Atlanta Falcons: 3 Reasons Matt Ryan should consider retirement

1. The only thing left for Matt Ryan to do is win a Super Bowl something unlikely to happen in Ryan’s tenure in Atlanta

Arthur Smith has shown promise as a rookie coach helping lead the Atlanta Falcons to a surprising season. The Falcons were in contention for a wildcard late into December and had a chance against the 49er’s and the Bills to make a late playoff push.

The fact they were in this position was met with a mix of surprise and rare positivity for a franchise that used to be the doormat of the NFC. Atlanta’s success came in the fact they finally beat the bad teams. Something the old regime wasn’t able to do, Atlanta fought hard in each game and in games that found them evenly matched with a fellow rebuilding team this was enough to set them over the top.

The story is much different, however, when Atlanta faced the Cowboys, Patriots, 49ers, or Eagles teams that would soon make the playoffs.  Atlanta was clearly overmatched and usually put out of their misery by the second quarter. These games were wake-up calls for just how far this franchise still has to go to become a contender once again.

Matt Ryan is a quarterback who doesn’t have the best arm and isn’t able to scramble at a high level. What has made Ryan great is his anticipation and ability to see what is developing in front of him.

This same skill set can be put to use when he considers his future and the state of his current franchise. Ryan has a long list of accolades and will end his career as the best Falcons quarterback of all time and he will be a top ten record holder in nearly every major NFL passing category.

The only thing left for Ryan to do is to win it all and redeem himself after the debacle against the New England Patriots in 2016.  The chances of that Super Bowl win coming anytime soon for a rebuilding Atlanta Falcons team is extremely doubtful.

Tom Brady still owns the division and until proven otherwise the NFC. Are the Falcons really in a position to challenge Brady, Rodgers, or any of the top NFC contenders in the next two years?

The answer is obvious and Ryan knows this, he isn’t likely to find the ring he is lacking in Atlanta leaving a trade as his only chance at winning it all.  If a trade isn’t on the table perhaps Ryan will consider that it may be time to retire and not endure another painful rebuild he is unlikely to enjoy the results of even if it is ultimately successful.