Falcons vs. Packers Q&A: Atlanta offense struggling to score despite Matt Ryan

In their first game in over 13 years without Mike McCarthy, the Green Bay Packers take the field against the Atlanta Falcons. Dave Choate of The Falcoholic was kind enough to answer some of our questions about the Falcons and provide some insight into their strengths and weaknesses.

APC: Statistically, Matt Ryan has put together one of his finest season, putting himself on pace to match or break his best career marks in completion percentage and interceptions. However, it seems odd that Ryan’s performance hasn’t resulted in more points or offensive efficiency. Why hasn’t the Falcons offense taken off this season?

The Falcons’ offense was very good for a while there, earning Steve Sarkisian praise and gaining Ryan some justified MVP buzz. It’s just that there were two lousy games (against the Eagles and Steelers), and then the last four games have seen this offense absolutely crater.

Why, you ask? Oh, you did ask. Anyways, it’s primarily the offensive line, which managed to muddle through for a while but is collapsing under the weight of its own injuries and ineptitude. Things have gotten so bad that the Falcons literally cannot seem to run the football or protect Matt Ryan, which has culminated in starters being benched at right guard and potentially right tackle heading into this game. It’s ugly.

Couple that with Matt Ryan making some errant throws, primarily under pressure, and some ugly drops and decisions from receivers and you have a recipe for an offense that looks extremely disappointing. Atlanta hasn’t managed even 20 points in a game since November 4, which is embarrassing for an offense of this caliber.

We’d like to thank Dave and The Falcoholic for his insight. Be sure to check out our Q&A session over there, as well as their fantastic coverage of all things Falcons. As always, keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company this Sunday for our comprehensive game-day coverage of Falcons versus Packers.