The Atlanta Falcons were unable to defend their NFC crown in the 2017 NFL season. As a result, it seems quarterback Matt Ryan is ready to take a much more stern approach this year.

While the offense was not by any means in a state of flux, they were unable to mirror the production they enjoyed in the 2016 campaign. According to Kelsey Conway of the team's official website, Ryan feels the team must be more consistent on the offensive side of the ball:

“I think it’s about discipline and consistency,” Ryan said before his annual golf tournament at TPC Sugarloaf on Monday. “I think that’s the No. 1 thing. I think we’ve got to have a mindset that every time we’re in a meeting, every time we step on the practice field we’re doing it with purpose and that the attention to detail, the mindfulness to everything we do has to be at a higher level. That’s going to be my goal and I hope that’s the messaging that we can kind of send to everybody. Let’s be as detailed [and] sharp as we can possibly be right from the start.”

Ryan's numbers took a bit of a hit last season in comparison to his MVP campaign in 2016. Although he managed to surpass 4,000 yards for the seventh straight season, he threw for just 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on the year.

Perhaps the biggest concern was Ryan's lack of efficiency in the red zone. This was highlighted by the fact that the chemistry between him and wide receiver Julio Jones was virtually non-existent.

Fortunately, Jones' health suggests he will be able to log in a full offseason which could help with the timing between him and his quarterback. Regardless, it is clear that Ryan would like to see the offense as a whole step up its play moving forward.