The Atlanta Falcons are feeling good. The team is 2-0 and looking drastically improved from what they put together last year as Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan work to pull things back together. The defense is aggressive and the offense is looking diverse with the play calling. Matt Ryan admits that he is loving his group of wide receivers that are thriving right now. However, one receiver is being the quiet workhorse as Roddy White downplays his catchless performance in Week 2.
For the first time since Week 13 of 2006, White did not record a catch as the Falcons went on to beat the New York Giants. Instead, Julio Jones, Leonard Hankerson and Devonta Freeman made the biggest impact in the game. White was healthy despite having knee and elbow issues in the preseason. The receiver downplayed the idea that it was going to be a lingering issue. He told the media via ESPN.com, "Nothing. I was open. Just didn't get the ball. We're 2-0. ... Nothing really to say. I just didn't catch a pass. I have moved past it.''
Matt Ryan admitted that he wished White had gotten a catch as his streak of 128 games came to an end. The quarterback said he was simply reacting to what he saw.
"You hate seeing something like that not continue primary because I love Roddy,'' Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "It stinks. But the game kind of shakes out. Coverage kind of dictates where it goes. He'll be a huge part of what we do all year.''
The issue for White is that the Falcons are getting unexpected production from players like Hankerson, Jacob Tamme and undrafted wide receiver Nick Williams. That has hurt White's position on the field. While the receiver remains a starter for the team, Ryan appears to be looking more towards Hankerson in the slot who got his first touchdown of the season in Week 2. Of course Jones is the go-to safety blanket and Tamme is finally giving the Falcons much needed production at the tight end spot.
"Roddy is one of the best players I've ever played with," Ryan said, via the Falcoholic.com. Bar none, two or three guys, he's in the mix. Him, Tony, and Julio. Those guys are the best. And so, ya know, he's certainly capable of making plays at any time. And he will, he's going to make a lot of plays for us; he did week 1. It's just, when we're throwing the football, the ball's going to find different guys at different times, depending on how they play us."
