Matt Ryan’s New Role with the Falcons
Atlanta Falcons’ new president of football, Matt Ryan, is actively engaged in improving the franchise. He holds the top football executive position, working closely with general manager Ian Cunningham. Ryan, formerly the team’s quarterback, is surprisingly lending his expertise to the offense during Offseason Team Activities (OTAs). He provides additional support by throwing to receivers during practices, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN.
Free-agent wide receiver Jahan Dotson expressed surprise and excitement about catching passes from Ryan during practices. Dotson stated, “I honestly had no idea [he’d be doing that]. 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.”
The Falcons currently have four quarterbacks on their 90-man roster: Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian, and Jack Strand. Penix and Tagovailoa are set for a competitive quarterback battle come training camp. Penix, a first-round pick in 2024, is in the process of recovering from an ACL injury. Though he hasn’t been cleared for team drills, he is participating in 7-on-7 drills.
Ryan’s experience as the 2016 NFL MVP is seen as beneficial to the team, including in the ongoing quarterback competition. New head coach Kevin Stefanski values Ryan’s contributions. Stefanski remarked, “Obviously, he helps me every day, helps our players. 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 ended the previous season with an 8-9 record, tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFC South-winning Carolina Panthers, missing the playoffs. The division is expected to remain competitive this fall. Although Ryan won’t be on the field making the game-winning throws this postseason, his strategic input is crucial in enhancing the team’s performance in the offseason.