QB CORNER: Q&A with Matt Ryan
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who hasn’t thrown more than one touchdown pass in each of the past three games, hopes to pull out of a slump against Tampa Bay.
The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 31-23 on Oct. 20 at the Georgia Dome.
Here’s a brief Q&A involving Ryan and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter.
Q: What’s been behind (Tampa Bay’s strong) starts against Seattle (21-0) and Miami (15-0)?
A: We know they are a team playing with some confidence, and you can throw their record out when you look at what they've done the last few weeks. On the defensive side of the ball, I think they've played really, really well.
Q: How can the Falcons get their first road win this week?
A: It's certainly important for us. We have to focus on trying to find a way to get that done. I think the way that you do that is that you focus on playing well. That's the biggest thing. We have to work hard and play well.
Q: What type of linebacker is Lavonte David developing into for Tampa Bay?
A: He's really, really good. Extremely athletic. He's one of the better cover linebackers in the league. I think he's leading their team in sacks, too. He's flying around. They do a great job with using him in their pressure package. Typically, from those athletic guys, you don't see them be as physical as he is. He brings both, and it's a good combination. He's tough to go against.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
