Tyson Clabo Earns Respect for Falcons' Offensive Line With Pro Bowl Nod

by Ray Glier

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, NFC South

The Atlanta Falcons' offensive line produced a 1,300-yard rusher and gave up just 23 sacks. Quarterback Matt Ryan had his most productive season and the Falcons' hurry-up, no huddle offense was a nice operation the majority of the season.

Yet, none of the five interior linemen could get in the Pro Bowl, until this week. Tyson Clabo, the right tackle, was named to replace the Eagles' Jason Peters.

It just makes sense one of Atlanta's mudders got in the showcase game. The Falcons' offense was fifth in points scored (25.9) and had balance between run and the pass. They could do both, which is what made Atlanta a tough out and helped the Falcons to a 13-3 season.

Clabo makes this an even better story because he was an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. He is also a free agent, so when this labor strife comes to a close he will be paid, finally.

That section of the Falcons' locker room where the offensive linemen suited up was always a delight. There was not a mega-star among them, even the first-round draft pick Sam Baker, who is still trying to find his way in the NFL.

There was left tackle Baker, left guard Justin Blalock, center Todd McClure, right guard Harvey Dahl, and right tackle Clabo. The chemistry with these guys was special, which is probably why the Falcons' offense functioned at such a high level.

Clabo has started every game since 2008. Blalock is a free agent and was a second-round pick in 2007.

Harvey Dahl is a free agent and is as physical a lineman as there is in the NFL.

The Falcons have some pressing issues and making sure the offensive line continues to function at a high level is one of them. It is not just for the sake of Matt Ryan, it is also for the defense. The Falcons could control the football with one drive after another and make sure their defense did not have to rush back on the field.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/tyson-clabo-earns-respect-for-falcons-o-line-with-pro-bowl-nod/

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