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
North FLA Falcon
August 20th, 2010
11:38 am
I agree with GSU Eagle. The TV announcers keep saying what a great, experienced O line we have. Yet we do not get a push. The Patriots man handled us consistently. Turner can’t hit the holes and there is no outside running game. They are pretty good at pass protect but they can’t block well for the run. Also is Sam Baker going to get a false start penalty in every single freakin game? Learn the snap count, dude!
EnoughBeingNice
August 20th, 2010
11:41 am
If Thomas D. stop drafting nice guys that can play violin an hold a tea cup with one finger pointing out, and seek out real hard nose football players that don’t mind putting a hat the opposing team, we would be better off. In retrospect, I wish we would have signed T.O. kept him on a short leech ,would made us a better football team, at least on offense.
Craig
August 20th, 2010
11:48 am
If I was Arthur Blank, here are my comments to Mike Smith, Thomad D. and coaches, this morning at 6 am.
“Mike, we are losing our fan support faster than the Titanic sunk”. I do not care if you have to play the entire 1st unit on offensive and defensive the entire game against Miami, but I want TOUCHDOWNS and a WIN. No EXCUSES. Let’s see what we really have here with this team, because what I have seen in the first 2 games have not impressed ANYONE! I need to see everyone’s best effort, so that “I” can make decisions going forward. Please remember who owns this team. You are all dismissed! Now go WIN!”.
REDPANTIES
August 20th, 2010
11:50 am
The falcons SUCKED it up last night!!! How do you expect to sell tickets with a display like that?
Vanilla or not, they looked AWFUL!!
Butterball Turner doing his dancing again!
Ryan can’t complete a drive
Defense cannot stop anyone
Witherspoon looks like a huge BUST!!!
Nice job Smitty and Dimmy!!
SAME OLE FALCONS!!!!
Buddy Roe
August 20th, 2010
11:50 am
I am sick of hearing these comparison. Every opposing team knows that in order to beat the Falcons, you have to stop Michael Turner. Offensive cordinators that play ball control or clock control do it for three reasons. Lack of trust with the QB, offensive line, and (or) a bad defense. With a pro bowl reciever in Roddy White, Hall of Famer in Tony G., 1700 yd rusher in Michael Turner, and a solid #2 and #3 recievers, I do not want to here excuses. Compare our skill people (RB,WR,TE) to the colts, ravens, texans, vikings, saints, patriots, eagles, and packers. With an exception of the vikings, we have a better RB, the best TE, and WR’s are just as good as those teams mentioned. Roddy White put up 1000 rec yds with Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, and Chris Redman at QB when Petrino was here. So with all of that said, I do not want to here any excuses about Matt Ryan or this coaching staff. They supposed to be better overall and this offense should be more explosive.
EnoughBeingNice
August 20th, 2010
11:51 am
The problem is we need a team we attitude,not a team of chemist. We need players with attitudes, when they hit you,you stay hit.We need some roughneck football players.
Richard
August 20th, 2010
12:07 pm
Success in football is not hard to predict. There are teams that have franchise QBs and teams that don’t. The teams that don’t have one, won’t win the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan is not in that class yet. Until he gets there, the Falcons aren’t contenders.
This year the Super Bowl is going to be won by a guy named either Brady, Manning, Brees, Favre, Romo, Rivers, Roethlisberger, or Rodgers. The other teams are vying for wild crad spots unless new QB’s join that elite class.
Buddy Roe
August 20th, 2010
12:21 pm
I agree Enough Being Nice. All I here from the Falcons and Atlanta media, is our players hold charity events, were suits to press conferences, and says all of the right things. So What!!!! Brett Favre, Deion Sanders (former Falcons); Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Rodney Harrison, Mike Singeltary, Bill Romonoski, and many others have big personalities, outspoken, and have had some off the fied incidents. The bottom line is, their teams win Super Bowls, while our players bag groceries in the community. I am ok with this, however;” I Want Winners!!!” (Mike Singletary) I am sick of good ol boys and choir boys. This is football! Not a Church!
EnoughBeingNice
August 20th, 2010
12:24 pm
Thanks Buddy Roe.
robdawg08
August 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
When Falcons get into red zone they should run 3 plays ; 1)Pass to Gonzalez (TE),2)Slant to Roddy White (WR),and throw to Norwood (RB) screen pass. I think they would score a touchdown out of one of those 3 plays. Just sayin’…
now that's funny
August 20th, 2010
1:04 pm
I’m going to hit print on my pc and keep a copy of all the above rants. When we go to Pittsburg and pound them, and then pound Nola 2 weeks later, I want all of you to state publicly: “I am a terrible fan, and the falcons organization does not deserve me. I was wrong, and I’m stupid” You people should stop watching the Falcons if you honestly beleive this bs. IT’S PRACTICE.
