Matt Ryan on 2009: “We want to win our division”
Flowery Branch – A year ago minicamp for Matt Ryan was about Matt Ryan, who was just trying to show he belonged in the NFL. This one was different. The world now knows Matty Ice belongs, and the Iceman himself is focused on his team.
“Last year you were just trying to keep your head above water,” Ryan said Sunday, the Falcons having completed their weekend drills. “I certainly don’t want to sound like I have it all figured out — because I don’t — but this year it’s more about fine-tuning.”
A quick way to get Ryan to try and change the subject: Ask about last season. The greatest rookie quarterback in NFL history doesn’t care to revisit his rookie year — at least not yet. “It’ll be be nice to look back on when you’re done playing,” he said. “But right now it was just a good start. It’s something to have in the bank.”
When he does recall 2008 — hey, writers are paid to be persistent — does he think first about successes or failures? “A little bit of both. You have to learn from your mistakes: ‘Why did I make that mistake?’ But you also have to learn from what you did well: ‘Why did this work?’ You can’t just focus on the negative plays, or the positive.”
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Then this: “At this position, you have to have no conscience. You’re going to make some mistakes, but you can’t let them weigh on you.”
If he’d dared to imagine the ideal rookie season, would what became reality have come close to the dream? Ryan: “We would’ve won a couple of more games down the stretch, with us being in the playoffs. It was a good first year, but that’s done.”
Regarding minicamp, Ryan said, “It was a chance to work on the things I need to do better.” Such as? “Decision-making. There are two things you have to do as a quarterback — make good decisions and be accurate with your throws — but making good decisions is No. 1. I want to make decisions quicker and better.”
Ryan might or might not have a better season in 2009 than in 2008, but if he doesn’t it won’t be for lack of trying. This, as we know, is a young man — he turns 24 on Saturday — of unflagging focus. Asked about his new playmate Tony Gonzalez, Ryan pointed to the field, where practice had technically ended.
“You see six guys still out there, and four are doing interviews,” Ryan said. “But those two are working. [Indeed, Gonzalez and another Falcon were hitting a blocking sled.] He’s teaching young guys how to work. It’s not by chance — there’s a reason he’s the greatest tight end of all time. He’s a huge pickup for us.”
What would be reasonable goals for Matty Ice and the 2009 Falcons? “It’s the same as last year: We’re not worried about outside expectations. But we want to win our division and give ourselves a chance. That’s it. There are no personal goals.”
Last question: What’s with the hair? “Aerodynamics,” Ryan said, and then he laughed. “I just felt like going shorter. It’s easy to maintain.”
He laughed again. “I’m just happy it still grows back.”
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180 comments Add your comment
kerryb
May 10th, 2009
10:09 pm
Truth, are you just doing this or are you really this big of an idiot? That dog killing ba***rd won’t even get a chance at redemption. No owner with half a brain wants this half brained moron anywhere near his team. They don’t want the bad publicity and they don’t want PETA people picketing at their training facility everyday and their stadium on every Sunday. GET A CLUE BUDDIE YOUR COMMENTS ARE STUPID!!!
DrJ
May 10th, 2009
10:23 pm
Truth-Serum needs a Life….
Anthony
May 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
First of all I’m white and I love seeing Michael Vick play football “truth-serum”. The thing you are really missing is Vick would still be here if he had not broken the law. I would not have a problem with him still be our quarterback. But he is not here and it’s no one elses fault but his. Matt Ryan led us to 11 wins last year when we were supposed to be the worst team in football. The facts don’t lie. You can say what you want. WE TRUE FALCON FANS DON’T CARE who is quarterbacking as long as we win and they conduct their selves as good upstanding citizens. But I will say that what Vick has gone thru is wrong. I think he should be punished for what he has done but the commisioner and all these animal rights groups are trying to make an example out of him and that is wrong. If it were anyone else this would have all been over. Like I said, I love watching Vick play and I hope he comes back stronger than ever. It’s just the true falcon fans don’t care. We’ve got a quarterback and so lets support him now. Vick is paying his debt to society and lets hope he does great in the future. Let’s stop making this thing be all about black and white. Remember, he is the one who got himself in this situation and so that’s why we’ve got Ryan in the first place!
Polterbubba
May 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
Mike Vick gave up his right to ever play another game for the Falcons. Nothing was forced on him, he did it himself. On top of what he did, he lied to Arthur. You don’t lie to Arthur.
