ATLANTA – One day after celebrating his 36th birthday, Matt Ryan acknowledged his age has many wondering how long he'll continue to lead the Atlanta Falcons offense.
He also knows it was an especially hot topic before the NFL draft. Many believed the Falcons should have used the No. 4 overall selection on a quarterback to be trained as Ryan's successor.
Instead, the Falcons selected tight end Kyle Pitts to give Ryan another playmaker. As Ryan prepares for a new season with new coach Arthur Smith, he says he doesn't worry about fans or critics who may be eager for a change at quarterback. “I think in one respect you understand that if you play well for long enough, these are the conversations that are going to come up,” Ryan said Tuesday.