Q&A: Matt Ryan says offense needs to pick it up in practice
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls signals during first quarter NFL preseason football action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
MIAMI – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was frustrated with the offense’s performance against the Dolphins.
In perhaps his most controversial statement in his young career, he said the players need to pick it up in practice and do a better job of getting on the same page.
Despite the need for picking it up practice, Ryan also felt like the offense is ready for the regular season.
Here’s what he had to say after the 16-6 victory over Miami on Friday.
Q: How do you think it went for you guys out there tonight?
A: ”There were some things we did pretty well, but for the most part I think we had seven possessions in the first half and we came away with just 10 points. That’s a little bit frustrating. We were close. It’s something that we need to iron out in practice. We need to do a better job of being on the same page in practice. Being a little bit more productive there. With that said, I think we’ve been really productive this preseason. . . I feel like we’re ready to go.”
Q: How tough was it not to hook up on that one play were it looked like you had Roddy open for a sure touchdown?
A: “That’s a perfect example. With that particular play, we were close. But in this league, close doesn’t count for much. You have to go out there and you have to execute. That’s something we need to do a better job of heading into the regular season. I think we will. We still have a little bit of time before we go up to Pittsburgh and play that first game. I think the most important thing is that we are playing our best football when we get to the regular season.”
Q: Is good for the offense that you got Harry Douglas back involved with four catches today?
A: I think it was good for Harry to get back tonight and have a couple of catches. We have seen that every day in practice. He’s been out there and has been really productive. This was the first time in a game that he had a chance to go out there and play an extended period of time. It’s going to be huge to have him back. He’s definitely going to be a huge part of our offense.”
Q: How gratifying was that second drive, where you converted on three third downs and scored a touchdown?
A: To be honest with you, I think our third downs were good all night. We were very good on third down tonight. (10 of 19, 53 percent) The problem is that we were in quite a few third downs. We need to be better on first and second down. I personally needed to do a lot better on first and second down. Those are the things we can correct. That’s the beauty of the preseason. You’ve got a chance to iron out some of those things and sure that when we do get to the regular season, we’re playing at full steam.
Q: How comforting is it knowing that you can power the ball at teams in short yardage situations?
A: That’s good. That’s a big part of what we do. We’ve got a really good offensive line and power running backs. Mike (Turner), Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood do a great for us of getting downhill on third and short situations. That’s kind of where our identity is. We like to be a physical football team. If you are going to be that kind of team you have to execute in those type of situations. I think we’ve done a really good job of that this preseason.
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129 comments Add your comment
truth
August 28th, 2010
10:37 am
No prob This. In 2008 we very rarely threw to the TE and we had amuch better passing attack. And it does get old.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
10:42 am
Mitch (the one in Rome) . . . I got a similar feeling on Matt’s comments. I was commenting during the game yesterday and noted a bunch of very neear misses. I saw the replays, and even caught the 1st half again on TV . ..and noticed their seemed to definitely be a disconnect on the routes . . .either by Ryan or receivers. When the plays are that close, it is easy for us to say the QB is over/undertrhrowing . . .heck I did on the blog a bunch of us chose to be the “Live Blog”. On second viewing I really did wonder if he just plain threw it to where he thought the receivers would be (on the “underthrown passes ). No matter what pass game is a Team game and they all have to get on th same page . . .and if they already are on the same page . . .then Ryan needs to tighten up those passes.
SeenThisB4
August 28th, 2010
10:46 am
truth: Let me get the vernacular correct: I AINT UR “BROTHA”, FEEL ME?
Once Recent Reader: MR has had much more of an opportunity to play in his first two years than Brees did. But even if he had had the same opportunity, his numbers would not have been comparable to his numbers in New Orleans because the chargers were not run by Sean Payton, and they were not a pass first, run second offense like the Saints are. Plus the league has skewed it’s rules significantly to help offenses, all of which have benefitted Ryan’s first two years, but weren’t there for Brees’ first few years.
RobbE33
August 28th, 2010
10:49 am
Did anyone else switch back and forth between the Falcons and Charger games? While the Matts seemed like nervous highschoolers, Drew and Philip came off like the consumate professionals they are- poised, patient, confident and accurate with authority. I am hopeful that Ryan can grow into his potential, but as yet, I’ve only seen glimpses of it. The rest of the offense seems like they’ve been digesting too much of their preseason press. C’mon boys, they aren’t going to give it to you! It’s time to man-up and take it from them!
