Critics that were quick to criticize the play of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan against Jacksonville have been warned: the rookie is ready to start and has the proof of the Falcons’ first preseason win to prove it.
It’s still up for debate as to whether or not Ryan will be the No. 1 guy against Detroit, but if he is to be measured by his three preseason performances, including a 15-for-21, 102-yard and one touchdown effort in the win against the Tennessee Titans, his ability to lead the team downfield compares favorably to and, in most instances, exceeds that of Chris Redman. In a little less than two games worth of playing time, Ryan has completed 62 percent of his passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Besides some missed balls in the end zone by Laurent Robinson and Roddy White and two drives killed by penalties, Ryan’s night against the Titans was a clear indication that, in his first start, he’s more consistent than his Indianapolis performance would indicate.
“We gameplanned a little more and were more familiar with the plays we were running this week,” Ryan said. “I felt comfortable and hopefully I can continue to get better as we progress through the season.”
Though his quarterback rating was sub-par versus the Colts (33.9), Ryan showed the ability to make plays outside of the pocket and was accurate throwing on the run. Even as the offense stalled in the red zone in the first half against the Titans, Ryan was keen to make up for his “poor” game against Indy. It was fitting that he would be the provider of the first offensive touchdown of the night on Friday: a 1-yard strike to fellow rookie Harry Douglas. The nine-play, 71-yard drive was the most aesthetically pleasing and fluid offensive march of the evening, and closed the door on a Titans offense that was stagnantly led by an inaccurate Vince Young. As Ryan fist-pumped after the score, the entire Falcons organization breathed a sigh of relief: it had found its starting quarterback.
CONSISTENCY WINS
For the third consecutive week, the Falcons offense rushed for more than 100 yards. This week, it was a product of more than just breakaway runs. The longest gain for the Falcons was a 39-yard burst from Jerious Norwood for the team’s first touchdown drive. The Falcons’ two longest runs from scrimmage against the Titans were less than Michael Turner’s first touch in the game against the Colts. How did the team break the century mark again? With a punishing style of running that saw more yards after contact than any game thus far. Even with Turner limited to five carries, Norwood and Jason Snelling combined for 99 yards at 9.2 yards per carry.
Friday was also another standout performance from a defense that was expected to struggle, but has received contributions from an active group of rookies and young players. Head coach Mike Smith was quick to boast about his defense’s streak of 10 quarters without giving up a touchdown. Smith highlighted Chevis Jackson (first career interception in the second quarter), Curtis Lofton (six tackles) and Kroy Biermann (four tackles, sack) as young standouts that helped hold Tennessee to 75 yards on the ground. Despite being a defensive-minded head coach, Smith was quick to talk about his offense and the evolution of his young quarterback, albeit without giving away much about Ryan’s potential starter status.
“This was the first time we gameplanned for the red zone all preseason,” Smith admitted after the game. “Eleven different receivers caught passes tonight and [Matt] Ryan progressed again.
“I think he played well and he handled himself well against a good defense.”
Horne can be reached at ehorne@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
