Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Thursday, Oct. 25

What’s going on in Falconsland?

We’re in the midst of the bye week, because there’s no Falcons game this Sunday. Yet there is still Falcons news, of the offensive line depth variety, and much mulling to do about this roster. Let’s get to it.

The return of Austin Pasztor

Look, none of us expected the Falcons to get the band back together on the offensive line, but none of us expected Andy Levitre and Brandon Fusco to be sitting in a leg hospital together, either. With both veteran guards on the shelf, the Falcons have gotten busy bringing back some familiar faces, starting with Sean Harlow to the practice squad the other day.

Yesterday, they brought back veteran tackle/guard Austin Pasztor, who couldn’t squeeze by Ty Sambrailo in 2018. The Falcons really need Wes Schweitzer and Ben Garland to be healthy and effective the rest of the way.

Atlanta comes up big in the trenches

The Falcons wouldn’t have won against the Giants if they didn’t have one of their better games of the year along the lines. The Falcons picked up four sacks in the first half and bullied the Giants’ offensive line all night long, resulting in a quiet game for Saquon Barkley. As our own Allen Strk notes, the offensive line did its part as the game wore on, too, springing Tevin Coleman for a long touchdown and protecting Matt Ryan much better later on, when (coincidentally or not) Fusco went out.

If that’s going to continue or get better, the Falcons are gonna win some football games. Bold prediction here.

Fan confidence is up, but are playoff hopes?

Falcons fans are feeling more confident about the direction of the team than they have in several weeks, which makes perfect sense when you consider that they’re actually winning football games and have the great Grady Jarrett back. But just 42% of fans we polled say they think the Falcons will actually make the playoffs, and right now, being more confident than that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense given the standings.

Meanwhile over at SB Nation, Charles McDonald looked at how the Falcons can make the playoffs. They’re not dead yet, folks.

The Falcoholic, Live

Kevin Knight and Eric Robinson are always good for takes on the game that was, and last night they were full of the good energy that two straight wins brings for us all. If you missed Falcoholic Live, you can check it out here.

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