Dan Quinn announced Tuesday that Brandon Fusco will start at right guard in week one.
Dan Quinn talks about the decision to name Brandon Fusco the starting right guard over Wes Schweitzer pic.twitter.com/vkz5DXpyg8
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) August 28, 2018
Fusco signed a three-year deal with the Falcons in the offseason. The investment meant he was always likely to get the job, but Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports it was a competition until the end.
Brandon Fusco said the competition at right guard with Wes Schweitzer wasn’t easy and Schweitzer pushed him hard pic.twitter.com/AhkRtIqyLZ
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 28, 2018
Quinn states they feel much more comfortable with Fusco in pass protection. You do not have to look far to find Schweitzer struggling in that area. The Eagles and Rams had a field day on the interior in the playoffs. Although, they do feature two of the best defensive lines in football. Fusco also has 80 starts over his seven-year career.
The Falcons already have an excellent offensive line, but the addition of Fusco puts it in the running for the most intimidating in the league. It’s additionally encouraging to hear the confidence Quinn has in Schweitzer. He will serve as a backup swing guard to start the season. What was a substantial weakness for the team a year ago, appears to be in a much better place as the new season begins.