Brady and Patriots show Ryan and Falcons how it’s done
Matt Ryan had decent numbers but for the second straight game failed to engineer a touchdown.
(UPDATED AT 11:30 p.m.)
During his four years at Boston College, Matt Ryan watched Tom Brady win a Super Bowl, go through a regular season undefeated, throw for 50 touchdown passes, win an NFL MVP award and be named AP athlete of the year — all of which, of course, took a backseat to marrying Gisele Bundchen.
As the Falcons’ quarterback said earlier in the week, “It is impossible not to see him when you live in Boston because of his star power.”
It was impossible not to notice that star power Thursday night. Ryan, who has the potential to rank among the league’s elite quarterbacks one day, went against Brady, who has been there for about nine years and three Super Bowls now.
It was only an exhibition. But Brady remains on a level that Ryan — and others not named Manning — strive to reach. Ryan played three series in an exhibition against New England with some efficiency: 8-for-13 for 76 yards. Brady played three series and was a little better: 10-for-12 for 85 yards.
Ryan led one field-goal drive.
Brady led two touchdown drives.
There’s the difference.
New England won 28-10. Now, it’s dangerous to over-evaluate preseason games. Sometimes it’s dangerous to give any weight to them. Coaches don’t scheme. Veterans don’t play hard. Sometimes they don’t play at all.
But it’s safe to say it’s at least of some concern that the Falcons’ first-team offense has had five possessions in two exhibition games and has produced only two field goals (with two misses) and zero touchdowns.
“We’ve moved the ball really well,” Ryan said. “We just haven’t been able to capitalize on many drives.”
When asked how much weight should be given to the Falcons’ first-team defense not getting into the end zone, Ryan said: “I don’t think a lot. When we come into these things, we don’t game plan a lot. We watch basically zero tape. It’s an extension of training camp. We’re working on some different things, trying to improve on route combinations and stuff, seeing what we like and don’t like, what we want to take to the regular season. That’s probably a little bit different from the past two years, and I know it’s different for me. That’s going to be beneficial for us throughout the year.”
Does Ryan have an itch to get into the end zone in the third exhibition at Miami next Friday?
“No doubt,” he said.
There is little question the Patriots are ready for the season. Their offensive line dominated up Falcons, leaving Brady and running back Fred Taylor (28-yard touchdown run) to have fun shredding every misdirected body behind the line. Even if the Patriots’ second touchdown was a bit of a gift — the result of a phantom roughing-the-kicker penalty by Chevis Jackson on a field-goal attempt that extended a New England drive — that seemed like an afterthought, given the way New England functioned.
Ryan said he probably watched Brady “a little more tonight” than he did in last year’s regular season meeting, when he was more preoccupied with the game.
“It also was great just to watch him this week in practice,” he said. “There’s no mystery as to why he has been as good as he’s been. He works really hard and he’s diligent at what he does.”
Ryan has decent numbers in two games: 11-for-19 for 110 yards. He also was victimized by a Tony Gonzalez drop near the Pats’ 15. But two field goals in five possessions is not comforting.
“We start fast, move the ball to the plus side of the 50 and then we stall out,” coach Mike Smith said.
This has the chance to be a special season for the Falcons. All other factors notwithstanding, how far the Falcons go this season hinges on Ryan.
Let’s be clear: He did not have a bad season last year. He just didn’t live up to probably unrealistic expectations following his phenomenal rookie season, when he led the Falcons to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. Key numbers dropped off: completion percentage (61.1 to 58.3) and passing yardage (3,440 to 2,916).
He threw for more touchdowns (22 to 16), but also had more interceptions (14 to 11). But in Ryan’s defense, the Falcons had a lot more injury problems than the season before (Ryan himself had turf toe), and a down season by running back Michael Turner hurt the offense.
Few doubt that Ryan will evolve into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Even Patriots coach Bill Belichick, whose team practiced in Flowery Branch this week, indicates he’s headed in that direction. As Belichick said, “We saw [New Orleans quarterback Drew] Brees last week, and we’ll see Ryan this week. That’s about as tough as it’s going to get. They are as good as anybody in this league.”
