Falcons PFF Week 8: The Good and The Bad

The Falcons left everyone in Atlanta frustrated after a 23-20 defeat at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a game where Atlanta was supposed to cruise to their 7th victory of the season, the Bucs answered the bell and jumped out to a 20-3 lead off of four Atlanta turnovers. Atlanta was able to cut the lead to 20-13, where the most interesting call of the day was made. Lovie Smith opted to go for it on 4th and 1 from their own 40-yard line instead of punting it back into the Matt Ryan’s hands. Atlanta’s defense was able to come up with a huge stop, and Matt Ryan hit Julio Jones for the game tying touchdown with 17 second left in regulation. However, a field goal on the first possession of overtime was enough for the Bucs to leave Atlanta with a victory, as the Falcons were not able to answer.

The Good

Andy Levitre (+4.8)

Jacob Tamme (+2.5)

Patrick Dimarco (+2.5)

Matt Ryan (+2.0)

Andy Levitre has been a beast on the line for Atlanta. He has ended up on this side of the list more times than not and is constantly opening up holes for Devonta Freeman. He rated out at a stellar +4.5 in the run blocking category in week 8.

Tamme had his biggest game of the year catching 10 balls for 103 yards and a TD. It was great to see, as he has not been great so far this season, and the Falcons has been is desperate need of a tight end threat since Tony Gonzalez retired.

Like Levitre, Dimarco has been spectacular all season long opening up holes for Freeman. He is never going to be the guy getting the attention, but he deserves a lot of the credit for this Falcons rushing attack.

Matt Ryan has been shaky the last few weeks and it was much more of the same here. He is still making too many mistakes, although he was terrific in leading the Falcons back from a 20-3 deficit. He needs to be more consistent if Atlanta wants to go deep into the playoffs.

The Bad

Ra’Shede Hageman (-5.1)

Desmond Trufant (-2.8)

Ryan Schraeder (-3.0)

Paul Soliai (-2.4)

Hageman had a brutal day for Atlanta and most if it came against the run where he rated at a -4.8. Hageman is a promising young player for the Falcons and has played well for the majority of the year.

Surprisingly, Desmond Trufant ended up on the bad side. Trufant has been very good all season, but did have a rough day on Sunday. He had four balls caught on him and two big pass interference penalties. He also had to leave the game in the 3rd quarter due to injury.

Another surprise on this list, Schraeder has been on of the most reliable tackles in the league this year in run and pass blocking. However, Schraeder was a -3.o in the run blocking category on Sunday, the lowest of the year for him.

Paul Soliai also lands on the list. He has been a nice run stopper in the middle of the Falcons defensive line all season, but that was not the case on Sunday. He was rated at a season low -3.5 against the run.

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