Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan doesn’t believe that major changes are needed to pull the offense out of its slump.
Ryan studied all of the team’s passing plays before taking a break in Florida over the bye week. The team returned to practice Monday and started preparing Wednesday to the face the Colts on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
After the practice, which was held inside’s the team’s football barn, Ryan discussed how the Falcons’ offense can improve.
“I feel like we just need to get back to executing the way that we are capable of,” Ryan said. “Areas, that we need to improve are third downs and red zone. In order to be better in those situations, to me it comes down to making the plays when we have the opportunities.”
The Falcons’ red-zone (20 of 33, 60.6 percent, 11th in the NFL) and third-down numbers (44.96 percent of their third downs, which ranks sixth) are decent. But things are skewed out of balance because of their 14 turnovers, which are seven interceptions and seven fumbles.
The Falcons are working to pick up the tempo, running the no-huddle, getting wide receiver Roddy White more involved in the offense and making sure to get the rushing attack back on track after running back Devonta Freeman was held to 12 yards rushing by San Francisco on Nov. 7.
“As we are going into it, we want to make sure that we are featuring everybody in the very best way,” coach Dan Quinn said. “I love the juice and energy that we played with (Wednesday). Subtle changes. Some you may see. Some that you may not. But we’ve got some really talented guys. We can’t wait to match them up in the very best way.”
Thus far, the Falcons have used their no-huddle offense only in traditional hurry-up situations. They have not leaned on it to jump-start the offense.
On Monday, the Falcons did a couple of periods of fast-tempo offense. Freeman is fine with the change if the Falcons elect to increase the tempo Sunday.
“If they want to go with the fast pace or do what we do,” Freeman said. “Whatever they decide to do, we’ve got to go out and … make it happen.”
Right tackle Ryan Schraeder believes that an increased tempo could help the offensive linemen.
“We actually like doing that,” Schraeder said. “It gets the defense on their heels. It helps us out.”
Regardless of how the Falcons plan to attack the Colts, Ryan believes the players must come through with plays. He wants to be more accurate with his passing.
“I think we’ve had opportunities,” Ryan said. “We just haven’t made them the way that we are capable of. We got off to a really good start getting back to that today in practice.”
Ryan didn’t see any major problems with the offense’s scheme during his self-scout.
“When you self-scout and take a look at what we can do better moving forward, we feel like there are a few things that we can be better at,” Ryan said. “But at the end of the day, I think from a player’s perspective, it comes down to maximizing your opportunities.
“In the game, you’re going to have certain opportunities where things come up, and you have to hit them. You have to make those plays. Whether it be in the run game with a block or in the pass game with a throw or a catch, whatever it is.”
Ryan believes the rushing attack can easily get back on track.
“The run game has been one of our most positive things this year as a team,” Ryan said. “I think we’ve run the ball really effectively. That’s something that we are going to continue to do. We’ve got one of the best schemes in the league to go out there and run the ball.”
About the Author