Luke
August 28th, 2010
10:54 am
Chris, What part of Texas are you in? I just moved out here to Dallas about 3 months ago from Atlanta and have not found any falcon fans yet.
pd
August 28th, 2010
10:58 am
So I guess all the True Experts (former players and coaches now in the media) are just dead wrong on Ryan? I’ve never seen more foolish opinions in one place before than this message board. Ryan has played 2 years, does anyone realize that? Look at Peyton after 2 years, look at Drew Brees, at Rivers, not a one of them was close to where Ryan is now. What a bunch of ungrateful, miserable fans you people are. You don’t deserve a qb this good.
ryan
August 28th, 2010
11:12 am
Matt Ryan is crying out for another WR he knows when his offence sputters Vincent Jackson is on the block the guy is a game changer also Antonio Bryant may be cut buy the Bengals is possibility .
Mitch (the one in Rome)
August 28th, 2010
11:15 am
“Once Recent Reader, true that. pd, true that.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:17 am
SeenThisBefore . . ..Brees was drafted I believe in 2001. Didn’t play much that first year as another BC guy Flutie (was at BC same 4 years as him . . .so hence my Ryan-BC bias/like) seemed to be the SD starter. In 2002 he played 16 games and 11 in 2003. I don’t know what his offense was like, all I know was that he was not very good in the ratings those two years. I am not saying Ryan is better than Brees . . . .but when folks bring up Brees today and compare him to Ryan (was done last week on this blog) . . .I think it is only fair to go back to Brees first two years. Tomlinson had a great year in 2002 so you would think Brees had a slight “pass” because of a good running game. Shouldn’t a team with a great running game be more efficient in passing as the other team is focused on run and more men in the box. Hey I really like Brees now and liked him then. My comparison is in numbers only. Folks like to go hard on numbers . . .then when numbers are brought in to lessen their point . . .they then flow over to intangibles.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:23 am
Mitch (in Rome) – No matter if you think he’s a good/great QB or not that good . . .you cannot deny Ryan is a very smart guy and chooses his words wisely in most cases. He seems to have let a few out last night out of . . .anger? In this case I had to look at what he WAS NOT saying. It’s obvious when he says something like that so vehemently . . .it has to be something that his QBing plays a part. Pass game. It’s very wise to not point out anyone specifically if he was going at his receiver’s routes. No matter what the case . . .the QB will be the point man . . .and if it is a timing thing . . .he’s the one who must adjust the passes to compensate. If it’s a sloppy route thing .. . ..well the receivers will hear about that this week. It still could be a not accurate pass thing too!!!
waynester
August 28th, 2010
11:26 am
thisgetsold
Mularkey is targeting his TE’s more than usual with #88, Peele, Zinger and the rookies all with multiple catches this preseason.
RobbE33
I don’t like Ryan’s demeanor at the line or in the pocket but if it works for the team, fine. He just always seems jumpy and nervous with his eyes darting every whichaway under center. I prefer the silent almost detached attitude of Brady who never gives any hint of what might be coming with his body or eyes or the noisy confusion of Manning to disguise the play. I join you in hoping that Ryan will calm down after the OL proves it’s going to keep him undisturbed consistently. Just like Brees Rivers and virtually everyone else, it takes almost all QBs some time and I’ve still got faith in Matt to keep working at his craft and getting better all the time…..
falcon fan
August 28th, 2010
11:27 am
Roddy must be smokin` some of that J babs funk weed. Not only did he drop passes that hit him square in the hands, he looked to be off on his routes a couple of times as well. Come on dude catch the d@^n ball!!!!!!!!! Sorry roddy, but you`re a #2 wide reciever at best. TD and company must address this issue and get matt a TRUE #1 reciever if the offense is to ever reach it`s full potential.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:30 am
waynester . . .. .I don’t know . . . .different ways of looking at the D. That’s what Ryan always did when he scanned the field at BC . . .. with very good results. Where you see nervousness, I see something different . . ..almost intensity . . .from watching Ryan for the past 5-6 years. Again, I’m a BC guy and like him a lot . . . and think he’ll be very good at Altanta . . so I have a prejudice . . . but my prejudgement comes with a lot of post-judgement of what he’s done.
