Atlanta Falcons must stick with Matt Ryan, and can they still make playoffs?

1. The Atlanta Falcons must stick with Matt Ryan

Falcons fans, we need to talk. As we’ve all witnessed in recent weeks, the Falcons offense has been bad. There’s been too many turnovers, drops and just poor decisions. Everything from the play-calling down to the play of No. 2 has been blamed. Does Matt Ryan need to improve? Absolutely. But moving on from him is not the answer.

Between 2012 and 2014, these quarterbacks were selected in the first round: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, E.J. Manuel, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater.

Ryan is not Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but we already knew that. Admittedly, his recent play hasn’t even been at the high level we have come to expect from him. If you know of a better quarterback ready to step in, then I’m all for it. But I’ve just taken a look at the elite quarterback tree, and it was empty.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding some of college’s top stars at the position, with the likes of Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook. But here’s the problem: The draft is a crapshoot. Sure, you may end up with the next Andrew Luck or Cam Newton. But in all likelihood, you’ll be starting the likes of Brandon Weeden or Christian Ponder.

Between 2012 and 2014, these quarterbacks were selected in the first round: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, E.J. Manuel, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater. Would you move on from Ryan and roll the dice in the draft?

What the Falcons have is a rebuilding team with a new offensive system in place. Outside of Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, there hasn’t been much help for Ryan. Over time, the offense will improve.

Next: Is the postseason still a possibility?