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Ryan guides Falcons past Titans

Aug 23, 2008 - 2:30 AM By Phil Foley PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- After a shaky start, rookie Matt Ryan ended his first career NFL start on a positive note.

Ryan tossed the game-winning touchdown pass in his final drive to start the third quarter to lead the Falcons to a 17-3 win over the Tennessee Titans in a preseason contest at the Georgia Dome on Friday night.

Ryan was brought in to fill the gaping hole at the position after Michael Vick was suspended indefinitely by the league following his conviction on federal dogfighting-related charges and quickly was touted as Atlanta's quarterback of the future.

Thrown into the mix for the starting job in open competition with veterans Joey Harrington and Chris Redman, the No. 3 overall pick was given his first start on Friday.

Ryan engineered a nine-play, 71-yard drive, finding third-round pick Harry Douglas for a 1-yard touchdown pass to give Atlanta a 10-3 lead with 10:42 remaining in the third. Jerious Norwood set up Ryan's touchdown throw, rumbling 39 yards up the left side to bring the Falcons to the Tennessee 1.

Things didn't start out as well for Ryan, who finished 15-for-21 for 102 yards with one touchdown.

Ryan completed 12-for-17 passes for 78 yards in the first half but struggled in the red zone. The rookie failed to connect with receivers Laurent Robinson and Roddy White in the end zone in the waning seconds of the second quarter before leaving to a smattering of boos at the Georgia Dome.

Tennessee quarterback Vince Young endured a miserable first half, connecting on 9-of-18 passes for 102 yards with one interception for the Titans (2-1).

LenDale White, who missed some of the week with the flu, did not make the trip to Atlanta. First-round pick Chris Johnson started at running back and rushed for 35 yards on 11 carries.

Cornerback Nick Harper (concussion), linebacker Keith Bulluck (right calf) and rookie wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins (sprained ankle) did not play for Tennessee.