Ryan measures up in ways most quarterbacks don’t
It's not the arm, the size or the strength that make an NFL quarterback: It's all of the stuff you can't measure -- liike what's in his head. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
There always has been something different about the quarterback position, something that can’t be gauged by height or weight or speed or strength or the ability to throw a football 70 yards past the cows, over the barn, through the tire screen and into the feed bucket (when, by the way, just hitting the open tight end over the middle would’ve been fine).
If quarterbacks were measured by physical skills, Jeff George would not have been a cartoon and Joe Montana would not have been a deity. If quarterbacks were measured by fast legs, chiseled abs and ripped biceps, NFL general managers — the experts — would not draft so many colossal busts, crippling their franchise, alienating their fan base and ultimately ensuring their own unemployment.
The Falcons got it right with Matt Ryan. One player. One pick. One decision. Just like that, the owner, the general manager and the coach all look brilliant.
Ryan and the Falcons play a nationally televised game in Dallas Sunday. They are 4-1 this season and 15-6 in 21 regular season games since selecting Ryan third overall, and the biggest question now is what the two players taken ahead of him can do to avoid winding up as an answer on the back of a Trivial Pursuit card.
Tony Romo, the Cowboys’ quarterback, has talent. What he has lacked is the stability, leadership and that does-he-even-care-that-he’s-standing-barefoot-on-hot-coals coolness that Ryan exhibits.
Matt's Ryan's uncommon ability to lead under pressure far outweighs his physical attributes. (Curtis Compton)
Falcons players who are eight, 10, 12 years older than Ryan are following him. Why? Because leadership comes naturally to him. They sense it, they embrace it and, as center Todd McClure said, “When he says something, you just do it. I can’t explain it. But it’s been that way since he got here.”
Nothing fazes Ryan. His teammates and coaches take turns gushing about his presence, maturity and work ethic. Troy Aikman, a Hall of Famer, says things about Ryan that he won’t say about the quarterback for his former team in Dallas. Tony Dungy likens Ryan to Peyton Manning, his former quarterback in Indianapolis and a Hall of Famer in waiting.
“When I look at quarterbacks, I always look at intangibles first,” Dungy said by phone. “You have to have intelligence and poise under pressure. Ryan has that. Peyton’s ability to remain calm as a young guy stood out more than anything.”
I had to ask Ryan: Has he ever been fazed by anything? After the expected golly-gee-juiced responses, he finally recalled an incident his sophomore year in high school in Philadelphia.
“I had done something in a game that I wasn’t supposed to do, I think on third down, and I was a little more hot-headed than I am now,” he said. “I came off the field. I thought I was right, but I was told by my coach that I should’ve done the other thing. I said, ‘Well, that would’ve made only five yards and I’m trying to make a first down.’ And I got put in my place pretty quickly after that. I learned to keep my mouth shut in those situations.”
Asked what his coach said, Ryan laughed. “The exact quote’s not for print,” he said. “Something to the extent of, ‘You let me coach. You play. If you keep doing that, you won’t be on the field.’ I believed him.”
He was 16. Imagine if we all learned our last lesson at that age.
Tony Gonzalez, in his 13th season, said Ryan has been unlike any quarterback he ever has worked with, adding,”You forget he’s only in his second season.”
Last season, we forgot about youth quickly. He threw a touchdown on his first NFL pass. Four weeks later in Green Bay’s historic Lambeau Field, Ryan led the team to three scores on the first four possessions and a victory. One notable moment came during a TV timeout, when McClure made the mistake of asking the rookie, “What’s the next play?” Ryan, McClure said, “just snapped [and said], ‘Wait! Hold on a second!’”
“He gets in the moment. He gets in the role. You’d think he’s been playing for 12 or 13 years. The funny part is, everybody expects it.”
These are the traits that can’t be measured before a draft. This is where stopwatches and barbells won’t help.
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170 comments Add your comment
nativefalcon
October 23rd, 2009
6:50 pm
Choke is smoking crack.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
6:52 pm
Rufus
October 23rd, 2009
5:15 pm
If Ryan is really that good, just imagine what he’d be with a really good O line in front of him. He might even be justified in wearing that superman cape you’re all trying to put on him.
“You are STUPID – Ryan only has 2 sacks this season. This is one of the best lines the Falcons have EVER had”. If he had to hurry his throws, he would have a truck load of PICK6, but he won’t have this great protection against the teams coming up next – you will see.
Brownie
October 23rd, 2009
6:55 pm
Some poster above said the OLine was weak!! Well…not a big name on the roster there, but they are nasty and SOLID. Ryan hasn’t been sacked in what, 4 games?
