Matt Ryan's NFL debut

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan's NFL debut

A photo gallery of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan's debut for the Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan was the third overall pick of the NFL draft last spring.

Ryan became the first rookie quarterback to start a season opener for the Falcons since Steve Bartkowski in 1975.

New head coach Mike Smith watches Ryan warm up prior to the game. Smith named Ryan the team's starter after the third preseason game.

Much of the media attention was centered on Ryan, who was one of only two rookie quarterbacks to start on opening day. Joe Flacco of the Ravens was the other.

Amid the fireworks displays, Ryan leads the offense onto the field. His NFL career started off with a bang, too, hitting receiver Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard pass for a touchdown on the team's first drive.

Ryan and the offensive line join running back Michael Turner in the end zone to celebrate his first touchdown run.

"He didn't seem like a rookie out there today," said running back Michael Turner. "He took control of the huddle. He was being a real drill sergeant out there, letting everybody know that he was in control."

Ryan acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates the touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins with teammates Brian Finneran and Roddy White.

Ryan and receiver Roddy White connected for two receptions for 54 yards.

Ryan completed 9-of-13 attempts to seven receivers. He had a quarterback rating of 137.

Head coach Mike Smith said "Matt was able to deliver the ball. It was a great way to see our rookie quarterback throw his first NFL pass."

Ryan trots off the field victorious in his Falcons' debut. He threw for 161 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions.

1/12

Matt Ryan was the third overall pick of the NFL draft last spring.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

More Galleries

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers

PHOTOS: Panthers defeat Falcons in overtime

APTOPIX Falcons Colts Football

PHOTOS: Falcons work overtime in Germany before losing

Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins

PHOTOS: Falcons fall at home to Dolphins