According to Pro Football Focus, Atlanta has the NFL’s best offensive line heading into Week 5, a huge leap from its 26th-place finish in 2014. It currently sits fourth in pass blocking, sixth in penalties and, not surprisingly, second in run blocking.
These rankings and stats are subjective; as any group of scouts would say, there’s always room for interpretation—especially when it comes to linemen. Nevertheless, the fact that Atlanta’s OL is held in such a high regard—by independent analysts, coaches and fellow players alike—is meaningful in itself and a sign of genuine progress.
“What a turnaround,” said Khaled Elsayed, who came up with the aforementioned pecking order.