Here’s what Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had to say after the 41-17 loss to the Steelers on Sunday:
On the first series after the half: "It was not well executed for us coming out of the half for sure; within striking distance on the road at half time getting the ball coming out of the half we have high expectations for ourselves. We just didn't get rolling. We couldn't find a rhythm all day, offensively and that was disappointing. Disappointed with our play but we have to find a way to get better so we need to get back to work and try to do better next week."
On stopping the bleeding on this young season: "I think you just need to find a way to win next week and keep that mindset that small. That's probably the best way that I know how to do it. When we get done tomorrow, watch this film and finish up with it we have to get all our energy and focus on playing well and getting a win next week. Beyond that we need to keep that approach moving forward."
On frustration with sacks: "I think everybody knows. Everybody knows our production needs to be better than it's been. The hardest part for players is having to watch that film and critically evaluate yourself. I think with the kind of guys that we have there's not going to be a whole lot that needs to be said."
On elimination of Julio Jones: "Obviously, we want to get him involved. I missed one for him earlier in the game on his back hip; then one was tipped when we had a shallow cross. Yeah, I mean obviously we want to get him involved. They made a pretty concerted effort to take him out and that created opportunities elsewhere. I'm not sure how many catches Austin Hooper had but it was a good matchup for us. We will find ways to continue to get him the ball regardless of coverage. I tell those guys all the time, the balls going to find you. There's no doubt about that. For sure we want to get him the ball throughout; first quarter second quarter third quarter anytime of the game."
On if he was surprised on how frequently they blitzed: "No, that's kind of their M.O as a defense; they are a pressure outfit zone blitz scheme and when you have success with that early you know they are going to go back to that well throughout the game so they did a nice job with that today."
On sticking with run: "Yeah, it is always tough but sticking with it slows down pass rush which is important. We always have that mindset too that the next one is going to break out. That is obviously going to be a point of emphasis as we move forward to try to get that run game going."
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