Dan Quinn: Atlanta Falcons guard Andy Levitre's hip won't stop him from playing Sunday

The Atlanta Falcons have to play an important football game on Sunday. Sure, they clinched a playoff berth Saturday. Sure, they're the 2016 NFC South Champions. And sure, Matt Ryan is dominating the MVP race. But a victory Sunday does matter, for a couple reasons.

First, the Falcons want to secure the 2nd seed. A first round bye will give this team some much needed rest. Second, they're playing the New Orleans Saints, and let's be honest, a 2-14 season would be alright as long as we swept them. But make no mistake, the Saints, like the Falcons, have a dynamic offense. We're going to need to put up 20+ points on them to come away victorious. And to do that, the Falcons need their bread and butter, the offensive line, clicking on all cylinders. That's why this hearing this good news today put a smile on my face.

Coach Quinn said they are anticipating Andy Levitre will be good to go for Sunday

— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) December 26, 2016

Levitre isn't perfect. He had a mediocre year in 2015 and has occasionally struggled in pass protection. But overall 2016 has been a resurgent year for the dependable veteran. Ben Garland is a fan favorite and I don't mind him in small doses. That said, the continuity of this offensive line is its strength. (That and Alex Mack's ability to dominate pretty much everyone.) In short, this is good news.

Your thoughts?