'Heck of a Job!' Atlanta Falcons' Shuffled Offensive Line Came Through vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The trenches don't often draw headlines in the NFL, but without an offensive line, no amount of success is possible.
The Atlanta Falcons found themselves suddenly shorthanded up front in their 29-25 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but their offense was still able to be somewhat efficient, even with notable names missing on the line. Drew Dalman (ankle) and Kaleb McGary (knee) did not play on Sunday, and Jake Matthews (knee) left in the first quarter with an injury.
Offensive guard Chris Lindstrom spoke about the shuffling along the line for Atlanta on Sunday and how that unit was able to adjust on the fly to the injuries that piled up.
“Everything with offensive line is falling back on your preparation," Lindstrom said, "and I think it speaks to the character of the guys in our room from Jake [Matthews] to – all 12 of us have belief in each other and the way we practice every single day there’s so much strain and intent. So, when those guys get their opportunity – Tyler [Vrabel], [Ryan] Neuzil, Kyle [Hinton], Storm [Norton] – those guys did a really phenomenal job. I’m just proud of them and proud to be part of our room.”
Aug 27, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom (63) on the bench against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The improv act by the Falcons line did not go unnoticed by quarterback Desmond Ridder either. Ridder had a productive day under center, throwing for 347 yards and a touchdown alongside an interception in the loss.
“Yeah, they've done a heck of a job all year of just being ready and staying ready," Ridder said. "Obviously, we have a great starting five who is normally out there, and we have great backups as well. Like I've said, they have done a great job whether they were on scout team or whether they were in and out with the ones throughout camp, throughout the season.
"They've been prepared and ready for this opportunity, and they took advantage of it. They did a heck of a job out there. So whether it as Kyle Hinton, [Ryan] Neuzil, [Tyler] Vrabel, Storm [Norton]. Doesn't matter who it was, they all did a heck of a job out there.”
Even with some offensive success on Sunday in terms of yardage, the Falcons were unable to come away with the divisional win, and they fell out of first place in the NFC South as a result. Atlanta will have another test within the division next week when they travel to face the one-win Carolina Panthers in Week 15.
Kickoff between Atlanta and Carolina is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the game will be televised on FOX.
