Falcons offensive tackle ranks fifth in ESPN's pass block win rate

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Falcons offensive tackle ranks fifth in ESPN's pass block win rate

Falcons offensive tackle ranks fifth in ESPN's pass block win rate

Matt Urben, Falcons Wire · Falcons Wire

Fri, Oct 16, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Atlanta Falcons had to act fast after right tackle Kaleb McGary's sudden retirement back in April. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham didn't blink, though, and the team signed veteran offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor just hours after McGary's announcement.

Taylor, 28, was easily the best option available in free agency, having 111 career starts under his belt from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Falcons signed the former second-round pick to a one-year, $5 million contract,

Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Taylor has been known for two things: penalties problems and elite pass protection. Thus far in Atlanta, he has been penalized twice in five games, but his pass blocking remains top notch.

According to ESPN's Marc Raimondi, Taylor has the NFL's fifth-best pass block win rate this season (92 percent).

As a unit, Atlanta's offensive line play has been very effective through the first five games. The Falcons are tied with four other teams for the third-fewest sacks in the NFL this season (11 total allowed).

This is a nice change for a team known primarily for its run blocking. And while that remains a strength, it's encouraging to see assistant coach Bill Callahan mold this offensive line into a more well-rounded group.

Taylor, in particular, has been a key part of this unit's improvement. Since Michael Penix Jr. is a lefty, Taylor serves as the quarterback's blind-side protector. Thus far, he has more than held his own.

While Taylor might not be as effective of a run blocker as former Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary, he deserves credit for his pass protection - especially after missing most of training camp with an injury.

The Falcons need Taylor to be at his absolute best to protect Penix from a feisty Bears defense in Week 6. Penix took a shot to the ribs last week and is still dealing with some soreness.

However, the Falcons did not give Penix an injury designation for Sunday's game. As for Bears QB Caleb Williams, he has been listed as questionable for Week 6.

Sunday's game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Check back at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday morning for Williams' official game status.