If you were to build the prototype NFL QB, you would want: accurate arm, strong enough arm to make all the throws, good reader of defense, smart, avid film-studier, athletic, mobile, quick decision-maker, a leader on and off the field, a great communicator, strong work ethic, confident without being a diva, and motived to continue to improve.
Ryan possesses every one of these traits, and barring injury he will continue to improve, and bring the entire team along with him.
Oh, by the way…check those traits again…Vick possesses none of them.
Hats off to Dimitroff – no reason to believe that he won’t get the defense fixed, which right now appears to be held together by baling wire, gum and BVG’s hair gel.
A prediction: before he retires, Tony Gonzales will win a ring wearing a Falcon’s helmet.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
6:57 pm
Who needs playoff wins – I win the games that don’t matter.
I’m Matty Ice you dumb fools!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
6:58 pm
My arm is so weak, a simple screen pass is like throwing a hail Mary!!!
Jeremiah
October 23rd, 2009
7:01 pm
LOL Grinch! Fudge Packer!! ROTFLMAO!!
surfdawg
October 23rd, 2009
7:08 pm
MATT CHOKE who are you rooting for this year?
surfdawg
October 23rd, 2009
7:10 pm
CHOKE you have been relieved of your bandwagon duties in Atlanta. Did they find room for you in Philly
Vick=Dog killing thug
October 23rd, 2009
7:16 pm
Like night and day from the lying sadistic piece of trash named Mike Vick….
BugKiller
October 23rd, 2009
7:17 pm
Looks like FALCONS SORRY and Vick Supporter is back.
Where did you disappear to the last two games, douche bag?
I seem to remember you talking a bunch about Ryan’s supposed “noodle arm” (which is some of the worst revisionist history I can remember, seeing as Ryan can make evey throw according to Aikman. Young, Dungy, Gruden, etc)… but then, sometime around the second quarter as Matty Ice was tearing up San Fran’s secondary, you went away.
Why can’t you stay away?
Your sad devotion to that old religion (Vick) hasn’t helped you find what you’re looking for.
Matt Ryan is the ultimate power in the universe (Atlanta) now.
Mike Vick, a monstrosity of hype and little quarterbacking talent, is insignificant next to the power of Matty Ice.
MalibuGT
October 23rd, 2009
7:21 pm
ah…vick supporter. i thought you might have crawled back under the rock after the vick led eagles lost to oakland. oakland!!
can’t wait until your comments during the dallas game, until we win again and you disappear for another week
midnite
October 23rd, 2009
7:28 pm
@Bad News
You don’t have the manhood to post under the same name anymore. Always talking trash. Joe Flacco has failed in his last three games 0-3 and Mike Vick is a 3rd string gimmick QB who is a joke now. Too bad you are starved for attention.
Johnboy
October 23rd, 2009
7:34 pm
…if you can’t make sound decisions when there AREN’T speedy wookie type DL’s wanting to dismember you ( OFF the field) how could you possibly make split second , instinctive decisions in a game ? MV7 doesn’t belong in this comparison…it’s just not a fair match up. One is raw athletic talent and pure speed, , the other could is a highly intelligent, instinctive leader with remarkable poise and rare vision.
Johnboy
October 23rd, 2009
7:37 pm
Poor misguided “Choke ” probably thinks T. O. will make a good head coach one day…
Sonny Clusters
October 23rd, 2009
7:40 pm
Here was a chant we used to chant at the games that would get us fired up. Give us a “P’. Give us a “A”. Give us a “R”. Give us a “K”. Give us a “V”. Give us a “E”. Give us a “I”. Give us a “W”. What have you got? State championship. When Matt Ryan gets a state championship he will measure up.
mars
October 23rd, 2009
7:44 pm
Hold on, everyone. This is neither Vick Supporter or FALCONS SORRY. Each have a particular writing style. Say hello to none other than…..Vick Supporter 2. I’d recognize your delusions anywhere. Please, amuse us with your misguided viewpoints. I, for one, really miss the stupidity. Thank God your back. Now there is something to laugh at, at last!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
7:44 pm
Have you kicked a dog today? Forget being a pet lover, I’m a Y.A.C. lover, because I can throw 10 yards and my receiver can get 80 yards after the catch.
In the stat sheets it looks like a bomb – BRILLIANT!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
7:46 pm
I hate winning playoff games.
Shshhhhhhhhh don’t tell Art!
mars
October 23rd, 2009
7:47 pm
Thank God you’re back, that is. Pardon.
mars
October 23rd, 2009
7:48 pm
And he’s a pedophile, too! How about that?
