The Bird Babe

By atlbobby

August 24, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

The games I have seen so far showed no QB really above the others. Based on that then I am ok with Ryan starting. My only concern would be once the games really count will he be mentally able to bounce back if the line can’t protect. I hope if this happens they pull him out as a rookie QB can be ruined ala David Carr

By Falcon Tradition

August 24, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Could it be?!!! Can it be true that the “Bird Babe” is not hosting a blog where she is drooling over Joey?

Of course Ryan deserves a chance…that’s why he was drafted. The BIGGER question lies with the offensive line and the hopeful maturation of Jamal Anderson.

Let’s see what happens!!!!!!

By Same Ole Falcons

August 24, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Why all the pre-excuse making for Ryan? What difference does the O-line or the defense make as far as his great ability? Oh, so NOW it takes line protection? That excuse is not allowed in Atlanta. Neither is how good or bad the receivers are or if the defense is good or not. In Atlanta the QB is expected to carry the team on their back if necessary, and no excuses are allowed. Why y’all wanna change the rules? How old is Ryan? 23? He’s older than some other rookie QBs were and since he’s got all this great “mental” ability, he better make like Harry Potter and create some magic to get it done.

By Dave

August 24, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

This is the right decision. M R already acts like a leader in the huddle and on the sidelines. Since our O-line looks as decent as anyone could have hoped, it opened the door to even consider letting Ryan learn on the job. This team is starting to develop a chemistry and attitude that is the polar opposite of last year, like a phoenix (Falcon) from the ashes of Petrino and MV7. Sure, Matt will make mistakes along the way, but what better way is there to accelerate his learning curve? He appears to be confident, composed, and a fast learner. Turner and Norwood have looked real good and it was great to see Finn and the rest of our receivers coming along. We didn’t even need Roddy this week and Jennings was a very pleasant surprise. (Good veteran TE signing today too.) Keep Redman as #2 QB and start DJ in game 4 to see how he does for at least 2 quarters. Unless he’s terrible, he’s our #3 because at least he has an unknown upside and we know what Joey has. Maybe nice guys do finish last.
This year, the Falcon’s seem a bit nasty, not nice, and what a nice change that is.

By BabyGoatEater

August 24, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

I think this decision has more to do with how the offensive line has played, than how well Ryan has played. No doubt, that Ryan is the best QB on the roster, but they wouldn’t be “throwing him to the lions” if the O-line was falling on their a$$’s every play. They have held up their end, Ryan has held up his. How long can this fairy-tale last? Hopefully forever. I give Ryan a 80% shot at being successful. Unfortunately, the O-line I give a 50-50 shot at staying this good. We’ll see.

By Greg

August 24, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I’m happy to see Ryan start, and he and the rest of the offense have been impressive so far; but I agree that he’s going to see much different, more intense pressure once the season begins. I vividly remember the preseason last year. The O-line seemed to protect well; Joey seemed to be poised and very accurate. Then the regular season started, and we all know what happened when the Birds faced the “real deal” defenses. I’m both excited about this team and cautious at the same time. I’m most concerned about the D-line’s inability, without a blitz, to exert pressure on the q-back. Abraham looks great now, but he is sooo injury-prone. I think they need another piece on the front line—-perhaps they’ll pick someone up the way they did Pollard today.

By mrdonut

August 24, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

At last, a real true NFL QB. Ryan is definetly the No. 1 quaterback. Intelligent, dedicated, focused, moral, law-abiding, a leader players should be proud to follow. But I feel the Falcons should ease him into the season. Starting rookie QB’s don’t fare very well, so why open him up to ridicule and failure. Let him study and prepare with Redman and Harrington. For the first four games he should just watch and learn. Give the O line more time to come together. Then let him play a quarter in the next four games. Games 8-12 he should play 2-3 quarters. Then in the last 4 games let him start and play the whole game. The Falcons finally look like they are going to play football, win or lose, they will do it as football players. We have a professional coaching staff in place that players must respect. As an Atlanta fan, I can stand losing, but I can’t stand a attitude. Nothing less than a professional attitude will do.

By Edward

August 24, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan has all of the intangibles to be a good NFL quarterback the presence in the pocket and the ability to unify the offense in the huddle, he has a lot of things about him that are totally uncharacteristic of rookies, he didnt look rattled and looked like he was comfortable in the system. I think Ryan is a guy that both the team and fans can rally around which is just what the doctor ordered for the Falcons.

By BC Fan

August 24, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Now I’m glad I bought those week two tickets to see the Birds play the Bucs in Tampa! Having watched Matt Ryan play up at Boston College since he was nearly decapitated against Clemson his sophomore year, Atlanta is getting a very cerebral pocket quarterback with great leadership skills who is very grounded and NEVER puts himself before the team. As long as the running game can keep him out of third and long he’ll be successful. I know he had a high amount of picks last season but he was BC’s only offensive weapon — there were a lot of “fourth and force it” plays called because the Eagles couldn’t hit a FG outside the 20. Get used to hearing Ryan to White quite often. Not impressed by the Pollard signing. He looked old balls playing for the Pats before he got cut.