The Falcons started their season Monday with an experienced offensive line, even if it had very little experience with each other.
Head coach Dan Quinn said guards Andy Levitre and Chris Chester, the newest additions, are experienced players whom the team is fortunate to have.
“Both guys have a real presence about them,” Quinn said. “(They have) the ability to communicate both inside — to the center on combinations, protections — and then as well going outside to the offensive tackles on protections for the run game.”
Levitre was acquired in a trade with the Titans on Sept. 4, just 10 days before the season started.
“I had a week or so to prepare for the game, so I got to learn the offense a little bit before we started,” Levitre said. “I thought (the line) did a good job communicating and making sure everyone was on the same page.”
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said despite Levitre’s recent arrival, he’s practiced well and is adjusting to a new offense.
“I thought he fit in great (on Monday night),” Shanahan said. “I thought he did an amazing job in the game just as far as all the stuff we threw at him and doing it for the first time.”
Shanahan said Chester’s seven seasons in the league, including three seasons in Washington under Shanahan, helped Chester succeed.
“Chris has played in the system for a while, so he’s used to (our scheme),” Shanahan said. “Chris’ just playing a lot in Washington, he definitely had a lot more reps than the other guys.”
Chester signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Falcons in May, after he was released by the Redskins. He said he was impressed with the offensive line’s solidarity in the opener, despite the starting five never having played a game together.
“I’m proud of the way the guys in the room came together in such a short amount of time,” Chester said. “It wasn’t perfect, but we definitely did some things that we’re proud off and that we’re going to build on.”
Quinn said he sees the communication, especially with Chester and Levitre, growing on and off the field.
“That communication all along the line of scrimmage is so important,” Quinn said. “In the meeting room, the communication, leadership and all that goes into (creating) a better player. Both (Chester and Levitre) have that in a good way.”
Levitre and Chester joined center Mike Person and tackles Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder in that first game Monday evening. Matthews, entering his second year after being drafted sixth overall in 2014, said he sees some solidarity developing in the group.
“Anytime you play a game with someone, you’re going to get that much closer to them, for what they’re feeling and what calls they’re leaning towards,” Matthews said. “Especially Monday night and getting the win too, we had a lot of camaraderie. That bond between us five is getting a lot stronger.”
Matthews said that headed into the second week, the line has to pick up momentum.
“The mindset and mentality is always the same: we’re going out to be ready to work together and beat whatever front we’re going against,” Matthews said. “I really like the way we competed last week and we’re off to a good start last week. We just have to keep it going.”
With one game behind them, Shanahan said he thought the line did well for their first game together.
“We’re always trying to get better,” Shanahan said. “We (haven’t) fully arrived yet. There’s a lot of ways we can improve. Hopefully we’ll take a step forward this week.”
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