'Unlike Anybody I've Been Around': Falcons OL Chris Lindstrom Repeats Pro Bowl Season

Atlanta Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom was named a Pro Bowler for the second straight season, continuing his ascent to becoming a franchise staple.

In a year littered with offensive inconsistency, Atlanta Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom has found his footing.

Lindstrom earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod Wednesday night, joining safety Jessie Bates III as Atlanta's lone representatives in Orlando. The duo were alerted prior to practice and quickly swarmed by teammates.

Upon hearing the news, a Falcons trainer alerted Lindstrom's wife, Madison, who ordered a four-pack variety of Crumbl cookies to celebrate the occasion.

"I had a little bit of everything," Lindstrom said, beaming.

That's one reason to smile for the 6-3, 307-pound Lindstrom. The underlying meaning behind his back-to-back Pro Bowl bids is another.

"It's an incredible honor," Lindstrom said. "The thing that matters is just respect from your peers. That's something I love and take a lot of pride in."

Lindstrom, who's a team captain for the second time in as many years, has been important in the development of rookie left guard Matthew Bergeron, who's played all but one snap in his inaugural campaign.

Beyond his off-field mentorship, Lindstrom has starred once more on the gridiron, validating the five-year, $105 million contract the Falcons gave him in March.

With an overall grade of 89.5, Lindstrom is the NFL's highest-rated guard, per Pro Football Focus, while boasting a league-best grade of 90 as a run blocker. He ranks No. 5 in pass protection with a grade of 78.7.

Aug 27, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom (63) on the bench against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

And still, Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone believes the most likable aspect of Lindstrom's play can't be measured numerically.

"What he brings to the table, unlike anybody I’ve ever been around, is his level of effort on each play," Ragone said. "People talk about playing hard, playing fast, playing through the whistle, all those coach-speak terms that you hear. Just put the tape on. His resume speaks for itself."

Lindstrom's tape includes over 1,000 snaps this season - and only three sacks and two quarterback hits allowed. He's been flagged for six penalties but given up just 15 total pressures.

Last season, Lindstrom allowed five sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl. He's taken strides as a pass protector this year, stemming from a strong offseason undeterred by his new contract.

Numbers, tape and coach speak are now matching his accolades - and Lindstrom's slowly become the complete package at right guard in Atlanta.

"Every snap, there’s never a question of 'did he give you everything he had?'" Ragone said. "You match that with an intelligent player, physically tough, understands the game, and then you put effort with it, it’s just no surprise that he’s reaping some of the rewards of his hard work."

The effort Ragone stressed lends itself particularly important Falcons coach Arthur Smith's zone rushing offense, which tasks linemen with moving in space and sealing pursuit angles to open lanes.

Lindstrom, a first-round pick in 2019, wasn't drafted by this regime, but his blend of athleticism and intelligence has allowed him to taste success - or in this case, a variety box from Crumbl.

"Chris has great spatial awareness," Ragone said. "I think players with the ability to problem-solve have spatial awareness. Chris understands how to get the job done when it’s not exactly perfect because his effort usually gets him through a lot of things.”

Players like Lindstrom give Ragone, in his third season with the Falcons, a sense of appreciation and gratitude to be in the coaching profession.

Be it coachability or his consistent effort in practice regardless of the point in the season, Lindstrom's made Ragone proud, serving as a glowing indication of trusting the process and translating practice to games.

Take, for instance, the growth Lindstrom's made with his footwork.

"I think it’s a credit to him putting in the work," Ragone said. "It’s a credit to the coaches that work with him daily. It’s a credit to his teammates who push him. I think Chris will be the first to tell you that he’s been fortunate to have a lot of good people around him."

Lindstrom agrees, quickly attributing his Pro Bowl berth to the group around him.

"I just love my guys," Lindstrom said. "To be a part of a special group, especially up front, you can't achieve anything individually without the help of everybody else."

The Falcons have largely held consistent with their starters up front, as Bergeron and left tackle Jake Matthews have played each game, while Lindstrom's missed one, center Drew Dalman's missed two and right tackle Kaleb McGary's missed three.

But each time Atlanta's lost one of its five starters, the level of play hasn't dropped. Smith has often praised swing tackle Storm Norton and reserve interior lineman Ryan Neuzil for their work, while guard Kyle Hinton and offensive tackle Tyler Vrabel have also been thrust into action.

The Falcons sit at 7-9 entering the season finale, battling adversity in spades throughout the year - but they've often responded well, leaving Lindstrom appreciative of the locker room around him.

"I think the culture that we have in this building is probably about as good as you can find anywhere in the league, and super grateful for that," Lindstrom said.

It's possible Lindstrom will play his final game of the season Sunday, when the Falcons travel to New Orleans for a road game against the Saints (8-8) at 1 p.m. EST inside Caesars Superdome.

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) lose to the Carolina Panthers (2-14), the winner of the Falcons-Saints game takes the NFC South crown, which opens the door for Lindstrom to make his first postseason appearance.

The rivalry between Atlanta and New Orleans means everything, Lindstrom said, but this particular matchup - coming in Week 18 with significant playoff implications - creates a heightened sense of excitement.

"Just the opportunity to play them, be a part of the rivalry, the respect we have for their front, their defense - it's always a fun, physical game to play in," Lindstrom said. "The fact it's in a moment like this is a great opportunity."

The Falcons have rushed for over 200 yards in each of their past three meetings with the Saints. They may need to do so again Sunday - or else, Lindstrom will take a month-long break for the Pro Bowl on Feb. 4.

Falcons 'Optimistic' Injured QB Heinicke Will Play vs. Saints

Nonetheless, Lindstrom expressed his intent to retire a Falcon last offseason. He was financially rewarded in the spring and has proven to be worth every penny as a staple both on and off the field.

"He’s a great person, and you see his level of work," Ragone said.

Now, Lindstrom, still filled with hopes of fighting another week, gets the chance to finish the regular season on a high note ... and is ready to prove his Pro Bowl selection was more than deserved.

"The fact that now, not only are you going to play in a great environment, but it's a big moment in our season, is extra special," Lindstrom said. "Just as a competitor, you're really looking forward to it."