The Facts: The departure of OC Mike Mularkey and arrival of replacement Dirk Koetter mean that for the first time in Ryan’s NFL career he faces a major fundamental change in how the Falcons will operate on offense. Upon conclusion of the offseason program Thursday, HC Mike Smith was pleased with the first steps taken by Ryan and Koetter. “Matt, I think, has really progressed,” Smith said. “I think you can see it physically that he’s bigger. I think his arm strength is much-improved from the first four years.”

Diehards Line:As Journal-Constitution staffer D. Orlando Ledbetter notes, Ryan will also be working with his third position coach. After working with QBs coach Bill Musgrave for two seasons, he had Bob Bratkowski last season. Glenn Thomas was promoted to the spot this season. “Matt is going through a process,” Smith said. “The relationship between the coordinator and the quarterback is one that probably needs to be the strongest one on the football team. I know that Dirk has worked with Matt as well as with Glenn. ...” According to Ledbetter, some of the major differences in the passing attack will be more vertical routes with an emphasis on getting the ball to receivers on the move with more screens also being on tap. All in all, the new scheme adds to the Fantasy momentum already building behind Ryan.