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The Falcons' offensive line held up pretty well against the Philadelphia Eagles' imposing front, but the team isn't taking that one performance for granted.
Former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long is flying to Atlanta today to sign with the Falcons, per source. Atlanta improving up front.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2015
It's unclear what Long's role will be, because despite a costly penalty from Ryan Schraeder, the team's tackles looked just fine. It's very possible that Long will push for the starting right tackle role, but he could just as easily be settling in as the team's swing tackle, and he'd be an undeniable upgrade over the likes of Tyler Polumbus and Bryce Harris. We'll see who gets cut when Long is officially added.
Long has been cleared medically, but it's worth remembering he's suffered some fairly major injuries in recent years, so you can't expect him to roll in, start 15 games and avoid any further ailments.
However Long's role with the team shakes out, I'm hopeful he'll flash some of the form that made him the top pick of the 2008 draft, because the Falcons could always use more competent offensive linemen. Between this likely signing and the team's win last night, Falcons fans have to be feeling pretty good right now.