FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Quarterback Matt Ryan sat patiently on a cooler outside the Falcons locker room Monday afternoon while media wrapped up an interview with Head Coach Mike Smith. In a few moments he'd be asked about getting his first NFL start but, just like he has for his entire career, Ryan remained as cool as the liquids chilling beneath him.
"The biggest thing is you have to stay composed," Ryan said after Smith announced him as the starter for Friday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
Smith said the first string will work through the first half and into the third quarter against Tennessee. That would give Ryan his most extensive work in what has already been a solid preseason -- 175 passing yards on 31 attempts, one touchdown and one interception.
But Ryan admits he didn't make the smartest decision in his last game when he threw his first interception. The pick was returned by Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden for a touchdown.
"Mistakes are going to happen," he said. "As a quarterback you have to understand you're going to make some mistakes but you have to minimize them and you have to get over them. I looked at it today but you have to throw that behind you and get ready for this week."
If his quick progression through the off-season is any indication, it may be a while before he makes a similar mistake.
"I think I've made pretty good progress and have continued to improve since I got here," he said. "I think I'm a lot farther along than I was when I started and hopefully I can continue to make strides as the year progresses."
Smith did not reveal the rest of the quarterback rotation for Friday's game but confirmed the team still plans to work each quarterback with the first string during the preseason. Former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley is the only signal caller yet to work with the starters.
The coach has also not ruled out naming a starter for Week 1 before the close of the exhibition schedule.
"If clarity comes we'll make that decision but I said we're going to give everyone an opportunity to work with the first unit and that's still the plan," Smith said.
BOLEY DINGED: Starting outside linebacker Michael Boley left Saturday's game with a back injury. He did not practice Monday but said he'll be ready for the rest of the week.
"I took advantage of the day off yesterday, came in got some treatment and am looking forward to being back out here tomorrow," he said.
Boley started all 16 games last year while finishing second on the team in tackles with a career-high 125. He had a career-best 88 solo tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He finished tied for 15th in the NFC in tackles and led the Falcons in double-digit stop performances with five.
INJURY REPORT: Several other Falcons sat out Monday's full-pad workout including rookie cornerback Chevis Jackson, who started the team's first two preseason game in place of Chris Houston (shoulder).
"Chevis got his bell rung in the game so we're holding him out," Smith said. "We hope in the next day or two he'll be ready to come back as well."
Houston and defensive end John Abraham (ankle) returned to practice Monday.
TICKET TIME: The team's ticket office announced the date and time for single-game ticket sales for 2008 Monday afternoon.
Fans, mark your calendars for Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.
Season tickets and three-game packages to see the Falcons in the newly refurbished Georgia Dome remain on sale.
Single game tickets can be purchased online by visiting AtlantaFalcons.com or Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can be ordered by phone via Ticketmaster at (404) 249-6400 or (800) 326-4000. To purchase tickets in person, fans may visit Ticketmaster outlets located throughout the metro Atlanta area in select Publix Supermarkets. Ticketmaster outlets accept cash only. Fans still have the option of purchasing three-game ticket packages as well, with games against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears or the Lions, Chiefs and New Orleans Saints.
“Single game tickets give fans another way to get in the game, but there are still some select season tickets available in a variety of locations and prices, and we’re encouraging fans to take advantage of those opportunities while the window is still open,” Falcons President Rich McKay said. “By purchasing season tickets today, fans secure the right to own season tickets for many years to come – an opportunity that has not been available the last several years, and may not be available in the future.
“Sales thus far have been strong, and coupled with our three-game packages and single game ticket sales, we anticipate that all of our regular season home games will be sold out.”
RELATED LINKS:
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan | Ovie Mughelli | Michael Boley
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith and Matt Ryan
- J. MIKE'S BLOG: Ryan to Start Against Titans
- NFL NETWORK: Video from Friday Night Lights
- HIGHLIGHTS: AF.com Highlight Reel from Colts-Falcons Game
- MOOKIE'S BLOG: Highlights from Last Saturday
