Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan nearly threw four interceptions against the Eagles. One was because wide receiver Julio Jones slipped on a cut.
Last season, Ryan had only three games where he threw two or more interceptions. They were in losses to Cincinnati (three), Minnesota (two) and Carolina (two).
The Falcons are 12-13 when Ryan throws at least two interceptions in a game.
In the 30-20 loss to the Giants on Oct. 5 last season, Ryan completed 29 of 45 passes for 316 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
One theory as to why Ryan was off against the Eagles was that he wasn’t used to having a clean pocket.
After two years of dodging linemen, Ryan had time to throw for a change.
The profootballfocus.com numbers back up this bizarre theory.
He was pressured on 5 of 37 dropbacks (13.5 percent) against the Eagles.
Last season, he was pressured on 35.2 percent of his snaps. In 2013, the pressure number was higher, around 37 percent.
Profootballfocus.com points to offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme and the revamped offensive line for Ryan’s improved protection.
Ryan also had plenty of help from his receivers. Of the receivers targeted five of more times, Jones had the highest rating in the NFL at 158.3.
There wasn’t a drop among the Falcons receivers — Jones, Roddy White, Leonard Hankerson and Nick Williams — targeted last week.
