Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Washington
By John Buhler
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass in the first quarter of their game against the Houston Texans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Boston College. Matt Ryan. 2. player. 44. . QB
Matt Ryan has had a sneaky good 2015 as the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. I feel that he’s playing at a Top 8 level in the NFL through the first quarter. He’s not playing with the vigor of New England Patriots QB Tom Brady or the passing precession of Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, but Matt Ryan is thriving in Kyle Shanahan’s offense this fall.
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He’s using his underrated athleticism to make plays out of the pocket. Now that the Falcons have a believable play-action, Ryan is effectively running bootlegs, even some designed that opposing defenses aren’t ready to handle.
Ryan has full command of the new offense in Atlanta. That’s a testament to his cerebral nature as a passer. I feel confident in his ability to audible and make the better play in this offense. There are very few NFL passers I feel that have this creative freedom at the line of scrimmage. I’m looking at you, Ryan Tannehill.
Look for Matt Ryan to have a field day against the Washington Redskins’ weak secondary. I like for him to have a great fantasy day on Sunday, completing close to 75% of his passes for over 300 yards and 3 touchdown strikes. He’ll be the best player on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.
Next: Slowing Down the Run Game of Washington