Quarterback Matt Ryan
Q: When did Coach Smith notify you of his decision?
A: “I spoke with Coach Smith earlier today. He pulled me aside and we talked for a couple of minutes. He let me know the situation and I was excited to hear about it. I am excited for the next couple of weeks to get this thing going.”
Q: How are you handling the news so far?
A: “I think you just have to take it in stride and just keep handling it the same way. I will keep doing what I have done to get to this point. It is only the beginning. I think I have really got a lot of work to do and a lot of improving to do. It is a good start.”
Q: What are your thoughts when looking back at the history of rookies who are made starting quarterbacks?
A: “I think you just have to be concerned for yourself and try and take care of all the things that you can control. Those things are making sure that your preparation is what it needs to be every week and do all you can to be prepared for the games each week. I think I am in a good situation because we have a lot of talented guys on this offense and defense and I think we have a good team. I am just excited to be a part of that and to get this thing started.”
Q: I know that the body of work speaks for itself, but Coach Smith talked about how much respect you command from this team by seeing you at the training table and other places off the field. How do you feel about that?
A: “I think that is something that I am still working on and trying to earn those guys respect everyday that I am here. I think I have done a good job in that so far. I hope that will continue to build and improve.”
Q: What do you take from tough situations such as bouncing back after your interception in the Indianapolis game?
A: “There is no question that you are going to make mistakes especially as a young quarterback in this league. Guys are talented out here—on both sides of the ball. There are some really good players and really good coaches. That means there are going to be some really good schemes. Sometimes we are not going to be at our best, but we will learn from those mistakes. We have to know that those are going to happen and be prepared to bounce back as quick as we can. That is something that I have always tried to do no matter what level that I play at. That has translated over into my early time here in the NFL.”
Q: You came here and earned this job. Is that how you feel about this?
A: “I think that is the case with anything in football. That is what makes it such a great game. Anything that you get in this game, you have earned whether it be a touchdown or whatever. In some sense it is satisfying in that light, but I know there is a lot of work to be done. There are going to be some tough times, but I know that everyone has to stay mentally prepared to grind through it. That is where my mindset is right now.”
MORE FROM THE RYAN ANNOUNCEMENT:
- RELEASE: Ryan named Falcons Week 1 starter
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan
- TRANSCRIPT: Mike Smith | Matt Ryan | Todd McClure | Keith Brooking
- BLOGS: Ryan to be Named Starter | Ryan to Start... What are They Saying?
- BOARDS: Talk about the news with other Falcons fans
