Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan met with the media Wednesday for the first time in advance of Atlanta meeting the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Houston.
The 31-year-old Philadelphia native, who played at Boston College – near the Patriots – before the Falcons drafted him No. 3 overall in 2008, had several interesting things to say about Pats quarterback Tom Brady, New England, and from whence he and the Falcons have come.
Here’s a partial transcript:
Tom Brady a couple weeks ago said that you’ve had a great season and you’re deserving of winning the MVP award; what do you think about him?
“Tom’s had an unbelievable year, played extremely well and extremely efficient. A lot of touchdowns, very few turnovers. He’s just been playing really good football. He’s been that way for a long time. He’s been consistent throughout his career. He’s such a great player, such a great competitor.
“He’s been a friend for a long time; I’ve gotten to know him since I’ve been into the league, and certainly he’s a good person and a good guy to talk to.”
So you stay in touch with him?
"For sure, back and forth during the season, letting him know he's doing a good job. I see the highlights, and I think it's the same for him. That's the fraternity at the quarterback position. You get to know guys playing against them … and he's one of the good guys, and a really good person."
Do you think can play that long, and be as productive as him at age 39?
“I hope so. I think he’s kind of set the bar for longevity, playing well at a high level for a really long time. I know that he’s incredibly dedicated on and off the field in terms of taking care of himself, and training all year round.
“He’s kind of shown the way how to do that, how to take care of yourself and how to approach this the right way so you can play the right way and play at a high level for a long time.”
What doubts, if any, did you have about this offense last year in the first season with Kyle Shanahan as coordinator?
"We're different than we were last year. We've got a lot of different players, players who've come in and really helped. You talk about guys like [wide receivers] Taylor Gabriel, Mohamed Sanu, Aldrick Robinson, [tight ends] Austin Hooper, Josh Perkins … those are additions offense that have really helped.
“[Center] Alex Mack has been a big addition for us. I think we’ve gotten better in a lot of areas, and I think that the guys that have been in the system for two years have gotten a lot more comfortable, understanding what we’re doing, and a lot more familiar with what we’re trying to do.”
There’s plenty of chatter about these two offenses going at it; do you expect a shootout?
"I think there's two pretty good defenses, too. I think the Patriots lead the league in points allowed so their defense is really, really good. When we've watched them, they've done a good job of keeping people out of the end zone, keeping people from scoring points.
“But our defense is playing really well now, too. We went against a great offense last week and stepped up, and played really well. Our unit is a defense that has gotten better throughout the year and is playing their best right now.”
How important has it been that head coach Dan Quinn relates to players so well, and how has he persuaded older players to buy into the team’s “brotherhood?”
"He leads by example. I think Dan's probably one of the most genuine people I've ever been around. His relationship with me is much different than with Julio [Jones], but they're equally as tight. He finds ways to connect with people, and I think he sets a really good example for everybody. When he's genuine, the buy-in is there.
“We’ve also got of guys in our locker room, guys you want to get to know, and you want to play hard for, and you want to be accountable to.”
What was the scouting report on you at William Penn Charter in Philadelphia?
"Ooh, man; it's not that good. Tall, skinny, slow. We didn't throw the ball that often; we ran the triple option when I was in high school so … I wasn't that difficult to defend in that system. I could throw it a little bit. Much like our team, I've been getting better as the years have gone on, but I was young. I've gotten a lot better since then."
Do any of your friends [presumably from back in Boston] have mixed loyalties going into this game?
"None of my friends have mixed loyalties."
What stands out about New England’s defense?
“I think discipline across the board, especially in their secondary. They do a great job of limiting explosive plays, keeping things in front. Very rarely are they out of position. I think they’re very sound, and very complementary in what they do.”
Brady is somewhat noted for the usually casual nature of his attire, and Cam Newton shows up after games in Versace pants. How would you describe your style?
"Usually, day-to-day is like this, kind of comfortable in the facility. Professional, I guess, maybe would be the best way to describe it."
Is there any remaining impact in this organization from prior head coach Mike Smith [who’s now defensive coordinator in Tampa Bay], and do you think he’ll get another opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL?
"Yeah, absolutely. Mike's a good coach. He's a hell of a coach, and he did a great job here. You talk about the first time we had back-to-back winning seasons [in franchise history], five in a row, four times going to the playoffs.
“He is an excellent coach, and I think he did a great job here in Atlanta. I really enjoyed playing for him and I think there’s some carryover in the guys who were here before.
“I think he’ll get another opportunity. He showed what he can do here for seven years, and he’s done a great job in Tampa. I know that from going against him twice.”
Will the absence from practice this week of center Mack and wide receiver Julio Jones hurt?
"You'd like to have everybody out there practicing, but it's not realistic at this time of year. Both those guys, to me, are guys who have played so many snaps for us this year they'll be ready to go.
“They’re both two really smart guys, and guys who are really diligent with preparation and meetings, and being on top of walk-throughs, studying film. I think those guys won’t miss a beat.”
About the Author