An example should be made of Michael Vick. An example for kids everywhere. An example for kids of all colors. If you can’t handle the responsibility of being a decent human being, then don’t expect to be treated like one.
Michael Vick is The Anti-Kid! Anyone who would want their child to “be like” THIS Mike, could not possibly be a decent person him/herself…
EARL
May 10th, 2009
10:39 pm
Vick has already been exposed. Notice that funny walk?
EARL
May 10th, 2009
10:48 pm
Other than possibly the Raiders, there is not a team in the league that would take Vick over Ryan for their quarterback. Hands down, Ryan is a leader, Vick is a cancer and egomaniac.
Vick Supporter
May 10th, 2009
11:11 pm
Ryan won’t be a surprise to anyone anymore. The NFL catches up with everyone, even The Great Mike Vick. The difference is Vick’s ability cannot be stopped when he has the right players and coaches around him. I know you most of you caucasians hate Vick and that’s fine, but Vick will shine again.. Someone will give him a shot, and you Falcon fans will STILL be talking about The Great Mike Vick. I’ve got nothing against Ryan, Vick just brings more to a team.
truth-serum
May 10th, 2009
11:20 pm
Anthony
May 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
First of all I’m white
Why am I not surprised?
Lets see…on Marks blog site there are a lot of southern variety bubba mentality people like yourself.
Why am I not surprised.
Max Maximus
May 10th, 2009
10:51 pm
I understand thats how you do it in the hills where you are from, Bubba, but ill pass.
You did not get far in school did you?
Why am I not surprised.
truth-serum
May 10th, 2009
11:22 pm
kerryb
May 10th, 2009
10:09 pm
With out the press Peta is just another obscure radical group looking for a big name to prey off.
Vick Supporter
May 10th, 2009
11:23 pm
The Great Mike Vick will shine again, B’s
truth-serum
May 10th, 2009
11:41 pm
Vick Supporter
May 10th, 2009
11:11 pm
Good post! If you get past the racism and hatred its quite clear that Vick brings more talent and excitement to the table.
It’s the press who gives Peta an audience. Most people would rather just watch the man play. Who really cares that he was once into dog fighting…Move on. Get a life.
Don’t you find it interesting that the featured article was about that qb that hands off to Norwood and Turner Yet the main discussion here is about Michael Vick? Yeah Mark, His name is still Marketable, whether you hate him or love him, whether you are black are white. The man is and will be a celebrity who can draw support. While you are laughing can you explain why we are discussing him on this site? Why he is drawing more attention on your own blog site than your five yard out guy?
Perhaps your thinking is as obvious as the bubba posse that dominates this site, Mark.
Do you think that hate journalism has hurt the AJC readership? Sales?
bill
May 10th, 2009
11:41 pm
Truth you are righy that Vick will be back and play well.But come on dude you’re the one being prejudiced.Why does Ryan have to be attacked? All he did was a remarkable job as a rookie. I hope one day they meet in the SB.Now lets be clear it was a lot more than just handoff to Turner. As I remember it several d’s were starting to figure Vick out.And did it ever occur to you that White became a great receiver after Vick left b/c Vick threw the ball too hard and inaccurate. And by the way the more you post the more you show your lack of football knowledge and quite frankly your lack of human sensability.
bill
May 10th, 2009
11:44 pm
The only reason his name is so talked is b/c you.
Will
May 10th, 2009
11:54 pm
Too bad vick was never able to bring back to back winning seasons to the Birds. I own 4 of his jerseys, it was such a waste of talent. I hope he gets picked up and can salvage his career. I am excited about the Falcons this year, lets take it one game at a time.
pritdapit
May 10th, 2009
11:56 pm
hey truth reason vick being talked about cuz u and ur 2/3 of this blog is bout vick or ppl response to u bc u an iggnorant crack smoker
pritdapit
May 11th, 2009
12:11 am
vick supporter your stupid too everything said to truth goes 4 u2 CrAcKhEaD
Big B CH 99
May 11th, 2009
1:40 am
What the heck is this, do we still have to be divided along racial lines, after Ryan and the team went 11-6 this last yr & made the playoffs.
I guess some people will never be happy unless people of their own race are QBing the team.
I’m white, & my favorite College football player of all time is Joe Hamilton, the former Tech QB.
I love the game of football & I just want a good QB & team why does it matter if they’re white, black, pink, yellow, or what.
