Matt Ryan Is The Atlanta Falcons' Starting Quarterback
by Dave the Falconer
on Aug 24, 2008 11:23 PM EDT
in Falcons News
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The writing had been on the wall for at least the last week, but the Falcons have finally confirmed what we all knew: Matt Ryan will start this year.
This is a monumental move for the franchise, a final shift from the misery and mire of the last year or so into a bright and blazing future. There will be struggles, sometimes difficult to overcome, and Ryan may find himself planted in the turf until his very bones ache. But there is reason to believe that he is capable and that he can grow into a true franchise quarterback.
We've had these dreams before. We've been let down by a truly astounding array of players. Maybe we ought to know better, but I know I don't. When I see Ryan line up behind center for the first time during the season, I'm going to be just as giddy as I was when it was Chris Miller, when it was Chris Chandler, when it was Michael Vick. One of these times, it really is going to be the change we're looking for, so why not now? Why not Matt Ryan?
All we can ask of each other is to show some patience with the rook, who is going to have a daunting learning curve ahead of him. He may even drag the whole team down with him from time to time, and I'm not expecting anyone to hold their tongue then. Still, this is a real opportunity, and a new page in the franchise's history. Let's embrace it while we still can hold our happy illusions, and maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised.
Good luck, Matt!
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Your giddy-ness upsets me
But damn if it isn’t contagious. I still firmly believe Redman should start for the first few weeks so that the team and Ryan have a chance to see how the line will hold up against a number one defense for four quarters. But, I guess the coaching staff see these guys more than anyone else and if they think Ryan is the best QB we have, then I guess the guy deserves to start. Let’s just hope the line doesn’t get him killed.
by Jesse28 on
Aug 25, 2008 8:20 AM EDT
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I'm still worried about that
But I guess I can’t help but get excited. I have to trust that if he is getting killed, the team will do something (sit him, wrap him in bubble wrap) to make sure it doesn’t keep happening.
by Dave the Falconer on
Aug 25, 2008 11:37 AM EDT
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I agree
As a general rule, I would rather see a rookie QB sit for the first quarter of the season or so. However, our coaching staff is at practice and I am not. If they think he can handle it and won’t get Harrington’d/Carr’d, then they may as well go for it. Surprisingly, our offensive line doesn’t worry me as much as it did in the offseason. Sam Baker has really impressed me, and the rest of the line has been much more average-ish than I expected. I’m still a bit leery about the whole Matt Ryan experience, but, for once, I am going to put a little faith in the coaches.
by SG Standard on
Aug 25, 2008 11:41 AM EDT
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I like it
I mean why the hell not? However as I mentioned before, I want to see him on a short leash. Not as far as his play, but for his own safety. Let’s not let him get killed back there early on.
This really is a totally exciting moment for the Falcons. One of those polarizing sign posts that in three or four years look back at and think “what the hell where they thinking” or “smartest move ever by the franchise”.
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
by runningback on
Aug 25, 2008 9:30 PM EDT
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Let's just hope so
I am inclined to believe that Coach Smith is somewhat of an intelligent man and would not leave the franchises’ prize possession in a situation that is not conducive to success. Given the fact that we still have a very serviceable Redman on board, there is absolutely no reason to allow Ryan to get hurt behind a young and inexperienced – as a group – line. And I’m sure that top management has expressed as much to him as Blank would be most upset if his man-love were to be seriously injured.
Hell, for all we know this kid might end up being the second coming of Favre. Or would it be the third if we count #4’s J-E-T-S experience as the second? Interesting dilemma.
by Jesse28 on
Aug 26, 2008 7:39 AM EDT
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Short-sighted
I think it’s revealing that the Falcons never put the starting decision in terms of being the best thing for Ryan’s development. It’s always that “he gives the team the best chance to win”.
Granted, winning now is important, but isn’t his development as a QB more important? Hard to believe that he’s better served by throwing him into the starting job before we really even know how good our O-line is. They’ve looked pretty decent so far, but even amoeba know that the regular season is a whole different animal than preseason. These guys had better be right on this.
Of course, I used to believe in the Tooth Fairy, so I’ve been wrong at least once.
That said, best of luck to our Mighty Matt. It’ll be nice to have a QB that can actually throw the ball, if he doesn’t get seriously killed first.
"There's no such word as 'quit' in swamp buggy racing, Marigold"
by tom slick on
Aug 26, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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