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Atlanta Falcons: 3 Reasons Matt Ryan Can Repeat as NFL MVP

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) runs after a catch for a touchdown in the second quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) runs after a catch for a touchdown in the second quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Whole Offense is Returning

It may not sound like a lot, but the fact that no one was willing to offer wide receiver Taylor Gabriel a long-term deal is huge. He was given a second-round tender by Atlanta meaning that anyone wanting his services would have had to surrender a second round pick for signing him. It was enough to keep him in the Falcons red and black for at least one more season.

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While many don’t think twice about a number three receiver, they should with Gabriel. As great as Julio Jones is out wide and Mohamed Sanu is as a second receiver, Gabriel really opened the Falcons offense up.

With just 35 receptions Gabriel went for 579 yards — a 16.5 yard per catch average — and had six scores. That kind of weapon is huge for a player like Ryan to have at his disposal.

Outside of him they will still have the great one-two-punch at running back in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman which forces safety and linebackers to pay extra attention to the backfield. There could also be a huge step in the progress of 2016 rookie tight end Austin Hooper as well. Simply put the Falcons have a ton of weapons and Ryan knows how to get them all involved.

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