There have been a number of issues plaguing the Falcons so far in their 2021 campaign. Among them is the persistent lack of execution along the offensive line. Granted, four of the five starters are playing on their first NFL contract, but they are still being relied upon to get the job done. In Week 12, they did just that.
“Honestly man, the offensive line, they did a heck of a job,” stated Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson after the team’s 21-14 win. “You know, coach, you know he pointed out all week we need to do better in the run game. We all took it to heart and offensive line, man, they came in, they really did. They showed what they really can do.”
Patterson added, “With that blocking, how can I not score? Like I said, offensive line, they did a heck of a job.”
He wasn’t the only one to compliment the line’s performance. Matt Ryan noticed the improved play up front as well.
“I thought the offensive line played really well,” said Ryan. “We ran the ball tough, physical. I thought our running backs played well, which is what we needed. I’m proud of those guys.”
There was even a stretch where Drew Dalman replaced Matt Hennessy at center as the team looks to evaluate him in different scenarios. Hennessy was eventually brought back in, but this in no way means Dalman played poorly.
“I thought both our guys did a good job,” Ryan said of the team’s two centers. “I thought Matt Hennessy did a great job, Drew Dalman did a good job. When both their numbers were called, they went in and they communicated really well. I’m happy for both those guys. I thought they both played tough,”
It’s not too often that we see Ryan in a clean pocket for five or more seconds. On a few occasions today, we saw just that. Sure, a few of those times Ryan still held on to the ball too long, but at some point, the receivers need to find a way to get open.
Overall, it was a great performance from an offensive line that has struggled frequently this season.
[lawrence-related id=85257,85242,85205]
[listicle id=85211]