Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has not been shy about expressing his high expectations for the 2019 NFL season. They will be looking to make a statement versus the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener.
While it is still far too early to tell, this matchup between former NFC contenders should prove to be one of the more intriguing showdowns in Week 1. According to ESPN's Vaugh McClure, Ryan is expecting to have his hands full in Minnesota:
“They’re going to be good,” Ryan said of the Vikings. “That’s a tough place. It’s a good defense. It’s going to be loud, which is challenging for our offense. That’s something that we’ll have to be prepared for and ready to go, especially with it being an opening game. Sometimes, you get a feel for [noise] as the year goes on, but it’s going to be critical for us to be operating at a high level when we get up there because it’s going to take our best effort to get a win.”
Both the Falcons and Vikings are coming off disappointing 2018 campaigns. Minnesota had generated plenty of hype with the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins and made it clear that they had their sights set on a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they fell vastly short of expectations after missing the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record. Despite their struggles, it is safe to say that expectations have not changed in Minnesota.
Of course, the Falcons find themselves in familiar territory. Atlanta is just two seasons removed from their appearance in Super Bowl LI. They suffered a bit of a setback as well last season when they also missed the postseason with a 7-9 record. Ryan has made it clear that his team is just as hungry for a resurgence next season.
Season openers are seldom an indicator of future success. Regardless, both teams are hoping to get off on the right foot with a victory over a formidable opponent.
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