ProFootballCentral.com

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan will be the team’s starter for its opening game. According to a report on the Falcons’ Web site, Ryan will get the nod against the Detroit Lions on September 7. Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick from this year’s draft, has impressed in preseason play. In a start against Tennessee on Friday, Ryan threw for 102 yards and one touchdown on 15-of-21 passing. He is the club’s leading quarterback in the preseason, having thrown for 277 yards and two scores while completing 32- of-52 passes. Ryan was competing with Chris Redman and Joey Harrington, who had started Atlanta’s first two preseason games.