It’s time for Falcons to turn Matt Ryan loose with offense
Expect the Falcons to take the clamps off of quarterback Matt Ryan a little this season.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The oldish-looking coach who has been accused of putting his quarterback in leg shackles and handcuffs insists that his reputation is undeserved.
“Everybody may have this vision that coach Smith is a 50-plus-year-old, gray-haired conservative guy,” Mike Smith said Tuesday. “But that’s not the case. By nature, I am not a conservative person. We are going to be aggressive and we are going to be physical.”
With Smith as their head coach and Matt Ryan as their quarterback, the Falcons have gone 33-15, easily the best three-year run in franchise history. So criticism obviously is in short supply. But with two quick playoff exits and Ryan fizzling in both postseason games — four interceptions, two fumbles, two turnovers returned for touchdowns – shortcomings tend to get magnified by the populace.
Some of the postseason problems obviously fall on Ryan. But general manager Thomas Dimitroff recognized that his team needed another weapon on offense, leading to draft day pyrotechnics and the selection of Julio Jones. Now the team needs to make another change — this one more philosophical.
The Falcons go as Ryan goes, and the only way we’re going to know just how far they can go is if they put more in the hands of their quarterback and open up the offense. With Roddy White on one side, Jones on the other, Tony Gonzalez in the middle, the addition of running back Jacquizz Rodgers and the expected improvement of receiver Harry Douglas, the Falcons have the potential to be as explosive as any offense in the NFL.
Ryan is not one to complain. Fact is, there hasn’t been much to complain about. But we’ve seen before what can happen when the Falcons have turned Ryan loose. Wins at New Orleans and Green Bay in 2008, and over Cincinnati and Baltimore last season come to mind.
Notwithstanding Smith’s contention that he is not conservative, there’s a sense in Flowery Branch that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey resides to Smith’s left.
Ryan said with the addition of Jones, “It probably changes what we do a little bit. You change to the personnel you have.”
When asked if there have been times when he has wanted the offense to be more aggressive, Ryan said, “You can’t be frustrated as a player. There was no dissension or anything like that. I think everyone was on board. Winning 13 games [last season] the way we did it is not an easy thing to do. But I think this year things probably will be a little bit different.”
White already has seen a difference in training camp, saying: “We have to throw the ball down field, and in the first five practices we’ve done that a lot — more go routes, more posts, a lot more things down the field to get guys open.”
Ryan realizes it’s on him to make it work.
Last year’s playoff loss to Green Bay stuck with him through the offseason. He had two key first-half interceptions against the Packers by Tramon Williams: one from the Green Bay 26 when he attempted to hit Michael Jenkins in the end zone (the score was tied 14-14) and the other, a crusher, when he misfired on a sideline pass to White just before halftime, and Williams picked it off and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown (make it 28-14).
“That’s the one that keep you up at night,” Ryan said. “When you’re in that position, especially before the half, it’s such a critical time in the game and you can’t make mistakes.”
Some of Ryan’s critics think the Falcons have protected him, that he doesn’t have the arm strength to operate a more wide-open offense. But that ignores evidence to the contrary. Playoff turnovers have been about mistakes, not arm strength. Smith certainly believes in him.
“I’m not going to give away state secrets,” he said. “But when you draft a player with [Jones'] skill set, it creates a different dynamic on your football team. That’s something we’ve embraced.”
It should be a show worth watching.
By Jeff Schultz
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212 comments Add your comment
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
10:56 am
Got’st to go – Good bye
A Man Of Reason
August 3rd, 2011
11:14 am
Norwood didn’t even play last year BullWinkle…even when he did play he has never been a factor in the offense… try to keep up. I know you spent all your brain power coming up with “wo”. Nice one… if you were 4.
DC
August 3rd, 2011
11:16 am
I think they said all this about Peyton Manning as well.before he won a superbowl title….
honest_abe
August 3rd, 2011
11:30 am
about as racist as one can get… thank for sparing me time to show just ignorant you are.
i hate vick btw.
i’m korean btw.
and you are pure trash.
thanks.
Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)
August 3rd, 2011
11:39 am
Just got season tickets, so I better see more deep throws and screens. Heard rumors on the message board that we could get Osi for a 2nd rounder. Make that happen, and the game vs. the E-Gals should be even more bruising for the visitors.
honest_abe
August 3rd, 2011
11:44 am
get osi and i’ll shut the heck up. that would be a monster move!
Pauls Johnson
August 3rd, 2011
11:48 am
You sure are Honest Abe
D man
August 3rd, 2011
11:51 am
Sorry for sounding dumb, but who is Osi and what position does he play?
