Matt Ryan wants to hit home runs with Julio Jones

Matt Ryan wants to hit home runs with Julio Jones
October, 31, 2014

By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com

When Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones contorted his body on a breathtaking, over-the-shoulder catch for a 40-yard touchdown against Tampa Bay in Week 3, one figured there would be a steady diet of deep shots to Jones from Matt Ryan.

Such hasn't necessarily been the case.

Actually, that was Jones' only play of 30 or more yards this season. He had three receptions of 40-plus yards last season in just five games, including an 81-yard, catch-and-run touchdown against St. Louis.

For his career, Jones has 16 catches of 40-plus yards, including seven in 13 games during his rookie season (2011).

Ryan, of course, wants to re-establish the deep-ball chemistry with Jones. Naturally, he has to have enough time to throw down the field. That's been a tall task, with all the changes along the offensive line and Ryan admittedly off target, at times.

During his weekly radio show on 680 The Fan, Ryan talked about throwing deep to Jones, specifically in last week's loss against Detroit in London.

"Well, we had a couple of opportunities: one on a double move on third down," Ryan said. "He made a really good catch. The ball was thrown just a little too far out to him. It’s one of those chances that you’ve got to take.

"And then we had another opportunity where Julio was running down the left side of the field and we probably would have had a chance, but the protection broke down. It’s going to happen again against defenses. But we knew going into it, with [the Lions'] pass rush, we were probably going to have three or four chances to get the ball down the field, and we only ended up getting two. So we would have liked to get another one or two."

Ryan has thrown more screens passes to Jones as of late in an effort to get the ball out quicker and also give Jones a chance to be his play-making self. Jones typically draws added defensive attention, and Ryan usually doesn't force the issue. And although Jones has blazing speed and felt stronger entering the season coming off a second foot surgery, Jones has been hampered by a lingering ankle injury.

Still, Jones hasn't missed any game action and remains confident in his ability as a deep threat. Ryan is right there with him.

"I think we’ve got a good mix of that," Ryan said of play calls going deep. "And we have to keep protecting. We’ve got to keep working on our pass protection. I actually thought our offensive line did a really good job against a really good front four (vs. Detroit)."

But the line will have do even better if Ryan and Jones hope to hit more home runs.