The Falcons feature one of the higher-paid offensive lines in the league, led by Chris Lindstrom, who signed the richest contract in NFL history for his position at the time.
Lindstrom is one of the best guards in football, and he was joined this offseason by second-round pick Matthew Bergeron, who has had an up-and-down rookie campaign, which is to be expected. However, the Syracuse product is coming off the best performance of his young career.
In fact, PFF graded Bergeron out as the highest-graded lineman from Week 12, and he was joined by Lindstrom. The Falcons two guards were the highest-graded linemen from last week’s slate of games.
https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1729289000211587353?s=20
Their performance, along with the other three lineman, paved the way for Atlanta’s runners to put up nearly 230 yards on the ground en route to a Falcons win over the Saints. It’s garnered praise from all corners of the national media, including Brian Baldinger and Nate Tice.
.@AtlantaFalcons @C_Lindstrom63 had a day worthy of opening your own IHOP or Waffle House. Served up hot cakes all say long #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/R1FunRLEe9
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 28, 2023
94 seconds of Bijan Robinson on zone runs against the Saints pic.twitter.com/4BB79CZNN7
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 27, 2023
Matthew Bergeron’s block on Bijan Robinson‘s touchdown run was the perfect example of why the Falcons drafted him so high. He’s mean, athletic and perfect for Atlanta’s zone blocking scheme.
The Falcons got back to their roots in Week 12 against their division rivals. They ran the ball, and even when the Saints knew what was coming, they still couldn’t stop Arthur Smith’s play calls. It starts with the big uglies up front doing what they do best — moving large men out of the way.
Atlanta’s first place position in the NFC South should be credited in large part to the offensive line.
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Photographer: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire
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