Jay
August 3rd, 2011
11:53 am
Matt Ryan does NOT have the arm strength to consistently throw deep. FACT.
Pauls Johnson
August 3rd, 2011
11:55 am
I say your WRONG Jay,, but we shall see,, no excuses now…
Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)
August 3rd, 2011
11:58 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osi_Umenyiora
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
12:00 pm
Jay – and “Who does”?? My bet is #2 will get the ball to RW, JJ & TG where ever they are on the feild, they will do jus “FINE”!
If that doesn’t suit you, then go watch the “Dream Team” & “CON VICK” – #7 can for sure get the ball down the feild. That being said you can root for the dream team & con vick week 2
Go Falcons
A Man Of Reason
August 3rd, 2011
12:01 pm
People who say Matt Ryan has a weak arm don’t know jack about football. FACT
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
12:04 pm
Jay another “Chunk N’ Duck
Pauls Johnson
August 3rd, 2011
12:08 pm
Vick WILL get hurt,, he runs too much,, And he carries the ball like a loaf of bread,, so i expect him to fumble alot as well,,,, you heard it here first..
D man
August 3rd, 2011
12:15 pm
Teams that get overhyped in the preseason typically bomb. Dallas and Cincy last year is a perfect example. Now Philly. I see a huge letdown in Philly this year…
Osi Umenyiora – bad idea because he is injury prone and not as good as Edwards and Abe… We need CB help more than anything.
Ivan
August 3rd, 2011
12:27 pm
It’s been what, 4-5 years since the Vick-Falcons split? And the Vick trolls are still here posting for their love child? Can anyone say “Obsessive?”
Seen (Matty Melt) This (throw floaters) B4 (that get intercepted for TDs)
August 3rd, 2011
12:43 pm
hope u used ‘expendable’ cash for your season tickets…and hope you stay for the whole game..not many of your falcants fan buddies stick around when the game turns south….
A HIT....
August 3rd, 2011
12:54 pm
Prediction: Eagles will be up by 14 @ the half on Sept 18…Game over! Leave early…..
Matty ICE Meltdown is going to get drilled! Cant run. Avg arm…Pocket Presence is Brutal..Hangs on to the ball too long. Turner the burner gain about 70 lbs in his caboose= 3 steps slower and taking shots in the back field.. Whatcha gonna do Mr. Mularkey with these 3rd and long plays all season long?
8-8, 7-9 …yawn…Ah Matt does not play very well on the road either….He’s not going to like his schedule this season or his record…
A HIT....
August 3rd, 2011
12:57 pm
“Teams that get overhyped in the preseason typically bomb”
Git ready for your 13-3 “FALL-CONS” to stink it up!
Elvis the falcon fan
August 3rd, 2011
1:07 pm
Arm strength isnt everything……..2 words…Jeff George.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
1:15 pm
At “A Hit” – you feel better – now go follow “CON VICK” & “DREAM TEAM” – We’ll see come game 2 – be sure be here to take or give your medicine win or loss
Con Vick – everybody wants to forgive a lair, thief, cheat, criminal dog killer. Hey the guy did the crime and he did the time – so I guess we should say – Oh “CON VICK” thank you for what you did for the Atlanta Falcons, The Falcons Fans and the CITY of ATL……..
Give us ALL a break “A HIT” move on to Philly, that’s where you belong!
We will see who the winner is game 2 mark it down DickH$$D!
Go Falcons
Whats Important
August 3rd, 2011
1:24 pm
A HIT – I believe you must have taken too many hits to the head. Be sure to contribute your brain to the concussion study when you die, that is probably the only time it will ever be able to make a meaningful contribution. You blither away about how terrible Matt Ryan is, quote meaningless statistics about Vick, and somehow forget that the incomparable Michael Vick was never able to string together back to back winning seasons as a starter, and that Matt Ryan has managed to win all three years he has played, and he started as a pure rookie. To say he is not a good game manager is just shows your ignorance. And as for those that say Philly “forgave” Mike Vick and will reap the reward of that forgiveness, they had nothing to forgive him for. He didn’t screw them over like he did the fans in Atlanta. So just take yourself to an Eagles blog and talk about how Michael Vick is going to take the Eagles to the promised land, just like you said at the beginning of every year he played in Atlanta. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t, but what he does has nothing to do with Matt Ryan and his ability as a quarterback. Matt Ryan didn’t take Vick’s job away. There were three (3) quarterbacks between Vick and Ryan, so why all the hatred for Ryan. Reverse racism anyone.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
1:26 pm
Do I sound bitter over “CON VICK”, hell YES I am!
