Grading each offensive position for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022
Offensive tackle:
- Jake Matthews
- Kaleb McGary
We will split the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons into three with tackle, guard, and center.
The last of the team’s worries were at offensive tackle as both Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary played well. Matthews had his typical fly-under-the-radar-type year. He doesn’t get much credit because he just goes out there and plays every week.
As for McGary, he was among the best run-blockers in the NFL which is so valuable for this team. He also improved himself in pass protection in a surprising year.
Grade: A-
Offensive guard:
- Chris Lindstrom
- Elijah Wilkinson
- Colby Gossett
- Matt Hennessy
- Chuma Edoga
Chris Lindstrom had one crazy good season that made him the highest-graded player in the NFL during the regular season. There isn’t much else you need to say. He was a dominant run blocker and a superb pass blocker as he established himself as the league’s best offensive guard.
On the left side, there were a lot of different names who played over the entirety of the season. However, all things considered, the group was solid on the left side. Elijah Wilkinson played the most and was somewhere between average and good, then Matt Hennessy and Chuma Edoga switched to the position in a pinch and played surprisingly well. Colby Gossett was the only true weak link.
Chris Lindstrom is still 90% of the reasoning for the grade being so high as the other side was a revolving door.
Grade: B+
Center:
- Drew Dalman
The Falcons were certainly loyal to Drew Dalman this past year as they chose him to be their center throughout the entire year.
His blocking wasn’t anything special, especially in pass blocking. He is susceptible to bullrushes which can be a big problem considering he is at the center of the line. Where the true problem arose was his inconsistent snaps. It was routine to see the two quarterbacks reaching every which way to pull the football in and that is inexcusable. No matter how great you are as a center, if you can’t snap the ball on target 99% of the time, you shouldn’t be in the game.
Perhaps I am being too harsh on him but it is frustrating to see timing thrown off by off-target snaps. We are lucky to have not had more fumbles.