MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — The year was 2003, and Matt Ryan was a redshirt freshman running Boston College’s scout team. The three-star recruit needed a crash course in college football. Brian Flores, a senior linebacker for the Eagles, was more than willing to play teacher.
On Tuesday [August 17], it was time for a little payback. Ryan’s Falcons are in town for joint practices against the Miami Dolphins and Flores, their third-year coach.
Matt Ryan, Brian Flores reunite after being Boston College teammates
“Listen, Brian was kicking my ass,” Ryan reminisced with a chuckle Tuesday. “He was physical. He was a good player back then. As soon as he went to New England as a scout, right after, [you knew] just how professional he always was.”
“He was quiet, hard worker, great teammate. Was good to me as a freshman, young kid coming in. He was great to me. I’m happy for him. He’s worked hard to get to this position and deserves everything that comes his way.”
This was a timely story because on this sweltering South Florida morning, Ryan was trying to return the ass-kicking favor. It was a great football moment. Flores’ football career ended 18 years ago. Ryan is still playing — and, if Tuesday’s practice was any indication, playing at a high level.
Ryan has no issues against Flores’ defense on Wednesday
Ryan sliced and diced the Dolphins’ talented defense in general and their star cornerback Xavien Howard in particular. He went after Howard early and often, finding Calvin Ridley for at least 2 touchdowns and several more completions to Atlanta’s receivers.
“This is practice,” Ryan was quick to remind reporters afterward. “It’s our chance to see what our guys can do, to test where we’re at, to go against a great player. For the most part, no. We have our reads and our progressions. In an environment like this, you test those rules and see where you’re at in terms of knowing what you need to do.”
Still, Ryan proved that, even at age 36, he can sling it. And he’s out to prove that the Falcons made the right decision by rolling with him for a 14th season.
The Falcons had a chance to take Justin Fields or Mac Jones with the No. 4 pick back in April. Instead, they handed Ryan the best weapon in the draft — tight end Kyle Pitts.
Those organizational decisions suggest that the Falcons are trying to win in 2021, despite a 4-12 season in 2020 and the offseason departure of Julio Jones.
Ryan, Falcons hope to rebound after rough 2020 season
The Falcons were terrible last year, but not because of Ryan, who was either near or above his career averages in completion percentage (65% in 2020), passing yards (4,581), touchdowns (26), yards per attempt (7.3), passer rating (93.3) and QBR (67.0).
“I look at Matt Ryan as a true professional,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “A lot of guys throw that word around. It can be a very subjective term. But that’s what Matt is. Hell, in our division, he’s probably one of the younger guys with [Tom] Brady. That’s a credit to Tom. He’s the ultimate outlier. … It’s been fun working with Matt. He takes great care of himself.”
That is a big reason why the former league MVP can still get it done at age 36.
“I feel great,” Ryan said. “My body feels really good. I feel like I’ve got a good routine, a plan to keep my body healthy. I feel really good.”
And, at least on Tuesday, he looked it too.
Adam Beasley is the NFL Insider for Pro Football Network. You can read all of Adam’s work here and give him a follow on Twitter @AdamHBeasley.
