The Falcons front office has finally signed a left guard that Atlanta fans can be comfortable with. With Prince Shembo being waived, there was an open roster spot, and it was filled quickly. The Falcons and Chris Chester agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million. Even though Chris Chester was cut from the Redskins earlier this week, it was a solid pick-up from general manager, Thomas Dimitroff. Why can this player help Atlanta’s offensive line woes? Let’s take a closer look.
Chris Chester played 64 straight games in the past four-years in Washington. Durability is not an issue in this signing. He also played in Baltimore for five-years, so he brings a veteran presence to Atlanta’s younger offensive line. Another key reason this signing bodes well for the Falcons is that Chester has played under Kyle Shanahan’s offense for a couple of years. He knows the zone blocking scheme and will compete with Mike Person at the left guard position.
It seems as if Kyle Shanahan has taken a plane to Washington and has asked any Redskin player to hop aboard. The Falcons signed ex-Redskin Tyler Polumbus earlier this offseason. While it might look good on paper that Atlanta has targeted players that have played under Shanahan, the result might not pay off like many expect it to. The Redskins offensive line has not been a strength in the past couple of years, allowing 58 sacks last year. That is not a comforting number when Atlanta has signed two of their linemen. I have a feeling both signings will pay off, especially in Chester’s case. Not only do I see him starting at left guard in 2015, but I vision him and Jake Matthews dominating the left side of the line. Chester did not start 64 straight games for no reason. Hopefully Chris Chester can help solidify Atlanta’s offensive line and keep Matt Ryan upright.
What do you think Falcon fans? Comment below and let us know what you think of this signing!
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