ATLANTA -- Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons were looking for a fast start. It didn't happen.
Ryan failed to complete a pass in four attempts as he played two series against the Washington Redskins Thursday night, a 23-17 Falcons win. Both drives were three-and-outs, including a first series that started at the Falcons' 1-yard line as a result of a illegal block in the back whistled on Eric Weems during a punt return.
Ryan threw a short pass to Julio Jones too low, then fired too high to Jones on another. And coming into the game, Ryan stressed the importance of a fast start to help jumpstart the offense in preparation for the regular season.