Ryan, Gonzalez feed off each other's intuitions

Article on Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan and TE Tony Gonzalez

Says Gonzalez:

"He knows exactly where everybody's going," Gonzalez said. "He knows where to put that ball, and he works hard. I think that's really the difference in what a great player is. Somebody that works hard. That's what separates some guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Those guys are constantly in the (film) room trying to get better, on the field and off the field."

The article goes on to talk about the specfics in how Ryan & Gonzalez want to get better in the offseason. It is impressive that they understand they can always get better even with the success they have had thus far in the league:

Though coach Mike Smith kept all of his primary assistants on staff after their first season together with Atlanta, he decided to make one subtle change in evaluating personnel.
Position coaches had every returning player write an evaluation of himself and turn it in before the start of camp. For Ryan, the focus became film study that wasn't necessarily more intense, just more specific.

Ryan's primary concern now is giving receivers better chances for big gains downfield. Even more enticing is the opportunity to dip further into coordinator Mike Mularkey's playbook.

"If I make better decisions throughout the game, it's going to cause less mistakes," Ryan said. "You certainly can be more accurate with it and give your receivers a better chance to make plays after they have the ball in their hands. So that's the focus, and I'm going to continue to work on it."

For Gonzalez, his mantra of "getting better" seemingly hasn't changed since Kansas City drafted him 13th overall in 1997. Now that Ryan is his quarterback, Gonzalez intends to stay as committed to his workout regimen, film study and practice habits as he's ever been, but a chance to finally win a playoff game is still his top goal.

"I don't think anything in life — I don't care how good you are — there's always more to learn and always thing to know," Gonzalez said. "I want to make sure I know that playbook front to back and side to side."