Falcons vs. Redskins: Matt Ryan discusses Washington blitz, early success

The Atlanta Falcons are among three undefeated teams in the NFL at 4-0. With two close wins, and a pair of blowouts as well, the Falcons have won in different ways. The Denver Broncos game was only close because Atlanta survived a Denver rally, whereas the most recent against the Carolina Panthers took some fortune and a game-winning drive that started on Atlanta's own one-yard line.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan answered a long list of questions on the team website, and among them was what he can attribute to his effectiveness this early in the season:

"I think collectively we've been effective. We've had a lot of guys that have stepped up in different games and made some plays. I think experience has a lot to do with it. This being my fifth year now, I've been through some ups and been through some downs and learned from both of them. I think I'm more experienced, and again, I have good players around me. Guys that aren't afraid to go out and make plays. I think last week the last drive of the game is an example of that. Roddy has been a guy that's made a ton of plays for us. I'm surrounded by good people."

Ryan also credited London Fletcher and the Redskins' defense for its wit and complex blitz packages. He said Fletcher is like a defensive coordinator on the field. Ryan will get an up-close look at the unit on Sunday:

"He's very smart and gets them into a lot of good blitzes and coverages. They're physical against the run. Their front seven is very stout against the run. Jim Haslett has always had a good blitz package. It's going to be an important week for us to identify what they're doing. They give you a lot of different looks and communicate really well."