Matt Ryan went into the no-huddle early vs. Chiefs
00813 Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) loosens up for the exhibition season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Friday, August 13, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
Quarterback Matt Ryan and the first team offense jumped into the no-huddle on their second possession of the game.
The drive stalled after Roddy White dropped a flanker screen and left tackle Sam Baker jumped offsides. After getting backed up, the offense has to settled for a 53-yard Steven Hauschka field goal attempt that banged into the crossbar.
It was a sign that the Falcons plan to use the no-huddle more as an attack offense this season. Last season they mainly used in a traditional “hurry-up” mode when they were behind.
“I thought we did a pretty good job,” Ryan said. “We tried to run the ball a little bit. We felt like we had some good schemes.”
Ryan converted on two third downs out of the no-huddle, finding Tony Gonzalez both times. They connected for gains of 16 and 12 yards to convert.
“We just need to tighten some things up,” Ryan said. “We were pretty good with our third down conversions. I think we knocked some of the rust off. That’s a thing that you have to get a feel for. I think we made strides.”
One the first drive, the Falcons established running back Michael Turner.
“I thought we were running the ball so successfully on the first drive that we didn’t need to pass it,” Ryan said. “I’ll be the first to tell you that if we run the ball like that.my job gets a lot easier.”
Also, Ryan, who suffered a turf toe injury last season and missed two games and most of one other, looked pretty nimble moving around in the pocket.
“It feels good to be healthy out there and to have my feet underneath me,” Ryan said. “I thought it was a good start.”
Some you have been screaming for more no-huddle and it appears that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has heard your pleas.
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Monday, August 16 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Tuesday, August 17 — Practice 8:30 – 10:55 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:35 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH NEW ENGLAND.
Wednesday, August 18 — Practice 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. (closed to public).
Thursday, August 19 — Preseason Week 2 vs. New England 8 p.m.
Friday, August 20 — No Practice.
Saturday, August 21 — 9:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. (closed to the public); 3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Sunday, August 22 — 9:35 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public)
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53 comments Add your comment
dawgfan13
August 15th, 2010
9:58 am
My only problem with the pre season game was that Ryan still seems fixed on forcing the ball to Tony G. The recievers seem to never get any good looks on third down. He has to understand that he has to get Rody and Jenkins some looks as well. The O line played horrible as well. The defense played well without showing much. I am sure they didn’t want to blitx and hurt KC’s QB in the pre season. These coaches have respect for each other and they dont want to hurt anyone. I say let Ryan No huddle as much as possible. He looks more comfortable in that set.
tampainatlanta
August 15th, 2010
2:17 pm
When are the Falconeers fans going to standup to state officials and demand to be like the Tampa Bay Bucs fans- 11am liquor sales on Sundays – wake up Georgia – Florida is way ahead of you
Looking back at Atlanta’s preseason debut | NowSportsLive
August 15th, 2010
4:38 pm
[...] subtle thing that I thought was a very encouraging sign was that the Falcons used the no-huddle offense on their second series. I don’t have stats to back this up, but my general sense is they used [...]