The future is now for Matt Ryan.
With the preseason a distant memory, Ryan will finally make his NFL debut as the Falcons starting quarterback on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. After being named the starter, he will become the first rookie quarterback since 2002 to start on opening day.
Head coach Mike Smith has been pleased with Ryan’s performance during the preseason, stating, “We have evaluated Matt through OTAs, mini-camp, training camp and over the course of three preseason games. After reviewing Matt’s progress, we feel like he has won the starting job.”
FIRST-YEAR BLUES
The last rookie quarterback to take the first snap on opening day was David Carr with the Houston Texans six years ago. Things looked up for the Texans then, as they beat the Dallas Cowboys 19-10 in their first game in franchise history. Due to getting hit numerous times in his first year, however, Carr was only able to lead the team to three more wins and his career never truly recovered.
Another example of a rookie who struggled in his first year is Joey Harrington, the recently released Falcons quarterback who became the Lions’ starter in their home opener in 2002. Harrington did not get hit as much but threw plenty of interceptions and is still struggling to find a permanent home years later.
Even Peyton Manning had a rough first season in 1998, throwing 26 touchdowns but also throwing 28 picks, as the Indianapolis Colts finished 3-13. That next year, however, the Colts made a huge turnaround and went 13-3, in large part because of Manning, who cut his interception total to 15. Falcons fans are hoping for similar luck from Ryan, who understands that it will not be easy but knows precisely what he needs to do.
“The big emphasis for me since I’ve been down here is get adjusted to the speed of the game,” Ryan said after the preseason game against Tennessee. “I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that.”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Getting back to Ryan, many experts believe he has all the tools to become a great NFL quarterback. It may take some time – history shows that quarterbacks don’t succeed in their first year. There are few exceptions to the rule: Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger each led their teams to winning seasons and deep into the playoffs. The Falcons will be using running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood quite a bit and the defense looks improved from last season, meaning Ryan will simply need to manage the game and avoid making too many mistakes. If that happens, Ryan could find himself earning Rookie of the Year honor, but he knows there is a long road ahead of him in the meantime.
“I think you have to take starting in stride and keep working hard the same way I have been,” Ryan said. “I will keep doing what I have done to get to this point.”
Jones can be reached at bjones@scoreatl.com.
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