Matt Ryan is the new face of the Atlanta Falcons. With a six-year, $72 million contract signed, it seems that the Falcons believe that this could be the quarterback to bring a consistency never achieved in franchise history.

Now Ryan is looking to lock up the starting job for the 2008 season. He made his first appearance in the newly renovated Georgia Dome for Falcons fans in a controlled scrimmage Saturday during the organization’s All Access Weekend.

As part of a series introducing the Falcons rookies, Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, spoke with Times sports writer Bill Murphy after the scrimmage about the new look to the Georgia Dome, nerves coming into the upcoming season, learning to be a consistent NFL quarterback and the work ahead to land the starting job.

Question: Do you consider this a battle for the starting quarterback job or just natural competition?

Answer: I really just think of it as good competition. I know everyone wants to be a good teammate, and everyone wants to do their part to help this team win. So far, I think everyone’s done a great job.

Q: Were there any added nerves seeing this was your first time playing here at the Georgia Dome in front of the fans?

A: I think you get a little bit of butterflies any time you come out and play, but for the most part, not really. I think that we practiced hard and were prepared coming in here to play this weekend for the fans. Now we just have to be ready to work hard all this week and be ready to play Jacksonville (on Saturday).

Q: What has been the biggest adjustment you’ve seen in training camp so far between playing in the NFL and being a college
quarterback?

A: I think the biggest adjustment is learning what you can do and what you can’t do. There are plays you could get away with in college that you can’t get away with in the NFL. You just kind of have to learn when to check the ball down and when to get rid of it. You also have to learn when to take your shots, and that takes time.