The offensive line

The Atlanta Falcons offensive line, like Steve Sarkisian, has also come a long way from the season opener. Before this game, the Washington defensive line was easily the favorite to make their presence felt. However, it was the Falcons offensive line that made headlines. They were the ones that were the real bullies in this game. On almost every rushing play, the offensive line created running lanes that equated to a freeway. That’s how huge the holes were that they were building. They were all aggressive from the first whistle to the last, and it showed in the rushing stat line.

The Falcons dialed up 24 run calls and averaged nearly 6.5 yards per carry. That’s just evident on how fantastic the run blocking was. Whatever mindset this offensive line was in has to be replicated the rest of the season. Running backs Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith owe this line an expensive dinner with how easy it was to cross the line of scrimmage and get to the second level.

Remember, the Falcons offensive line was going up against a tough Washington defensive line. They are known as bullies and being the main aggressor. It must’ve been surreal to them that they didn’t have any effect on the Falcons running attack. The same can also be said in the pass rushing department. Matt Ryan looked very cozy for the bulk of this game, and that’s because he was only sacked twice. He wasn’t hurried much nor hit, so it looks like Ryan himself owes the offensive line an expensive dinner. If they keep this up for the rest of the season, even just close to it, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.