Re: 2019 Falcons Draft Talk and Free Agency
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 3:20 pm
ESPNProtecting Matt Ryan with revamped line could key Falcons' resurgence
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff was asked by ESPN if Ryan applauded the organization for drafting a pair of offensive linemen in the first round. Ryan was sacked 42 times last season, the second-highest total in his career.
“He texted me, and actually, he just said, 'Thanks, I appreciate that a lot, wow,'" Dimitroff said of Ryan's response.
Protecting their $150 million franchise quarterback had to be the Falcons' top priority, no matter how many mock drafts had them targeting a defensive tackle or cornerback first. Team owner Arthur Blank hinted at the team's draft direction when he said in a phone interview, “I think we've got to get younger on the offensive line” before mentioning any other position.
The Falcons indeed got younger --- and they believe a little nastier -- with the additions of 14th overall pick Chris Lindstrom, a guard from Boston College, and 31st overall pick Kaleb McGary, a right tackle from Washington. Maybe those additions will help the Falcons regain the same type of offensive swagger they had during the 2016 Super Bowl run, when they started the same offensive line in all 16 games, led the league at 33.8 points per game, and saw Ryan win the MVP.
According to ESPN Statistics & Information tracking, Ryan was sacked, hit while throwing or hit while running 76 times in 2018, the most in a season during his career. However the line comes together, the Falcons can't afford to have embarrassing performances like they did against Pittsburgh last season, when Ryan was sacked six times and hit 14 times. Both Lindstrom and McGary know protecting Ryan is the top priority.