BugKiller
October 23rd, 2009
7:49 pm
Vick Supporter 2, Bad Newz, FALCONS SORRY are all the same person… now he’s back under this new name “Choke.”
You know, choke, like one of the ways his felon hero would kill his fighting dogs?
Shouldn’t be hard to forget.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
7:50 pm
I’m sure glad I don’t live in New England anymore. Are you kidding me? Up there they actually expect you to win playoff games. Their fans are way too smart.
Thanks Atlanta
mars
October 23rd, 2009
7:50 pm
Try to disguise your metaphors a little better, VS2. Your obvious meaning in that last statement might get you arrested. That’s nasty!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
7:52 pm
For the record: A useful dog is a winning dog, otherwise they have to be used in a positive manner.
I love Japan
mars
October 23rd, 2009
7:54 pm
Y.A.C. lurkers sure know their football. Parents, beware!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
7:56 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI9GP_j-FoU
Oh the memories
mars
October 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm
Ok, Choke Supporter. Your stuff is funny, but…..just not that interesting. Since you don’t seem to have learned any new lines, I think I’ll call it a night. Too bad. Lame, dude. Laaaammme!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm
THIS ARTICLE IS HILARIOUS:
I’m going to first attack his leadership. In the first Virginia Tech game, the Boston College Eagles went the first 57 minutes and 49 seconds without a score. Much credit is given to Matt Ryanfor the win, too much credit if you ask me. Watch the tape and you will see that Virginia Tech played the end of that game “not to lose”. They dropped into “The Prevent” and rushed only three for the last two drives of the game. All Matt Ryan had to do was play “pitch-and-catch”; while he took his time waiting for his receivers to get open. On the final score of the game, with 0:11 on the clock, Ryan seemed to have an eternity in the pocket. He casually would move away from the any pressure and after what seemed like forever he threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Andre Callender. To me, that didn’t prove leadership. It just proved that the Hokies blew the game by not sticking to their original defensive formula in the closing moments of the game.
Now let’s look at the following week. Against F.S.U., with a 1:10 left down 20-17, Matt Ryan threw an Interception that went the other way for six. This put the game out of reach, at that point, with a 27-17 score. Against Maryland, the Eagles were down 42-21 in the 4th quarter. Ryan threw 2 of his 3 touchdown passes with 7:31 and 0:52 remaining. During the time, Maryland was playing not to lose and took their foot off the pedal. The Eagles lost 42-35. In their final loss, a rematch against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game, Matt Ryan had a touchdown run, but no passing touchdowns. They went completely scoreless in the second half of the game. Let me break down the 2nd half for you of that game:
5 plays than punt
6 plays, turnover on downs Incomplete pass on 4th-and-1
4 plays and punt
4 plays and punt
12 plays ending with an INT on 4th-and-4 on VTech 13 (2:15 remaining in 4th quarter)
3 plays ending with an INT being returned for 40 yards and a touchdown on a 3rd-and-10 situation on BC’s 35. (0:23 remianing in 4th quarter)
Now that’s hardly worthy of a gold star for leadership if you ask me.
Below I have a chart of Matt Ryan’s performances over the season. I’ll take this time to explain the abbreviations:
S.I.P.R. – Final Sports Illustrated Power Rankings
O.P.D.E. – Opponents Pass Defense Efficiency (the lower the score the better)
D.C.% – The average completion percentage given up by that defense over the season
O.Y.P.A. – Opponent’s average Yards Per Attempt over the season.
