If there are concerns about the Atlanta Falcons' offense, the players are not hearing them. While the offensive line continues to be in a state of flux as the shuffling continues with injury concerns, the remaining players on the roster are not worried about the potential for it to hurt the team. The Falcons have Jake Matthews dealing with a back injury and Jake Long potentially coming in to help, but quarterback Matt Ryan has faith all will be fine come Monday night.
One of the biggest reasons for the downfall of the Falcons over the past two years has been injuries at the offensive line. Ryan has spent more time on the ground or running for his life and throwing in a nice, safe pocket. While there are concerns that this year will be much of the same in Atlanta, the quarterback has all the confidence in the world in the players.
"We've got guys ... Andy Levitre is a guy that has played a lot of ball and that has played a lot of ball at a high level," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "And so you know that once he gets out there, he's going to compete. And he knows what it takes in order to be successful. And I think the scheme-wise, he's a smart guy. In the three days that I kind of had to be around him a little bit, we've kind talked a little bit. And he's picked up a lot pretty quickly."
Ryan is putting his faith in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan along with the playmakers he has alongside him. Roddy White is one of those despite offseason elbow surgery. White is healthy and ready to play Week 1 while making big predictions for the season ahead. White and Julio Jones are considered to be one of the better wide receiver duos in the league, but injuries have hurt that from coming true. The veteran told the media that people can expect historic numbers this season, especially from Jones.
"I don't know what the fantasy records are, but more than likely he will surpass whatever records are out there," White said, via ESPN. "I mean, you've seen him the past few years. He's on his 'A' game. He's ready to play. He's ready to go out there and do what he do week in and week out. The thing I love about Julio is just how consistent he's been each week just getting himself prepared mentally to go out there and play. That's what I always preach to him and all of our wide receiver group."
The Falcons do have a solid roster of offensive playmakers to work with. Outside of Jones and White, Devin Hester, Leonard Hankerson and Justin Hardy headline the receivers. Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman are expected to be a solid one-two punch in the run game. Of course all of this depends on the offensive line staying healthy and building quick chemistry.