The Falcons invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, and Sunday’s opener gave them plenty to sort through.
Atlanta’s front did not do enough to create running lanes in the 20-13 loss to the Steelers, with the biggest issues showing up inside. Pittsburgh held the Falcons to 238 total yards and just 2 of 12 on third down, and the run game never found a steady rhythm.
There are reasons the picture looked rough. Cooper Rush was making his first start after joining the team late, and Atlanta’s lack of a consistent downfield passing threat let the Steelers focus more attention on stopping Robinson. Even so, the Falcons need more from a unit that was supposed to be a strength.
Chris Lindstrom is one of the league’s highest paid guards, with a contract that carries a $26.25 million cap hit in 2026, and Matthew Bergeron also got a major four-year extension worth $96 million with $60 million guaranteed. With that kind of investment, the interior line has to play better than it did against Pittsburgh.
The Falcons still had plenty of continuity up front. Jake Matthews, Lindstrom, Bergeron and Ryan Neuzil were all back as starters, and the team also had questions at right tackle after Kaleb McGary's retirement, bringing in Jawaan Taylor to compete for the job. That made the lack of push against the Steelers stand out even more.
Atlanta’s tackles were part of the problem too. They did not consistently open things up in the run game, and while Robinson still managed to create plenty on his own, Pittsburgh did a strong job keeping him from finding easy lanes.
The Falcons did not bring in Bill Callahan just to survive up front. They hired him to raise the level of the offensive line, and the organization entered the season believing the group had the foundation to become one of the NFL’s best units.
Week 1 could look a little different in hindsight if Atlanta settles the quarterback situation. Rush did not force Pittsburgh to respect much of a deep passing game, and that made the Falcons easier to defend. But that only explains part of it.
What Atlanta needs now is better individual play, especially on the interior. The line has to open cleaner paths for Bijan Robinson and give the quarterback a steadier pocket, and that challenge comes again in Week 2 against a Panthers front seven that has its own issues. Carolina gave up over 300 yards on the ground to the Chicago Bears.
Tomorrow’s matchup gives Atlanta a chance to prove Sunday was a warning, not a pattern. If Rush is going to have a get-right game, the offensive line has to keep him upright first.
In Other News...
Falcons QB Mess Could Create A Surprising Week 2 Red Zone Role
The Falcons quarterback situation has already forced the team into an unusual Week 2 setup, with Cooper Rush expected to start because of injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. It is the kind of shuffle that can change how an offense operates near the goal line, especially when a coaching staff is trying to protect a patchwork depth chart and find any edge in tight spaces.
One intriguing wrinkle is the idea that backup Jack Strand could be worked into short-yardage snaps as a sneak option. ESPNs Ben Solak floated the possibility that Strands size could make him a natural fit for that kind of specialist job, which would give Atlanta a very different red zone look if the Falcons decide to get creative. It is still just a projection, not a confirmed plan, but it is the sort of detail that makes this quarterback situation worth watching beyond the obvious starter question. [Read more 🡒]
Bijan Robinson Could Own Falcons Home Opener For One Big Reason
Bijan Robinson was already a central figure in the Falcons season opener, piling up 21 carries for 83 yards and adding eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown as Atlanta leaned on him heavily to move the offense. A big share of the teams production flowed through him, and that kind of usage is exactly why he is worth watching as the Falcons turn from their road opener to their first game in Atlanta.
The matchup only adds to the intrigue. Carolinas run defense struggled badly in its opener, giving up nearly 300 rushing yards, which gives Atlanta a clear path to keep feeding Robinson if the game unfolds the way the Falcons want. If Atlanta can control the line of scrimmage early, Robinson could be set up for another featured role in front of the home crowd. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Need Nick Folk To Steady One Early Concern Fast
Nick Folks first Sunday in a Falcons uniform came with a mixed bag, and for a team that left Pittsburgh with plenty to sort through, the kicking game jumped out early. In Week 1 against the Steelers, Folk missed two field goals to open the game, an unusual start for a veteran brought in to provide stability, before settling in and drilling two long-range kicks later on. Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman called the misses uncharacteristic and said Folk kept his confidence intact, which at least gives Atlanta reason to believe the rough opening was more blip than trend.
Still, the Falcons do not have much room to let an early concern linger, especially with another division matchup coming against the Carolina Panthers. In a season where every point matters and special teams can swing close games, Atlanta needs Folk to look like the steady presence the club expected when it trusted him with the job. The next chance arrives quickly, and the Falcons will be watching closely to see whether the first-half hiccups are put behind them just as fast. [Read more 🡒]