*-denotes a Division I-AA school (UMass)
_____________________________________________________________________________
S.I.P.R
Opp.Opp. Rec.O.P.D.E.Comp.Att.Comp%D.C.%%Diff32Wake F.(9-4)108.5325261.5%53.4%8.1%57N.C. St.(5-7)113.6153444.1%54.6%-10.5%44Gtech(7-6)124.5304468.2%56.3%11.9%106Army(3-9)137.9355168.6%65.0%3.6%N/A* UMass(10-3)108.0*244257.1%55%*2.1%63Bowl. G.(8-5)135.2243275.0%60.2%14.8%94Notre D.(3-9)111.8324965.3%52.6%12.7%6VTech(11-3)97.1255248.1%52.1%-4%33F.S.U.(7-6)124.4265349.1%56.9%-7.8%50Mary.(6-7)120.3335658.9%60.0%-1.1%16Clem.(9-4)108.3314766.0%58.1%7.9%65Miami(5-7)125.6264360.5%56.8%3.7%6VTech(11-3)97.1335263.5%52.1%11.4%62Mich. St.(7-6)126.4224746.8%58.2%-11.4%Tot/AvgN/A(101-79)117.738865459.3%56.5%2.8%
Fig 1-1
—————————————————————————————
Opp.O.P.D.E.Y.P.A.O.Y.P.A.DiffTDINTFUMResultWake F.108.57.855.91.95520W/38-28N.C. St.113.64.186.24-2.06110W/37-17Gtech124.59.877.222.65102W/24-10Army137.96.987.65-0.67320W/37-17UMass108.0*4.865.76*-0.9100W/24-14Bowl. G.135.29.757.462.29400W/55-24Notre D.111.85.495.64-0.15210W/27-14VTech97.15.485.58-0.1221W/14-10F.S.U.124.47.836.880.95230L/27-17Mary.120.37.526.60.92320L/42-35Clem.108.36.75.760.94110W/20-17Miami125.68.587.341.24321W/28-14VTech97.15.875.580.24020L/30-16Mich. St.126.45.36.75-1.45312W/24-21Tot/Avg.117.76.896.51-0.3831196N/A
Fig. 1-2
____________________________________________________________________________
What this chart shows us is that Matt Ryan is really inconsistent, a quality that usually doesn’t inspire a teammate’s confidence at the next level. He had four games at which he didn’t meet par on completion percentage. He had another 5 games where he didn’t make par for yards per attempt. He also had 9 out of 14 games where his TD:INT was greater than 1:1; that leaves 5 out of 14 games where he was equal or less than a 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. If we look at games that he had exceeded par in completion percentage and yards per attempt, while maintaining a greater than 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, he had only had done that 4 out of 14 games. Those games were against Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Bowling Green, and Miami. Only one of those teams ranked in the top 50 for Pass Defense Efficiency, and that was Wake Forest which was 15th in the nation in that stat. None of those teams were ranked higher than 32 in the power rankings either. What does that say about Matt Ryan’s NFL prospects?
He didn’t face many good pass defenses, and he averaged 46.7 pass attempts per game; which is a large reason for why his yardage, and possibly touchdown, stats are so inflated. I’ve watched his game tape, and his play has matched up with I’ve been stating through use of these stats. He is remarkably unspectacular. Nothing I’ve seen has showed his dominance of the game or his will to lead his team to victory. Last year, he wasn’t even on anyone’s potential mock 1st round draft before this coming season. What raised him up to first round status? The only thing spectacular was his 4,507 passing yards this season. His pass efficiency isn’t even in the top 50 for the past season. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) led the nation with a 176.5 rating, and ranked at 50 is Patrick Pinkney from East Carolina with a 131.7 rating. Matt Ryan is sitting at a mediocre 127.0 rating. Let’s not forget that Matt Ryan didn’t participate in the Senior Bowl and isn’t planning on throwing any passes at the combine; waiting rather to throw at his pro day in the future. If I was a GM, I wouldn’t like that a guy like this isn’t taking every opportunity to show us that his physical tools are better than advertised. This guy has too many question marks, lacks the physical tools, and has played too inconsistently over his career to warrant a top 5 or 1st round draft projection.
Let’s not kid ourselves; this is a very weak quarterback class that will be lucky to produce a couple quality starters in the league, let alone a franchise quarterback. Matt Ryan exhibits good size, above average arm strength and accuracy, an over-rated report of his leadership abilities, inconsistent play, and an average ability for a quarterback to not fumble the football (6 fumbles over 68 rushing attempts and 21 sacks). If any team uses a 1st round pick on this guy, they will be making an expensive gamble; which I believe, will be an expensive bust that will ultimately destroy a rebuilding franchise and cost a GM and coach their jobs.
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 23rd, 2009
8:10 pm
Hey “CHOKE”, please go back to playing testicular paddleball with your chin.
jr
October 23rd, 2009
8:10 pm
sonny clusters can’t spell PARKVIEW
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
8:15 pm
THEY CALL ME “MR. TIBBS”!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
8:16 pm
I hate playing in January!
GTFalcon
October 23rd, 2009
8:19 pm
Choke…..hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Did you really spend all your time digging up stats from 3 years ago? In college? After Matt Ryan is 15-5 in the NFL? The college stats are moot now.
Matt Ryan’s NFL stats right now are the real deal. He is the man.
You are a fool. You are ignorant. You are a (insert explicative). You know what I mean.
U-no
October 23rd, 2009
8:28 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan, take your garbage and go play on the Philly Eagles blogs, I know MV will appreciate your support.
Sonny Clusters
October 23rd, 2009
8:30 pm
That was a test, jr. We was seeing how sharp the readers of this blog was. On the DOP blog they can hardly spell anything with extra syllables. Somebody who used to do some commercials for Delta told us they was going to do a pumpkin patch landing pretty soon and these mistake landings was just practice. That’s on pretty good authority.
brad
October 23rd, 2009
8:32 pm
Here are the “stats” that amaze me the most. Ryan, of course, started as a rookie. In his first season and a half, he has not lost back-to-back games! He is 10-1 at home. That’s pretty damn impressive.