Ryan understands he’ll be the difference in the Falcons this season. Most quarterbacks are. The key? It’s not to play Brady’s style. It’s merely to play like Brady.
“The biggest thing that you may try to emulate is his consistency, not his throwing motion or footwork,” he said. “He has had a level of consistency that is evident year in and year out, week in and week out. That is the number one thing I would try to do that he does.”
When he gets there, so will the Falcons.
♦
Last five posts on demand (and free)
♦ Falcons LIVE blog: It doesn’t count but it’s still Ryan vs. Brady
♦ Richt makes a splash on Sportscenter (fully clothed)
♦ Glaus deserves credit for way he reacts to Braves’ trade
♦ Poll time: If Braves get Lee, should they drop-kick Glaus?
♦ Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not him for MVP?
♦
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152 comments Add your comment
SimpleDawg
August 20th, 2010
8:18 am
Oh, and Babs was rolling around like a big ol’ turd last night.
NES
August 20th, 2010
8:32 am
This was a big step back in moving forward to being consistent every game even in pre-season, no excuses for being man-handled by the Pats. Bierman and Trey Lewis were exceptional! CB Franks played as good as CB Jackson. By the way, i didn’t see any unassisted tackles by ‘Spoon either! i said he was a reach as a 1st round pick and isn’t ready to start. Mularky needs to go, this will be his last year with Falcons. He should have had Pittsburgh winning super bowls with all that talent, see results after he left Pittsburgh for proof. Also, TE Palmer made a nice catch and looks like a big target on the field, i hope he has more speed than Gonzo, yea Gonzo catches nearly every ball but he is rarely wide open with tighter coverages and he has lost separation speed. He is still very valuable to the falcons, we just need a TE with down field speed for a change of pace and stretch the field better also. Just look at TE Hernandez for the Pats last night, he can run and catch down the field on passing downs! Oh boy, William Moore to play against the dolphins! wonder how long he holds up under fire? bet he doesn’t play long, hopefully a quarter without being hurt again. Long way on the road to catching the Saints!
RAMBLINWRECK
August 20th, 2010
8:39 am
I agree with about all the comments on here. The one guy who says it’s “only preseason”..YOUR AN IDIOT! This was a beatdown was what it was and people wasted their time to come out and watch a pathetic showing! How do you not get up to play brady and the pats at home??
Turner as a WR?? He looks like he is in 2009 form to me. They call him the burner, his name should be “stinker” as he just looks like he can’t find the holes and doesn’t have a burst of speed to bust through the line. Ryan has not gotten us into the endzone yet either and all this talk about us just appears to be phony hype. Our defense looks bad and good teams will expose us all day. A good passing ream or runnning team will have a career day vs our defense.
Spoon looked like a virgin on prom night out there, didn’t mesh well, looked timid, just lost to be honest. There is noway that kid should be a starter yet. Not even close! We can’t get 3rd down stops YET AGAIN, and we think we are a good team? This is a preview to come folks i’m sad to say, and i’m starting to think 9-7 is looking good for these clowns. Just yawn when they take the field for what it’s worth! There is no playoff contender here people, just not enough talent and i’m wondering if coaching as well. I’m just ready to watch paul johnson coach up another tech team with 2 star kids back to another conference title!! I thought i was watching the 2009 GT defense out there last night in the georgia dome. Sad
Boss Dawg
August 20th, 2010
8:43 am
Maybe this will be the season we finally rid ourselves of Mularky. You have to put more emphasis on speed and slinging the ball around to score TDs. Part of the game is psychology, and you have to beat the other team on the score board to do that….FGs will not accomplish this.
North FLA Falcon
August 20th, 2010
8:45 am
THe defense really got gashed by the run. Brady made some clutch passes but I also thought we had decent pressure on him. The coverage was pretty good. Spoon got turned around in the end zone but that was a brilliant pass and catch. On offense, Turner does not have explosive speed. The play calling again was suspect, what was up with that “shovel pass” late in the first half. Ryan looked pretty sharp, they are keeping things pretty vanilla. The no huddle seemed to work and the “wild cat” type formation with 4 receivers is a nice look. Can we please find a reliable kicker. If Bryant is not consistent in a dome how will he make anything in outdoor stadiums??
