FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Few position groups in the league have had the level of continuity the Falcons' offensive line has the last three seasons. Not only has the organization pumped out one of the most consistent run games during that stint, it has done so with a core line featuring more carryover in personnel than not.
This group was most recently ranked the eighth-best line in the league heading into the 2025 season, according to YahooSports. The seven other offensive lines ahead of Atlanta? All playoff teams in 2024.
For the first time in two years, though, the Falcons are inserting a new starter into the mix. However, it's not a new name or face, nor is it someone who hasn't previously started games for the unit. For that reason, there is little concern that the Falcons offensive line won't continue down a street of consistent production, especially with Michael Penix Jr. operating in the pocket behind them.
More position previews: Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
Offensive line
Position coaches: Dwayne Ledford (run game coordinator/offensive line) | Shawn Flaherty (assistant offensive line) | Nick Jones (assistant offensive line)
Returning starters: Jake Matthews | Matthew Bergeron | Ryan Neuzil | Chris Lindstrom | Kaleb McGary
Notable newcomers: Jack Nelson, Matthew Cindric, Michael Gonzalez, Joshua Gray, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Jordan Williams, Kilian Zierer
Rest of the roster: Storm Norton, Kyle Hinton, Brandon Parker, Elijah Wilkinson, Jovaughn Gwyn
Offseason departures: Drew Dalman (nine starts at center in 2024, now with the Chicago Bears)
3 key questions for Atlanta's offensive line
1. How ready is Ryan Neuzil for the starting center role?
People everywhere love to discuss Penix's connection with his receivers. How does he look throwing the ball to Drake London? What about his timing with Darnell Mooney? But a vitally important pairing that goes chronically overlooked and under valued is that of Penix and his center. The Falcons saw the departure of Dalman this offseason, but they were never really publicly linked to anyone on the open market during free agency or even the draft. That's because they've long said Neuzil is their starting center. Neuzil held his own as a starter in 2024 when Dalman went on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Now, it's his spot to control full time. This actually works well for Penix, who worked many more practice hours with Neuzil than he did with Dalman in 2024, as both were backups at their respective positions. How Neuzil's play and performance carries over into 2025 as the starter will be something to keep tabs on and could dictate future roster moves.
2. How can the unit build upon its stretch-zone success?
A staple of the Falcons offensive operation is the ability of Bijan Robinson and this offensive line to stretch a defense horizontally, allowing Robinson (and Tyler Allgeier, too) to cut back inside for profitable runs. After getting Allgeier to 1,000 yards rushing his rookie year, the offensive line got Robinson there in 2024. That standard remains for this unit. A key contributor to this endeavor is Lindstrom, who's knack for getting to the second level of a defense to create space for runners is considered one of the best assets in the league. Can the Falcons build upon their bread and butter to continue as one of the league's most consistent run games?
3. How does Kaleb McGary fare as Penix's blindside protector?
This is a hot topic for everybody... except McGary, himself. Jake Matthews has been the blindside blocker for more than a decade, but that responsibility now shifts to McGary with Penix, a lefty, behind center. McGary shrugged off the notion that things change for him when discussing the switch last season, saying, essentially, football is football. Though he is most known for his run blocking, McGary's pass protection grades the last couple years have only been a little lower than Matthews'. When it comes to McGary, though, people tend to have primacy bias — recalling their first impression with him. McGary isn't the rookie who put up low pass pro numbers. He's been in the middle of the pack of offensive tackles in the league for much of the last few seasons. Though he maybe isn't as far along as some may want him to be, he has developed into a pretty consistent option for the Falcons at right tackle — one could argue better than many tackle situations across the league. This season will feature a new challenge for McGary, yes, but not one that should change the scope of the Falcons' protection too much. If it does, then that's something to talk about.
