Matt Ryan is reportedly frustrated with the Atlanta offense and finds Kyle Shanahan’s playbook overwhelming at times.
Ryan has “raised his voice” about offensive concerns behind closed doors, according to an ESPN.com report Sunday, and has admitted to being occasionally overwhelmed by the playbook.
Shanahan, the team’s first year offensive coordinator, defended his offense.
“This isn’t the most confusing thing in the world,” Shanahan said. “It’s about playing and being in the heat of the battle and seeing and reacting. We’d be doing something else if we were all geniuses. We’re all capable of learning this stuff, but that’s not what this is about. It’s about being through the situations, going against certain coverages, getting rushed through things and having to react to someone missing a block, having to get rid of the ball early and stuff like that.
“That takes time, with newer stuff. And when you’ve been doing something pretty consistent for seven years and you change it up a little bit, that does take time. Anytime you go through this drought we have offensively, everything’s going to get magnified.”
Shanahan emphasized that he has a good relationship with Ryan and he is always willing to listen to concerns.
“I feel like when you’re comfortable with someone, you can be yourself,” Shanahan said. “I’m a very fiery guy. I think Matt is, too. I argue with my close friends, my parents, and my wife probably more than anyone on this planet because we all genuinely love each other and we’re tight. We know who each other are.
“I want the same thing with players. If a player thinks I’m messed up, I would love for him to tell me. He doesn’t have to do it on the field in front of you guys or anything, but I’d love for (the player) to come up to my office and have a talk. That’s never been an issue with Matt. Matt and I have a real good relationship. We’re open about everything. When you do, you can have those tough conversations. When you’re not close with someone, that’s usually when you get a lot of people aren’t genuine around each other when you’re not close.”
While Ryan is fourth in the league in passing yards, he also has twelve interceptions this season. His recent struggles are a big reason why the Falcons are now 6-5 after a 5-0 start.
Ryan wouldn’t be the first quarterback to allegedly struggle to grasp an offense this season.
