ATLANTA _ If all goes as usual, quarterback Matt Schaub won't play in a regular-season game for the Falcons. Matt Ryan last missed a game when he sat out Weeks 12 and 13 during the 2009 season, his second in the NFL, but he has endured lots of hits over the past three seasons.
If Ryan's injury luck runs out this season, the Falcons have Schaub as insurance. It's the first time they've had a former long-term NFL starter in the role, and Schaub also comes with the benefit of previous experience in Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system.
The Falcons paid up to get Schaub, and he gave a glimpse at the benefits of that investment during the exhibition opener against Washington on Thursday. Schaub was 10-for-15 for 179 yards, including a pair of big plays to wide receiver Aldrick Robinson.
"It was good to see Matt take a few shots, and that's why he's here, to show that he can do it and for him to be in the rhythm," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "I thought he had a good night. We aren't surprised. He's had a good training camp. He's been a terrific partner with Matt Ryan. We're fortunate we have him here."
The Falcons in March signed Schaub to a one-year contract for $2.75 million, with $500,000 guaranteed. His salary ranks about mid-pack for NFL reserve quarterbacks, but is significantly more than the pay for the last Falcons veteran backup, T.J. Yates, who made $645,000 in 2014.
Last season, Ryan's backup was Sean Renfree, a seventh-round draft pick who made about $590,000. In 2013 it was Dominique Davis, a former college free agent who was paid about $480,000. Veteran Luke McCown made $825,000 in 2012. Chris Redman ($2.55 million in 2011) was the last Falcons reserve quarterback to make significant money for the position.
Only three NFL teams are allocating more 2016 salary-cap dollars to their starting quarterback than the Falcons. Unable to develop a young (and relatively cheap) quarterback behind Ryan, the Falcons decided to pay for the assurance that a veteran such as Schaub provides.
Schaub returns to the Falcons after he served as Michael Vick's backup during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
"It was good to get back out there," Schaub said. "It was good to be back in the Georgia Dome. My teammates made a lot of great plays, and that was the key. The guys up front protected well."
The Falcons scored a touchdown and made two field goals in three series against Washington with Schaub under center. His 47-yard pass to Robinson set up the first Falcons score, a 24-yard field goal by Matt Bryant, and the 68-yard completion led to a touchdown.
Schaub has more experience than Ryan with Shanahan, who is in his second season with the Falcons. Schaub was Houston's starter from 2007-09, when Shanahan was Texans quarterbacks coach, and then coordinator.
That familiarity showed on the 68-yard pass to Robinson. It was set up by bootleg play-action, a staple of Shanahan's system. Ryan struggled with that element at times in 2015.
Schaub, 35, showed that he still has plenty of arm strength on that 68-yard pass. The ball floated over the head of Washington cornerback Quinton Dunbar and found Robinson at Washington's 26-yard line, traveling 54 yards through the air.
Renfree relieved Schaub in the third quarter and completed a 48-yard pass to Eric Weems on his first attempt. Matt Simms is the other quarterback vying for what figures to be one backup QB spot on the active roster.
Schaub's play during training camp and Thursday, plus his $500,000 guarantee, suggest that Schaub will win the job.
