To start the offseason, Pierce Johnson signed a two-year contract to remain with the Braves, adding a huge piece to the bullpen early. After being acquired from the Rockies at the trade deadline, the right-hander produced a pitiful 0.76 ERA and a 12.2 K/9 in 24 appearances for the Braves. alongside season, he should be a set-up man alongside to Tyler Matzek and possibly A.J. Minter.

When the 2022 postseason hero returned for the 2022 campaign, he was a different pitcher. His lack of speed resulted in an ERA above 5.00 prior to the Braves placing him on the Injured List due to shoulder pain.

When Matzek returned in July, the outcomes were far more positive in terms of ERA. Over his last 29 games, he recorded a 3.00 ERA, but his velocity continued to drop, and the strikeout totals that had made him one of the game’s most effective lefty relievers were significantly reduced. He was shut down for the season right before the NLDS against the Phillies because something still didn’t seem right, and it was eventually discovered that he would require Tommy John.

Though Matzek expressed multiple times this season that he hoped to be back for the postseason, that was never going to happen. He has a contract through 2024, though, and is anticipated to be prepared for Spring Training.

Though it’s never easy to forecast what a pitcher will look like after a long layoff, Tommy John surgery frequently results in people returning even better. Over his career, Matzek has surmounted numerous obstacles, transitioning from an Indy Ball player to a Braves postseason icon. At the back end of their bullpen, Brian Snitker could really use another trustworthy left-handed reliever, so hopefully this is just another hiccup in the way. If Matzek returns to his 2021 level, the Braves relief core may be strengthened.

go from good to great without even making a significant addition in free agency.

The Falcons offensive line was regarded as the team’s strongest point heading into the season. Still, I don’t think it’s overkill to say that, through the first two weeks, it was the most disappointing aspect of a failing offence.

The team got off to a 2-0 start thanks to the defence, but against the Jaguars and Lions, the warts appeared. Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder, and the line were all blameworthy and should have received some of the blame.

Still, expectations play a big part in all of this. It’s the fault of observers and fans if Ridder appeared to be an experienced player throughout Weeks 3 and 4 of the season. He didn’t perform spectacularly below reasonable expectations, but he did do terribly.

Because of the high expectations, I believe the offensive line of the Falcons was the biggest letdown. They were supposed to be a part of the solution, not the issue, as many of us did. It has altered in the last few weeks.

It’s no accident that when the line settles in, the offence has started to click as a unit. The big ugly boys up front have significantly raised their level of play, kept Desmond Ridder clean, and done everything they could to prevent loaded boxes during the run game.

I’m not sure if they belong in this discussion of elite teams, but according to PFF, they are among the top 3 football teams.

3. ATLANTA FALCONS (UP 2)

Projected Week 8 starters:

LT Jake Matthews
LG Matthew Bergeron
C Drew Dalman
RG Chris Lindstrom
RT Kaleb McGary

• While the Falcons’ offensive line allowed just seven pressures against Tampa Bay, four were charged to right tackle Kaleb McGary.
• Drew Dalman’s 90.1 run-blocking grade leads all centers in the NFL in 2023.

Best player: Chris Lindstrom

Lindstrom was the NFL’s highest-graded offensive lineman in Week 7, with a 92.1 overall mark.

Early in the season, there were two obvious problems: Jake Matthews’ difficulties in the run game and Kaleb McGary’s difficulties with pass protection. They’ve recently improved in appearance, even if they’ll never be excellent in those aspects of the game. Chris Lindstrom has rapidly stabilised, reaffirming his status as one of the NFL’s top guards.

Although Matthew Bergeron has gone through the usual growing pains as a rookie, he has also improved recently. Though he occasionally makes difficult blocks appear easy, Drew Dalman excels in the run game and leaves a little something to be desired in pass sets. In that aspect, his athleticism is evident.

The offensive line for the Falcons has improved in recent weeks following a dismal beginning to the season. It contributes to the cause

for Desmond Ridder’s improvements in the passing game. With time and a clean pocket, Atlanta’s quarterback has shown glimpses of being an NFL-caliber quarterback

Braves: Ronald Acuna Jr., Brian Snitker win MLB awards

Two Braves were honoured among the MLB award winners announced by Sporting News. Brian Snitker shared the title of co-NL Manager of the Year with Ronald Acuna Jr., who was named Player of the Year.

Acuna, who became the first player to smash 40 home runs and swipe 70 stolen bases, is expected to win the first of many MVP awards in November. No one else has even approached it. At 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases, 40/50, and 40/60, Acuna set new records.

He was excellent offensively in all areas of the game, batting.337 with a.416 on-base percentage while accomplishing it all. Acuna led the league in stolen bases and hit for contact and power. He also reduced the number of strikeouts and took walks. This season, he accomplished nothing that wasn’t exceptionally impressive.

When the MLB formally gives him the 2023 NL MVP title in a few weeks, he deserves all the accolades that will be bestowed upon him. Conversely, Brian Snitker doesn’t often receive recognition.

Despite having been a part of baseball for twice as long as I have been alive, the Braves captain has only really received recognition on a national scale once, in 2018 when he was named NL Manager of the Year. That’s the reality a manager has to deal with when they have a club like Atlanta.

But for his efforts in 2021, when he pulled all the right strings and pushed all the appropriate buttons to lead the Braves to their historic comeback to the top of the mountain and win their first World Series, he truly deserves more recognition since 1995.