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The Atlanta Falcons got away from their run-first identity in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers, and it couldn't have come at a better time. With the 49ers defense locked in on stopping the run, Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees utilized the short-passing game to keep the chains moving.
The unsung heroes of Week 7 were the offensive linemen, who excelled in pass protection against an elite front seven. The Falcons did not allow a sack, which allowed Michael Penix Jr. to pick the 49ers apart with 213 yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers.
Three Falcons offensive linemen were among the team's highest-graded players on offense in Week 7, per Pro Football Focus. Right guard Chris Lindstrom led the way with an 88.0 overall PFF grade, while LT Jake Matthews (77.0), WR Drake London (75.6), LG Matthew Bergeron (73.6) and RB Bijan Robinson (72.2) rounded out the top five.
Defensively, Jessie Bates led the way with his incredible performance (92.8 grade). Bates came down with a third-quarter interception on an incredible diving effort, and forced a fumble in Sunday's win. Cornerback Mike Hughes (89.4) and defensive tackle LaCale London (84.0) also received grades over 80.
Kendal Daniels, who intercepted a pass and recorded a fumble, earned a 73.2 grade. Check out the top five defensive grades from Week 7 below.
Other notables include Penix receiving a 67.1 grade. Linebacker Harold Perkins earned a 61.1 grade, while tight end Kyle Pitts finished with a 66.0 grade in Week 7.
The Falcons will hit the road in Week 8 for an NFC South matchup against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sunday's game starts at 1 p.m. ET.