Falcons name Ryan as starting quarterback

Rookie beats out journeyman Redman with solid preseason

John Bazemore / AP

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan began training camp last month as second on the depth chart behind Chris Redman. First-year coach Mike Smith named him the team's starter Sunday.

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updated 5:46 p.m. ET Aug. 24, 2008

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Matt Ryan will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback this season.

The No. 3 overall draft pick was chosen Sunday by first-year Falcons coach Mike Smith, who indicated that Ryan will likely play just the first series of Atlanta’s preseason finale Thursday night at Baltimore.

The Falcons, who went 4-12 last year, host Detroit to begin the regular season on Sept. 7.

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Ryan began training camp last month second on the depth chart behind Chris Redman, but the rookie was poised enough in a preseason win Friday over Tennessee to win the job.

The former Boston College star completed 15 of 21 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He directed a touchdown drive on his last series, the first possession of the third quarter, when Brian Finneran caught a 1-yard TD to give the Falcons a 10-3 lead.

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