The Facts:
The NFL lockout hasn't affected an emerging friendship between QB Matt Ryan and rookie WR Julio Jones. Over the past two months, the new teammates have met at Ryan's suburban Atlanta home to study formations and discuss how Jones, the No. 6 overall draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, will fit into the offense.
Reported by NFL.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As Ryan sees it, he must help Jones quickly blend into the offense. Atlanta, despite claiming the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed last season, managed just 44 plays of 20 yards or longer, tying the Panthers for fewest in the league. Everything failed, although WR Roddy White had led the NFL in catches, Michael Turner ranked sixth in rushing, TE Tony Gonzalez was playing at a high level and the QB went 13-3. But now that Ryan has Jones in the mix, he wants to focus on 2011. To that end, the Falcons on Thursday held their last session of 7-on-7 drills that Ryan first organized six weeks ago. When everyone had cleared the field, Jones stayed extra time to run lengthy sideline routes with Ryan. White worked Thursday with Jones for the second time, even playfully lining up occasionally at cornerback directly opposite his new teammate. That can't hurt.
Profile
Home
