FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and his new backup, T.J. Yates, have crossed paths before.
We all know about the game on Dec. 4, 2011, when Yates led the Texans to a 17-10 victory over Ryan and the Falcons in his first NFL start.
He got a lot of help from his offensive line, which shoved the Falcons defense around Reliant Stadium for most of the day. Arian Foster had 31 carries for 111 yards and Ben Tate chipped in with 41 yards on 11 carries.
Yates completed 12 of 25 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown. He didn’t throw an interception.
Ryan completed 20 of 47 passes for 267 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Yate received a lot of help from the Texans’ defense which shut down the Falcons’ rushing attack. They held Michael Turner for 44 yards on 14 carries.
But their paths crossed before that game.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
“He came up here (to Flowery Branch) one time,” Ryan said. “He went to school with (former Falcons offensive coordinator) Mike Mularkey’s son. I remember him coming up to practice here, probably before his senior year.”
Ryan recalled the meeting.
“I meet him, I remember that he came out here and that he’s from Marietta,” Ryan said. “We talked and I followed him when he went down to Houston. I thought he played well and he won a playoff game. I know him a little bit.”
Ryan and Yates reunited when he visited the team facilities after the trade to take his physical, meet the coaches and pick up his playbook.
The two will have to build on their relationship when training camp starts after Yates was handed the No. 2 quarterback job with the release of Dominique Davis.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet all of the guys really,” Yates said. “I saw Matt (Ryan) and one of the other players. I’m ready to come in and do whatever I can to help this team out.”
Date Practice Times (public availability)
Tuesday, July 22 Rookies report
Wednesday, July 23 Veterans report
Friday, July 25 Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, July 26 Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, July 27 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, July 28 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, July 29 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, July 30 Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Thursday, July 31 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, August 1 “Friday Night Lights” at Archer High School (Lawrenceville)
6:45 – 9:10 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, August 2 Practice 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 3 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 4 Combined Practice w/Tennessee 3-5:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 5 Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Wednesday, August 6 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Thursday, August 7 Pregame Walkthrough (No Media Availability)
Friday, August 8 Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins
Georgia Dome
7:00 p.m. ET – CW69
Saturday, August 9 Practice 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 10 Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Monday, August 11 Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 12 Practice 10:00 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, August 13 Combined Practice w/ Houston Texans (Houston, TX)
Thursday, August 14 Combined Practice w/ Houston Texans (Houston, TX)
Friday, August 15 Pregame Walkthrough (No Media Availability)
Saturday, August 16 Falcons at Houston Texans
NRG Stadium
8:00 p.m. ET – CW69
Sunday, August 17 Players’ Day Off (No Media Availability)
Monday, August 18 Practice 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (closed to the public)
Break Camp
Q&A with Falcons QB T.J. Yates
Falcons to practice with Titans, Texans in training camp
Falcons coach Mike Smith will try to rebound from first losing season on Hard Knocks
Sam Baker is back to help line re-establish its identity
Falcons WR Roddy White: 'Hard for me to deal with' death of a brother
How much the Falcons rookies will be paid
Rookies getting advice on NFL life
Open competition in training camp will be good for Undrafted Rookies
Sean Weatherspoon suffers season-ending Achilles injury
What's next for Sean Weaatherspoon?
What's next for the Falcons at linebacker?
Falcons minicamp is open to the public
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Sean Weatherspoon to miss 2014 season
Matt Ryan on Harry Douglas' contribution to the offense
Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox
Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo
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