Birdword
August 20th, 2010
8:45 am
“Sometimes it’s dangerous to give any weight to them.” Yet some chuckleheads will judge a season based on 3 series of a preseason game. They’d better stick to trolling the political pages.
SimpleDawg
August 20th, 2010
8:46 am
The only mitigating circumstances we can offer in defense of the poor performance displayed last night are……
We did get screwed on the roughing the kicker penalty. Pathetic.
Blatant interference against Roddy on a key 3rd down play. Somebody wasn’t paying attention on that play.
And the Patriots are exceptional holders on the offensive line…..I’m not sure what the referee and umpire were watching last night, but it certainly wasn’t the line play.
We still got whupped physically. That is indisputable.
RAMBLINWRECK
August 20th, 2010
8:48 am
Simpledawg,….BIG OL TURD? Classic man, good post. You can’t get anymore candid and pithy as that post! lol, but they all looked like a bunch of turds playing as a unit on both sides of the ball!! Did we pickup chevis jackson and franks on the side of the road in atlanta to just come play CB for us this year? Just put the word “roasted” on the back of their jerseys from now on.
Gator Fan
August 20th, 2010
8:49 am
It was great seeing Aaron Hernandez catch a TD and Brandon Spikes roaming the middle for the Pats. The Falcons need more Gators on their roster if they want to get to the SB…Go Gators!
Gator Fan
August 20th, 2010
8:49 am
Oh Yeah. and Fred Taylor running over the birds. How can I forget Fab-5 Freddie!
For Cryin' out loud Jeffy
August 20th, 2010
8:51 am
Did you watch the first 1/4?? You dumb writers and your fantasies about QB’s
I’d say the Patriots run game lead them down the field for two scores. How many 3rd downs did the Falcon D just get used by the Patriot run game? More than I can count is the answer.
Ryan was OK and this IS only preseason. I was most impressed with his two check down swing passes to Turner in his final series. Way to make the tough play kid…
ernisTbass
August 20th, 2010
8:53 am
The sun goes down
The sun comes up
It’s cold in winter
The defense sucks
some things are set in stone
I'm Gumby, Dammit!!
August 20th, 2010
8:59 am
Our defensive tackles were invisible.
Seems every pass we threw was between the hash marks. If you don’t go outside at least once in a while, it sure shrinks the field for their secondary.
Turner looked slow and hesitant, again.
Other than that, well, at least Smitty was pissed!!
Doves
August 20th, 2010
9:01 am
I already drank the Kool-Aid and bought into the hype that this team has big potential, and still believe it. But last night looked like a confused and lost defense, and an offense with no extra gear for getting in the end zone. If Mularkey does not find some plays in his book where we throw down field this team will do the same thing all year. Dink and Dunk to the 30, stall on 3rd down, miss a 45 yard field goal. Rinse and Repeat. Its pre season yes, but its time to start showing what you can do also.
RAMBLINWRECK
August 20th, 2010
9:02 am
Birdword, most of us watched the falcons in 8 quarters this year so far, and one was the chiefs for god’s sake. No offensive TD by 1st unit yet of a team that some say will play for the NFC title and a defense that looks like butter complied with no sign of improvement on defense. People look for improvement birdwork from year to year you know. I didn’t think we looked worth a crap vs the chiefs last week and they may be the worst team in the NFL this year. Are you really encouraged by anything other than biermann when you watch this team? All i see is a team giving lack luster effort, dumb playing calling, poor assignment football and i understand robinson is out, but he will not save a front 7 that can’t get CONSISTENT with a rush and get off the field on 3rd down dude. You gotta show people, not talk it. I think alot of people were told about how good this defense was gonna be, and i don’t see anything but average to suck man! Enjoy the kool aid though man or whatever is in your cup!