This Gets Old
August 28th, 2010
11:30 am
Peyton Manning in his SECOND season threw for 4400 yards and 26 TD. They don’t have the same coaches or weapons, that’s a given. But where is it written that if Matt isn’t playing well that it should be glossed over? I think that Ryan would be the first to tell you that he can play better. Anyway why do YOU take it so personally if others give their opinions as freely as you give yours?
Mr. Falcon
August 28th, 2010
11:31 am
Matt Ryan is not a very good QB. He has looked awful during this preseason. There is NO way the Falcons can compete with Green Bay, the aint’s, or the Vikings if he continues to produce 1 TD every 3 games. This probably sounds crazy because it is the PRE-season, but I have not seen coach Smith get upset at all (and he has had many opportunities). That mentality is contagious. This team is just too relaxed, and care free. They do not seem to be taking these games seriously AT ALL. They are not ready for the regular season.
JP
August 28th, 2010
11:35 am
@pd….as I mentioned to “Once” last week….we are falcon fans true and through. There is no excuse making for Matt Ryan. He has been touted as an elite quarterback by the “True experts” more so than Bree’s, Peyton or even A Rodgers in there first two years. Again, my primary concerns are that he is 3rd pick overall but plays much like a later round pick. We would like accountability for his play “today” not his potential for tomorrow…also please note he had accuracy and interceptions problems in college-see the “True Experts” college scouting report.
@Once-again he was ranked 20th last year which means he was an average QB and he has not demonstrated anything contrary during the pre-season.. As I said last week..watch his feet while in the pocket then watch the feet of the “elite” QB’s while they are in pocket. Matt needs to improve in this area – FACT. On a positive note, he did scramble to pick up a first down – this was largely absent in the first two years. Hopefully more improvements to come.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:41 am
This Gets Old . …there is nothing personal about stats. Manning threw 4100+ in his second year and 4400+ in third year. Compare his and Ryan stats in first two years. Manning definitely had more yards . . .also about 140 more pass attempts each year. No excuse – just hard numbers. Manning is great, great, great!!! Ryan is not Manning nor is he Brees. But all in all . . . .his first two years numbers hold up pretty well to both of them. Manning definitely threw the ball a lot more and got more yards. Look at their average passing rate and average yards per catch. Again . .I like Ryan . . .and just choose to compare hard numbers when other QBs are referenced. Ryan has quite a way to go . . .but for his first two years . . .he’s in a pretty good place.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:43 am
Oops . . . Manning had only 82 more attempts in his second year. About 141 more than Ryan in his first year.
Chop Buster
August 28th, 2010
11:45 am
I don’t want to hear anything from Roddy and his lazy play. This guy is not a #1 WR in my opinion. He cannot consistently get separation–granted the DB was hanging all over him way beyond the five yard limit. As for Ryan, I don’t know what his problem is but I did see him locking in on a player (who was covered) and there was another wide open he didn’t even see. It looks as though he’s not going through his progressions every snap. The guy still looks nervous and uncomfortable; his passes are still off the mark, etc., etc. This has nothing to do with playcalling, but everything to do with HIS performance as a QB in his third year. Redman is much more comfortable in the pocket and trusts his linemen. Ryan has not got that comfort in the pocket where he is willing to stand tall and deliver the ball regardless of what’s going on around him. They all need to practice like they play in the games. I hope to see more improvement in the final preseason game.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:45 am
Mannings first year where he had 140 more passes, he had 3,739 yards. Ryan had 3,440 yards in first year with much less passes. Second year Ryan went down in yards and average . . ..Manning went up.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
11:47 am
Chopbuster . . .. Redman definitely is a smart veteran and Ryan can learn something from him in regards to pocket presence. I do think what could be a nervous energy now may diminish with more experience . …and definitely will diminish if there is more success!!
falcon fan
August 28th, 2010
11:50 am
Matt Bryant WTF? Their has to be somebody out there better than this guy. Come on TD, you know a big part of the pats success was in part due to thier kicker. If not for some of those last second clutch game winning field goals the pats history would be a lot different. Imagine if they would have had this guy kicking in the snow? They would have lost to the raiders for sure. Go get us a freaking kicker!!!!!!!!!!
