ATLANTA – Quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Matt Ryan both appear ready for the NFL’s regular season.
Ryan looked sharp in his 2019 preseason debut for the Atlanta Falcons, completing nine straight passes, and Darnold led the New York Jets on another scoring drive in their 22-10 victory Thursday night.
After sitting out the first two exhibition games – Atlanta is playing five this season because it took part in the annual Hall of Fame matchup – Ryan played most of the first half. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 118 yards, a performance that was even more impressive considering Brian Hill and Justin Hardy dropped back-to-back passes in the back of the end zone that should have been touchdowns, sparking boos from the meager crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It’s always exciting to get those first few series under your belt,” Ryan said. “Knock the rust off and get your feel back.”
The Jets (1-1) are certainly pleased with Darnold, who followed up a marvelous drive in the preseason opener by finishing 5-for-7 for 46 yards. He guided New York on a 66-yard scoring drive to start Thursday’s game, with that possession capped by Ty Montgomery’s 1-yard touchdown run.