The team did not game plan for New England.
Five defensive starters did not play. That’s half of the defense.
Three big time offensive players did not participate. That’s 1/3 rd of the offense.
We really do have the worst fans in pro sports. TO EVERYONE ON HERE: PLEASE DO NOT WATCH ANOTHER GAME!!!!!!!!!
Manny
August 20th, 2010
1:10 pm
NOW THAT’S FUNNY-
Now, that’s funny! Fans can say what they want to say. I hope that the Falcons not need blog police, LOL!
But seriously, the Falcons fans aren’t going to tolerate mediocrity anymore. We’re in a recession and the tickets are too expensive. And preseason looks a lot like last season.
REDPANTIES
August 20th, 2010
1:16 pm
NOW THATS FUNNY,
I will gladly say that if they win those two… I have been hyping them all offseason and last night they looked atrocious!
Ackshun
August 20th, 2010
1:31 pm
Well that was certainly a lousy performance. Looks like the Pats did a bit of game planning. The Falcons were expecting pass and they got run (even on 3rd and long). The defense should have adapted after the first drive, they didn’t. Mularkey had some pretty suspect play calling as the team neared the red zone but he may have been going conservative to keep Ryan healthy. JPW has to make quicker decisions and throw the BALL!! He left some huge plays out there last night. On the upside I look forward to Harry Douglas as Wes Welker this season in our little show called Patriots south. Still to get beat like that reflects poor coaching.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
August 20th, 2010
1:36 pm
preseason or not, last night’s game was horrible on both sides of the ball.
Drew
August 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
NE did not game plan for the Falcons. By saying Atlanta did not game plan, you almost make it seem like NE did. They did not. Scheming a little on D with some line blitzes is not a game plan. They never focused on Tony Gonzalez and I can guarantee you that is what BB would be focusing on for a game plan on D.
ReddJonn68
August 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
Nobody can remember the preseason records when the playoffs roll around. Still we did not cash in on offense once again & our d-line got pushed around along with our linebackers. Mind you teams like Dallas have not put the ball in the end-zone yet, this preseason either. Meaningless game or not if we don’t play better in the trenches our won’t be rising anywhere !!!!
Ted Striker
August 20th, 2010
1:56 pm
Big Mack Attack @10:38 — Not sure what your question had to do with my post. However since I never mentioned a team needing to “dominate” in game 2 pre-season — and you did — I figure you thought it was vital. Just remember: No team has won a championship by “dominating” a pre-season opponent.
Flip side of that. Lots of teams have made playoffs/won championships because they used a pre-season game experience to evaluate lesser known talent that ultimately made the roster and was a key contributer later.
Answer this: Where was Kurt Warner selected in the draft? Priest Holmes? Willie Parker? Antonio Gates? Jeff Saturday. Wes Welker? John Randle? Adam Vinatieri? James Harrison? All were undrafted free-agents.
Even last night’s golden boy for the Patriots nearly got passed over in the draft for a guy named Tim Rattay (now backup QB for the Las Vegas Locomotives.) Brady went #199 with a compensatory pick in the next to last round. Then almost got trimmed off the final roster. However he showed just enough to hang on as 4th string QB. They didn’t plan to keep 4. But they saw enough of him in pre-season to take a chance on the guy.
I’m not saying that Brett Favre would’ve ever been the guy in Atlanta because of a number of factors. However the coaching staff had him throw exactly 4 passes in his only pre-season camp with Atlanta. Is it possible that had Farve had gotten a few more post-season snaps they’d have at least seen a flash of SOMETHING to come?
You may think pre-season is the end-all be all and that’s an opinion you’re entitled to. However I’d rather not pull the panic lever based on what happen last night. I’d rather see the coaching staff evaluate the roster, let the starters focus on shaking off a little rust (rather than going for stats or getting injured).
Teams make improvement because they figure out what they want to do for the season during the pre-season and then they make adjustments and scheme week to week when it’s real football time.
