2011 Offensive Line Breakdown: Atlanta Falcons

Posted by Igor Derysh on 09/12/2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: Fantasy Football, Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Justin Blalock, Tyson Clabo, Todd McClure, Garrett Reynolds

The Falcons were an offensive powerhouse last year and had an offensive line to match. The team lost very proficient tackle Harvey Dahl to the Rams and will rely on an untested second-year tackle in his place. Otherwise the Falcons offer Matt Ryan solid pass blocking and allow him to stay comfortable in the pocket. The run blocking could provide bigger pushes for Michael Turner but with his efficiency it has seldom been a problem.

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 Left Tackle - Sam Baker

Baker has struggled to stay healthy at times and is not a stellar tackle but he has been there long enough and has played satisfactory enough to keep his job of protecting Matt Ryan. Even though he is only in his fourth year, Baker is not likely to get better than he already is.

 Left Guard - Justin Blalock

Blalock is definitely the highlight of this offensive line and is a big reason for Michael Turner's success. At the same time, he is the only really good run blocker on this team. He is good enough to continue giving Turner the help he needs to run the ball opponents' throats.

Center - Todd McClure

McClure is a longtime veteran and still a productive center. He is not a great run blocker but has solid pass blocking ability from the inside. He has stayed healthy and productive and we should see more of the same in 2011.

 Right Guard - Garrett Reynolds

He is a big guy but has barely seen any action in his first two NFL seasons. He has to replace Harvey Dahl in his very first NFL start which should be no easy task but he has two solid veterans on either side to help.

 Right Tackle - Tyson Clabo

A lot of people were talking about Tyson Clabo this free agent season but an elite tackle he isn't. Still, the sixth-year tackle is a great guy to have protecting the right side but sometimes struggles in one-on-one situations.

 Outlook

This is a very solid line but the loss of Harvey Dahl could prove to be a crucial one. Dahl was a brilliant pass and run blocker and now hands off the position to Garrett Reynolds who is a question mark. Everyone on the line is very solid but Blalock is the only one really worth talking about. Wait and see how Dahl's absence affects Michael Turner and Matt Ryan.

 Grade: B-

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