Atlanta Falcons new president of football, Matt Ryan, is taking an active role in helping to turn around the franchise.
Ryan is the primary football executive of the Falcons, ranking just above new general manager Ian Cunningham.
The former Falcons quarterback is taking a surprising role for the offense during OTAs, giving the team another arm to throw to receivers during practices, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson did think he’d be catching balls from Ryan during practices when he signed in free agency.
“I honestly had no idea [he’d be doing that],” said Dotson. “It is honestly pretty cool. You get the legend of Atlanta to be out here and participating, throwing, catching passes from him, individual drills. So, it’s always fun. He’s a great guy. Real cool guy to pick his brain and just be around and learn the game from.”
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Atlanta has four quarterbacks on the 90-man roster: Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian, and Jack Strand.
Penix and Tagovailoa are set to have a competitive quarterback battle in training camp. Penix, a 2024 first-round pick, is coming off an ACL injury. He hasn’t been cleared for team drills, but has been throwing during 7-on-7 drills.
In addition to being an extra arm, the Falcons will be better for having the 2016 MFL MVP around for the quarterback battle.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski appreciates what Ryan is bringing to the Falcons.
“Obviously, he helps me every day, helps our players,” Stefanski said. “I think it’s such a unique history, both in the city and this building. He sat in those chairs where those guys sat.
“So, I think that’s really special when he can get in front of them and give them his perspective of things because it’s not many people that can do that, like Matt [has] been at the pinnacle of this profession and now is in a role where he’s helping guide this franchise.”
The Falcons missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record (tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFC South-winning Carolina Panthers). The division should be wide open again this fall.
Ryan won’t be making the throws that get the Falcons into the postseason, but he’s using his knowledge to make the team much more competitive this offseason.
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