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Monday, August 25, 2008
O-line play factored into decision to start Ryan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The decision to start rookie Matt Ryan at quarterback wasn’t a hard one for the Falcons coaches if they were solely judging a competition among the team’s four signal-callers.
Watching Ryan in training camp, he seemed most in control of the offense and most trusted by his teammates. His performance in three preseason games closed the door on things, in terms of who was the best quarterback.
More at issue were the complementary parts. The coaching staff wanted to make sure that the offensive line was solid enough to protect Ryan. They also wanted to make sure they could run block well enough so Ryan wouldn’t be put in position to have to throw all the time.
With veteran offensive line coach Paul Boudreau using blocking techniques that play to players’ strengths and not forcing them into a specific style, the line has been fine. And when veteran Todd Weiner showed no ill effects from major knee surgery in Friday’s game against Tennessee, the offense was set - Ryan included.
On that note, Harvey Dahl seems to have locked down the right guard spot. The upstart has been very solid in the preseason. Meanwhile, veteran Kynan Forney seems to be in big trouble of making the roster. He didn’t play against the Titans, a game in which he seemingly needed to do well to stay in contention.
Though Forney’s $2.95 million salary could be a factor in him getting released - that’s a high price to pay a backup - so is his lack of versatility. Forney is solely a guard. Likely backups Tyson Clabo (can play every position but center), Quinn Ojinnaka (can play every position including center), and Alex Stepanovich (can play center and both guard spots) have the versatility this coaching staff desires.
The recent signing of veteran tight end Marcus Pollard might not be a good sign for former Georgia product Martrez Milner. Milner is the most athletic and versatile tight end on the roster, but he hasn’t played since injuring his ankle and toe during a mock game at the Georgia Dome during training camp. Coach Mike Smith said Sunday it’s hard to gauge a player who hasn’t been on the field. Smith said he didn’t know how Milner’s absence would affect his chances of making the 53-man roster.
One thing I can tell you about this coaching staff, they are old school and aren’t big on dealing with unproven players who miss time, for whatever reason. A prime example is second-year wideout Laurent Robinson.
Robinson could be the most talented wideout besides Roddy White. However, when he missed a week and the first preseason game with a bruised tailbone, he moved to near the bottom of the depth chart and has barely been heard from since. Robinson will make the roster, but he’s lost the starting job (Michael Jenkins is in) he had entering training camp.
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