It has been clear since the beginning of the season that Sam Baker was not entirely right. He graded out as the worst of the team's five starting linemen and looking gimpy at the end of the Rams game. The leg injury he's been battling is now costing him a start.
Falcons offensive tackle Sam Baker has been ruled out of Sunday's game vs. Miami #ATLvsMIA
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 20, 2013
I speculated earlier this week that Thomas Dimitroff's pro-Lamar Holmes comments were designed to brace us for Holmes at left tackle and Jeremy Trueblood at right tackle. I hate when foreshadowing is accurate. The loss of Baker means a relatively untested tackle is going to switch over to the left, and a veteran tackle not knowing for his pass blocking is going up against Cameron Wake on the right side. The sledding isn't getting easier.
Let's be clear: A healthy Lamar Holmes probably can't be significantly worse than an injured Sam Baker at left tackle, if the last two weeks are any indication. He may even be an upgrade. Still, it's not going to be smooth sailing for him, and Trueblood has an extremely difficult matchup as well. The offense is going to have to adjust to this new reality.
Let's hope Baker gets back to 100% quickly. Last year was a good one for Baker, and I think we would all like very much if he could return to form. In the meantime, down Baker and Steven Jackson, Matt Ryan's going to have to throw a lot of quick passes to stay alive back there.
Thoughts about the injury?
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