Ryan looks to rebound in 2016
In football, turning the ball over will drastically affect a team’s chances of being successful.
The Atlanta Falcons have learned that lesson the hard way in recent seasons.
Quarterback Matt Ryan is entering his ninth season with the organization and is hoping to cut down on miscues and help his team sustain greater success. With training camp underway, that’s his main focus.
In 2015, Ryan completed 66 percent of his passes, but he threw 16 interceptions, which tied for third worst in the league.
“I’m currently working on accuracy,” Ryan said. “Last season, I struggled with that, and if I’m able to hit my receivers in important situations, it’ll make our team better this season.”
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn thinks highly of Ryan as his starting quarterback. While the narrative of Ryan falling short of expectations exists, Quinn said he’s still playing an integral role to the offense’s success.
In the NFL, being able to execute in crucial spots is one of the most valued assets for a quarterback to have. Quinn stresses that quality to his team and believes that Ryan does what it takes.
“Matt is a huge part of our team and how we play,” Quinn said. “He’s been on point for a long time, and we’re aiming to be really good at the end of halves and games, so we’re spending a lot of time on that. I’m not sure if I’d call him a game manager, but someone who’s on point at the end of games is someone that’s very integral to our team.”
Ryan and the Falcons agreed to a five-year extension worth $103.5 million in 2013, which made him the ninth highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Since Ryan signed the extension, however, the Falcons have yet to make the playoffs, and Ryan has seen a decline in touchdown passes to 21 last year .
“As an NFL quarterback, there’s a lot that you have to deal with,” Ryan said. “I always go out there and work as hard as I can, and then whatever happens, is going to happen. Knowing that releases all of that pressure that comes with leading a team. I feel like I’m able to lead and play effectively by giving my all.”
Ryan has been tasked with building relationships with new teammates during his time with Atlanta. This season, he is tasked with that yet again as the Falcons added some receivers to help him offensively.
Receiver Julio Jones was Ryan’s main target in 2015, accounting for a career-best 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns. But the lack of additional receiving weapons made the Falcons’ offense stagnant at times.
With 33 percent of Ryan’s completions going to Jones last season, more playmakers have made their way to Atlanta to create more balance. Ryan seems pleased with the host of new talent on board and believes it can be beneficial to the team in 2016 and beyond.
“We have made a lot of offseason acquisitions at wide receiver this year,” Ryan said. “We have new guys such as Lance Moore, Aldrick Robinson and Mohamed Sanu, in addition to Julio (Jones) and the core we had last season. I’ve been spending time and building relationships with them. It’s all about getting on the same page and being cohesive as a unit when it’s time to go out there and play.”
This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Ryan looks to rebound in 2016."