Matt Ryan vs. Daniel Jones: Week 3 passing charts

Add the Falcons to the list of teams Daniel Jones can’t win against following the Falcons’ 17-14 victory over the Giants on Sunday. Despite the win, Atlanta is lucky to be 1-2 after another slow offensive showing.

Here is a look at the passing charts for quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Daniel Jones in Week 3, courtesy of NFL Next Gen Stats.

QB | Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan (NFL Next Gen Stats)

Matt Ryan’s 17-yard pass is the longest completion he’s had all year. This came via a rare connection between Ryan and tight end Kyle Pitts on the final drive of the game. Ryan’s passing chart from Week 3 doesn’t stray too far from his first two weeks as the offense favors short passes to the right side of the line of scrimmage.

On the day, Ryan was dead last across the league in intended air yards with 4.1 per attempt. His 2.5 average air yards per completion were enough to move him one spot higher, ahead of Jared Goff’s rate of 2.1.

Ryan is the only QB averaging less than four air yards per completion. For comparison, Ryan averaged 2.94 seconds per throw (sacks are not included) and only managed 4.1 air yards per attempt. Bills QB Josh Allen also averaged 2.94 seconds but was able to stretch the field as he went for 9.6 intended air yards in the Bills’ domination of Washington. Allen’s air yards per completion of 7.6 is also miles ahead of Ryan’s 2.5 average.

There’s really nothing more to add other than the receivers struggled to create separation and the lack of offensive protection forces the need to get the ball to their playmakers quickly. It’s a tough ask to get yards after the catch when you’re running into the mouth of the defense.

QB | Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones (NFL Next Gen Stats)

There’s not that much difference in Daniel Jones’ passing chart compared to Ryan. The only true exception would be the two deep shots taken, one being a 36-yard completion, something the Falcons haven’t done this season. However, just like Atlanta was without Russell Gage at receiver, the Giants were quickly down two receiving options when Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard went out with hamstring injuries.

On the day, Jones’ 6.9 air yards per attempt wasn’t that much higher than Ryan as he is of course aided by two passes 20+ yards down field — one 36-yard reception, one 24-yard incompletion. Jones did have more success passing the ball 5-15 yards down field than Ryan. Short passes are simply how this Falcons offense likes to do business through the first three weeks,

Don’t expect it to change anytime soon.

1

1