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Where Is Matt Ryan In The MVP Conversation?

By Reeves Guyton

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Matt Ryan continued his MVP form Sunday throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 38-14 win vs. Washington.

Only 2 players have missed the playoffs but won the MVP. Matt Ryan and the Falcons currently sit at 4-4; .5 games out of the wild card. While I fully expect us to make the playoffs, Matt Ryan has gotten almost no recognition in the national media for his play. This is the first time I’ve actually written this but Matt Ryan is currently in the top-five of the MVP conversation and the only thing holding him back really is his record.

Matt Ryan 2018 Ranks:

Completion %: 4th 

YPG: 1st

Y/A: 5th

ANY/A: 6th

Rate: 4th

TDs: 3rd

INTs: 3rd

INT %: 4th

Based on these stats and the eye test, Matt Ryan has very easily been a top 5 quarterback. With that being said, he’s been the 4th best quarterback this year but is 5th in the MVP race because of Gurley.

Matt Ryan compared to the 4 main QB MVP candidates Mahomes, Rivers, Goff, and Brees

Completion %: 2nd

Yards per game: 1st

YPA: 3rd

TDs: 3rd 

Rating: 4th 

INTs: 2nd least

And just for fun:

Rushing yards: 2nd

Rushing yards per attempt: 1st

Rushing TDs: 1st

The things that work in Ryan’s favor is his supporting cast. It’s true he has the best wide receiver group in the NFL but other than that, he hasn’t had much help.

His two starting guards and his starting runningback have gone down leading to the running game being dreadful. Even after a great performance on Sunday, the Falcons running game is still 28th in yards.

Andy Levitre and Brandon Fusco also being out have led to him having pressure in his face almost all game. He’s 18th in the league in average time when dropping back and is 8th in sacks. Fortunately, one of his best attributes this year has been his vision and pocket mobility. To do what he’s doing stats wise is amazing but even better is when you consider he’s brought an awful running game and awful defense to a 4-4 record and a possible playoff spot.

The Falcons win-loss record is what will hold him back unfortunately even if he’s not the direct reason Atlanta has lost games.

Only two players (Johnny Unitas and O.J. Simpson) have ever won the MVP with a losing record. The last one to do it was O.J. Simpson with the Buffalo Bills in 1973. Unfortunately for Matt Ryan, it seems the main requirement for MVP is to make the playoffs.

If Matt Ryan continues on this pace, he will finish with 5,369 yards, 38 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 70.8 completion %, and a rating of 115.1. That would be more yards, equal touchdowns, fewer interceptions, a better completion %, but a worse rating. Even with those stats, Matt Ryan has to make the playoffs in order to win but he still is firmly in the MVP conversation right now.

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