Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in win over Jaguars

1) Matt Ryan put the team on his back

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops out of the pocket to throw the ball to wide receiver Julio Jones (11) for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone has been waiting for Matt Ryan to put the team on his back and he did that in the Falcons’ 6-point victory over the Jaguars. Ryan completed 22 of 35 for 246 yards and a touchdown, but it was his stellar play on third down that really stood out.

Ryan completed 8 of 13 on third down including three huge third down conversions on their final drive of the game. Ryan completed several long third downs including a third-and-11 to Roddy White late in the fourth quarter.

When Ryan has time in the pocket, he can shred a defense and that’s what he did against Jacksonville. He was pressured a lot in the second and third quarter, but was nearly perfect in the fourth quarter. While the offensive line is still pretty awful, Ryan made due with what he had to work with and did a great job today.