Atlanta Falcons' Sam Baker Losing Ground

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of problems that the Atlanta Falcons are experiencing.  The ship has sprung leaks all over and it makes it tough to decide what to try and fix first. Then again, paralysis by analysis doesn't fix any of the disastrous issues facing the team.

By focusing on the worst and hopefully most fixable problem, the Falcons should be able to improve greatly.

Left Tackle Sam Baker has forgotten his technique for stopping a bull rush. No one is strong enough to hold the point of attack if he just waits for the defensive end to come to him. In addition he is clearly staying too high. I know he will get spin moves and leverage digs if he attacks but at least he has a chance.

The other thing that is worth mentioning is that he may be trying to play injured for fear of losing his job. Too bad because if he doesn't do something he will be out of a job anyway.

Fixing the Left Tackle issues won't fix the Falcons but it will give Matt Ryan a second or two more and that is enough in the NFL. It's a good thing this didn't happen to Ryan in his first three years. It may have ruined him. With an effective offensive line he can be like Drew Brees. However, with the offensive line playing like it has the last three games, Matt Ryan has been a lot more like Jay Cutler.

I think the Falcons will get things fixed. We saw a glimpse against Tampa where Ryan was protected on two plays that went 60 yards and a score. It was a beautiful thing and it gives the fans hope.