Atlanta Falcons: Is Matt Ryan an MVP Candidate?
By Sam Kweon
The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan is already starting to win awards.
Ryan was named the winner of the conference’s weekly honors for the second time in the first three weeks thanks to his performance in Atlanta’s 56-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday night. Ryan also won the award for his work in Week One’s overtime victory against the Saints.
Will the accolades ever stack up to the point where the NFL is handing number two the MVP honors at the end of the season?
Well…………. why not?
Matt Ryan Through Week 3
965 yards,
2nd most in the NFL
Sep 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) greets wide receiver Devin Hester (17) before their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Those are just the stats. As you can see, he pretty much ranks in the top 5 in every category an elite quarterback can be in, but as you probably know: Stats can lie. But there are qualities that Matt Ryan holds that can’t be told in the box score.
- DEFINITION of Clutch
- Playing with a below-average pass blocking offensive line
- Leads the team, isn’t afraid to speak up
- Encourages teammates and makes precise throws
- Knows when to take the sack, knows when to scramble
- Has an undeniably magnificent mind for the game
To even qualify for the MVP, of course, you have to win games with the team you have.
More from Atlanta Falcons News
- Atlanta Falcons part ways with veteran Marcus Mariota
- Could Atlanta Falcons legend Julio Jones retire?
- 3 Undeniable reasons the Atlanta Falcons will land Lamar Jackson
- 3 Star free agents the Atlanta Falcons should avoid in 2023
- Jessie Bates signing with the Falcons seems to be an inevitability
Peyton Manning last season led his team to the playoffs with arguably the best offense of the decade while also putting up great numbers. There is no reason why Ryan can’t do what number 18 did in 2013. With the weapons that he holds under his belt (Devin Hester, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Antone Smith, Steven Jackson, Harry Douglas), it is a lot like the receivers and backs that Peyton had. After all, he is already on track to throw for over 36 TD’s and 5,000 yards. The Atlanta Falcons seem as if they are well on their way to the playoffs with the talent that the team holds, so let’s not be surprised if we see Matthew Ryan holding the trophy up by the end of the year.
If we want to get deeper in the Peyton vs Ryan controversy, let’s talk about being clutch.
Tony Romo has the ability to put up over 5,000 yards and 30 TD’s, and is yet the most scrutinized player in football. Why? Because in those tough situations where the clock is ticking down, a quarterback must have the gut to lead his team for the win. Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons does; here is a small sample of what Ryan did for the Falcons in those clutch moments, you can find his full article here.
"“Ryan has had 25 game winning drives in his career. He’s gotten one against the Buccaneers four times, against the Panthers three times, two times each against the Packers, Bears, and Saints, and then once against 12 other teams. The division has fallen victim to Mattie Ice nine times. 13 of Ryan’s game winning drives have ended with a touchdown, and 12 with a field goal. The Boston College Product has set up Jason Elam for a game winning field goal three times; and he’s set up the other Mattie Ice, Matt Bryant, for a game winner nine times.Numbers have no bias. Matt Ryan may not be portrayed as the clutchest of players by the media, and someone may argue otherwise when it’s said that Ryan is clutch, but all you have to do is point that person to the numbers. Numbers can’t be argued, and the numbers direct us back to the very first statement I made in this article: Matt Ryan is the most clutch quarterback in the NFL.”"
Tell the world your opinions down in the comments, and leave your mark on the Atlanta Falcons, Dirty Bird nation.