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Five Atlanta Falcons that did not meet expectations in 2015

By Colin Hubbard

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler (28) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler (28) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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5) Matt Ryan, QB

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the football against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the football against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

When you’re franchise quarterback doesn’t meet expectations for a regular season then odds are your team didn’t do all that great. However, Ryan’s 2015 season goes both way’s and here’s why.

As far as Ryan’s passing numbers go, they were nearly identical to last years’ totals. Ryan completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 4,591 yards but posted his lowest career quarterback rating in his 8-year career.

What alarmed the fan base the most was his turnovers. Ryan fumbled a career-high 8 times and threw 16 interceptions good enough for second most in his career. Ryan has had high interception numbers all throughout his career but his touchdown passes usually drowned that out. This year, however was different.

Ryan threw for just 21 touchdown passes on the year which was his second lowest total in his career and lowest since his first NFL season back in 2008. While 21 touchdowns isn’t all that great, don’t let that number fool you.

Devonta Freeman rushed for 11 touchdowns on the year which easily could have been touchdown passes by Ryan.

The reason Ryan makes this list is for his lackluster play in the redzone. Ryan threw the second most redzone interceptions in 2015 (4) two of which came from within 10 yards. The Falcons’ TD percentage in the redzone dropped from 6th best in 2014 to 17th best in 2015.

Let’s hope greener pastures await Ryan and the Falcons in 2016.

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