Atlanta Falcons: 5 reasons for 5-game losing streak
By John Buhler
Jun 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan coaches during minicamp at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
4. Questionable Play Calling
There are aspects to Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast system that Falcons’ fans should thoroughly enjoy. The run blocking and pass protection have been solid through Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Matt Ryan has had running backs capable of making plays out of check down passes. The tight end play seems like it’s improved over last year’s abandonment from that position in the passing game.
However, sometimes the play calling is frustrating. In crucial situations, the Atlanta Falcons aren’t always running plays to Matt Ryan’s strengths under center. He thrived in Dirk Koetter’s Air Coryell attack for two main reasons:
1. Matt Ryan is one of the better quarterbacks running an offense out of the no-huddle in the NFL. It is why he draws some comparisons to a younger Peyton Manning in that regard.
2. The Air Coryell emphasized Matt Ryan’s ability to complete the medium-to-long range passes, often between 7 and 25 yards. West Coast offenses prioritize short, quick passes that unfortunately disrupt Ryan’s timing. It affects his cadence as he tries to break the old habits of the Air Coryell.
In 3rd and long situations or in two-minute drills, I would at least like to see the passing game gravitate to some of those old principles that Matt Ryan performed so well. It’s where the Matty Ice moniker stems from and it’s a shame to not see our starting quarterback do the one thing he does best when his team needs him the most.
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