When you talk about the Atlanta Falcons, the conversation usually drifts toward the flashy guys—Bijan Robinson’s footwork, Drake London’s catch radius, or the constant revolving door at quarterback. But for over a decade, the most important player in that building has been a 310-pound wall from Texas A&M.
Jake Matthews nfl stats aren't just numbers on a page. They are a testament to a level of durability that frankly shouldn't exist in a sport as violent as professional football. You want a wild stat? Since being drafted 6th overall in 2014, Jake Matthews has missed exactly one game. One. That was back in his rookie season due to a high-ankle sprain. Since then, he has been a literal ghost in the training room and a fixture on the left side of the line.
The Iron Man Streak: 170+ and Counting
If you’re looking for the heartbeat of the Falcons' offensive line, you’ll find it at left tackle. By the end of the 2024 season, Matthews had pushed his streak to 174 consecutive regular-season starts. By late 2025, that number climbed toward the 190 mark. This isn't just a "Falcons record." It’s currently the longest active starting streak in the NFL.
Think about that for a second.
In a league where guys blow out ACLs on non-contact plays and offensive linemen are constantly dealing with "rolled-up" ankles, Matthews just keeps showing up. He broke Matt Ryan’s franchise record of 154 consecutive starts in 2023 and hasn't looked back since.
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Honestly, the sheer volume of snaps is staggering. Since 2015, he has played at least 1,000 offensive snaps every single year. You’ve got players half his age who can't stay on the field for a full 17-game slate, yet here is #70, basically a permanent part of the turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Pass Blocking Mastery and PFF Nuance
Total games played tell one story, but efficiency tells another. Jake Matthews has always been a "pass-first" tackle. If you look at his jake matthews nfl stats regarding pass protection, he’s consistently ranked among the league's elite.
- Sacks Allowed: In 2020, he allowed only three sacks on over 1,100 snaps.
- Quarterback Hits: He’s famously stingy, often keeping his QB's jersey clean even when the pocket collapses elsewhere.
- PFF Grades: He usually hovers in the high 70s or low 80s for pass blocking. While his run blocking grades have fluctuated—sometimes dipping into the 50s—his value in a pass-heavy league is undeniable.
In 2025, even at age 33, the metrics showed him still holding his own against the league's premier speed rushers. He isn't the most dominant "pancake" blocker who will drive a defender 20 yards downfield, but he is technically sound. He uses his 6'5" frame and massive wingspan to mirror pass rushers with a level of calm that only comes from having seen every trick in the book.
Penalties: The Silent Killer?
One thing people often overlook when scouring jake matthews nfl stats is discipline. Offensive tackles are notorious for holding calls when they get beat. Matthews, however, has managed to keep his penalty counts remarkably low for a guy who plays every single snap. In 2020, he was flagged only three times total. That’s insane discipline.
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The $200 Million Legacy
You don't stay in one place for 12+ years without being worth the check. In March 2025, the Falcons gave him a two-year, $45 million extension with $38 million guaranteed. It was a move that basically signaled he would retire as a Falcon.
His career earnings? Over $149 million as of 2024, with the potential to cross the $200 million mark by the time his current deal expires in 2028. For a left tackle who only has one Pro Bowl (2018) to his name, that might seem high to a casual fan. But NFL GMs know the truth: you pay for the blindside, and you pay for the guy who never misses a Sunday.
Why the "Only One Pro Bowl" Narrative is Wrong
Matthews is often called "underrated," which is a cliché in sports, but here it actually fits. He’s the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. He grew up in the "First Family of Football." Because he doesn't have 10 Pro Bowl nods like his dad, some people think he’s just "average."
The stats say otherwise. Consistency is a talent. Being a "B+" or "A-" player every single week for 12 years is arguably more valuable than an "A+" player who is only available for 10 games a season.
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Comparing the Eras
To put his longevity in perspective, look at the quarterbacks he has protected. He started with Matt Ryan, went through the Marcus Mariota/Desmond Ridder era, and eventually became the primary protector for the Kirk Cousins era.
While the guys under center changed, the guy at left tackle stayed the same.
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Total Starts | 196 (as of late 2025) |
| Consecutive Starts | 180+ |
| Snap Count | 1,000+ per season (since 2015) |
| Pro Bowls | 1 (2018) |
| Draft Position | 6th Overall (2014) |
What's Next for Jake Matthews?
He’s currently under contract through 2028. At that point, he’ll be 36 years old. If he maintains his current health—barring any major setbacks like the ankle tweak he battled in October 2025—he could realistically challenge his father’s record for games played by a lineman.
For fans and fantasy managers (who rarely care about O-linemen until their QB gets sacked), Matthews is the ultimate "set it and forget it" player. He’s the reason the Falcons' front office hasn't had to sweat the left tackle position for over a decade.
Actionable Insights for Following Matthews:
- Watch the "Snap Count" in 2026: If the Falcons start rotating in younger tackles for a series or two, it’s a sign they are finally preparing for life after Jake.
- Monitor the Penalties: As tackles age, they often rely more on "grabbing" when they lose a step. If his holding calls spike, it’s a sign of physical decline.
- Appreciate the Streak: We are watching a historical iron-man run. Every game he starts from here on out is a new milestone for the Falcons' franchise record books.
The reality is that jake matthews nfl stats won't ever look like a wide receiver's or a quarterback's. There are no "yards" or "touchdowns." But in the world of the trenches, the only stat that truly matters is being there. And Jake Matthews is always there.