A lot of Falcons fans were holding their breath when the season began, concerned about the play of their offensive line and how the five guys up front would protect Matt Ryan.
After two games, they may have exhaled a little. The early return on an offseason together with a new line coach for the same five starters from last year is very positive. In two games they've given up two sacks. In 125 snaps on offense this season they've allowed nine QB hits.
So far, so good, gentlemen.
"Our offensive line is doing a great job," quarterback Matt Ryan said. "This past weekend against a really good pass-rushing team, to give up one sack, that's a credit to our guys. Our tackles, I thought played really well. It's a group effort, combined effort of those five guys up front and our running backs in pass protection. We've been solid in it and we need to continue to be solid in it."
Last week's opponent, the Broncos, had five sacks in the first week of the season, two by outside linebacker Von Miller, one of the best rushing linebackers in the game in only his second season. Miller got a sack against the Falcons but was kept in check for the most part.
Left tackle Sam Baker kept DE Elvis Dumervil sack-less and limited him to only two hits on Ryan.
"Assignment wise, we're doing a pretty good job," right tackle Tyson Clabo said. "I think we've had a couple of problems, but for the most part, we're getting on the right people and Matt's getting the ball out extremely fast, which is always a key. Everybody is doing their job. That's what it all comes down to and right now we're doing a pretty good job."
This week's opponent, the Chargers, had three sacks in their win in the first week of the season. They were unable to sack the QB against the Titans in Week 2, but still held their offense to just 212 yards. San Diego features two talented pass rushers at outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense in Jarret Johnson and Shaun Phillips. They also expect contributions from 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram.
