Here’s what Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had to say about the Chiefs, his team’s opponent at 1 p.m. Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City:
Q: What is the challenge in facing Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu?
A: Tyrann Mathieu has been a great player in this league for a long time. I think they’re using him well, moving him around into different positions. He does a great job of disguising coverage playing at the safety spot, but they have also used him in some man-to-man stuff on wide receivers. He’s still flying around. He’s a ball hawk. Has a nose for making plays. Has a knack for making plays and has continued to do that. I think he has six interceptions this year, so he’s still playing great.
Q: How’s defensive end Frank Clark playing?
A: He’s a really good pass rusher, physical. Very solid. Somebody we have to account for with our pass protection and do a good job of making sure we’re solid there.
Q: How can the Falcons improve the rushing attack before playing the Chiefs?
A: You’d like to be as balanced as you could be. I think that’s obviously when we’re at our best and our toughest to defend, but at the same time, you have to find a way to get the job done regardless. … I think we certainly are at our best when we’re balanced and able to run the football and use our play-action pass off of that.
Falcons’ 2021 draft position
1. Jacksonville
2. New York Jets
3. Cincinnati
4. Carolina
5. Falcons
The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:
For more content about the Atlanta Falcons
Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
