Atlanta Falcons: Will Matt Ryan regress in 2017?
By Jeremy Riggs
In 2016, the NFL saw unbelievable numbers from the Atlanta Falcons offense. But Falcons fans were no stranger to top 10 numbers, as the Falcons have had a top 10 scoring offense seven out of the last nine seasons.
The Falcons averaged almost 34 points a game in 2016, being the seventh highest scoring NFL offense of all time. However, some believe that Atlanta’s amazing 2016 offense was simply the work of Kyle Shanahan, not Matt Ryan.
Matt Ryan is known for his pre-snap abilities, where he can quickly read defenses and make excellent decisions with the football. In fact, many Falcons fans have called for the Atlanta offense to go no-huddle more often over the years to allow Ryan to thrive in fast paced offense.
However, many of the 2016 offensive plays were predetermined. Ryan still had to make decisions under pressure, as all quarterbacks do, but it seems like his talents could’ve been put to better use.
What if, under new Falcons Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian, the no-huddle was indoctrinated into the Atlanta offense?
The Falcons already possess an amazing running game, and Sarkisian’s offenses at USC were definitely tailored for the run. Just imagine the explosive Falcons backfield coupled with an elite field general in an offense that wouldn’t let opposing defenders catch their breath.
"I think we all know Matt likes to be aggressive in attacking defenses, there’s no doubt that the entire organization is that way. He just wanted me to reassure him that’s how I was. That we were going to be aggressive and do the things [we need to do] to throw it down the field to take advantage of the weapons that we have. And that we would have enough offense, that we would be able to break the huddle, shift to motion, run the ball, play pass, go to no huddle, get in empty and have a variety of offense that would make it tough for [someone] to defend.”"
So, sometimes there are growing pains with new offensive coordinators, but Sarkisian looks to be the perfect fit for the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan.
Ryan may not put up record breaking numbers in 2017, but he should still perform like the great quarterback he is.