Matt Ryan suggests he'll be looking for the underneath routes in 2010

[hawkeye]

Posted by Mike Florio on July 12, 2010 9:48 AM ET

In football, success often arises from the ability to deceive the opponent. And, for that reason, we're always skeptical when a team or a player announces an intention to do things a certain way.

Case in point -- in his stint at the guest author of Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, Falcons Sunday afternoon quarterback Matt Ryan makes it clear to the football world that, in 2010, he'll be looking first to the receivers running underneath routes, until opposing defenses take them away.

Ryan came to this conclusion after studying men like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the offseason.

"Both of those guys consistently take the underneath routes when they are given to them and don't ever think about going to another route until the defense takes the underneath route away," Ryan writes.

Though Ryan never specifically says that he'll be doing the same thing, the message is clear: He'll be doing the same thing.

Unless, that is, he's trying to make opposing defenses think that he'll be doing the same thing.

Edited July 12, 2010 by hawkeye

[Chitown2ATL_Falcon]

Posted by Mike Florio on July 12, 2010 9:48 AM ET

In football, success often arises from the ability to deceive the opponent. And, for that reason, we're always skeptical when a team or a player announces an intention to do things a certain way.

Case in point -- in his stint at the guest author of Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, Falcons Sunday afternoon quarterback Matt Ryan makes it clear to the football world that, in 2010, he'll be looking first to the receivers running underneath routes, until opposing defenses take them away.

Ryan came to this conclusion after studying men like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the offseason.

"Both of those guys consistently take the underneath routes when they are given to them and don't ever think about going to another route until the defense takes the underneath route away," Ryan writes.

Though Ryan never specifically says that he'll be doing the same thing, the message is clear: He'll be doing the same thing.

Unless, that is, he's trying to make opposing defenses think that he'll be doing the same thing.

Why didn't you reference the MMQB column as the source of your opinion?

[triggerman]

difference is Brady and Manning have legit Deep pass while Ryan floats and flutters his under thrown deep pass. It would appear the defenses take away the big hits to defend Brady and manning with opening up the short pass> All ryan has is short pass. put i heard he is working out i hope that equates to a professional deep pass and not some high school lob

[JC Falcon]

Hahaha yes, Brady 6th round pick was known for his cannon arm too. Clearly we should have gotten that Russell guy from LSU. He can throw it 80 yards froom his knees if you can just keep him away from 'purple drank' wtf.

I've seen Brady float passes deep that came up 5 yards short. However, I've also seen Brady run the exact same play right after he underthrew it and hit Moss for a TD.

In seriousness, the maturation of a QB (and most athletics) is realizing you keep 'taking what your opponent gives you' until they stop giving it to you, then you are ready to attack with something once you have forced them to change.

Brady and the Pats are effective because they are incredibly patient and use Welker and Moss underneath or short (Moss does not go underneath very much)until a D gambles to take that away and BOOM.

[Power I]

Hahaha yes, Brady 6th round pick was known for his cannon arm too. Clearly we should have gotten that Russell guy from LSU. He can throw it 80 yards froom his knees if you can just keep him away from 'purple drank' wtf.

I've seen Brady float passes deep that came up 5 yards short. However, I've also seen Brady run the exact same play right after he underthrew it and hit Moss for a TD.

In seriousness, the maturation of a QB (and most athletics) is realizing you keep 'taking what your opponent gives you' until they stop giving it to you, then you are ready to attack with something once you have forced them to change.

Brady and the Pats are effective because they are incredibly patient and use Welker and Moss underneath or short (Moss does not go underneath very much)until a D gambles to take that away and BOOM.

That's what shouldn't be missed here: Brady and Manning have the receivers to run the underneath routes, we did not. Roddy is a great receiver, but his best work is done outside the hashes. Harry Douglas was going to be our Wes Welker and will still have that expectation this season.

[vel]

I think he is obviously happy to have Douglas back. He is seeing how elite QBs take what they are given and don't force things. With Douglas/TG working the middle of the field and even Turner pounding it up the middle, it will be hard to stop Roddy on the outside. And I even think Jenkins should be able to capitalize further on his avg. 50 catches.

And for those who think Ryan has a noodle arm, just look at the first play in the Bills game.

[atljbo]

Brady nor Rivers has cannon for an arm..... They just have good timing (when to release the ball).. They know when to throw the ball.

But yea... I'm glad Matt Ryan is looking at Brady and Manning.... Taking and running more underneath routes (HD or Weems) .. That will cut down on some of the INT's... No forcing the ball...

We all know we are working on the deep ball... We did that all OTA's and im sure we will do it in TC...

I like the fact that Matt Ryan is paying attention to the other impressive QB's.

