Falcons' playbook will change: Falcons coach Mike Smith told the official team website that the addition of Dirk Koetter as the offensive coordinator means that a new playbook is coming. It will be the first change in the offense in four years, but it doesn't mean it's for the worse, says Smith. "Dirk has a great reputation throughout the NFL and throughout the football world in terms of his vertical passing game, which I think will be a big plus for our quarterback and our wide receivers," Smith said. "We're looking forward to start working on the offensive schemes that we will be implementing next year. They'll be a little different than what we've done in the first four years, but we're excited. I know Matt had a very good meeting with Dirk, and the staff has already (started) working on putting the new playbook together." (Updated 02/02/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Ryan should be able to grasp a new playbook, so really the only change we can hope for is that the play calling will stay aggressive and that the receivers understand the scheme changes as well as Ryan does. Koetter is known for being a good play caller and not trying to force a square peg into a round hole; he ran the ball a ton in Jacksonville but has done well with limited talent in the past. Now with the Falcons, he'll have access to some excellent talent including Roddy White and Julio Jones catching passes from Ryan. With Ryan's touchdown production on the rise every year of his career and his passing yardage topping 4,000 yards for the first time in 2011, it's hard to see him being a huge bust. So long as the Falcons address his offensive line in the coming offseason, figure Ryan to be a potential Draft Day steal as a low-end starter available as late as Round 6. Not bad for a guy who finished eighth in Fantasy points in 2011. (Updated 02/02/2012).
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Matt Ryan took another step forward in 2011, posting a career-high 4,177 yards with 29 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. That's pretty good but it's still not up to par with the elite passers in the NFL. However, Ryan still has the potential to be one of those guys thanks to his receiving corps. In the 13 games he played with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez last season he averaged 267 yards and two touchdowns per game. His offensive line should be improved this year, and the addition of Dirk Koetter as his offensive coordinator should bring some new wrinkles to agonize defenses. They also have a nice schedule that includes 10 indoor games. There's no reason to believe that Ryan won't be as good as he was last year, and there's plenty to believe he could exceed his 2011 stats. It wouldn't be a bad plan to wait for a quarterback like Ryan and pass on the elite passers in the first three rounds. (Updated 5/24/12)
