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3 Atlanta Falcons players who must improve in week four

By Nick Halden

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 26: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the fourth quarter in the game against New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 26: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the fourth quarter in the game against New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Oct 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass under pressure from Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown (52), outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) and outside linebacker Ramon Humber (50) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass under pressure from Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown (52), outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) and outside linebacker Ramon Humber (50) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Matt Ryan must player better in week four

Ryan is far too often blamed for the Falcons’ ineptitude and inability to build a team around him. However, while he remains a top quarterback in this league early on this season his play has been uneven.

Ryan has forced throws but only forcing throws within ten yards refusing to stretch the field. It is mind-boggling considering Ryan’s MVP season he was consistently hitting his receivers over the top.

Even in the years following Ryan has never been afraid to throw the deep ball or force the issue. This season it seems as if Ryan is being handled as Mac Jones or Trevor Lawrence being given underneath routes and short check downs to avoid turnovers.

Which is well and good if you have an elite defense that is winning games. Something Atlanta certainly doesn’t have. Ryan must be better against a bad Washington secondary it is time to force the issue and see who can make plays on this roster. Throwing the ball short and hoping something happens isn’t going to work. Ryan needs to trust Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts to make plays and give them a chance down the field. Otherwise, Atlanta is going to lose this game and continue to struggle this season.

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