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Ryan solid in debut with Falcons

Aug 10, 2008 - 3:01 AM JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Ticker) -- The Matt Ryan era is under way in Atlanta and it got off to a great start.

The No. 3 overall pick completed 9-of-15 pass attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown in his debut for the Falcons, a 20-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason opener for both teams Saturday.

Ryan, who signed a six-year contract worth $72 million, is the main piece to a franchise that is looking to turn the page after a transition season in 2007 following the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal last summer.

The former Boston College product took Atlanta on an 11-play, 74-yard drive, its most impressive of the night. Ryan was 4-for-5 for 43 yards on his second possession in relief of starter Chris Redman, capping it off by connecting with Roddy White for a 25-yard touchdown pass.

During his senior season at BC, Ryan completed 59.3 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,507 yards and 31 touchdowns on his way to winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for the nation's most outstanding senior quarterback.

Jaguars starting quarterback David Garrard completed just 4-of-10 passing attempts for 44 yards, but ended a nine-play, 78-yard first quarter drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. He was under center for the first three possessions before being removed after the first quarter.

Maurice Jones-Drew gained 23 yards on five carries and Greg Jones rushed five times for 39 yards and a touchdown for Jacksonville.

White caught five passes for 47 yards and the touchdown for the Falcons. Backup quarterback Joey Harrington completed 5-of-7 attempts for 64 yards and rushed for a touchdown.

Atlanta was driving with a chance to tie the game or take the lead in the final minutes, but Pierson Prioleau intercepted D.J. Shockley's pass on the goal line with 12 seconds left to preserve the win.