The Atlanta Falcons have a new voice in the front office, and the players are already taking notice. Jessie Bates III, the team’s starting safety, opened up about former quarterback Matt Ryan’s new job as President of Football. During an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, Bates said Ryan is doing more than just making calls from an office. He is out on the practice field every day, helping players fix their technique and understand the game.
Bates, 29, admitted that Ryan’s presence has already helped the team improve. The Falcons are 3-4 as they head into Week 8, but the players feel a shift in the culture. Ryan knows exactly what it takes to succeed because he played most of his career for this franchise. He is not just a suit in a suit; he is a football guy who knows the grind.
A Coach in Disguise
Ryan’s approach is direct and practical. He does not wait for coaches to come to him. He goes to the players. Bates told the media that Ryan is throwing deep balls to receivers and showing them how to drop back against modern defenses. This level of detail usually comes from a position coach, not an executive.
“You’d think he’s our safety position coach,” Bates continued, according to Yahoo Sports. Nowadays these quarterbacks see him go out there and occasionally throw a deep ball, offering a solid look across various drops; he remains hands-on.
This is not just about football skills. It is about trust. When a former player who knows the system takes a leadership role, the younger guys listen. They know he has been in their shoes. He knows the pressure of the NFL. This helps the team stay focused during a long season.
Handling the Daily Grind
Former Falcon Roddy White sees the same thing. White, who spent his entire 11-year career in Atlanta, has watched Ryan handle the new job with care. White noted that the role is hard. There are many tasks to do every single day. Ryan has to manage the roster, the cap, and the coaching staff all at once.
“It’s a very challenged job, just having everything that you have to do on a day-to-day basis,” White said. “He’s always going to be a guy that’s always in as far as being on the field, watching, paying attention, the players and seeing where they are at, because he’s done it before.”
White pointed out that Ryan’s work ethic is the key. He does not let players get away with bad habits. He is a “real own your job type of guy,” according to Blogging Dirty. This accountability is what the team needed. It stops players from sitting around and doing what they should not be doing.
Building for the Future
The Falcons have exciting pieces to build around. They have Drake London, Michael Penix Jr., and a defense that is starting to click. Ryan is helping the front office put together a roster that can win now. He is also working on the cap to keep the team healthy for the long haul.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has praised rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels, noting his high football IQ. Ulbrich said, “If you sit down with Kendal, his acumen, his intelligence, the way he can articulate the game are all exceptional — not just for a young player, but for any player.” This kind of talent fits the culture Ryan is building.
The team faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. ET. They will play at Raymond James Stadium. The players are ready to show that the changes in Atlanta are working. With Ryan leading the way, the Falcons are trying to get back to the top.
