Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 2, 2014 18:20:44 GMT
Matt Ryan has to find his groove on road
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- As he reflected on last week's loss at Minnesota, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan admitted there were two throws he wanted back.
"We had an opportunity on a deep out route to Julio [Jones], I think, at the beginning of the fourth that I felt like was a play that I needed to make,'' Ryan said. ``That's one of those things, they came up. We didn't hit it. Felt like it was at a time when you would want to get it done. That was specifically one.
``The other one, not quite as much.''
Ryan declined to reveal the other throw. Regardless, he won't dwell on those plays as he prepares for another tough trip to face the New York Giants. Precision will be key behind a rebuilt offensive line following the losses of starters Joe Hawley and Lamar Holmes. The Falcons lost starting left tackle Sam Baker in the preseason. And left guard Justin Blalock is unlikely to play coming off a back injury.
``It's tough,'' Ryan said of the injuries. ``Any time you have guys go down, it makes it difficult. You hate seeing it. I feel bad for those guys because they put too much effort into getting themselves ready. They were playing well. But that's a part of the deal. Part of this league is, you're going to have to overcome injuries. You have to have guys step up. Roles are constantly changing.''
As long as the quarterback position doesn't change, the Falcons should survive. Players such as Gabe Carimi, Peter Konz, Ryan Schraeder and Harland Gunn have to hold their own and protect Ryan regardless of what line combination is out on the field. Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews will have a tough task Sunday against Giants pass-rusher Jason-Pierre Paul, while fellow defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka also is capable.
Ryan has to be on point with his receivers, particularly on the road. As ESPN Stats and Information pointed out, he has a 57.6 completion percentage, an average of 6.2 yards per attempt, four touchdowns, five interceptions and a total QBR of 44.0 in the two road games this season. At home, his completion percentage is 77.6 with an average of 11.0 yards per attempt, six touchdowns, no interceptions and a QBR of 96.1.
If Ryan finds his road groove -- and the line holds up -- maybe the Falcons will extend their regular-season winning streak against NFC East opponents to seven, which would remain as the longest active such streak.
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- As he reflected on last week's loss at Minnesota, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan admitted there were two throws he wanted back.
"We had an opportunity on a deep out route to Julio [Jones], I think, at the beginning of the fourth that I felt like was a play that I needed to make,'' Ryan said. ``That's one of those things, they came up. We didn't hit it. Felt like it was at a time when you would want to get it done. That was specifically one.
``The other one, not quite as much.''
Ryan declined to reveal the other throw. Regardless, he won't dwell on those plays as he prepares for another tough trip to face the New York Giants. Precision will be key behind a rebuilt offensive line following the losses of starters Joe Hawley and Lamar Holmes. The Falcons lost starting left tackle Sam Baker in the preseason. And left guard Justin Blalock is unlikely to play coming off a back injury.
``It's tough,'' Ryan said of the injuries. ``Any time you have guys go down, it makes it difficult. You hate seeing it. I feel bad for those guys because they put too much effort into getting themselves ready. They were playing well. But that's a part of the deal. Part of this league is, you're going to have to overcome injuries. You have to have guys step up. Roles are constantly changing.''
As long as the quarterback position doesn't change, the Falcons should survive. Players such as Gabe Carimi, Peter Konz, Ryan Schraeder and Harland Gunn have to hold their own and protect Ryan regardless of what line combination is out on the field. Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews will have a tough task Sunday against Giants pass-rusher Jason-Pierre Paul, while fellow defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka also is capable.
Ryan has to be on point with his receivers, particularly on the road. As ESPN Stats and Information pointed out, he has a 57.6 completion percentage, an average of 6.2 yards per attempt, four touchdowns, five interceptions and a total QBR of 44.0 in the two road games this season. At home, his completion percentage is 77.6 with an average of 11.0 yards per attempt, six touchdowns, no interceptions and a QBR of 96.1.
If Ryan finds his road groove -- and the line holds up -- maybe the Falcons will extend their regular-season winning streak against NFC East opponents to seven, which would remain as the longest active such streak.
