Jake Matthews remains elite at protecting Matt Ryan

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated 10/22/21

Outside of Chris Lindstrom, the Falcons don’t have a lot to hang their hat on when it comes to offensive line play. Jalen Mayfield has improved each week, but he’s still not a starting caliber guard. Kaleb McGary seems to have regressed to his rookie level of play after a much better sophomore season. We’ve seen some positives from Matt Hennessy in his first year as a full-time starter, so there’s hope he could be the Falcons center of the future, but even the veteran Jake Matthews has struggled mightily when it comes to run blocking.

Despite that, Matthews remains elite in one area — pass blocking. According to PFF, the former sixth overall pick is one of just five players to allow single digit pressures and no sacks so far this season.

Only tackles to allow single-digit pressures and zero sacks this season

Andrew Thomas
Tristan Wirfs
Brian O’Neill
Jake Matthews
George Fant pic.twitter.com/mSG1eungiS

— PFF (@PFF) October 20, 2021

Matthews’ run-blocking needs to improve, especially in Arthur Smith’s offense, which builds everything off of pounding the rock. With that being said, a left tackle’s main priority is to protect his quarterback’s blind side, and few are as good as Matthews at doing so.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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