Matt Ryan works on the deep passing attack

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- During organized team activities, the Falcons can target certain areas for improvement.

One of those areas for Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and the rest of the offense is the deep passing attack.

Last season, Ryan had 31 completions of 20 yards or more, which was 23rd in the NFL. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers led the league with 64 completions of 20 yards or more.

The other top quarterbacks in that category were Houston's Matt Schaub (62), Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger (61), Dallas' Tony Romo (61), New York's Eli Manning (60), Indianapolis' Peyton Manning (59) and New Orleans' Drew Brees (58).

Baltimore's Joe Flacco, whom Ryan is linked to because they came out in the same draft, had 44 completions of 20 yards or more.

"It's an area where we definitely want to get better and we will," Ryan said Wednesday. "We've been working on that."

The OTAs are the perfect opportunity to go into a breakout session on the deep passing game.

"You have more time in the OTAs to really concentrate on the little details, and you can talk about those things prior to practice," Ryan said. "Then you can come out here and teach it a little bit more. During the minicamp you're really just getting back into the swing of football."

In the seven-on-seven drill, the quarterbacks were rather sharp, connecting on 14 of 15 pass attempts. The only incomplete pass was a drop by fullback Ovie Mughelli.

"At this point we feel like we have that timing established a little bit, now it's about trying to fine tune it and work on some things," Ryan said. "We are trying to push ourselves into areas where we are a little bit uncomfortable so that we can get better."

Moore returns

Safety William Moore, the second-round pick in 2008, had his first open practice with the team (second overall) since October because of injuries. He practiced Tuesday in a closed practice.

"We were very interested to see how William Moore came out and practiced," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He's practiced very well for the first two days."

Abraham absent

Defensive end John Abraham was not on hand for the voluntary practice. Also, cornerback Dominique Daniels was excused because of a death in the family.

"We spoke with John and we know where John is," Smith said. "Those are the only two players who did not participate."

Injury update

Defensive end Chauncey Davis (knee), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder), defensive tackle Peria Jerry (knee), wide receivers Harry Douglas (knee) and Kerry Meier (hamstring) and cornerback Brian Williams (knee) did not practice.

Smith expects Davis, Meier and Babineaux back in seven to 10 days. Jerry, Douglas and Williams are expected back during training camp, which starts July 29.