Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan key to the success in 2016
For the Atlanta Falcons to successfully navigate through a daunting schedule in 2016, Matt Ryan needs to elevate his game.
In a league dominated by the play of the quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons’ hopes of becoming a playoff contender largely rest on the right arm of Matt Ryan.
Ryan divides opinion throughout the NFL community. Doubters turn to last season as proof that he is overrated and incapable of elevating the players around him. Supporters believe he is a top-10 quarterback who wasn’t put in a position to succeed last term, either due to the transition of learning a new offense, or not having an adequate supporting cast around him.
No matter your opinion of Matty Ice, the fact is he needs to improve his performances in 2016. The room for excuses is over. Entering his second season in Shanahan’s offense with a significantly improved group around him, he has all the tools required to succeed.
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The offensive line has quickly become one of the best in the league, especially with the addition of center Alex Mack in free agency. Roddy White was released in favor of Mohamed Sanu, and tight end Austin Hooper was drafted to pair with Jacob Tamme. With Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, Ryan has a strong enough cast to produce.
Facing the Falcons is one of the league’s more daunting schedules. Trips to Denver and Seattle in consecutive weeks is a scary prospect, as is the slate of games against the likes of Arizona, Green Bay and Carolina (twice).
The defense needs to continue its improvement with another offseason to add talent, but navigating through a tough road to the postseason lies with the form of Ryan. There’s no more room for mental errors, poor decisions and costly turnovers. Now is the time for the offense to reach its potential with so much talent at the skill positions.
Ryan has the opportunity to prove himself as a top-10 quarterback when he faces a rich class of defenses. If he can bounce back and elevate his performances, the Falcons have a shot.