This one is on Matt Ryan, and Falcons may be in trouble
Everything went right for Matt Ryan in year one. Notsomuch now.
CHARLOTTE — There’s a problem with setting the bar so high in year one. When you run face first into the bar in year two, everybody notices.
Matt Ryan hasn’t necessarily been a spectacular crash this season. But he certainly hasn’t been the quarterback that most expected after a first season that saw him lead a seemingly flat-lined franchise to the playoffs. And yes — any doubts about whether something was wrong just ended.
The Falcons lost to the Carolina Sunday, 28-19. We can rationalize several reasons why this may have happened. Kicker Jason Elam botched a go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter. The defense crumbled yet again. Aliens abducted John Abraham.
But put this one on Ryan. He threw two interceptions — dreadful interceptions. The first came in the second quarter after the Falcons had closed to 14-10. It led to a Panthers’ touchdown drive just before the half that made it 21-10. The second was a game-killer — with 3:45 left from the Carolina 49, and the Falcons trailing, 21-19.
Both came on the opening plays of drives. Both sailed high over a wide receiver, Michael Jenkins, who has long arms and stands 6-foot-4. Both were mistakes many of us were deluded into believing Ryan would not, could not commit with a game on the line.
This is a troubling transition. The franchise centerpiece just went from a quarterback who lately has struggled to win games to one who just lost one.
“There’s going to be things you have to learn along the way,” Ryan said later when asked about his drop in accuracy. “There’s a lot of tough teams you’re going against. I feel like I’m learning a bunch and continuing to get better. But I’ve just made some mistakes, and that’s gonna happen.
“I just made some throws that weren’t on point.”
Learning curves are normal for young quarterbacks. But could we have anticipated this curve would turn 180 degrees?
Ryan’s first four games: 66.7 percent completion percentage, seven touchdowns, two interceptions.
Ryan’s last five games: 54.9, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions.
Why? That answer isn’t clear. If Ryan knows, he’s not saying.
“Different things come up week in and week out,” he said. “I’m young. I’ve got a long way to go, a lot of improving to do, and a lot of things to learn. And I feel you do learn things in your second year that you don’t learn in your first. I’m trying to soak up everything I can.”
Soak this up: The Falcons are in trouble. They’re 5-4. That record certainly doesn’t scream they’re walking the Green Mile. But this is a team that goes as the offense goes. It’s not a roster built for 13-10 wins.
But now look: Running back Michael Turner is out with an ankle sprain, which was significant enough to keep him out the last two and a half quarters Sunday. Ryan, the other key member of the offense, looks average (maybe). If he stays average, the offense is dead and the Falcons’ playoff hopes will sleep with it.
Coach Mike Smith declined to let offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey or quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave speak to the media. Smith and players came to Ryan’s defense. Everybody accepted blame, as you would expect.
Smith: “I thought Matt’s play was just like the rest of the football team. We didn’t sustain the level of play we needed to be successful.”
Wide receiver Roddy White also said, “We didn’t lose this game because of Matt. We all just gave it away.”
But he offered one solid theory as to why Ryan’s production has fallen off.
“Teams have seen him now on tape for a whole year,” he said. “They’re playing to his strengths and weaknesses, and they’re doing a good job.”
If this is an aberration, we’re about to find out. Three of the next four games come against the New York Giants, Philadelphia and New Orleans. The season will be either saved or buried. And now we have to wonder if the bar for Ryan was set too high.
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532 comments Add your comment
Hamp from Tuscaloosa
November 17th, 2009
4:17 pm
I’m a die hard falcon fan. If we could support them up until now we need to continue that support. It depresses me to read some of your post. Preschool band wagons fans it is pathetic. Most of you sound like your dogs just dided. Make up you minds and support OUR team. I do have to agree Matt is playing like shigity right now. I believe he is a gym rat and will get turned around but mike mularkey goes to sleep at the wheel sometimes what the hell does he think about at times. If we lose to NY it is gonna be a long season because win our lose they beat teams up and that just makes it harder the next week.
Jimmy
November 17th, 2009
4:35 pm
Hamp,
I agree. I am sick of the Ryan haters who don’t really care about the TEAM.
They want to tear down.
I also agree…if we lose to NY, the pressure is REALLY on.
When the season began, I said it would be great to make the playoffs.
But what I want is nine wins.
Just nine wins would mean this franchise has moved forward in a big way.
Nine wins gets breaks that “no consecutive winning seasons” streak.
Playoffs would be gravy.
