With a revamped offensive line, the Falcons tried to pay more than lip-service to the rushing attack against Detroit.
They ran the ball 26 times, their second-highest total of the season against the Lions. They ran the ball 36 times in the 56-14 of Tampa Bay.
The Falcons are averaging 95.6 yards per game, which ranks 25th in the league.
“That’s always one of our goals, because it takes some of the pressure off when we get into a passing mode,” right guard Jon Asamoah said. “It keeps them back on their heels and lets us be aggressive and try to dictate to the opponent.”
The Falcons are set to start the same offensive line in two consecutive games for just the third time this season.
There wasn’t a lineup change between the Tampa Bay and Minnesota games and the Chicago and Baltimore games. In all other games, there have been changes because of injuries.
All together, the Falcons have started six different combinations.
The expected starters against Tampa Bay are left tackle Jake Matthews, left guard Justin Blalock, center James Stone, Asamoah and right tackle Ryan Schraeder.
Stone is an undrafted rookie who’s set to make second career start and Schraeder is making his second start of the season after beating out Gabe Carimi.
“Ryan Schraeder’s done a great job for us,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “I think his playing experience last year really helped him out coming into this season, just the comfort level of being able to go out there and know what you’re doing and know the offense.”
Ryan also thinks that Stone is going to do well.
“He’s done a really, really good job,” Ryan said. “Had an opportunity to play extended time against Baltimore, then gets his first start against a really good Detroit front four. I thought James did great job and held his own. I think he’s only going to continue to improve as the year goes on.”
