Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan can succeed with better supporting cast
With a better supporting cast, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan can succeed.
Matt Ryan will never be elite. That much we know.
But could he win a Super Bowl with another firepower surrounding him? Absolutely. I’m not talking about the ridiculous defense Peyton Manning was gifted en route to Super Bowl 50, rather a talented supporting cast that can help maximize Ryan’s strengths.
The Falcons aren’t far off. Julio Jones is stood atop the mountain with Antonio Brown at the wide receiver position, and running back Devonta Freeman‘s breakout 2015 is a major cause for excitement. The next job is to surround Ryan with complementary pieces.
What about the third and fourth round selections of the 2015 NFL Draft. Running back Tevin Coleman made a solid debut in the Week 1 victory over Philadelphia putting up 80 yards from his 20 carries. Coleman backed it up with a touchdown six days later, but a ribs injury opened the door for Freeman and crushed all of the rookie’s momentum. The Indiana product couldn’t keep hold of the football, fumbling three times.
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Coleman has the speed and big-play ability to be an excellent change-of-pace back for Freeman in 2016, but he has plenty to work on this offseason. Ball security is the top priority.
Wide receiver Justin Hardy, selected in the fourth round, had to wait until midseason to get his first opportunity in a Falcons uniform. While not setting the world alight, Hardy’s role increased towards the backend of the year and he showcased his talents with some clutch catches to move the chains. Hardy’s future looks to be in the slot, which opens up a vacancy at the No. 2 spot.
Roddy White‘s future is uncertain, but even if he does return, it’s tough to trust a 34-year-old receiver whose numbers hit a wall in 2015. Despite playing all 16 regular season games for the first time since 2012, White tallied just 506 receiving yards and a single touchdown.
Finding another wideout who can produce on the boundary will not only give Ryan another target in the passing game, but also alleviate pressure on Jones which could make him even more dangerous.
Tight end Jacob Tamme became a trusted target for Ryan in the passing game, but a consistent pass-catching tight end who can cause mismatches downfield could give the Falcons’ offense a major boost. You only have to look around the league to see the importance of a tight end with receiving ability: Greg Olsen was the top target in Carolina, Rob Gronkowski requires double teams in New England and Tyler Eifert helped make Cincinnati a force.
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The tight end class in this year’s draft isn’t particularly deep, which could turn the Falcons to free agency if they look to strengthen the position. The Chargers’ Ladarius Green would be a good fit, and a player like Martellus Bennett is a roster cut candidate in Chicago.
Matt Ryan can lead the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl, but he needs a stronger supporting cast.