Arthur Smith is working tirelessly to implement an offensive scheme new to these Falcons. Quarterback Matt Ryan is trying like heck to absorb it. That's the offseason program's primary objective for all on the staff and roster, from early virtual meetings through a mandatory minicamp and this week's final OTAs.
The effort isn't just about memorizing verbiage, or even executing plays exactly as they're drawn on the page.
There's more to it than that. It's about finding great flow, great sync.
That's mandatory between play caller and signal caller. And it doesn't happen overnight.
There's something to be learned from every rep. That's why Ryan and Smith are in near constant communication, even after practice reps in the middle of structured and fast-paced periods.
These two talk. A lot.
Each exchange brings the two a little bit closer to a shared vision, a shared line of thought.
"It's the every-day relationship building of a play caller and a quarterback," Smith said last week. "That's my philosophy. There have been a lot of people doing it a lot of different ways, but I personally like he and I having dialogue. It's my job as a coach to push him. It's also my job to listen. And Matt wants to be coached. That's what I love about the guy. He's going into Year 14 and wants to be coached. Usually, the great players want to be coached."
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Ryan has been coached by quite a few. Smith will be Ryan's fifth offensive play caller in 14 seasons and, counting Dirk Koetter's two tours running the offense in Atlanta, his sixth scheme change.
Smith's system is highly touted and deservedly so, considering its production and overall success while implemented in Tennessee. That's one reason why he was a popular head-coach candidate before he landed in Atlanta.
The information isn't just disseminated from coach to player. It often goes both ways during an exchange of ideas. And it doesn't always have to be such serious business.
"I certainly don't have all the answers and Matt doesn't think he has all the answers," Smith said. "It's great dialogue. Sometimes I'll make a smart-ass comment to him sometimes, depending on how you want to push him. Sometimes we have an open dialogue depending on what he's talking about. It's fun. It's fun to work with him."
Take a look at the best images from the final day of Atlanta Falcons minicamp
The quarterbacks work during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The quarterbacks work during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 works with offensive coordinator Dave Ragone during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Quarterbacks coach Charles London works with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 kicks a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons safety Dwayne Johnson #37 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end John Raine #89 makes a catch during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 makes a catch during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 makes a face during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 prepares to run a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Kenny Osuwah during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 runs during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The defense brings in the huddle during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith calls minicamp to a close on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on from the huddle during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 runs during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates as tight end Lee Smith #85 misses a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Lee Smith #85 attempts a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates as tight end Lee Smith #85 misses a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 celebrates a field goal made by defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates as tight end Lee Smith #85 misses a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on from the huddle during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zac Dawe #93 works during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates as tight end Lee Smith #85 misses a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Lee Smith #85 attempts a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates making a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Lee Smith #85 attempts a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 prepares to kick a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The defense celebrates a field goal made by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The defense celebrates a field goal made by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The defense celebrates a field goal made by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 kicks a field goal during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Olive Sagapolu #69 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs the ball during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
The running backs take a break during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith talks with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Isaiah Oliver #26 runs off the field after making a play during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Isaiah Oliver #26 runs off the field after making a play during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 makes a catch during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 makes a catch during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 works with defensive assistant Matt Pees during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 runs a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 runs a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #33 holds a football during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 runs a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Austin Trammell #82 with the ball during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 flexes during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end John Raine #89 makes a catch during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 prepares to run a drill during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green #39 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 gestures during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 talks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 works during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Chris Slayton #79 works during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 looks on during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard #99 smiles during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 in action during Atlanta Falcons minicamp on June 10, 2021.
Building a strong working relationship isn't instantaneous, with respect gained through actions, authenticity and experience.
"There's relationship building and then when the two of you get into games you get a true feel," Smith said. "A lot of people say they're one way, and then I've been around coaches who lose their mind on game day or a player who can't take coaching on game day. You hope that, as you get to the season, that trust is developed. That, with what I say, I'll actually come through with it. It has been fun so far. But, yes, it will take some time."
It will continue to grow and evolve the longer Ryan and Smith work together, with an ever-expanding knowledge base allowing the offense to level up and then refine subtle details.
Smith has thoroughly enjoyed the process of working a future Hall-of-Famer into his scheme. Ryan's track record brings instant street cred and commands respect with how he goes about his business. That's why the relationship between play-caller and quarterback is off to a solid start.
"It's been a great experience so far," Smith said. "Obviously, I had a lot of respect for Matt Ryan – I never had worked with him but obviously what he's accomplished and sustained at a high level for a long time – and so, like every player, they're constantly trying to earn their job and understand and improve. Matt is made up of the right stuff.
"That relationship as a play-caller and quarterback, that's really important to me. No different than it was – I don't compare him to Ryan Tannehill – but that relationship with Ryan was really important. So, the relationship with Matt is super important for me. If you're going to be the play-caller and quarterback, you have to be on the same – that's just my philosophical approach – got to be on the same page."