IDK Y
August 20th, 2010
9:03 am
FIRE BRIAN VAN GORDER!!!!!! THE DEFENSE UNDER HIM HAS BEEN HORRIBLE AND WILL BE AGAIN THIS YEAR
Astonished
August 20th, 2010
9:18 am
Forget the offense, which was mediocre at best. The defense simply disappeared. Three players around the runner, not a blocker in sight, and all three miss the tackle? All are going for the knock-down, instead of using their arms to help. And the vaunted “improved” DBs were simply out-foxed all night. When a recuperating Welker can make them look hapless, there’s no reason to talk about a division championship nor a playoff berth.
I don’t want to hear this junk about how many starters weren’t playing. A team lives and dies by virtue of its depth. And the Falcons don’t have any. If you can’t stop the opponent, it’s pointless to talk about the offense.
WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TERRENCE CODY
August 20th, 2010
9:26 am
OUR D-TACKLES GOT SMASHED LAST NITE,I TOLD YALL WE NEEDED TO DRAFT BIG TERRENCE CODY BUT NO ONE LISTEN,LOOK AT HOW THE FALCANTS GOT PUSHED AROUND,OUR DB’S LOOK LIKE BALLET DANCERS GETTING RUNOVER BY FRED TAYLOR!
P.S. WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TERRENCE CODY!
Steve
August 20th, 2010
9:27 am
Pats fan here just checking in, not trolling. I think some are being a little hard ont he Falcons. The roughing the kicker penalty was terrible… should’ve been a 5 yard running into if anything. So it should have been 7-3 or maybe 10-3. I would put more weight on next week’s game with Miami. Game #2 of the pre-season usually doesn’t mean much. I’m a Matt Ryan fan and hope for a very successful season for the Falcons. Your opinions on the Pats this year? I’m hoping for 11-5, but the schedule is brutal and 10-6 is more realistic. It’s weird not being the division favorite, but apparently the Jets have talked their way into it. Good luck guys.
WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TERRENCE CODY
August 20th, 2010
9:30 am
WE ARE TO SMALL ON DEFENSE,TO MUCH SPEED AND NOT ENOUGH SIZE IN THE MIDDLE,AND LAST NITE THE PATRIOTS EXPOSED IT!
Carlos
August 20th, 2010
9:33 am
I know they say don’t put much stock in the preseason, but unlike basketball or baseball which have a lot more preseason games they do have some weight as witnessed by the Patriots last night. Clearly the Pats were the more focused and are clearly better than the falcons. That right now is the difference. The Patriots are taking the preseason as if they are trying to make the playoffs while the Falcons are still searching for answers. No the preseason in all actuality carries no weight but when you only have 4 games it’s clear that the teams who are focused on the Super Bowl take every game including preseason serious. That’s what separates the good teams from the great teams.
WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TERRENCE CODY
August 20th, 2010
9:33 am
WE DRAFTED WITHERAWAYSPOON,INSTEAD OF TERRENCE CODY? LOOK AT HOW WITHERAWAYSPOON WAS BURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN BY HERNANDEZ,AND MISSED TACKLES ON FRED TAYLOR!
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
9:34 am
Falcons’ organization is cheap. We only do surface rennovations… It looks cute until we hit the field and 40 year-old RBs are destroying us…
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
9:39 am
Matt Ryan is greatly overrated also… when I watch the games I cant help but think “Vick would’ve done this or Vick would’ve done that…”
I like Ryan, but he is a boring QB…after 6-7 years of the most electrifying QB in the NFL, its hard to be entertained by 10 yard pass plays…and slow fat, butterball RB (Turner)
ASHCAN.
