The Atlanta Falcons need Matt Ryan to step up
The Falcons made moves in the off-season to add even more firepower to the offense, but they have been stuck in reverse. Most of the reason for the lack of offense this year falls on the shoulders of 26-year old QB Matt Ryan. Ryan has played in all five games for the Falcons so far this year and he has completed 120 of 196 passes (61.2%) for 1,302 yards with 7 TD passes and 6 interceptions (79.9 QB Rating). Ryan has also carried the ball 12 times for 53 yards (4.4 ypc) so far this year. The Falcons can’t get back on track until Ryan starts to play like he can.
I agree about 50%. It’s not totally on Matt’s lap if the coach and the coordinator don’t have an orientation built on attacking or dictating to the opposing team. The orientation to “attack” or “dictate” is held prominently on teams like Pittsburgh, New England or Baltimore. Or, in their heyday, conferences like the NFC East. No matter which side of the ball, you had to strap in when you played them because you knew they would be bringing it. The Falcons simply do not approach the game that way. Their approach is more methodical, more cautious, frankly more respectful of what the opponent “might” do. They play a game of “keep-away” rather than “run-away”. By default they are not oriented to continually score when they have the lead; therefore, not lead is safe. There are pros to this approach, but at the current rate the Falcons are looking at a .500 season unless they stare themselves down in the mirror and make the changes needed to take their play to the next level.
I agree with you Michael. It absolutely drives me nuts trying to figure out why Michael Turner isn’t getting at least 20 carries per week. To me, he is the best asset the offense has going for them. When they decide to get away from the running game, they become to one dimensional on offense and while Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez are an impressive bunch of weapons in the passing game, DBs can stop them without the threat of a running game. So, I agree with you that Matt Ryan and the offensive co-ordinator should share the blame for the offensive woes of the team right now.