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After being one of the more stable units in recent years, the Falcons’ offensive line enters the season with two significant changes. Bill Callahan has replaced the highly regarded Dwayne Ledford as the offensive line coach. Kaleb McGary’s unexpected retirement led to the signing
of Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. Both moves should raise expectations, given Callahan’s longevity as a coach and Taylor’s starting experience. How the unit performs goes beyond their impact.
The offensive line clearly possesses quality talent, but there is plenty of uncertainty about how good they can be. Jake Matthews showed signs of decline last season, which is to be expected at 34 years old. There wasn’t a third-year leap from Matthew Bergeron. Ryan Neuzil showed promise, although he will need to be far more consistent to be a definitive long-term starter. It was encouraging to sign someone of Taylor’s caliber late into the offseason to address a big hole at right tackle. That doesn’t dismiss how frequently he committed penalties and made mental errors that cost the Chiefs.
The offensive line doesn’t have a definitive second-best player behind Chris Lindstrom. Who do you have the most confidence in out of the four starters?
