The Falcons drafted Jake Matthews No. 6 overall with the expectation that he will be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
Matthews got off to a rough start in his Falcons debut on Friday in the exhibition opener at the Georgia Dome. He was called for two penalties in his 19 snaps against the Dolphins, including a holding penalty that negated Antone Smith’s 76-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
On that play, Smith ran behind Matthews off right tackle. The penalty made it first-and-20 from the Falcons’ 24-yard line and they ended up punting after three plays.
“I didn’t realize (the penalty) was on me until later in the game,” Matthews said. “I was pretty disappointed when I found out. I will have to watch the film and see what happened.”
The penalties were demerits for Matthews but quarterback Matt Ryan noted that the Falcons gained yards running behind him.
“Both sides we ran effectively but particularly behind a rookie guy,” Ryan said. “His first time out there, I thought Jake did a really nice job for us.”
Matthews has been groomed to play in the NFL for much of his life. His father, Bruce, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and his uncle and grandfather also played in the league for years. Matthews said none of his family members were at the game Friday.
In spite of his background, Matthews said he was anxious about his debut.
“Definitely there was a little bit of nerves going in first time playing in the NFL,” Matthews said. “I thought I settled down really quick and did some good things. At the same time there are plenty of things to get better at. I’m excited to watch the film.”
The first penalty against Matthews, for illegal use of hands, was called on a third-and-three at the Dolphins’ 10-yard line. It didn’t cost the Falcons because it was offset by a penalty against the Dolphins, and Jacquizz Rogers scored on a two-yard run one play after the Dolphins were called for roughing quarterback Matt Ryan.
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