LukeMerriman
November 17th, 2009
5:01 pm
The football season is a long season, although shorter than the other 3 major sports with only 16 games. The Falcons STILL have SEVEN GAMES ON THE SLATE. I believe they will WIN THEM ALL and their record at the end of the regular season will be 12-4. It wont catch the Saints for first place, but it will give us a playoff berth and momentum going into the playoffs. I STILL STAND BY MY PRESEASON PREDICTION. THE FALCONS WILL EASILY WIN THE SUPERBOWL THIS YEAR AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT ONE TO THE BANK!
Gamer
November 17th, 2009
5:03 pm
Can the Falcons bring Deion Sanders in to coach DB’S on techniques. So far, a lot of miss plays are left on the field because DB’S don’t turn the head around to play the ball.
Play the receiver until the ball arrive. Then play the ball by swiping ball away from receiver before he snags it in.
Tye Hill turn his head around to the ball when Smith leaped but he never look back toward the receiver to locate the ball, blind play. The result TOUCHDOWN STEVE SMITH.
FALCONS STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO GO 10-6.
Mr. Falcon
November 17th, 2009
5:52 pm
The problem with the Falcons is the play calling. They are not creative at all. The are so predictable it is pathetic. If they are running the ball well they decide to start throwing the ball instead. If they are not running the ball well they just keep running the ball anyway. When they get to fourth down on the goal line they kick field goals; they should know by now that Elam sucks. These coaches are not on the same page at all. Smith is looking confused. He was way too conservative at the beginning of the season; now he is trying grow a set, but that is just not his style. The only way the Falcons are going to start winning is if they start going for broke. They are going have to leave it all out there on the field. I can accept a loss easier if I know that they gave it everything they had. GO Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike Smith, let them birds fly high, and quit laying eggs.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
Uh Oh………………
Falcons have lots of concerns going into big games
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 18 hours ago
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can’t seem to make a field goal.
Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.
Atlanta (5-4) was down in the dumps Monday after a sloppy 28-19 loss at Carolina, knowing it had wasted an excellent chance to gain an upper hand in the NFC wild-card race.
“We had several opportunities to win that game,” coach Mike Smith moaned. “But we made way too many mistakes.”
Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.
Next Sunday, they travel to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants, one of four teams tied for the wild-card lead at 5-4. Philadelphia — another 5-4 team — visits the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6 for a game that will feature the return of Michael Vick to Atlanta. The following week, the Falcons host the unbeaten New Orleans Saints (9-0).
“This,” said running back Jason Snelling, “is no time for us to start getting nervous or think about the past.”
Ahh, the past.
Coming off a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the Falcons were convinced this would be the year they finally broke the franchise’s streak of never having consecutive winning seasons. A 3-1 start certainly bolstered those hopes, but two wins in the last five games have undoubtedly caused some to wonder if that ignominious streak will continue.
“It’s not about just being average,” receiver Roddy White said. “A lot of us are going out there saying, ‘I’ve got one job, I’ll just do that.’… We’ve all got to get out there and do more, be more productive.”
Atlanta’s most pressing concern is Turner.
After a sluggish start, the Falcons’ leading rusher was on a major roll with three straight 100-yard games — until he went down with a sprained right ankle against Carolina. Now, Atlanta could be without its top two backs, since No. 1 backup Jerious Norwood has missed the last four games with a hip flexor (on top of sustaining two concussions this season). Snelling will start if Turner can’t go.
The Falcons re-signed running back Aaron Stecker and released wide receiver Troy Bergeron on Monday. Stecker had two carries for 6 yards and five receptions for 34 yards in two games before he was released last week.
Turner had only nine carries against Carolina — and still managed to gain 111 yards. Over the last three games, he averaged 9.1 yards every time he got the ball.
“We need that guy,” White said. “He’s our MVP. As long as we’ve got him, the offense rolls smoothly.”
So begins a week of speculation about Turner’s playing status. Even if the injury is not as serious as initially feared, the Falcons can hardly afford to be without their top running back for even one game. Smith was vague about Turner’s status, saying he’ll provide an update Wednesday when the initial injury report comes out.
“Mike’s a warrior,” White said. “Ignore the injury report. Mike is going to be playing Sunday.”
If Turner is the first concern, Ryan is 1-A.
The second-year quarterback already has thrown more interceptions through nine games (12) than he had in his sensational rookie season (11). His level of play has really gone down over the past five weeks — a completion rate of just under 55 percent, with 10 interceptions and only seven touchdowns.