Sonny Clusters
October 23rd, 2009
8:33 pm
Jeff, was you planning to fly on October 31? They was a rumor Bradley is on vacation and hunting in Texas with some famous ballplayers. Is they any truth to that?
Haiku by Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
8:38 pm
My man crush on Matt
is hidden in hateful words
I crave Matt’s embrace
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:00 pm
I love CUP O’ NOODLES
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:04 pm
My arms go limp when I throw more than 25 yards
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:05 pm
It’s too cold in January.
I like to watch the playoffs in my grandma’s living room….BURRRRR
Barkin'Dog
October 23rd, 2009
9:09 pm
Sonny Clusters – I like your style. First is no big deal, but to some it means the world (they wait around for the article to break, just so they can be a winner on a GD blog). You make great comments, too, but I won’t go too far for fear I’d be labeled a butt-kisser
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan — unfortunately for you, you’re the loser here. you’re going 5o have to watch a super-star in the making and all you can do is spew your hatred because Atlanta’s QB isn’t the MV7.
This article isn’t hilarious… it’s absolutely right on!! Matty Ice is getting his due credit, and to many’s own frustration, it’s coming about 2-3 years earlier than most QBs even half as well prepared. Sorry chups… he’s the real deal. Live it. Breathe it. Enjoy it. Go Falcs!!!
D.Ellis
October 23rd, 2009
9:15 pm
Funny thing is VS2/Matt Choke Ryan once posted to a Ryan fan, that was posting about how much he disliked Mike Vick, why was he wasting his time posting about someone he didn’t care about it (Vick)….and he then said it must be because you really do care about Vick or why else would you be posting about him
Man maybe VS2/Matt Choke Ryan/Reality Check should really listen to his own posts casue that dude must really care about Matt Ryan as much as he posts about him hahahahahahahaha
Ignorance is bliss…..and if you don’t believe me check it out for yourself cause this says it all about VS2/Reality Check/Matt Choke Ryan in just a few short words
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ignorance_is_bliss
Barkin'Dog
October 23rd, 2009
9:21 pm
Good one, D.Ellis … right on… and write on!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:21 pm
It’s been 12 years since the Falcons won a playoff game, less Mike Vick.
What am I going to do?…………WOE IS ME…..GULP
Old Dawg 3
October 23rd, 2009
9:23 pm
Matt Ryan is the best football player the Falcons have ever drafted and I have seen them all.Not Nobis.Not Bart.Not Sanders.Not Vick.Ryan has all the intangibles that make a great player.It took 40 something years,but I think I’ve seen the promise land.Dedicated,determined,dependable.Not Fox 5 News,but Matt Ryan.A 24yr old young man who is a hero to this 61yr old Black Man.Love you #2!!!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:23 pm
I have as many playoff wins as:
Ryan Leaf
Joey Harrington
Mark Redman
Damn – THAT SUCKS
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 23rd, 2009
9:28 pm
@Age 22 Mike Vick won his 1st playoff game
@Age 22 Mike Vick finished 2nd in MVP voting
@Age 22 Mike Vick led team to only Championship Game in 12 years
@Age 22 Mike Vick was elected to his 1st Pro Bowl
Dammit I’m 24 freakin years old and I have none of that………
But my “dudes where is my car” still calls be a star
THEY ARE SUCH LOSERS
Asheville Dawg
October 23rd, 2009
9:34 pm
QB’s are rated as winners or whiners in the NFL.Matt Ryan is the first and if Thomas Dimitroff was the man pulling the trigger, then he’s earning his pay, Bringing in good quality players as a general manager is somewhat of new concept for us old Falcon fans. Ryan has accomplished much more that i ever dreamed he could in a year & half. Hope stomp them Cowboys Sunday.
Barkin'Dog
October 23rd, 2009
9:35 pm
Yep… and Matt Ryan hasn’t killed the first dog either. Matt “CHOKE” Ryan is the choker in this group… with a little patience you will see what a real NFL winner is… but you can’t do that, can you? You know it’s coming, you know the Falcons will be winning year after year… and all you can do in the meantime is whine about your favorite felon. You better thank heaven for these free blogs, ’cause this is the only venue that lets losers like you spew their venum. The rest of us are diggin’ the results of our real #1 pick. Go Matt! Go Birds! Destroy the Pokes this week and show Matt “CHOKE” Ryan what a winner looks like!!!