FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Mike Smith, alarmed by the beating quarterback Matt Ryan has taken in the Falcons’ first three games, may make changes on his offensive line this week.
Smith said Monday he is looking first at the Falcons’ scheme and then at the players following Atlanta’s 16-13 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. The coach says he’ll let the linemen compete in practice before picking the starters.
The Falcons (1-2) have allowed 13 sacks in three games, the third-highest total in the NFL. Ryan was sacked four times by the Buccaneers.
Smith says the line also struggled in run-blocking as Tampa Bay held Michael Turner to only 20 yards rushing.
The Falcons, who play at Seattle this week, have only one offensive touchdown in road losses at Chicago and Tampa Bay.