August 20th, 2010
9:40 am
Folks expect more of this sorry play in the regular season.This bunch of bird flock is over-rated getting undiserved praise.What have they done besides hype everybody up on ryan like he’s the micheal jordan of football.D-fence wins championships something this team lacks.one guy at CB was picked up and all of a sudden they D-fense letting some of you tell it is ready? pleeease!! you got a unprooven d-fensive coordinator who is unsure of his self,not even gonna talk about all the holes from a player stand point.So all of you who have this hope of deception just go right ahead and set yourself up to recieve bird droppings in your face AGAIN.Remember the falcons chant,WAIT TIL NEXTYEAR!! SOMETHING SAID SINCE 1966.
papadawg
August 20th, 2010
9:41 am
No Falcons you are not among the elite yet
Too tough 44
August 20th, 2010
9:42 am
AWFUL DISPLAY OF FOOTBALL! DEFENSE! AWFUL! DEFENSE, TERRIBLE, DEFENSE, DISGUSTING, DEFENSE, NON EXISTENT, DEFENSE, HORRIIBLE, DEFENSE, SAD, DEFENSE, SHOULD BE ASHAMED, DEFENSE,LACKING DESIRE, DEFENSE LACKING ANYONE THAT CAN WRAP UP AND TACKLE, DEFENSE, WITHERSPOON…SAW HIM MISS TACKLES ALL NIGHT LONG, DEFENSE POOR! OH MY, JUST PLAIN OLD LOUSY…RISE UP DEFENSE! COACH SMITTY, BETTER KICK SOME A## OR WE ARE DONE!
vafalconfan
August 20th, 2010
9:43 am
Not ready for prime time defense. Better to see this now than the final preseason game like last year when the Chargers lit up our secondary.
Falcons Blues
August 20th, 2010
9:46 am
Last night–the falcons O and D got ripped and rolled by a good but not great NE team. This could be a long year. The falcons have more holes than my old jeans. Hopefully, they can in 9 or 10 and sneak into the playoffs, but if they play like last night, 7-8 wins looks more likely. I need a drink.
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
9:54 am
I’m more concerned with our Offense than our Defense… Ryan needs to step up, and make plays… especially since he’s suppose to be the “newschool Tom Brady”… the truth is he was only given that crown to make people forget about MV7… then Roddy White has dropped a few easy balls this preason, reminds me of Roddy White pre-2007…he is a #2 WR… and Turner still a fat butterball, slow as molasses…reminds me of a baby TJ Duckett
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
9:57 am
Why did we sign Tony G? Why is Jamal Anderson still on the roster? Why haven’t we signed a solid #2 WR (like a T.O.)
I think hell has frozen over
August 20th, 2010
10:03 am
As Steve the classy New England fan has chimed in. I wasn’t aware there was such a thing. I need to rethink everything in life now…
I believe your boys will fall in line close to where they were last year although an improved Brady will get you through a few of those games you guys lost late in the season. Not sure about your D as obviously our O is not a good reference point to base an opinion off of. I’d imagine they step it up a notch compared to last years squad as well. I hope the NYJs and Pats brawl it out twice this year.
SPS
August 20th, 2010
10:03 am
Take a deep breath everyone. IT’S PRACTICE! How much will this game mean in 2 weeks? Answer: Absolutely nothing! What conclusions can you draw from any exhibition game that will translate into the regular season? Answer: None.
Good grief you people frighten me, and some of you are registered voters too!
Yikes
Athens, Georgia
August 20th, 2010
10:06 am
`
… … Nesbitt for Heisman
.
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
10:07 am
@SPS, you play how you practice… there is no magicall light switch that can be flipped on for gametime… practice makes perfect…
tackling is essential to being a solid defense, and if our starters, 1st round pick cant tackle a 40 year-old RB… this will be a long season… if the offense is gettin shutdown by the reserves, its definitely gonna be a long season…
Kneecap
August 20th, 2010
10:19 am
We cannot score enough points on offense to cover up what we are gonna give up on Defense.
Disaster.
Have to start looking at Brian V.G. because ALL ASPECTS of defense are SOFT
Poor drafting by Dimitroff..
Sid
August 20th, 2010
10:28 am
I don’t blame Smith for a little rant……….it was lackluster. Am I concerned…………not yet!
big mack attack
August 20th, 2010
10:29 am
Thomas D. is only good at picking free agents. And using Arthur Blank money.
He has not drafted well. Too many injury prone players that were injury prone in college.
Matt Ryan can only throw to 1 guy and a older albeit great tight end.
Opposing defenses just need to shut 1 and 1/2 guys down.
