National Football League

Patriots hoping to contain Falcons' QB Ryan

Published Sep. 27, 2013 10:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

New England's Tommy Kelly doesn't expect Atlanta to run the ball that much Sunday night.

The Patriots defensive tackle is so certain the Falcons will primarily pass, he's focusing solely on quarterback Matt Ryan.

With Ryan under center, there's no reason to believe Kelly is wrong, either.

Now in his sixth season, Ryan has developed into one of the game's premier passers, due in part to the stockpile of receivers has to choose from. Between deep threats Julio Jones and Roddy White, and perennial Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, Ryan is a threat to throw a touchdown every time he touches the ball.

He is one of seven quarterbacks this season to average more than 300 yards passing per game, a tall task even for New England's sixth-ranked passing defense.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org