Ryan has struggled with accuracy, leading some to wonder if there’s an issue with his mechanics or that perhaps he is suffering from a tired arm after a strenuous offseason program. In particular, he’s had a problem with passes sailing high over the intended receivers.
White pointed to Ryan’s competitive nature, saying it’s part of his makeup to attempt throws that other quarterbacks might shy away from.
“It’s like I told him yesterday, ‘Hey, man, don’t stop trying to make plays just because bad things are happening for us right now,’” White said. “He was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep making the throws that I make.’
“There’s nothing wrong with Matt,” the receiver added. “It’s tough playing quarterback in this league.”
Elam’s struggles are just downright mystifying.
One of the most accurate kickers in NFL history — including a 29-of-31 performance in his first season with the Falcons — Elam is a dismal 5 of 10 on kicks from 30 yards and out this year. If not for his reputation, the team surely would have brought in a replacement already. While the team has switched long snappers this season because of an injury, the problems seems to run deeper.
“You just try to keep doing what got you here,” Elam said. “If you get down on yourself, then it’s over. I’ve been through these little valleys before. It’s not a lot of fun. But you just keep your head up and keep going.”
Good advice for the entire team.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
6:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
6:24 pm
Falcons have lots of concerns going into big games
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 18 hours ago
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can’t seem to make a field goal.
Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.
Atlanta (5-4) was down in the dumps Monday after a sloppy 28-19 loss at Carolina, knowing it had wasted an excellent chance to gain an upper hand in the NFC wild-card race.
“We had several opportunities to win that game,” coach Mike Smith moaned. “But we made way too many mistakes.”
Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.
Next Sunday, they travel to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants, one of four teams tied for the wild-card lead at 5-4. Philadelphia — another 5-4 team — visits the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6 for a game that will feature the return of Michael Vick to Atlanta. The following week, the Falcons host the unbeaten New Orleans Saints (9-0).
“This,” said running back Jason Snelling, “is no time for us to start getting nervous or think about the past.”
Ahh, the past.
Coming off a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the Falcons were convinced this would be the year they finally broke the franchise’s streak of never having consecutive winning seasons. A 3-1 start certainly bolstered those hopes, but two wins in the last five games have undoubtedly caused some to wonder if that ignominious streak will continue.
“It’s not about just being average,” receiver Roddy White said. “A lot of us are going out there saying, ‘I’ve got one job, I’ll just do that.’… We’ve all got to get out there and do more, be more productive.”
Atlanta’s most pressing concern is Turner.
After a sluggish start, the Falcons’ leading rusher was on a major roll with three straight 100-yard games — until he went down with a sprained right ankle against Carolina. Now, Atlanta could be without its top two backs, since No. 1 backup Jerious Norwood has missed the last four games with a hip flexor (on top of sustaining two concussions this season). Snelling will start if Turner can’t go.
The Falcons re-signed running back Aaron Stecker and released wide receiver Troy Bergeron on Monday. Stecker had two carries for 6 yards and five receptions for 34 yards in two games before he was released last week.
Turner had only nine carries against Carolina — and still managed to gain 111 yards. Over the last three games, he averaged 9.1 yards every time he got the ball.
“We need that guy,” White said. “He’s our MVP. As long as we’ve got him, the offense rolls smoothly.”
So begins a week of speculation about Turner’s playing status. Even if the injury is not as serious as initially feared, the Falcons can hardly afford to be without their top running back for even one game. Smith was vague about Turner’s status, saying he’ll provide an update Wednesday when the initial injury report comes out.
“Mike’s a warrior,” White said. “Ignore the injury report. Mike is going to be playing Sunday.”
If Turner is the first concern, Ryan is 1-A.
The second-year quarterback already has thrown more interceptions through nine games (12) than he had in his sensational rookie season (11). His level of play has really gone down over the past five weeks — a completion rate of just under 55 percent, with 10 interceptions and only seven touchdowns.
Ryan has struggled with accuracy, leading some to wonder if there’s an issue with his mechanics or that perhaps he is suffering from a tired arm after a strenuous offseason program. In particular, he’s had a problem with passes sailing high over the intended receivers.
White pointed to Ryan’s competitive nature, saying it’s part of his makeup to attempt throws that other quarterbacks might shy away from.
“It’s like I told him yesterday, ‘Hey, man, don’t stop trying to make plays just because bad things are happening for us right now,’” White said. “He was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep making the throws that I make.’
“There’s nothing wrong with Matt,” the receiver added. “It’s tough playing quarterback in this league.”
Elam’s struggles are just downright mystifying.