The Atlanta Defense is stealing the money. They have no reason not too. They lack any cohesion.
Ted Striker
August 20th, 2010
10:32 am
1) Lotta villagers out on the blogs with pitchforks and torches for an offensive coordinator who took the leagues 29th ranked team in scoring to 10th. And coached and game-planned his team’s YPG rushing to 2nd. And finished 6th in the league in total yards. All in one year.
2) Year-two drop off in productivity was less about scheming and coaching and adjustments than key injuries and underperformance by key players
3) Year 2 productivity was still sufficient for the team’s first consecutive winning seasons in history
4) Game plan didn’t cause a certain tight end to drop a pass
5) Willie Martinez has zero to do with Mike Mularkey but it’s interesting how some folks just obsess.
6) One thing about the comments today that is highly refreshing is lack of a certain topic that always generates ill will and senseless controversy. Kudos to everyone on that.
3rd & long
August 20th, 2010
10:35 am
Can we stop assuming Ryan will be an elite QB and make him prove it first? It’s only his 3rd yr and he has a lot of work to do in the meantime. Good news is I think he will put in the time & effort to become better and not skipping out early after practice to drown dogs in the pond behind his house
New England Patriots Links 8/20/10 – Wes Welker Returns In Well-Balanced Win « Acrylic Sports
August 20th, 2010
10:36 am
[...] Schultz (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Brady and Patriots show Ryan and Falcons how it’s [...]
big mack attack
August 20th, 2010
10:38 am
@Ted
What part of yesterdays game did the Falcons dominate their opponent?
smokemonster
August 20th, 2010
11:04 am
BIG BEN is a natural also. Like Brady it didnt take Ben three years to get good. Ryan is not going to be any good it shouldnt take this long.
mowreck
August 20th, 2010
11:06 am
So much for all the hype put out by the ATL News/Sports Media.
GSU Eagle 91
August 20th, 2010
11:12 am
I watched the entire game last night, and as I say at the beginning of every season, football games are won on the line of scrimmage. ( 42 years of saying it)
The Falcon O-Line is not getting a push forward on running plays, and when we get down into the red zone our drives stall because of the limited space to make bigger plays down the field…
Just run the ball, Falcons….Control the clock, and have yourself a 10-6 season..That is the best I can hope for….
NOLA
August 20th, 2010
11:18 am
who dat?
85Souf
August 20th, 2010
11:22 am
I hope the Falcons look a lot better next week with William Moore, Dunta Robinson, Peria Jerry, Bryan Williams, and Jerious Norwood in the game!
ugaclassof2004
August 20th, 2010
11:26 am
Bugkiller,
I don’t know if I agree with your assessment that Mularky is like Willie Martinez. Willie was just a bad coordinator all the way around. Mularky had his bone head moments( like running the Wildcat formation in the last 2 minutes of the New Orleans Saints game.), but overall I’ve felt he’s been pretty good.
I do agree with you about Ryan have a more active role in this offense. All the elite QB’s in this league are able to call their own plays and run the offense. Brees, Manning, Brady…all of these guys are essentially a coach on the field. That is going to be Ryan’s next level of development, because I believe this organization wants him to be that kind of QB.
NOLA
August 20th, 2010
11:32 am
those choir boys for the ‘cons look real pretty and wholesome until they strap on a chin strap.
Manny
August 20th, 2010
11:32 am
OK, I slept on it and I think that here’s the biggest problem with Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan’s approach to the game is very much like a good project manager. We like this because he’s very intelligent and efficient. He have a good work ethic and have the tools.
But he’s at work when he plays. What I would like to see is Ryan PLAY football. I mean, get comfortable enough where he take chances. I want a little more gun-slinger and less accountant. If Matt Ryan gets to the point where he take chances and PLAY football, he’s going to win playoff games. Period.
Watch this during the season. What I’m looking for is for something to click inside Ryan’s brain where he plays to win… even if he loses. I want to see him take a chance, make a mistake, lose the game and the world doesn’t come to an end. If Ryan plays to win, it’s going to be big-time around here. Right now, I’m seeing a QB that playing not to lose.