Posted Nov. 06, 2009 @ 3:40 p.m.
The normally reliable Falcons pass protection has become a serious problem over the last few weeks, as QB Matt Ryan was sacked seven times in the past two games after having been sacked just twice in the first five contests. The breakdowns have coincided with one of the worst stretches of Ryan's career. He's forcing throws and making poor decisions, as he's tossed seven of his nine picks in the last three games, and facing added pressure certainly hasn't helped him get out of the funk. Ryan has been lauded for his pocket awareness and maturity since he entered the league, but it's clear that he still is learning about how to respond when the pocket collapses. Despite the issues, there is no talk of a personnel shake-up on the offensive line, we hear. Atlanta is short on O-line depth, and no one player has emerged as a weak link that needs to be replaced.
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