I remember in another article Matt Ryan talked about how he was impressed with Aaron Rogers and Rivers deep ball ability.

With Mularkey supposedly giving Matt Ryan more space to do his thing.... I cant wait to see what Matt Ryan can do with all of his weapons.

[Jesus]

That's what shouldn't be missed here: Brady and Manning have the receivers to run the underneath routes, we did not. Roddy is a great receiver, but his best work is done outside the hashes. Harry Douglas was going to be our Wes Welker and will still have that expectation this season.

Wes Welker didn't become Wes Welker until he signed with the Pats. Before then he was a #3 or 4 receiver/return man who hadn't even been drafted. Great receivers are born of their QB's and the systems within which they work. Douglas could be great if the QB and the system support that. I think the will.

[Finally]

I think the most important thing right now is giving Ryan a defense he can trust. That would take some weight off of him. Everything else will come with time.

[illest_will]

Brady nor Rivers has cannon for an arm..... They just have good timing (when to release the ball).. They know when to throw the ball.

But yea... I'm glad Matt Ryan is looking at Brady and Manning.... Taking and running more underneath routes (HD or Weems) .. That will cut down on some of the INT's... No forcing the ball...

We all know we are working on the deep ball... We did that all OTA's and im sure we will do it in TC...

I like the fact that Matt Ryan is paying attention to the other impressive QB's.

I remember in another article Matt Ryan talked about how he was impressed with Aaron Rogers and Rivers deep ball ability.

With Mularkey supposedly giving Matt Ryan more space to do his thing.... I cant wait to see what Matt Ryan can do with all of his weapons.

have you watched a Chargers game? lol, kid has a rocket along with good timing. and the thing is, most the INTs I remember, were from short throws. it's like he takes more risks on the underneath routes, than on the over the top routes.

[atljbo]

have you watched a Chargers game? lol, kid has a rocket along with good timing. and the thing is, most the INTs I remember, were from short throws. it's like he takes more risks on the underneath routes, than on the over the top routes.

Yea i have.. I actually like the Chargers unless we are playing them.

Rivers is not going to over throw any of his WR's... Matt Ryan and Rivers arm strength is about the same... Both can sling it.... Its not a rocket but both can sling it (thats all you need) .

go check out Philip Rivers games or highlights... He has big WR's so they normally out body the CB (his deep ball has some air under it).... Rivers release his deep balls early (timing) ...

I honestly think Matt Ryan compare well to Rivers (take away the ugly throwing motion) .... The Coaching Staff has to just let Matt do his thing.

But yea illest... Besides Matt Ryan... Philip Rivers is my 2nd fav QB

[illest_will]

Yea i have.. I actually like the Chargers unless we are playing them.

Rivers is not going to over throw any of his WR's... Matt Ryan and Rivers arm strength is about the same... Both can sling it.... Its not a rocket but both can sling it (thats all you need) .

go check out Philip Rivers games or highlights... He has big WR's so they normally out body the CB (his deep ball has some air under it).... Rivers release his deep balls early (timing) ...

I honestly think Matt Ryan compare well to Rivers (take away the ugly throwing motion) .... The Coaching Staff has to just let Matt do his thing.

But yea illest... Besides Matt Ryan... Philip Rivers is my 2nd fav QB

maybe it's his quick release that makes it look like it has more zip on it, but i'm also a Rivers fan, and I've always thought he had a rocket. and apparently I was wrong on the INTs about Ryan, below 10 yards he threw 4 INTs per NFL Live just now.

I don't know about comparing Ryan to Rivers though, it may be different systems, but I see Rivers as more of a gunslinger, he was in the 4000 yard range without 500 attempts, the kid airs it out WAY more than Ryan. I see Ryan more of a 'pick you apart' type QB, someone that will break out 5-8 minute drives consistently when he's on top of his game.

[Ga_spider]

I think the most important thing right now is giving Ryan a defense he can trust. That would take some weight off of him. Everything else will come with time.

I second that. I'm tired of starting at our 30-35 yard line

[atljbo]

I don't know about comparing Ryan to Rivers though, it may be different systems, but I see Rivers as more of a gunslinger, he was in the 4000 yard range without 500 attempts, the kid airs it out WAY more than Ryan. I see Ryan more of a 'pick you apart' type QB, someone that will break out 5-8 minute drives consistently when he's on top of his game.

Im not including scheme... I'm saying skill set wise... Both are accurate and both have great leadership... The biggest difference i see skillset wise is Rivers trust what he sees.... If he sees his WR have a step on the CB coming out of the first 7 yards.... dude is slinging it.... It seem like Matt Ryan waits longer before he really trusts it... Thats why is deep balls come up a lil short some times.

But yea.. I know Rivers scheme will allow him to throw it more... I'm just saying skillset and intangible wise.

