has risen 14 spots in just two weeks on PFF’s rankings

The Atlanta Falcons have deployed an offensive line that consists of Jake Matthews, Elijah Wilkinson, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, and Kaleb McGary through the first two weeks of the season, not exactly a groundbreaking unit.

Despite that, they have managed to be a serviceable unit, at the very least. It appears Arthur Smith is finally getting the best out of each player and Pro Football Focus is recognizing that.

In PFF’s initial rankings prior to the season, they had the Falcons’ offensive line ranked at 28, with only the Raiders, Steelers, Bears, and Seahawks lower. Not exactly a favorable ranking.

Then after their week one performance when they only allowed two pressures, no sacks, and enabled Cordarrelle Patterson to break the 100-yard rushing mark, they went from 28th to 17th.

Jumping up 11 spots in just four quarters of football should tell you how impressive they were.

Now following a near-comeback win against the Los Angeles Rams, they have jumped another three spots to 14.

Here is what they had to say about the Falcons’ blockers:

"The Falcons’ offensive line is benefiting from everything around it in much the same way as offensive lines often aid other aspects of offenses. With an offense that gets its quarterback on the move and employs option looks, the group has a very different task compared to the past, and it’s resulting in better play and fewer opportunities in bad situations. Seattle’s defensive front isn’t the kind of group with the firepower to disrupt that rhythm, so the Falcons may continue to exceed expectations on offense this week."

They have a point, the improvement doesn’t all lie on the shoulders of the five guys up front but rather a combination of their play and having a quarterback that can move around the field at any moment.

Obviously, this team did not have a mobile quarterback last season and just that change has seemingly enabled them to play their best. Hopefully, it will continue and actually turn into wins going forward.