Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1196 of 1503)

Had the chance to watch the Jaguars-Falcons preseason game Saturday night and was very impressed by Atlanta rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. He not only had good numbers (9 for 15, 113 yards, 1 TD), but also looked poised in the pocket and played more like a vet than a rookie. Behind solid performances from starters Maurice Jones-Drew and David Garrard, the Jags beat the Falcons 20-17.

The Falcons have a good dilemma on their hands when it comes to Ryan. He clearly outplayed Chris Redman (the incumbent starter at quarterback), but with the team in rebuilding mode this year, should Ryan start as a rookie?

While reviewing the Falcons’ current talent (especially along the offensive line), the answer should be no, Ryan shouldn’t start in 2008. It’s unwise to start a rookie QB on a bad team, especially one with a suspect offensive line. The Falcons don’t have to look any further than who is on their current roster and backup Joey Harrington for a perfect example of what could happen when a rookie QB starts for a poor team.

But one of the reasons the Falcons took Ryan with the third overall pick in 2008 draft instead of tabbing Brian Brohm or Chad Henne in later rounds is because Ryan was arguably the most NFL-ready quarterback. He doesn’t have the strongest arm or best physical tools, but he’s a natural born leader and is cool under pressure. In other words, Ryan has shown in the past that he could probably handle being a rookie starter. And with players like Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Roddy White, it’s not like he doesn’t have any weapons at his disposal.

It’s only been one preseason game and thus it’s far too early to deem Ryan a starter. But Saturday night was a good start and if he continues to progress throughout August, he may force the Falcons’ hand to start him in Week 1.