The Falcons’ offensive line has struggled mightily this season.
They have given up 19 sacks. According to the NFL’s gameday statistics, they have given up 59 quarterback hits. According to ProFootballFocus.com, they have given up 95 quarterback hurries on 428 pass dropbacks.
So, on 173 of 428 pass dropbacks (40.4 percent), the Falcons’ quarterback has been under duress.
On an interception that was returned 37 yards for a touchdown by Tampa Bay linebacker Mason Foster, Matt Ryan’s arm was hit by linebacker Dekoda Watson, who was slightly blocked.
Here’s the individual breakdown, according to ProFootballFocus.com: Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood has given up a sack, four hits and 16 hurries. Tackle Lamar Holmes, who’s played some right and left tackle, has given up four sacks, 10 hits and 34 hurries. Left guard Justin Blalock has given up a sack, two hits and 10 hurries. Right guard Garrett Reynolds had given up two sacks, three hits and 21 hurries. Center Peter Konz has given up two sacks, a hit and 14 hurries.
The Falcons appear set to stay with Joe Hawley at center. He’s a four-year veteran and did a better job of handling the protection calls against Tampa Bay.
It might be good for Konz to step back for awhile. Blalock went through a similar experience in his first season as a starter and was benched before returning to the lineup.
“Whatever we do out there is a group thing,” Blalock said. “We are a unit. We have to well together and we just, quite frankly, have not been doing that.”
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