"Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made quite an NFL debut three years ago -- at the Lions' expense.

Ryan started his first career game as a rookie against the Lions in 2008 and threw a 62-yard touchdown to Michael Jenkins on his first attempt.

"Man, that was, it seems like, a long time ago," Ryan said during a conference call Wednesday. "But it was obviously some good memories of that game. It's always special your first NFL game, and the way it started for myself personally with the touchdown pass on the first throw, it was a special day."