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
12:17 pm
Year one, Ryan had a run game that kept defenses on there heels, he looked quick and decisive in the pocket, making good reads. Year two with run game sputtering and teams keying in on the pass, Ryan looked skidesh, running for his life and looked to Gonzo first and second, then to Roddy third, and noone else. The skidishness in the pocket is still there this preseason, hopefully with some run support, a healthy HD and Norwood, he will lose the happy feet.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
12:19 pm
That is IF Norwood stays healthy
waynester
August 28th, 2010
12:26 pm
“recent”
You’ve obviously seen more of him than most of us but the few times I did see him at BC he looked about like he does now (maybe a slightly higher completion %). He’s a definite improvement over what we’ve had recently at QB but I’m ready to see that quantum leap forward that most of us believe he will eventually make. He’s obviously frustrated, too–losing his temper a little bit with the drops, missed communications, etc. Funny how even when he’s being critiqued by these boards, he’s still being compared to the league’s elite signalcallers, not the mid-low range guys. We all see something of his potential and long to see him fulfill it…..
Chop Buster
August 28th, 2010
12:32 pm
JP…you are on point with your comments. Ryan does NOT get a pass. After all he is the Leader of the offense and as he falters so does the offense.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
12:34 pm
Waynester . . .well I did see all but one of his college games . . either at the game or on TV. Hey, what can I say . . . I do defend him a lot here because I truly liked what I saw and hoped for continued growth/success in NFL. What I don’t do here is say he’s great, gonna be MVP, gonna be top QB . …I simply defend many critiques with my “opinion” and I think it’s an opinion based on what he’s done. Prog game is different . .still a lot TBD. I just think he’s been pretty steady and pretty good thus far as a young QB. How many of them have come in gang-busters . . .even the greats. Tom Brady might be an exception . . .but even he was “only” a good solid QB on a pretty good team – nice Defense 2. He also did not have the weight of great expectations and the other outside factors that exist in Atlanta after their previous QB . . .whom I thoroughly enjoyed watching and rooted for!!!!!
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
12:37 pm
Chop Buster . . . .I assume you’ve been on these blogs for the past couple of years. It would be a challenge to say Ryan has got a pass of any sorts from abour 30-40% of the posters. Hopefully this type of constant pressure will make him better/stronger instead of breaking him down. I think he has the mental strength to handle it . . . … .now he has to get out there and . . as Belichik would say . . .. “Do his Job!”
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
12:39 pm
Roddy is a top ten receiver in this league hands dow. But hanging with Mike Vick in the off-season shows his head isn’t 100% in the right place, and that carries over to dropsies on the field.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
12:57 pm
As far as Matt being frustrated with his teams efforts, the QB has to set the tone each and every practice day in and day out, if guys aren’t stepping it up he should be calling them out on the practice field, not in the media. So far this kid has handled the press well, lets hope this areen;t signs he’s cracking under pressure. I think Ryan is a great QB, with great physical talents, but the Tom Brady’s of the world win games between there ears, on and off the field.
SaintsChamps#1
August 28th, 2010
1:06 pm
The Falcons are an average team. They have an average QB, and average offnse, and an average defense. They are the definition of an 8-8 team if ever there was one. Good luck this season!
