The offensive line will once again command the attention of the Falcons' decision makers this offseason.

Atlanta had three of its five starters on the O-line headed for free agency last year, but a mass exodus was avoided, as OLG Justin Blalock and ORT Tyson Clabo were re-signed. It didn't prevent some serious issues from befalling the unit, though. Inconsistency in pass protection and struggles to get a push at the line of scrimmage in short-yardage situations were a couple of the team's more maddening problems.

This year, the only starting O-lineman due to hit the open market is longtime C Todd McClure, who wants to continue his career, but there are question marks at left tackle, and the ORG situation will be impacted by whatever happens with McClure, as Joe Hawley could slide from right guard to center if McClure does not return.

OLTs Sam Baker and Will Svitek are both signed through next season, but neither is viewed as a long-term solution at the position. Also, there will be a new assistant coach responsible for the O-line, as Paul Boudreau was released earlier this month.

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