The Atlanta Falcons have rarely been low on offensive play-makers during GM Thomas Dimitroff’s tenure with the team.
When the 2020 season kicks off, quarterback Matt Ryan will again be surrounded by a plethora weapons. The Falcons added RB Todd Gurley and TE Hayden Hurst. Plus, the team’s formidable wide receiver duo of Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley should be as good as ever.
In a feature by Falcons reporter Kelsey Conway, Ryan gave his thoughts on a few of Atlanta’s receivers and tight ends after working out with them this offseason. The former MVP QB was excited about what Ridley and Russell Gage will bring as they enter their third year with the team.
“Calvin Ridley, he’s been working extremely hard,” Ryan said. “He looks great, he’s been putting in a ton of extra time this offseason. We’ve spent a ton of time together. Russell Gage has been amazing. He’s a guy that I think feels a lot more comfortable after having played the second half of last season. He’s in a spot where he knows his role and he knows how we’re going to use him.”
Ryan was also very high on both tight ends Hayden Hurst and Jaeden Graham, saying the following in Conway’s article:
“You mentioned Hayden, he’s been traveling all across the country to make it work and to find a way to get together,” Ryan said. “Jaeden Graham is another guy who has [been there] every time I [have] and ready to go.”
The man everyone will be most excited to see is Gurley, a former All-Pro and NFL touchdown machine. Ryan pointed out how impressed he is with his new running back’s mind.
“He looked great, healthy and ready to go,” Ryan said of Gurley. “I was impressed with that. The thing that struck me the most though was how smart of a player that he is and his ability to retain information, to not have to circle back on things the next day.”
The Falcons’ running game was near the bottom of league, averaging 85.1 yards per game in 2019. Gurley’s presence along with a healthier offensive line should help the team get its rushing attack back on track.
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