How Alex Mack impacts Falcons offense
The Atlanta Falcons were somewhat active in the free agency period, addressing several key needs. They signed a solid receiving option in Mohamed Sanu, added a run-stopping linebacker in Courtney Upshaw, and brought in more depth to the defensive line with Derrick Shelby.
However, the most important, game-changing addition was to the center position. Atlanta signed center Alex Mack, a former Cleveland Brown, to a five year/$45 million contract at the beginning of March. Mack has earned national respect, being dubbed a top center by many members of the national media.
But just how much does this help the offensive flow and ultimately make Matt Ryan a better quarterback? One may recall the last GREAT center the Falcons had was Todd McClure. McClure retired after the 2012 season when Atlanta fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
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Ryan had some of his best years and best protection under McClure. There’s no doubt that Coach Dan Quinn has already improved on the defense from past years, so the next step is addition protection and time in the pocket for quarterback Matt Ryan.
Besides helping Ryan have a bouce back 2016 campaign, the running back position should improve as well. A great center helps the entire line and in Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme this couldn’t be more true. We saw a breakout season for Devonta Freeman and there’s absolutely no telling what his ceiling is with a major upgrade at the center position.
If all of these outlooks come to fruition, the Falcons offense could thrive and be ranked towards the top of the league. The signing of Mack was underrated and surely won’t be truly appreciated until we see Matt Ryan’s final stat line and the Falcons’ final season record, but optimism is fairly high in Atlanta right now. Welcome to Atlanta, Alex Mack. Let’s go win some football games.
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