Atlanta Falcons Quarter Season MVPs
QB Matt Ryan – 1263 yards, 66.4% completion, 10 TDs, 100.3 passer rating
Sep 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The team’s unquestioned leader, Matt Ryan began 2014 in a big way, setting a franchise record in week 1 for yards in a single game with 447. He followed it up in week 3, setting another record for completion percentage in a game, going 21/24 vs the Buccaneers. While critics will often point to his playoff record or performance on the road, those who’ve actually watched Ryan can safely say he should be right there in the MVP discussion. In fact, the Falcons 2-2 record aside, Ryan could be one of the favourites at this stage. He ranks 2nd in passing yards, 2nd in touchdowns, 2nd in quarterback rating, leads the league in completions over 20 yards and has the third highest completion amongst starting QBs. Ryan’s only detracting stat, his 5 interceptions, don’t seem as bad when you consider 3 came in the final minute of road games in which the Falcons were trailing by more than a touchdown – they were essentially interceptions on 3 Hail Mary plays. Add in his newfound mobility and his complete control over the offense, and Matt Ryan is having what could be a career year.