JACKSONVILLE -- The Falcons are 0-3 in the preseason to this point and it's very likely that Matt Ryan's preseason is over as starting quarterbacks typically don't play in the final preseason games, especially with the fact Atlanta travels to Philadelphia to kick off the NFL regular season in a prime-time matchup with the Eagles on "Thursday Night Football."
Going into his 11th season, Ryan knows preseason records are no representation of how a season will play out.
"I've played long enough to know that some years you're 4-0 in the preseason and it doesn't pan out that way during the regular season," Ryan said. "Some years you're not that way in the preseason and the regular season can be different."
Through three preseason games, Ryan is 11 of 20 and has thrown for 157 yards and one touchdown. It's also worth mentioning Pro Bowlers Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman have yet to play a snap this preseason.
Preseason games are valuable because they give the players and coaching staff an opportunity to test things against other teams and make necessary changes for the season. The get a sense of what's working and what's not as they get ready for Week 1.
The Falcons are unique in that their starting offense and defense doesn't feature any rookies. So, preseason can really be used to make final tweaks for players who already have experience.
And that's why despite being 0-3 in the preseason, Ryan feels good about where his team is 12 days away from the season opener.
"I think the veterans and the experienced guys we have obviously make it to where you feel good about what we're going to be and who we're going to be moving forward throughout the year," Ryan said.
