Jump to content

McClure: Mack 'Fits in Perfectly'

FentayeJones

By FentayeJones
in Talk About the Falcons

 Share

Recommended Posts

FentayeJones Experienced

FentayeJones

Posted
Posted
Quote

McClure: Mack 'Fits in Perfectly'

Posted 6 hours ago

Andrew Hirsh

Atlanta's offense received a huge boost last week with the signing of center Alex Mack. Former Falcon Todd McClure, one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history, discussed the acquisition with AtlantaFalcons.com.

Todd McClure was one of the NFL's best centers for more than a decade, and a big reason for his success was the way he studied opponents at his position. One of the players he admired most was Alex Mack.

Whenever the Falcons were set to take on a team who recently played Cleveland, McClure would watch every single one of the Browns’ offensive snaps. He’d observe the way Mack approached defensive tackles, the way he’d direct Cleveland’s O-line.

Now a Falcon himself, Mack is expected to provide stability at center. And McClure, the last person to bring long-term consistency to that spot, is thrilled with the move.

“I think it’s a great, great signing for the Falcons,” McClure said. “It’s an area when you don’t have a good center, the whole thing’s difficult. So I know Matt Ryan is going to be extremely happy. The Falcons got better on third down, blitz pickup; the whole offense will be better with Alex Mack.”

Mack will be asked to play in an outside zone blocking scheme, which he learned in 2014, back when he and Kyle Shanahan were both in Cleveland. Built for that system and able to move well laterally, getting up to speed shouldn’t be a problem for the three-time Pro Bowler.

“I think he fits in perfectly,” McClure said. “He’s a really athletic guy. Smart. You can see it in the way he plays the game.

“The biggest thing is he’ll take some pressure off of Matt. He won’t have to worry about shotgun snaps. Having a good center takes a lot of pressure off what the quarterback has to think about. That’s what comes along with the job—just taking some things off the quarterback’s plate so he can do what he has to do.”

In addition to helping Ryan, Mack should be able to assist his fellow linemen, too—especially the guards. Mack is considered a highly intelligent athlete, and with him calling out assignments and making changes at the line of scrimmage, every other Falcon in the trenches should benefit from his presence.

“That’s what Alex Mack can do for the offensive line,” said McClure. “A guy who’s been around that long—he’ll make everyone else around him better.”

One concern about Mack is his age: Set to turn 31 in November, he’ll be in his mid-30s when his new deal expires. Will that be a problem?

“No, I don’t think so,” McClure predicted. “He’ll be fine. He’s the kind of guy who can play out that contract. The Falcons will receive great benefits from him.”

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/McClure-Mack-Fits-in-Perfectly/87b54d7d-3fc6-4501-829b-d62b88df36de

Link to comment
Share on other sites
gazoo Mentor

gazoo

Posted
Posted

A glowing endorsement of the Mack acquisition from a high quality source. If anyone can speak to the importance of this acquisition it's Mud Duck. ( sorry FFS70, I'm sure that hurts)

Mud Duck is saying virtually same thing I've been saying for months. I've wanted Mack for the very reasons he laid out, he makes everyone better. It's not just his play, it's his intelligence, ability to make sure each lineman knows his assignment  and his athleticism, quickness  and skill set that is a perfect match in our ZBS.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
gazoo Mentor

gazoo

Posted
Posted
13 minutes ago, JerseyNo12 said:

We got better on third down? So next season I should be expecting the Falcons' offense to lead the league in 3rd down conversion at a rate at or above 50%?

 

Of course, you are in a better position than Todd McClure, one of the best starting centers of all time for the Falcons, to know what Alex Mack brings to the Falcons.

McClure didn't even say anything about percentages, he said better on 3rd downs which can mean more than just conversion rate. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Tribal Chief Grand Master

Tribal Chief

Posted
Posted
20 minutes ago, Godzilla1985 said:

Come on dude seriously?  Guy was our anchor on the line for years no need to belittle his enthusiasm with your usual ******** negative response.

Stfu I was only kidding around. You crazy *** people around here always taking ish too Damm serious. If you don't like my responses PLEASE block me ASAP 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Godzilla1985 Community Regular

Godzilla1985

Posted
Posted (edited)
3 minutes ago, ya_boi_j said:

Stfu I was only kidding around. You crazy *** people around here always taking ish too Damm serious. If you don't like my responses PLEASE block me ASAP 

No screw you *** hole. You're one of the known it all jerkwads on this site that never has anything to do but be a negative  Nancy 24-7. 

 

Yes I certainly  will block tour ignorant  goofy ***.

Edited by Godzilla1985
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Tribal Chief Grand Master

Tribal Chief

Posted
Posted
Just now, Godzilla1985 said:

No screw you *** hole. You're one of the known it all jerkwads on this site that never had anything to do bit be a negative  Nancy 24-7. 

 

Yes I certainly  w8ll block tour ignorant  goofy ***.

Thank you. It's one less sensitive male that I have to worry about blowing up my notifications because you can't handle a joke or a little negativety. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Mr.11 Rising Star

Mr.11

Posted
Posted (edited)
2 hours ago, gazoo said:

Of course, you are in a better position than Todd McClure, one of the best starting centers of all time for the Falcons, to know what Alex Mack brings to the Falcons.

McClure didn't even say anything about percentages, he said better on 3rd downs which can mean more than just conversion rate. 

I'm just saying. We were second last season at about 47% or so. I understand what you're saying though. With a guy like Mack, down and distance would become less of an issue in regards to play calling, as the protection is more likely to hold up.

Edited by JerseyNo12
Link to comment
Share on other sites
gazoo Mentor

gazoo

Posted
Posted
50 minutes ago, JerseyNo12 said:

I'm just saying. We were second last season at about 47% or so. I understand what you're saying though. With a guy like Mack, down and distance would become less of an issue in regards to play calling, as the protection is more likely to hold up.

I'm following you now. I also think the pocket will hold better ( as opposed to collpase in passing situations as it did last year) allowing Ryan a safe place to step up into to buy an extra second, and the blitz pickups will get better giving Ryan more time to scan field instead of having to immediately dump off on 3rd downs.

percentagewise I'm not sure there is a lot of room for improvement but I do think we'll be a lot more dangerous on 3rd down because if you send a blitzer Ryan will have time to make you pay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...