The guy has talent “PERIOD”!
The guy is a lair & cheat “PERIOD”!
“CON VICK” – He would whether tell a blant lie when the truth will do!
Just ask Plaxico – that idiot doesn’t need to apologize anymore “WHY” because he told the truth from the beginnig…………….
I truely hope the FALCONS kick the living “She-EYE-it” out of the Eaglettes when they come to town week 2, and you know what even if the FALCONS by chance lose the game –
“I WILL STILL LOVE THEM & REMAIN A LOYAL FAN!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John
August 3rd, 2011
2:02 pm
Do Falcons fans troll other newspaper sports blogs? I understand smack talk, but don’t you Philly fans need to go and vomit on little girls or something instead of mashing F5 repeatedly on ajc.com?
Not the falcons
August 3rd, 2011
2:05 pm
True fal-can’t fan- keeping dreaming dude, you will be crying your eyes out by the end of October. Everybody in the country knows Atlanta pro teams as loserville. Only one championship and that was the braves years ago. You and I both know, the falc-cants will never win a super bowl. If they didn’t win it after going 13-3 last year and being the number one seed, what makes you think they will win it this year. My eagles or better, the packers are better and the saints or loaded. The bucks are up and coming.
A Hit...
August 3rd, 2011
2:07 pm
Randy Moss has been made an offer by the Eagles? Are you kidding? Another Pro-bowler! WOW!!!!!!
A Hit...
August 3rd, 2011
2:19 pm
Eagles 52, FALL-CONS 18
Not the falcons
August 3rd, 2011
2:21 pm
I’ve never seen a division foe (fan) such as the fal-cants hate on a rival like you guys hate on new orleans. Oh I know why, they will always be mentioned as super bowl champions. But then again, I know why. Your team is one of a handful never to win a super bowl, including my eagles. Let’s make a bet, which team gets it’s first super bowl win. With Vick as our QB, I like our chances better. See you guys in week two. Eagles will prevail, over the turd birds.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
3:14 pm
Hello: All the teenagers on this blog need to go!
ASHCAN: Fact are Facts! Re: Your “CON VICK” – NOT ONE STATEMENT ON THIS BLOG IS FALSE!
Not the falcons: Please be here win or lose following week 2
Go Falcons
ATL Observer
August 3rd, 2011
3:17 pm
>>>>Gatorman said: I disagree with the analogy completely. Gunslinger mentality is great for highlights, but seldom wins championships. However, the offense needs to get out the dink and dunk play calling from Mularkey.<<< <———– THIS
It doesn't have to be a game of extremes; a WELL-BALANCED offense will help win championships.
Hopefully Julio will remedy that. While Mularkey drove me nuts with his over-conservative playcalling last year, it didn't help that Roddy was the only person anyone bought as a deep threat. If Julio works hard and lives up to his pedigree, it could provide the needed shakeup.
Re: the adequacy of Ryan's arm, I keep saying it: tell me with a straight face that his arm is any weaker than Brady's. THEN tell me with a straight face that you'd have a problem with Tom Brady QBing your team.
I actually think the Falcons are going to be in tough at the start of the year: trying to add balance to their offense but doing it against REALLY tough opponents (Chicago, Philly and Green Bay in the first five weeks). But honestly, as long as they went into the bye week with a 3-4 record, I'd feel fine because I think if everyone plays up to potential and gets into a rhythm with a new BALANCED offense, the post-bye Falcons could be something really special.
A Hit...
August 3rd, 2011
3:29 pm
Whos gonna cover Moss? Last year the FALL-CONS were down by 21 pts with about 8 mins left in the 2nd qtr with Kevin Freakin Cobb quarter backing the EAGLES! Dang Charley..
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
3:35 pm
Can’t you read, no “teenieBOPPERS” allowed on this blog.
A Hit – Did the Eaglettes blog send you our way because you are NOT of age to be a part??
You little darlin’ – Give us all break go back to you hole………………………..
Shawn
August 3rd, 2011
3:45 pm
I know Matt Ryan has arm strength to throw it deep, but he doesn’t have a lot of zip on it like aaron rodgers or manning. The faster you get it over to your receiver the better, lot of times last year I remember when he would throw it to the outside receiver and the ball just got there slow and a lot of times that allowed the defenders to pick him off and that is exactly what happened in the Playoffs against Green Bay
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
3:54 pm
Shawn – fast players can make a quarterback look good and bad.
