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Happy Friday, Falcoholics. The Atlanta Falcons are poised to take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in another must-win matchup (they all are, at this point). Before you gird for the game, get up to speed on all the Falcons-related headlines with today’s Falcoholinks.
Breaking Down Bruce Irvin
With the Falcons’ acquisition pass-rusher Bruce Irvin, Atlanta has bolstered its defensive line as they continue to seek a playoff spot. So what does Irvin bring to the table? Glad you asked.
#Falcons DE Bruce Irvin shouted “I’m free! I’m free” while walking out to his first practice with the team. pic.twitter.com/AvvGRO6PUK
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) November 8, 2018
Our Eric Robinson has a brilliant breakdown of Bruce Irvin’s attributes and how they apply to the Falcons’ front four. Be sure to give it a read, here.
As the Falcons welcomed Irvin, they also made a corresponding move, waiving lineman Austin Pasztor.
Money in the Bank
Atlanta recently awarded hefty contracts to quarterback Matt Ryan and left tackle Jake Matthews. The news in both instances was met with some strong opinions regarding the potential return on investment, but so far in 2018 both players have been exceptional — and have lived up to their respective paydays. The Falcoholic’s David Walker is out with a new piece extolling the play of both players this season, and why inking them to large deals has proved beneficial for the Falcons so far.
Dynamic Duo
The Falcons lost both of their starting guards to injury, and the situation on the offensive line looked dire heading into the second half of the season. As a pleasant surprise on an ailing front, both Wes Schweitzer and Ben Garland have excelled so far in starting duties.
Atlanta allowed only two sacks against an extremely talented Washington defense, and the ascension of both Schweitzer and Garland certainly inspires confidence for this offense going forward. So for Sunday: Can they keep it up?
The Falcoholic Live: Episode 59
Host Kevin Knight was joined by DW to take a look at the Bruce Irvin signing, a look back at the Falcons’ dominance in D.C., and a look forward to Sunday’s game against Cleveland.
Give ‘er a listen prior to this weekend’s game.