dawgfan13
August 28th, 2010
1:08 pm
I hope for the Falcons fans and organization that they are being very vanilla on defense because I am not impressed with having only two weapons on offense. Matt only throws to Gonzolas or White. Douglas should get more opportunities as well as norwood out of the back field. That first game is going to be a tough one even with Big Ben not playing. The offensive line was great last night even though the Dolphins will say that they didnt blitz a lot. Turner ran well, but that fumble was big. We will see I am ready for the season to start.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:08 pm
left coast falcs fan . .. .. I reread his Answer . . and Ryan does not call any specific player out. He refers to the offense and “We” when he talks about getting on the same page in practice to be more productive. It didn’t sound like he was cracking to me . . .but instead trying to push the Offense to prepare better. I’m not sure what goes on during practices . . . .but wouldn’t doubt there is much more yelling there.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:09 pm
dawgfan13 . . . ..I was just thinking . .. .with this shorter pass first type offense . . . .wouldn’t a Wes Welker (quick, sure handed, little guy) type be a nice addition. It does seem they have enough fast, big receivers.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:15 pm
Recent-
Isn’t HD the receiver you are describing: small, quick, sure handed
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:17 pm
I’m excited to have HD back, he adds a whole nother demention to this offense
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August 28th, 2010
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dawgfan13
August 28th, 2010
1:18 pm
Once Reader I agree man, did you see Ryan over throw White on an easy TD pass. Everyone was blaming White but Ryan has to put that pass on the mark. Ryan also needs to show his vertical passing skills. That guy that drafted from Kansas Meir, the receiver, losing him swill be big because he is a Wes Welker type.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:18 pm
Left Coast . . .is he?? I really haven’t got a good look at him . ..especially after last year with him being out. When I see him he seems to be more of the “Fast” type and not “Quick” . . . .but I MAY BE WAY wrong on that. I haven’t seen him run those Welker type routes . . .and again I may be missing something. He seems to get passes a little deeper . . .10-15 yards downfield. Is my assessment wrong there . . .I really don’t kow – just haven’t seen enough of him.
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:19 pm
Left Coast . . .I do agree on glad to have HD back. I heard really good things about him and thought he was productive Ryan’s first year . .didn’t he get hurt that season?
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:21 pm
As far Ryn having a weak arm, Dunta says the play he got injured on was a 70 yard bomob that over threw he and White. I think if he can seddle in the pocket, and get his feet under him, you’ll see him uncork the deep ball this year.
Big O
August 28th, 2010
1:25 pm
Ryan is getting too much of the blame. Yes his accuracy consistency could improve. He knows it and it will get better. The thing I’m beginning to wonder after seeing Roddy White drop passes the last two games, including the touchdown bomb he should have caught, in spite of it being 2 feet farther away than perfect, is to notice his sideline manner. Many times, not always, when the camera pans the bench, it is obvious his mind is not in the game. Maybe it’s nitpicking, but I’d think he’d be more interested in how his team is doing on defense and be up there offering encouragement to the defensive players when they come off after forcing a punt, etc. Maybe it’s just the coach telling them to sit down and get re-pumped with fresh oxygen? But the horsing around with your buddies on the sidelines while your defense is out there beating their brains out doesn’t seem right?
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:27 pm
Recent-
Yes he may not fit the exact welker prototype, but he does run good inside slant routes and can make guys miss for the big play. I like what we have in him, and he is in my opinion our teams welker.
Chop Buster
August 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
Once “Recent” Reader, I’ve been here for a minute. I say that because for the other 60-70% of the fan base you can’t say anything negative about Ryan without them throwing a hissy fit. If you’re a true fan of the team (instead of players) then everyone is accountable. I don’t know if he doesn’t trust the OL or it’s just a mental issue with him. I just would like to see him get the confidence back he had his rookie year.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
if we can get Norwood to to dress for back to back games, and get him the ball out in open space, youw will see the offense everyone was predicting last year
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:36 pm
Left Coast . . .got it! Hope HD has a great year. Another good receiver will help!!!
Chop Buster – Definitely was not being sarcastic, but just wondering if you’ve been on these posts the past two years and have seen the ongoing battle between Ryan Supporters – Detractors. I’ll admit, I’ve seen those hissy fits . . ..hopefully I’m not included as a hisser:) I will say I do come on and try to respectfully defend the guy . … .can’t hide that fact:)
Once "Recent" Reader
August 28th, 2010
1:41 pm
Chop Buster . .. I also think the old poster “Choke Ryan” (is he under a new moniker this year?) used to every now and then get annoyed with me for maybe trying to be “too respectful / PC” . . . .. I don’t think he was happy unless posters were calling him names like “idiot” or telling him to get out of his Mom’s basement:):)
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:41 pm
I don’t think Ryan gets propped up too much by the natioal media. It’s always he COULD be elite BUT. And I think he’s earned as much.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:58 pm
I can’t waste for preseason to be over, but I think this offense needs another tune-up before the games count. The number thing I’ll be watching is Ryan leaves the tap shoes at home, if not it could be a bad omen for this season of so much potential.
left coast falcons fan
August 28th, 2010
1:59 pm
Oops, the number ONE thing . .