In 2012, when Sam Baker started every game for the Falcons at left tackle, quarterback Matt Ryan set five franchise passing records and the team fell one play short of making its way to the Super Bowl.
In 2013, when Baker played just four games before succumbing to knee surgery, Ryan was sacked 44 times, was pressured an NFL-high 203 times and the Falcons finished 4-12, tied for worst record in the NFC.
Coincidence? Partly, given the turnover through the Falcons line. But a priority has been placed on the unit’s improvement and Baker says he feels a good a good as he ever has in August. “But that’s relative,” he added.
But he also feels this training camp to be different from the other six he’s been through.
“There’s a lot of competition all over the board,” Baker said after Tuesday’s practice. “It’s been a little different with the “Hard Knocks” cameras. I think everybody’s upped the competition. We’ve had a lot more live work, some stuff we haven’t done in the past and I think it’s helped us.”
Only one other offensive lineman remains from Baker’s rookie season of ‘08: guard Justin Blalock, who lines up next to him. Now they are the senior members of the unit.
“I love J.B but it definitely has been a while (since 2008),” Baker said. “Lucky for me and Blalock, we had some really good leaders that got us out on the right foot. The (Todd) McClures, the (Tyson) Claybos, the Harvey Dahls.”
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