Report: Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, quarterback Matt Ryan working on their relationship

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan needs a friend. Because he's repeatedly rubbed fans as well as his own players the wrong way, "Shanny" has a horrible reputation. I'm quite sure he doesn't care and I'm not suggesting he should, but heck, wouldn't it be nice if he softened up a bit?

The Falcons' first team offense looked much better last week. That's a step in the right direction, Shanahan. But what we really need is unchecked buy-in from the offense's best skill players, no caveats. For what it's worth, it appears franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and Shanahan are getting along better.

Matt Ryan said he and Shanahan are more on the same page this year than last, and that they have an open dialogue.

— Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) August 21, 2016

I know, this is one of those, "what's he supposed to say?!" moments, isn't it? To be frank, the simple fact that Ryan is publicly acknowledging an improvement says something. It says there's no longer a need to sweep the tension that overcame the locker room last season under the rug. It's out there, and they're trying to make it better. In short, we're moving in the right direction.