BlacksburgHokie Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 As we inch toward the midway point of the 2008 season, the clear-cut front-runner for the NFL's rookie of the year award is Atlanta's Matt Ryan. The Falcons raised eyebrows when they selected the Boston College product with the third overall pick of April's draft, choosing a quarterback of the future over defensive help that appeared to be a more pressing need. Now first-year general manager Thomas Dimitroff looks like a genius for jumping on Ryan.Ryan reminds many of another quarterback Dimitroff, previously New England's director of college scouting, knows well: Tom Brady. Ryan shows a lot of poise and a calm demeanor in the pocket, and he makes quick decisions after he sets up. Like Brady, Ryan lacks the cannon of a Brett Favre, but he has enough arm strength to make all the throws required in the Falcons' passing tree. He can power the ball on an intermediate out route or fit throws into small windows on quick slants and quick outs. He appears balanced and in control throughout his delivery, and he rarely makes that "What was he thinking?" throw. It doesn't hurt that favorite target Roddy White -- who possesses outstanding speed and excellent hand/eye coordination -- is having a great year.One of the first things that stand out about Ryan on film is how quickly the ball jumps out of his hand. From the time he ***** his arm to the moment the ball is on its way, defenders have very little time to get a jump on his throw. In addition to accuracy, making quick decisions and getting the ball out quickly are huge factors in avoiding interceptions.Another advantage: Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is putting his rookie quarterback in favorable situations. Ryan hasn't been asked to do things that don't come naturally. Recently, Mularkey scripted a package of no-huddle plays that Ryan will run in one series each game, and he has shown a great knack for them. Some have wondered whether Mularkey is actually holding Ryan back too much. I don't think so. It's always better to bring along a rookie quarterback slowly, simplify the decision-making process and avoid overloading him. More than just about anything else, indecision and confusion can ruin the development of a young quarterback.When scouts evaluate quarterbacks, they ask themselves a question: Is he a game manager or a difference-maker? In other words, does the quarterback avoid mistakes and allow his teammates to make plays or can he carry an offense and raise his teammates' level of play? After six regular-season NFL games, Ryan looks like a difference-maker. He exudes confidence, and his teammates clearly believe in him. And after Sunday's last-second win over Chicago, why wouldn't they? How far Ryan actually takes this club will depend on how hard he's willing to work and whether Dimitroff can continue to upgrade the Falcons' supporting cast. At this point, the odds look good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconMama Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 MM is loosening the handcuffs on Ryan... Once he's able to take them off and really open up the playbook this offense will be something special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collinr01 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I get goose bumps just thinking about the what is possible for this team in the future as our young guys grow and TD adds more pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedblackandred Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 good post, nice read thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamPlayer1 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 If Dimitroff builds a consistent winner in just 2 years he will prove he really is a genius! Rookie Head Coach, Rookie GM, Rookie starting QB, Rookie starting Middle LB, Rookie starting LT, wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnrealfalcoN Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 in a few years, if not the next, the falcons will have one of the deadliest offenses in the league, if mike smith is willing to relinquish the run-first mentality... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 enjoy Mularky while you can....he'll probably be HC in Cincinnati next year.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnrealfalcoN Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 enjoy Mularky while you can....he'll probably be HC in Cincinnati next year....d/\mn man, that would suck. maybe mularky will be reminded of his previous head-coachind job and decide not to do it. or probably hope to win a superbowl with matt first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Roc Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 We all said at the beginning that TD basically tied his future to the success of his first draft pick: be it Ryan or Dorsey. His tenure would be judged - fairly or not - to whom he picked and their success...He definitely won this coin-toss... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danishfalcon Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 enjoy Mularky while you can....he'll probably be HC in Cincinnati next year....I love what he has done so far in ATL, but i don't think Mularkey is going to be a HC for the next 5 years. It didn't exactly turn out too great in Buffalo for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gfalcon Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Good post. So now the writers are on the falcons d*** that is some BS. I just hope that the players just keep working hard and win some more games. I dont think mularky is going anywhere and still dont mind if he does. I think if the team stays tight they can handle it. Go Falcons! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwood all the way! Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 this is a very good read. i enjoy reading these articles saying how good Ryan and company are now. puts a smile on my face. if we can get some key free agents/draft choices this offseason, we could very well be in the playoffs next year(**** maybe even this year) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwood all the way! Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 From the time he ***** his arm to the moment the ball is on its way,what does he do to his arm!?!?!! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karst41 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Dear Scouts Inc.Do ya reckon? DUHHH.About Smith being staunch on Running the ball:2 seasons back the Colts Run game was just shut down in the first half.Peyton went straight to the passing game. The RB was just furrious, and rightlyso what RB does not want a ton of touches in any game.Point being is the passing game re opened the running game.The RB got a lot of touches in the second game and racked up his yardage.You just take what they give you and use one to open the other. Our Coaches know this, but have kept it somewhat conservative.Ryan has the makings of a Great QB and our Coaches will not ruin this.Too many choices early on can and will serve to break concentration.Stay the High Road.Great Post everybodyCheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xFalconLord Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Ryan is obviously a difference maker, great article!Yo Jets+Falcons .. William Moore... William Moore!! hehI used to want Taylor Mays until he looked terrible against Oregon St. He did get hurt, but before that he wasnt impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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