The Falcons have established themselves as an early playoff contender in the last month and a half, and along the way, a few noticeable trends have emerged.
Free agent acquisitions and draftees have, for the most part, worked out well. The offense has found a comfortable balance. The coaching has been excellent. And a number of returning players have taken big strides forward—including Atlanta’s 2014 first-round pick, Jake Matthews.
The second-year left tackle has done a fantastic job protecting Matt Ryan’s blindside. In total, he’s allowed just 10 pressures, one sack and one QB hit and committed only two penalties.