A lot has changed since the last time Matt Ryan was in front of a microphone answering questions from the local media. Ryan's last press conference was following the Falcons' final game of the 2020 season.
Arthur Smith was hired to become Ryan's new head coach and he'll not only be implementing a new system; he’ll also be calling the plays on offense. Smith's offense has some similarities to some of the schemes he's been in with previous offensive coordinators and that's one of the things making the transition easier.
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"It's been going well," Ryan said on Tuesday. "Obviously, transition requires a lot of effort and a lot of work to learn the new system. To make sure that you're as comfortable as you can possibly be with the terminology and what they expect from you. I've been working really hard to try and get on the same page with them. Dave (Ragone) and Arthur (Smith) have been great and I'm excited about the future and hopefully winning a bunch of games."
Ryan has had four different offensive coordinators since 2015: Kyle Shanahan, Steve Sarkisian, Dirk Koetter and now Ragone who will assist Smith with a number of duties including helping put the offensive game-plan together.
Although there's not much Ryan hasn't seen at this point in his career, there's still a lot of work to be done to get comfortable with his new playbook.
"From a language standpoint, I've played in a number of different systems now so it's like a combination of a couple of them," Ryan said. "The formations are really similar to West Coast formations which I've played in for a number of years. Protections very similar. The concepts are similar as well, it's just different names. It's just making sure you have the right word association and are speaking the right language."
Ryan threw 407 passes for 4,581 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. The Falcons finished the 2020 season with the No. 5 passing offense in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons are in Flowery Branch for voluntary field work in Phase II of the offseason program. Take a look at the offense this week.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 talks to tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 works with wide receiver Frank Darby #88 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 stretches during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes to running back Mike Davis #28 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith talks to the running backs during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 throws a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 throws a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Antonio Nunn #86 runs with the ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 runs with a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Parker Hesse #46 runs with the ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 runs with the ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Sam Jones #71 works next to center Willie Wright #66 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end John Raine #89 runs with the ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 throws a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs with the ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 taps Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 runs after catching a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 warms up with the offense during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Antonio Nunn #86 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 catches a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 throws a ball during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the offense during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 smiles during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Diversity coaching intern Mario Jeberaeel works with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Willie Wright #66 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Josh Andrews #68 works with offensive tackle Matt Gono #73 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Wide receivers coach Dave Brock looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 works next to center Matt Hennessy #61 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 smiles during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone works during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Greg Dortch #16 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes to running back Mike Davis #28 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 and quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 look on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Parker Hesse #48 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Bryce Hargrove #62 works with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Bryce Hargrove #62 works with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 works with offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 talks with offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Matt Gono #73 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 gestures during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 poses with running back Qadree Ollison #30 during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Josh Andrews #68 in action during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 smiles during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 tosses the football during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 gestures during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 looks on during field work drills in Phase II of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 18, 2021.
