Atlanta Falcons’ QB Matt Ryan displayed signs of what made him the 2016 NFL MVP in a 25-20 win over the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons edged out the New York Jets 25-20 in an ugly game on Sunday to avoid a four-game losing streak at the hands of the entire AFC East. It was an environment filled with heavy rain and winds that affected both teams as both quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Josh McCown fumbled the ball for a total of five times.
Matt Ryan displayed glimmers of the MVP quarterback he was in 2016 during the Falcons’ win over the Jets. Ryan went 18-of-29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressively, he was able to keep drives going despite the dreadful rain that continued to pour down heavily at MetLife Stadium. In these conditions, he was still able to connect with seven different receivers.
Ryan did not connect with No. 1 receiver Julio Jones often but three catches was enough for 74 yards that included a 54-yard bomb midway through the third quarter. That helped set up kicker Matt Bryant to knock down a field goal to trim the deficit to 17-16. Despite not interacting frequently with his favorite receiver, Ryan did an excellent job of reverting to his forte of finding other targets to make plays. In the team’s second possession of the first half, Ryan was able to get the ball to tight end Austin Hooper three times. This resulted in a touchdown by Hooper in the red zone that tied the game at seven.
Receiver Mohamed Sanu also made significant contributions in helping Ryan lead his team to a desperate win on the road. Ryan connected with Sanu six times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He was consistent in the first half as he helped move the chains at the end of the first half that set up Bryant for a 45-yard field goal that made the halftime score 17-13. Sanu’s touchdown came early in the fourth quarter that gave the Falcons the go-ahead lead at 22-20. Their No. 2 wide out appears to be healthy again, so look for Ryan to make big plays with him moving forward.
Matt Ryan is back to making smart plays on offense. He didn’t force passes or throw any interceptions vs the Jets, despite the dismal weather. In the win against New York, Ryan went back to his style of not being afraid to sling the ball down field. Ryan also wasn’t afraid to tuck the ball and run to get extra yardage.
Next: Falcons vs Jets Week 8 Game Recap
The Falcons were ineffective in these positions in their three losses, but are looking like they have their identity back that made their offense so dangerous in 2016. Ryan is facing the 26th ranked defense in the Carolina Panthers on the road next week so I expect another big performance in a divisional game that can swing momentum in the NFC South.