Ryan seems ready to earn his keep

The Falcons decided Sunday to throw rookie Matt Ryan into the fire as their starter - and the former Boston College quarterback is OK with that.

"Everything that you get in this game you've earned, whether it be a touchdown, a win, whatever it is," Ryan said. "In some sense, it is satisfying in that light, but trust me, there's a lot of work ahead, and I know that probably just as much as everybody around here. There's going to be some ups and downs, but you've just got to stay mentally tough."

First-year Atlanta coach Mike Smith said the No. 3 pick in the draft outperformed Chris Redman, Joey Harrington, and D.J. Shockley.

Giants seek Strahan

The Giants are interested in luring Michael Strahan out of retirement after losing Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora to a season-ending knee injury Saturday night.

The Super Bowl champions contacted the representative for the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end to gauge Strahan's interest in ending his brief retirment and returning for a 16th season.

"They want to see if there is any interest there," agent Tony Agnone said. "I have to talk to Michael."

For now, the team has shuffled its defense, moving Mathias Kiwanuka back to end from his strongside linebacker spot.

Pennington is pick

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Chad Pennington will be his starting quarterback this season . . . Colts QB Peyton Manning (inflamed bursa sac, knee) might be activated today, although he is not expected to play in the team's final exhibition game Thursday night . . . Texans receiver Harry Williams probably won't play football again after injuring his neck and spine in an exhibition against the Cowboys, a team physician said.

Chiefs sign Feely

The Chiefs signed veteran free agent kicker Jay Feely to a one-year contract. Feely played for Miami last season . . . Receiver-kick returner Jeremy Bloom, the former World Cup skiing star and two-time Olympian, was cut by the Steelers . . . Panthers receiver Jason Carter will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He was hurt in Saturday's exhibition win vs. Washington.