Last year the playoff game with GB/ Arron Rodgers & offense litterly took our defense apart! That momentum alone spark the GB entire team – “My hat is off to them CONGRATS all the way”
Hopefully TD & MS have that issue answered this upcoming season
Go Falcons
ASHCAN.
August 3rd, 2011
4:06 pm
LOLOLOL to all the insecure bloggers.@ whats important LOLOLOL.
coo coo bird fan
August 3rd, 2011
4:49 pm
I’m telling you right now, the surprise of the season is coming in the form of Kerry Meir, wr. He is a Wes Welker type, catch anything receiver. I’m worried about the D, specifically the secondary and the lack of depth. Owens was embarasing in the playoffs and lack of speed is an obvious problem. We dont have home field advantage in the dome against track stars in Philly and GB. Can’t wait for new stadium…
Shawn
August 3rd, 2011
4:56 pm
Hey Falcon Fan. I watched the whole game in the playoffs and it looked like the whole momentum was on our side in the beginning, but our defense never got off the field especially after we ran it back for TD. The Defensive game plan was good but we couldn’t bring him down over and over again. Plus our corners are too small and the get picked on a lot throughout the season. We desperately need to run more no huddle because everytime we run the no huddle we score points like crazy, but when we run on 1st and 2nd and get 2 yards because Turner is too slow do any lateral moves, I know I’m complaining a little but I wouldn’t trade our team for any other.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
5:00 pm
Man i hope you are right about Kerry Meir, I really liked him before he was injured last season. Also what is the status on Shann Schillinger?
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
5:07 pm
Shawn, I agree with all points. I thought during that game – we need healthy Jerious Norrowood. That Packer offense “Rodgers” ate us up!!!
Really if we stay healthy this season – no reason why we shouldn’t go 10 to 13 wins – this upcoming season is difinetly tougher than 2010.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
5:12 pm
Sorry i meant Jerious Norwood
Von
August 3rd, 2011
5:13 pm
The birds will be highly disappointed….Why? because they’re trying to fix something that ain’t broke and constantly hearing clowns say “they need to turn Ryan loose! They won 13 games last year. They were the best ball control team in the NFL. Now…as Gonzalez describes the offense as a “Ferrari”! Are you kidding me. You can’t just decide you want to be like the Packers and Saints after you were tops in all the NFC last year. These guys just don’t get it…DEFENSE wins championships! When the Saints won the Superbowl it wasn’t the offense that won the game, their defense did. It wasn’t the Packers great offense but the defense who slowed the Steelers. C’mon man. Do what you do best and stick to it. Look what the Eagles and Saints did, they bulked up their defense like crazy. You don’t have a trigger man like Brees and Rodgers. Sorry man but the birds will get plucked this season. It just makes no sense.
Ivan
August 3rd, 2011
5:26 pm
Von makes good points.
If anything should be “turned loose on opponents”, it should be the defense. Rodgers picked them apart when they played cover 2, or any other coverage scheme. He only showed signs of weakness when pressured. It’s why I was hoping they would bring in some attackers on defense. The acquisition of Edwards is nice, but Dahl was allowed to walk.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
August 3rd, 2011
7:17 pm
@Ashcan
I hate vick because he abused and murdered animals of far greater value than himself..dogs.
I am prejudiced though, and with good reason. Look at the ghetto cesspool our stadium sits in..and look at how going to prison only upped the dog killers stature in that same said community. Now that plaxico has been in prison I am sure we will see a lot of his jerseys worn by vick lovers too.
Choke these 13 Wins
August 3rd, 2011
8:31 pm
C
Choke these 13 Wins
August 3rd, 2011
8:37 pm
Please stop all the hating on Ryan people this is not about race.Ryan and Vick r both QB,but different styles.Ryan has enuff arm strenght 2 win and he is a very smart QB who is a leader,Vick just a great athelete who does it with wheels,not a bright player.Vick is with the Eagles now and we have Ryan,so stop all the talk and hate.Be a Falcon fan or an Eagle fan and decide on the field.GO FALCONS !!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
August 3rd, 2011
9:06 pm
Amazing how some of you folks can’t keep race out of blog commenting. I’m deleting and banning.
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
9:10 pm
@Choke very well put!
Screw & choke on “CON VICK” , he did not do ATL any favors!
Second week game 2 “CON VICK” goes down!
Go Falcons!
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
9:12 pm
@JS, I second that statement no RRRRRRRacismmmmmm on this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
9:13 pm
Jus don’t ban me!