Falcons' Matt Ryan Says Todd Gurley Will Be 'Awesome Fit' in Atlanta's Offense

Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley has already made a strong impression on arguably the most important person in his new club: quarterback Matt Ryan.

The two stars have trained together in Southern California on several occasions already this offseason with Ryan getting the impression the tailback will be an "awesome fit" in Atlanta. 

"I've gotten to work with Todd, and he's awesome,'' Ryan told ESPN's Vaughn McClure. "Really, really good guy. A hard worker. He's super-smart. The stuff I was telling him one day, the next day he had it done. I was really impressed with his ability to retain information. You don't have to tell him twice. He's on it.''

Gurley agreed to sign with the Falcons on a one-year, $6 million deal earlier this offseason after the Los Angeles Rams unceremoniously cut him following a 2019 season in which his carries sharply decreased. 

After getting 279 handoffs in 2017 and 256 in 2018—both years in which Gurley was named first-team All Pro—the running back saw just 223 carries in 2019, finishing with fewer than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns for the first time since his sophomore season in 2016.

The apparent mismanagement of Gurley's touches left plenty across the NFL confused by LA's game plan. The excuse came down to knee issues—Gurley entered the NFL fresh off knee surgery and has dealt with arthritis in his joint. 

Atlanta's offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, acknowledged the knee issues to ESPN, saying the team has little to worry about when it comes to Gurley's abilities. Instead, Koetter said, it's about how healthy Gurley remains and how consistently he can run. 

None of those concerns seem to faze Ryan at the moment. 

"I think he's going to be an awesome fit for us," Ryan said. "And I'm glad we have him."

Ryan's offseason workouts have also reportedly included teammates Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Hayden Hurst. 

In what's more or less a "prove it" year for Gurley, the 25-year-old tailback is looking to prove his abilities to more than just his new teammates. After falling out of favor in Los Angeles, there's still the potential to sign a new long-term contract after the 2020 season.

At least as far as the offense is concerned, Ryan believes Atlanta is the spot where Gurley can make it happen.