Kushion
August 20th, 2010
2:03 pm
I love how some people come on the blog and act as if it’s their jobs to defend the Falcons against negative comments. The bottom line here is the Falcons played poorly last night in all three phases of the game heck the head coach was not pleased with the outcome last night so why should the fans be. I am so sick of hearing people compare Matt Ryan to future Hall of Fame QB’s like Peyton and Manning. He may get to that status one day and I truly hope he does but it’s very premature at this point to compare him to any QB destined for the Hall of Fame. Hell he needs to step up and try to out play Joe Flacco first. Yea, it’s preseason but a fan would like to see some type of progress from the previous year. New England ran the ball down our throats last season and guess what they did it again last night. Yea, it’s a process and I think we all realize that but part of a successful process is to see obvious progess and I don’t see any progress over last season. We still can’t stop the pass, we still can’t get off the field on 3rd down, we still have not opened up the offense, we still have a question mark at the field goal kicker position so quite naturely fans are gonna get frustrated. Never even mention the fact that Corey Peters heard something in his knee pop, William Moore can’t even take the freaking field, we don’t know what Peria Jerry is gonna contribute, we don’t have stability at the CB position opposite Robinson, Jerious Norwood…well I don’t want say too much about Norwood my words along my cause his hip to jump out of the socket. So to sum up there are alot of questions and uncertainties and one of the ways to calm those questions is to show PROGRESS not necessarily win every preseason game but show that you are better than the year before. When fans see that progession of the process coach speaks about so much then fans will do what fans do…jump on the bandwagon for a nice ride. Untill then get use to defending the dome Falcon blog police.
Kushion
August 20th, 2010
2:09 pm
Wow defending the dome just took on a new meaning.
Illegal AT QB # 2
August 20th, 2010
2:12 pm
Ryan is a nice guy ,now having that he is overrated he has a weak arm and a punk after he get hit a few time keep watching.Now so goes Turner so go the team. defense ho hum!! all the hype we the people know this pure hype!! Tickets any one -Not
Kushion
August 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
Mike Peterson said after the game he just needs to go watch the film and get better. Really Mike tens years into your career you think you are gonna get better? Child please!
AtlSouthside
August 20th, 2010
2:39 pm
I want Vick back…
Yes
August 20th, 2010
2:39 pm
yes, you can see why their franchise plays for championships and why the falcons play for back to back winning seasons
Yes
August 20th, 2010
2:41 pm
Weatherspoon’s neck hurts from trying to find the ball when it is thrown.
MIKE VICK TONIGHT!!!
August 20th, 2010
2:48 pm
Can’t wait to watch MIKE VICK on NATIONAL T.V. tonight!!!
THE REAL FALCONS QUARTERBACK!!! WISH HE WERE STILL HERE!!!
Yes
August 20th, 2010
2:51 pm
MIKE VICK = COACH KILLER
VICK VS.RYAN!!!
August 20th, 2010
3:05 pm
Whatever VICK does tonight will be INFINATELY more entertaing than what RYAN did last night….GUARAN-FREAKING-TEED!!!
Plus you throw in OCHOCINCO…T.O…and PAC-MAN?????
IT DON’T GET BETTER THAN THIS!!!!!
Navigator
August 20th, 2010
3:21 pm
Two things, the second touchdown in the first half was bad call by refs (kicker acting), and the Patriots left their first team O and D in for the whole first half. The Falcons didn’t even dress all of their players, so what New England showed us was questionable at best. The ref alignment allows more offensive holding, and it was apparent at times when the Patriots were tackling the defensive players. The Falcons need to learn how to use the placement to keep the defense off their QB too.
gdawginkalamazoo
August 20th, 2010
3:43 pm
“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…..”
So you don’t practice getting into the endzone? Did you like not getting into the endzone?
ryan
August 20th, 2010
3:54 pm
Duh Jeff Schultz of course Brady is going School Ryan you have veteran coach one side and rookie coach on the other side it just shows that TD still has a lot of work to do. When have Brady and Moss you just can’t beat those guys .
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
August 20th, 2010
5:25 pm
The offensive line is like swiss cheese when it comes to protecting the QB on passing plays. ALSO THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR NEEDS TO GO!!!! AND QUICKLY!!!!! Murlakey’s play calling is awful!!!! The Falcons offense will continue to sputter all season until he’s relieved of his duties.
HELP WANTED FOR THE ATL FALCONS: One really creative offensive coordinator needed..apply at the GA Dome or Falcons’ Complex
Saints LSU
August 20th, 2010
5:27 pm
@ waynester the pats beat the saints 27 24 they kill you guys 28 10 don’t put the falcons on the same boat as the saints the saints has a better team GM & coaches & the saints kill the pats on Monday football & they kill you guys in New England
Edgar
August 20th, 2010
5:48 pm
What I saw last night was pathetic. It was nothing more than what you find in the AFL. I’m sick of it too.
bob
August 20th, 2010
5:52 pm
The Pats practiced with the Falcons twice, then Bellick had two days to review the tape and make adjustments. Anyone really surprised of the results?
kirkinga
August 20th, 2010
6:19 pm
This is a big season for the organization. Matt Ryan (it’s his team now, being the anti Vick is no longer good enough); the entire coaching staff; TD’s personnel evaluations and acquisitions; Rich McKay’s advice and counsel; as well as Arthur Blank’s ability to pick the right people to run his football team.