Big B CH 99
May 11th, 2009
2:09 am
Bill put it perfectly, the WR’s (Roddy) started playing much better after Vick left, Roddy even had 1,000 yds in 07 when we had 3 different QB’s.
I watch a lot of football, & understand the game. One of the biggest reasons the the WR’s struggled w/ Vick was said perfectly by Bill, he threw it too hard & was inaccurate.
Ryan did a lot more than hand the ball off, last yr for the first time in quite a while the Falcons actually had balance in the Offense, a good mix of run & PASS. Vick was the QB that could hand off & run himself, but was never a CONSISTENT passing threat. He had his moments but many times he was not a threat to throw.
doeandtheFalcons
May 11th, 2009
2:33 am
Vick supporter and other idiots who bring race into the debate are blind. Blacks are the dominate race in all of sports. No argument. outta 52 players on any football team i bet on the average team 42 are black. And that is fine. But when your black Jesus at quarterback ends up being a criminal and he is replaced by a white guy you shout racism. I think that in its self racism . If somehow we made a trade for mcnabe, I bet a million dollars you would not be complaining every week.
Have you ever met Vick? He is an as shole. Seriously, not a nice guy. Roody, Turner, Tuggle, Ryan, Finneran, Jenkins, C. Davis, Mike Smith, Milloy, G.Jackson, Redman all really nice people. But Vick, he looks down on people, or he did when he was on top. He is rude. he has bad karma. And thats what happened to him and his life. Don’t treat people badly it will come back to haunt you.
He has hit bottom. I don’t wish him any ill will. but he blew. Don’t scape goat anyone. Believe in personal responsibility.
Falconless in Seattle
May 11th, 2009
2:53 am
What the hell is this???? Shut up about Vick!!! He was an idoit!! Go Turner, Ryan, White, and Gonzo!!! I’m pumped about Jerry and Moore! Let go of the past and GO DIRTY BIRDS!
Freedom of Speech ???
May 11th, 2009
4:18 am
Mark, Maybe you shouldn’t have ticked the “allow comments” box. I’m all for an INTELLIGENT discourse about Falcon’s football, but man, there sure are a couple of turds out there who continually stink up the joint…
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
4:59 am
Thanks, BrewDawg. And thanks for remembering.
Mac
May 11th, 2009
6:57 am
Matty Ice is a dumb nickname. I’m going old school and calling him “Red.”
Mac
May 11th, 2009
7:03 am
It’s amazing to me how many people still bite when the Vick trolls roll out. Folks, these people are no more Vick supporters than the president of PETA. It’s just people, cloaked in anonymity, trying to get under your skin. When you respond, they win. And they win every time.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
7:12 am
From Mac: “When you respond, they win.”
Truer words were never spoken. Or written.
Go Birds
May 11th, 2009
7:17 am
Amazing how few Falcon fans there are and how many Vick fans there are…no wonder Atlanta gets the rap as worst sportstown in America so many times. Regardless, GO BIRDS. It’s going to be an exciting year!
oldbird
May 11th, 2009
7:22 am
Vick was perhaps the greatest athlete to ever play the quarterback position in the NFL. He was at best, however, a slightly below average quarterback. Never once did I sit back and think “Mike’s gonna win this game by tossing for two TDs in the 4th quarter”. Instead, I’d used to think, “maybe Mike will bust a long run for a score and then do something insane to get them back in the game”.
Vick is like the psycho girlfriend many of us have had. Certainly provided some fascinating times but the drama just beats you down in the end.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
7:22 am
I have a sneaking suspicion you’d be surprised by the actual numbers, Go Birds.
oldbird
May 11th, 2009
7:39 am
Surprise me Mark –
Vick finished with a 75.7% QB rating with a 53.8 completion percentage. He averaged 155 yards a game. Joey Harrington has a 69.4% QB rating with a 56.1 completion percentage and 181 yard per game. Vick tossed for 71 TDs, Harrington threw 79.
Remember, my comment was that he was an unmatched athlete but a very average “quarterback”.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
7:44 am
I meant the actual number of Falcon fans vis-a-vis Vick fans.
