Falcons bolster trenches ahead of Week 2 matchup against Buccaneers

The news you’ve all been waiting for, the Falcons have bolstered the trenches ahead of their divisional matchup with the Buccaneers! Atlanta’s offensive and defensive lines were dominated in the season opener against the Eagles. Philadelphia’s offensive line is underrated because it has dealt with injuries the past couple of seasons, but it is one of the league’s best units when healthy. Their defensive line is equally as impressive, and both looked like All-Pro groups against the Falcons.

Ahead of the game in Tampa Bay, the Falcons clearly needed help in these specific areas. Terry Fontenot realized that and acted by bringing in Danny Isidora, Bryan Witzmann, and Mike Pennel. Now, things will change! Yes, there is slight sarcasm in my voice.

Isidora is a former Vikings’ fifth-round pick from the 2017 NFL draft and has only started in six games since then. He has appeared in 25 games for the Vikings, Dolphins, and Chiefs over that span, but he isn’t the answer. Witzmann is a former undrafted free agent who signed with the Texans in 2014 out of South Dakota State. He’s played for nine different NFL teams, appearing in 40 games with 20 starts. Both journeymen veterans are guards.

Pennel is in his eighth season since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Packers. He last played for the Chiefs in 2020, where he finished with 29 total tackles in 14 games. He’s tallied 150 total tackles and 2.0 sacks in 91 career games with the Packers, Chiefs, and Jets.

Obviously, these acquisitions aren’t even close to starting-caliber players. Pennel can be a useful nose tackle, but I would argue the Falcons are better off going with Jalen Mayfield or Drew Dalman than Isidora or Witzmann. This could a long season for Matt Ryan.