We have to wait until the end of this season, not preseason, in order to better informed judgments as to what the issues are and who to blame.
That said, as a fan through thick and thin, I sure would like to see a Falcons defense that could defend the pass and/or not give up so many big plays. The ineptness last night could have well been brought to us by the Smiths.
BirdDawg24
August 20th, 2010
8:16 pm
the defense could not stop the run, but they are not in trouble.the guys will get it going.it will be ok .come november.dec, all you folks will be jumping back on the bandwagon and all will be right with the world.it will be a bright sun shiny day and the birds will be singing again.and the non-belivers will say “I knew they would do it.
jo
August 20th, 2010
9:31 pm
Falcons = 9-7 lets be realistic people!
overrated
August 20th, 2010
10:29 pm
Ryan had one fluke year and everyone started thinking he was joe montana. He’s not that good. The falcons shouldn’t have gotten rid of matt schaub or vick. They will not make the playoffs—count on it.
Boca Baby
August 20th, 2010
11:11 pm
Come on Jeff, you want to put a lot of stock in a pre-season game? The Indianapolis Colts are 4-20 in preseason games since 2005. I will surely take their regular season numbers any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I know you want to sound the alarm of urgency at every turn but this is not one of those times.
Navigator
August 20th, 2010
11:41 pm
I keep seeing the same old crap, Vick versus Ryan. Are any of these people in check with reality, even a person with a low IQ can understand Vick isn’t here any more and won’t be back. Demeaning a 3rd year QB doesn’t make anyone’s argument stronger, but I guess the AJC really wants this stuff to continue on, probably even supports it.
Los Angeles
August 21st, 2010
6:52 am
.
Joshua Nesbitt for Heisman
.
Curtis LeMay
August 21st, 2010
10:16 am
Hi Jeff
Great piece and super web-page.
Anyway, Matt’s the real deal. He knows what it takes to win, and he is capable of it.
Good luck Falcons
Jeff Schultz
August 21st, 2010
11:24 am
Curtis LeMay — Thanks, and I like Matt a lot. Hope I didn’t give you the impression I don’t.
Harpie
August 21st, 2010
12:50 pm
Hey, AtlSouthside – stick it up YOUR southside!
Blake
August 22nd, 2010
1:39 am
Anybody know anything about Corey Peters.He said he heard his knee pop.Is he ok?
georgiadawgg
August 22nd, 2010
1:03 pm
i am worried about the falcons
JanusLowery
August 23rd, 2010
2:12 pm
The FALCONS are STILL INTIMIDATED by the Pats. The Falcons team on paper is BETTER than the Pats. The Pats have Brady so the Falcons get scared when they play the Patriots. Thats it, plain and simple. If the Falcons simply RELAX when playing the Pats and try and run up the scoreboard, the Falcons will crush the Pats 56-3. But unfortunately the intimidation factor is still there and the Falcons think they are playing a former superbowl team. The Patriots are no longer superbowl material and they are simply an ordinary team, probably among the bottom-feeders of the league. But when the Falcons play the Pats instead of playing smash-mouth football and taking their game to the Pats, the Falcons play like lambs like they are afraid of getting beat. The Falcons must CHANGE THEIR THINKING, and make a paradigm shift in their thought processes when they face the Pats and feel as though they will dominate the Pats, which they will. IT ALL MENTAL and the Falcons have their thoughts distorted when they are facing Bill Belechek, Tom Brady and the horrible Patriots. The Patriots stink and the Falcons need to realize that soon.
Saint Sal
August 23rd, 2010
4:32 pm
The saints will roll to another division title—take it to the bank and make it two super bowls in a row. The falcons have some gaps and will probably not even make the playoffs.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
August 24th, 2010
1:32 pm
The Falcons will continue to struggle consistently throwing the ball down field until they acquire some better offensive linemen that can effectively block on passing downs. If you notice, Ryan rarely has time to look through all of his progressions because he’s running for his life or having to throw the ball away to avoid a sack. The OL is good at run blocking but can block pass rushers long enough for the QB to be able to throw the long ball down the field.