Dan
May 11th, 2009
8:22 am
I love watching Vick when he was here. He was exciting and electric but he has no IQ? Anybody says otherwise is an idiot and I can explain my logic. If someone gave you a 100 million dollar lottery ticket would you rip it up? That is exactly what Mike Vick did? Hence he has no IQ. He lied to the coaches, fans and stood in Arthur Blanks office and lied to team owner. What it comes down to his he has no common sense. He should have know dog fighting is illegal and he should have known how this would look to some of his fans. Yes if one is from the hood they will think there is nothing wrong with it and give an excuse that he made a mistake but he was doing it day in and day out so it wasnt a mistake or lack of judgement? He took a lottery ticket and wiped his a$$ with it…Idiot
JohnWaynesworld
May 11th, 2009
8:48 am
Please I would like someone to give me a list of quarterbacks in the NFL who started every game in their rookie season and then had a “sophomore slump” in their second year. Hmmm? Usually in the NFL it is more correctly called a “freshman slump” due to complete inexperience and possibly nerves.
Sophomore slumps are for baseball players more than any other sport because of innate superstitions that are ingrained in the players minds. Occasionally you may find slumps in other sports, but in our case with Matt Ryan, there is nothing to worry about. Knock on wood.
jimthorpe
May 11th, 2009
8:53 am
If you want to be the best, you gotta beat the best. Falcons advance to the Super Bowl this year, people.
leggomyego
May 11th, 2009
9:17 am
Truth-serum,
Regarding Vick- “The man should have a right to get his job back.”
Truth Serum’s world = you can do whatever you want, lie to your employer, lie to the NFL commissioner, lie to the media in a business related intensely to public relations, commit crimes related to gambling while being a sports personality, and still be able to walk out of prison as the most important piece of a multi-million dollar business investment that is the Atlanta Falcons franchise?
Dude, there isn’t a sane business person on the PLANET that’s drinking that Kool-Aid my friend. Regardless of what anybody thinks, this issue may be about color, but it ain’t about black or white. It’s about GREEN. Vick might be marketable in the ATL microcosm, but he’s poison on a national scale and he’s proven himself to be a liar, a very poor decision maker and an untrustworthy investment. He may yet get his chance in the NFL, but its gonna be an uphill battle for someone who has betrayed that kind of trust. Business, and Life for that matter, isn’t about what you ‘deserve.’ If any one of us got caught lying to our boss, and then lying to the owner of the company, you think we’d ‘Deserve’ to get our jobs back once they fired our arses? Man, come back to Earth and Try again.
leggomyego
May 11th, 2009
9:21 am
“When you respond, they win.”
True that. Just saw that post. I should know better. It’s Monday and i haven’t finished my first cup of coffee, what can i say? Sorry Bradley, i’ll do better next time.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
9:33 am
Understood, Leggo. It takes a lot of willpower not to argue back. But I’ve found it’s worth the effort.
CJ Steele
May 11th, 2009
9:38 am
I like Vick to but Im gonna be realistic, Ryan gives the falcons there best chance to win football games. With a nice touch on his passes and ability to read defenses that makes up for any abilities that Vick have. I wish my boy Vick luck and I will root for him in another uniform hopefully Minnesota but Ryan is the Right choice. Lets GO BIRDS.
TheManMike
May 11th, 2009
9:51 am
YEAY – Vick Supporter 2 and The Truth are back……Time to leave the blogs for a while…..
I do believe this is their plan, but do they not realize this affects to team….none…..
All your support for a guy who is not an NFL player is all well and good, for you – but its moot. Restart your blathering after he returns…if he returns…to the NFL, that is. No matter how much hate you show, we real fans know whats up – and we love all our black and white and yellow and green players all the same….sooooo – whats your point??
You’re starting to skip like broken records fellas….
TheManMike
May 11th, 2009
9:54 am
For the record: Im Scottish. 4th gen.
TheManMike
May 11th, 2009
9:56 am
Hearing that Gonzo was on the field well after practice showing the rooks how to work – That really tells alot. We now have a proven hard worker at QB (Spends more time in the video room than at home!) and at TE….Lofton as well deserves a gold star – good leasdership fellas. Its good to hear Turner knows and is understanding that his carries will drop – This will make him more of a force…he’ll be rested.
go Falcons!
leggomyego
May 11th, 2009
9:57 am
The Falcons are gonna have to be dialed in with this year’s schedule being what it is. I don’t think it takes a rocket surgeon to predict there probably won’t be a wild card team coming out of the South this year. If we wanna get into the playoffs then we’re gonna have to win the division, which will be no small task considering where Carolina and N.O. finished last year (my guess is the Bucs struggle mightily this year; another brainy pick there, eh?). Nice to here Gonzo is already taking his rightful place as a leader on this team. Even with high quality guys like that, you never know how a player will react to changing teams for the first time, especially after so long w/ the Chiefs like he was, so it’s nice to know he’s adjusting in the manner that would be expected. The Birds got their work cut out for them this year, and with the maturity and professionalism being displayed by this group I’ve confident we’ll have a very competitive team. Let’s get those back-to-back winning seasons this year and make a run that Lombardi trophy.
