Getty Matt Ryan during a 2017 game against Detroit.
Matt Ryan is looking like a quarterback with dual-threat potential at the Falcons’ minicamp.
The Atlanta Falcons’ official Twitter account posted a video of Matty Ice scrambling before a connection to rookie tight end Kyle Pitts for a touchdown.
While it’s just a video of preseason practice, it’s still an exciting glimpse into what to expect from the Falcons’ new head coach Arthur Smith this season.
That QB-TE connection 📈
@M_Ryan02 ➡️ @kylepitts__ for the TD
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Falcons Fans React to Matty Ice on the Run
Matt Ryan has never been known as a mobile quarterback, but that could change after 13 seasons of being an elite pocket passer and fans are excited about it.
In fact, it looks like he already has a new nickname, “Matty Wheels,” and has been compared to one of the best mobile QBs in the league, Baltimore Ravens’ MVP Lamar Jackson.
Yep, even at 36, Ryan still has a gunslinger.
Others think he’s a version of Mike Vick.
Ryan also earned a chef’s kiss.
You have to love the positivity from fans…even if it’s a bit of a stretch.
Matt Ryan to Kyle Pitts all season long, that’s what this guy is talking about.
@AtlantaFalcons @M_Ryan02 @kylepitts__ Inject it into my veins
Pitts was considered the “unicorn” of the 2021 draft.
But then there are those fans who can’t seem to move on from the Falcons trading away Julio Jones, yet.
Pocket Passers Are Out, Dual-Threat QBs Are In
The NFL is constantly shifting as rookie QBs enter the league with natural speed leaving dual-threat signal-callers becoming the new norm.
Ryan was drafted in 2008 at No. 3 overall when being a pure pocket passer was considered elite. Fast forward to 2020 and we saw the most athletic QBs go off the draft board first in Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts. And then this year’s draft in Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance.
In today’s world, dual-threat QBs are doing more than just scrambling. They’re now gaining yards and making plays with their feet. Of course, Smith, who is responsible for Ryan Tannehill’s turnaround, is going to get Ryan moving more, but it doesn’t me he has to scramble to be successful. Tannehill, by the way, is another dual-threat thanks to Smith.
You look at this year’s Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and he certainly has never been known to scramble. But he mentioned that he plans to change that this summer.
The Falcons are committed to Ryan, despite his below-average athletic ability. What Ryan consistently brings to the table is accuracy, brains, and arm strength––although Julio Jones might argue that one.
And while it would be cool to see Ryan on the run more, he doesn’t need to be with a loaded offense in Pitts, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Hayden Hurts.
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