Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan Must Play Better in Week Two

The Atlanta Falcons lost an ugly game in week one to the Eagles with no one more at fault for the loss than Matt Ryan. If the Falcons want to turn their early season around Ryan must play better.

Watching the Atlanta Falcons defense on opening day was exciting. They flew around the field trying to create turnovers and attacking the offensive line. The offense was a completely different story.

Much like last season the game ended at the goal line and the Falcon’s inability to score. While a lot of focus may be on the offensive coordinator (rightly so) Ryan isn’t blameless in the loss either.

He looked putrid for much of Thursday night being outplayed by Nick Foles who struggled himself in the game. He missed wide open throws completing 21 of 43 passes for 251 yards and a pick. He appeared to be weak arming throws he would make with ease in past seasons.

The fact Ryan struggled as much as he did left the Falcons defense under immense pressure to win the game and with little help from the offense (12 points) they failed.

Now headed into week two Ryan must play better against an equally stout defense. Facing the Panthers will be a challenge, though their biggest weakness could be their secondary.

Ryan must play better hitting passes to all his receivers not just Julio Jones. Part of the problem for Ryan in week one was the fact he was simply looking Julio’s way often( 19 times) missing other open receivers.

This isn’t to fault Ryan for giving one of the best receivers in our generation targets it is simply to point out it will not help the team win.

When the team has been at its best Ryan is targeting all his players getting all of his weapons involved and keeping the defense guessing.

The longer the game goes with only a few players being targeted the confidence grows for the defenders and heads in the opposite direction for the receiver.

Getting all of his weapons involved early is a must for Ryan if he wants to take a step forward this week. Atlanta will kick-off against Carolina at 1PM EST on Sunday.