[nativefalcon]

Yea i have.. I actually like the Chargers unless we are playing them.

Rivers is not going to over throw any of his WR's... Matt Ryan and Rivers arm strength is about the same... Both can sling it.... Its not a rocket but both can sling it (thats all you need) .

go check out Philip Rivers games or highlights... He has big WR's so they normally out body the CB (his deep ball has some air under it).... Rivers release his deep balls early (timing) ...

I honestly think Matt Ryan compare well to Rivers (take away the ugly throwing motion) .... The Coaching Staff has to just let Matt do his thing.

But yea illest... Besides Matt Ryan... Philip Rivers is my 2nd fav QB

The best way to lett Matt do his thing is let him run No Huddle the whole game like Peyton, and run the opposing defense to death. That the whole thing with headset Microphones they can get Matt to change the play, but we need No Huddle for longer periods.

[Power I]

maybe it's his quick release that makes it look like it has more zip on it, but i'm also a Rivers fan, and I've always thought he had a rocket. and apparently I was wrong on the INTs about Ryan, below 10 yards he threw 4 INTs per NFL Live just now.

I don't know about comparing Ryan to Rivers though, it may be different systems, but I see Rivers as more of a gunslinger, he was in the 4000 yard range without 500 attempts, the kid airs it out WAY more than Ryan. I see Ryan more of a 'pick you apart' type QB, someone that will break out 5-8 minute drives consistently when he's on top of his game.

I agree, it's kind of hard to compare the two. I'm not calling Rivers dumb by any means, but I think Ryan is more cerebral and will take what is given to him by the defense. If he has to air it out, fine, but that's not going to be his forte. He'll pick apart the defense like Manning. Rivers on the other hand will fit the ball into more places than Ryan just by sheer confidence that he can.

[JC Falcon]

The original article (and things like this)discussing Ryan is trying to mislead by saying he will focus on the underneath when he wants to go long, etc. always remind me of The Princess Bride:

-Let me put it this way: have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?

-Yes.

-Morons.

-Really! In that case, I challenge you to a battle of wits.

-For the princess? To the death? I accept!

-Good, then pour the wine...Inhale this, but do not touch.

-I smell nothing

-What you do not smell is iocane powder. It is odorless, tasteless, dissolves instantly in liquid and is among the most deadly poisons known to man.

-Hmm

-All riight: where is the poison? The battle of wits has begun. It ends when you decide and we both drink and who is right and who is dead.

-But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine it from what I know of you: are you the sort of man who would put the poison into his own cup or his enemies. Now, a clever man would put the poison into his own goblet because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he is given. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But you must have known that I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me.

-You've made your decision then?

-Not remotely! Because Iocane comes from Australia. As everyone knows, Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them as you are not trusted by me. So I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you.

-Truly, you have a dizzying intellect.

-Wait 'til I get going! Where was I?

-Australia.

-And you must have suspected that I would have known the poison's origin, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me!

-You're just stalling now.

-You'd like to think that, wouldn't you? You've beaten my giant, which means that you're exceptionally strong...so you could have put the poison in your own cup, depending on your strength to save you, so clearly I cannot choose the wine in front of you. But you've also bested my Spaniard, which means you must have studied and in studying you must have learned that man is mortal, so you would have put the poison as far from yourself as possible, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me.

-You're trying to trick me into giving away something. It won't work.

-It has worked! You've given everything away! I know where the poison is!

-Then make your choice.

-I will and I choose...What in the world can that be?

-You guessed wrong.

-You only think I guessed wrong! That's what's so funny! I switched cups while your back was turned. Ha, ha, you fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is "never get involved in a land war in Asia," but only slightly less well known is this: "Never go against a Sicilian, when death is on the line! Hahahahaha--[Plop-He is dead.]

-the Man in Black and Vizzini in the conclusion to the battle of wits

[bige]

It'll be interesting to see how Rivers does without some of his giant WRs.They were awesome vs us last PS.

[Robb4242]

Wes Welker didn't become Wes Welker until he signed with the Pats. Before then he was a #3 or 4 receiver/return man who hadn't even been drafted. Great receivers are born of their QB's and the systems within which they work. Douglas could be great if the QB and the system support that. I think the will.

I'll disagree with that a little bit. He might have been the #3 receiver in Miami, but he led the team in receptions his last year there. Not his fault Saban didn't know how to properly utilize him.

[illest_will]

It'll be interesting to see how Rivers does without some of his giant WRs.They were awesome vs us last PS.

Rivers made those receivers...Drew Brees threw for 24 and 15 with 3400 yards the year before he went to the Saints, the following year Rivers threw for 22 and 9 with 3300 yards. Both years Keenan McCardell was their number one receiver...who? exactly...