TheManMike
May 11th, 2009
10:03 am
Leggo-
I second your opinion on the Bucs…They will be last years Saints minus the offense….eww…
Carolina will be last years Bucs and the Falcons will be last years Panthers….but better at QB/TE/WR/RB and D.
BACK-To-BACK winning seasons is going to be a great thing to celebrate at the end of the Season…i cannot wait…
Oh yea – and hearing that Will-Mo is “a bigger” Lawyer Milloy is just AWESOME to hear….Damn i cant wait!
Bill
May 11th, 2009
10:04 am
I believe that Atlanta will wind up 9-7 maybe a wid card.This defense will be very young and sadly make alot of mistakes.The offense as good as it can be will not overcome all of them.
Throw in a brutal schedule and I am looking at 9-7.This will be a step up as it will mark the first back to back winning seasons in franchise history.
I really think this team will have a huge year in 2010.
TheManMike
May 11th, 2009
10:08 am
…And about this so-called “Sophmore slump” – Why is it that people always look for the bad and not the good. I always thought that people got better as a system progressed. I dont see Ryan or anyone who already knows this system to go into a “slump” – it just makes sense that in year two of the process, they will better……..GLASSES HALF FULL PEOPLE……Superstitions are for the….wait….Superstitions are idiotic. I walk under ladders all the time – own a black cat (not really, just funny) and have a knack for breaking mirrors with my mind bullets……..The Truth – Where were you on that one man?
What!!!
May 11th, 2009
10:09 am
Why is it when a rookie QB has a bad 1st year everyone says “it’s a learning curve and will be better the next year” but, when a rookie QB has a good 1st year everyone talks about a sophomore slump for the next year? Matt Ryan is for real, no sophomore slump for him.
Mike Vick in the NFL again…………………HA HA HA WON”T HAPPEN!!
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
10:10 am
There’s a division there to be taken. No question.
Mac
May 11th, 2009
10:12 am
Rocket surgeon? I love it! Mixed metaphors are the best. Wish I’d have thought of it.
Lazy Dawg
May 11th, 2009
10:35 am
Truth who is the raciest???MAN….
Curious George
May 11th, 2009
10:36 am
Would VICK SUPPORTER still be supporting Michael Vick if the disgraced former QB’s name was “Michael SANCHEZ” instead?
NUNNA YO BIZZNEZZ
May 11th, 2009
11:04 am
are u kidding me folks..
matt ryan was exposed late last year..he floats the bAll on deep passes that are to easy to intercept to me..he is strong And accurate 25 yards And in..he is smart no doubt,but once his running gAme is shut down,he is nothing..he don’t bring no other intAngibles at all to his gAme..
now,having said that,now im gonna say this..
to beat Atlanta is to have matt ice throw the ball!!!
we will be seeing 8 in the box,and we will see the run game shut down,And matt on his back more because he is not fast or mobile enough to do any damage with his legs..
he got lucky last yeAr with his runs because folks didn’t think he would run..now they know he will,he will be banged up by game 3..
the mvp of the team last year wAs not he,turner,or even mike smith..
it was mularkey,if thats how u spell it,his offensive co-ordinAtor..
give credit where credit is due man,he has A genuis who cAn cover his signAl callers weAkness,and design plAys thAt suit his strength’s,unlike our previous fAmed signal call ever had,mike vick..
look for the basement..a 4-12 record..and look for td to be out of here by june 2011..his drAft picks suck..bring bAck kenny herock!!!
lofton will be a bust..jerry may be a good pick but it wAs A no brAiner for td..we needed that position filled And he wAs right there..
williAm morre will be a bust..the only thing i like about td is he is not AfrAid to go After small school tAlent..like sidbury,whom will be his greAtest pick since he became falcons gm..And,his only good pick..
u have seen my comments on here before,and,im never wrong..
lol..im not being sarcAstic,its just the truth..And,im getting A new boArd todAy..i know u Are tired of the caps on my A’s,lol..i am too..