Even after a rough Sunday in Chicago, the Falcons’ offensive line is still getting national respect.
Pro Football Focus moved Atlanta up to No. 10 in its latest offensive line rankings heading into NFL Week 7, bumping the Falcons one spot despite a loss to the Bears that exposed the unit for a stretch. That game wasn’t pretty: Atlanta managed just 63 rushing yards and gave up a season-high five sacks, a stat line that reflected how often the offense got pinned back as the Bears built an early lead.
Still, the bigger body of work has kept this group in the top 10. Through the first six weeks of the 2026 season, Atlanta has consistently helped create room for Bijan Robinson on the ground while also holding up better in pass protection than many expected.
PFF’s Gordon McGuinness pointed to left tackle Jake Matthews as one of the bright spots, writing: "Left tackle Jake Matthews surrendered just one pressure from 44 pass-blocking snaps in the loss to the Chicago Bears, but he was the only player to avoid allowing multiple pressures. No player struggled more in pass protection than right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who was credited with six pressures - a total that was just two fewer than the rest of the unit combined."
Taylor’s outing against Chicago may have been his toughest of the year, but it wasn’t the full picture. The former Kansas City Chiefs tackle had been productive in pass protection for much of the season, and after Week 5 he ranked fifth in pass-block win rate among offensive lineman, according to ESPN.
That said, the Falcons still need more steadiness from him if they’re going to count on him long term at right tackle. Taylor is among the notable Atlanta players, along with Jessie Bates, set to hit free agency after the 2026 season.
The next test is a major one. Atlanta’s offensive line will be under the microscope again in Week 7 when the Falcons face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
In Other News...
Falcons Face A Familiar Problem In Raheem Morris Atlanta Return
Raheem Morris is coming back to Atlanta in a different role than the one Falcons fans remember. After two seasons as the teams head coach, he was let go in January and quickly landed with the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator, where his group has been one of the NFLs more efficient units. The return sets up a reunion that feels bigger than a routine coaching matchup, especially for a Falcons team that knows Morris well and will spend all week preparing for a defense shaped by his hand.
Players have already acknowledged the familiarity that comes with seeing Morris on the other sideline, and theres no mystery about why this game carries extra weight. Atlanta will get a close look at how one of its own former coaches has translated his approach into success elsewhere, while Morris gets a chance to walk back into the building with a defense that has carried its share of respect around the league. For the Falcons, its a reminder of how quickly old ties can turn into a fresh problem. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons May Be Running Out Of Patience With This Receiver
Olamide Zaccheaus has given the Falcons very little through the first six games, and that matters on an offense that has already had to work through its share of problems. He has just four catches for 17 yards on 11 targets, a production line that has not matched the role Atlanta hoped he could fill, and the missed chances have only made the receiver picture look murkier as the season has gone on.
Zachariah Branch is the name to watch next. The third-round rookie is still sitting behind Zaccheaus on the depth chart, but the Falcons have seen enough flashes to keep the conversation alive about a bigger role for him. If Atlanta is going to find more juice in the passing game, the next adjustment at receiver may have to come sooner rather than later. [Read more 🡒]
Tommy Rees Knows Whats Fueling The Falcons Early Offensive Holes
The Falcons recent sluggish offensive starts have put the spotlight on Tommy Rees, and the first-year coordinator isnt trying to push that attention anywhere else. As Atlanta gets ready to face the 49ers, Rees said the early failed drives and slow openings are on him, a candid admission that the offense has not been getting into rhythm quickly enough.
Rees said the fix starts with getting the ground game going early and keeping the attack balanced, which should help create cleaner chances for Michael Penix Jr. and the rest of the unit. For Atlanta, the formula is simple enough in theory, but it has to show up from the first series if the Falcons want to avoid another slow beginning. [Read more 🡒]