One of the most accurate kickers in NFL history — including a 29-of-31 performance in his first season with the Falcons — Elam is a dismal 5 of 10 on kicks from 30 yards and out this year. If not for his reputation, the team surely would have brought in a replacement already. While the team has switched long snappers this season because of an injury, the problems seems to run deeper.
“You just try to keep doing what got you here,” Elam said. “If you get down on yourself, then it’s over. I’ve been through these little valleys before. It’s not a lot of fun. But you just keep your head up and keep going.”
Good advice for the entire team.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
6:27 pm
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can’t seem to make a field goal.
Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.
Atlanta (5-4) was down in the dumps Monday after a sloppy 28-19 loss at Carolina, knowing it had wasted an excellent chance to gain an upper hand in the NFC wild-card race.
“We had several opportunities to win that game,” coach Mike Smith moaned. “But we made way too many mistakes.”
Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
6:34 pm
FANTASY FOOTBALL UPDATE:
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons ($7.01 M). A Panthers fan I know compared Ryan to Jake Delhomme. Granted, it was a bit unfair as Ryan has thrown more TDs, but it just shows how far the sophomore has fallen. In draft-and-trade leagues, you’d be stuck hoping for a rebound from Ryan. In salary cap, you have no such obligations. Ryan should not be anywhere near your squad until he puts together a couple of good games. Even then I’d have some reservations about using him unless it’s in a dream matchup. (@NYG, TB, Phi, NO)
Todd - Dacula
November 17th, 2009
7:02 pm
LukeMerriman, do you really watch the Falcons; Matt Ryan suck even on MAdden 2010
Super Bowl? Are you kidding me?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
7:05 pm
Let’s take a look at the teams the CHOKE has beaten:
- Miami (4-5)
- Carolina (4-5)
- San Fran (4-5)
- Chicago (4-5)
- Redskins (3-6)
COMBINED RECORD: (19-26)
TEAMS LOST TO:
- Patriots (6-3)
- Dallas (6-3)
- Saints (9-0)
- Panthers (3-4)
COMBINED RECORDS: (24-10)
So it looks like they can squeeze by the cellar dwellers but CHOKE against the contenders.
Fair and Balanced
November 17th, 2009
7:23 pm
Lukemerriman…put the pipe down.
Fair and Balanced
November 17th, 2009
7:29 pm
Atlanta’s pass-protection terminology and blocking schemes are the same as Ryan had as a BC senior, so right away he knew such technical elements as whether the tight end or the running back would pick up a stray blitzer. That allows him to immediately identify his hot receiver.
http://www.cardinalsportal.com/news/young-man-s-game-.php?act=print
This offense was built around Matt and Gonzalez was supposed to be the last piece to create this high powered offense that was being bragged about all off-season. We heard how great Matt looked from these very same AJC writers who are now scratching their heads. The same media pundits from Steve Young to Jaws have all gone quiet as church mice. Bottom line, we were told this offense would be BETTER than last season and its not. Apparently no one thought opposing teams would watch film and peep out every weakness – especially when Turner is shut down or out the game altogether. Well it is what it is so no need in trying to make excuses with that “sophomore slump” BS…its not a sophomore slump, its the defenses around the league kicking the butt of a Falcons offense that was desgined to accomodate a QB with limited abilities. PERIOD. Those so-called intangibles that were being bragged about have resulted in 12 interceptions thru week 9. Yeah…”intangibles”..that mystical belief made up by pundits who so dearly wanted Ryan to become the reincarnation of Johnny Unitas to satisfy a myth.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
8:27 pm
Fair And Balanced
Don’t be so honest man, they will call you a racist
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 17th, 2009
8:43 pm
HOW TO HANDLE SOPHOMORE SLUMP:
Aug. 11, 2003: No sophomore slump for Michael Vick
NFL By Paul Newberry
Associated Press
E-mail Print Share Text Size
Sophomore slump? Based on Michael Vick’s first preseason game, it doesn’t seem likely.
Vick, who was voted to the Pro Bowl in his first year as a starter, picked up right where he left off in one stellar quarter for the Atlanta Falcons.
Larry Love
November 17th, 2009
10:29 pm
Matt says he’s young and still learning? Man you’re getting paid millions to deliver the ball accurately–I don’t want to hear that B.S. Sounds like you’ve been drinking Smitty’s Kool Aid. That last intercept that broke our hearts was a replay of the exact thing that happened in New Orleans. We got the ball, drove it down the field (Turner Again!) and the very first play they get GREEDY and throw an interception. It’s like living a nightmare all over again. If Turner is running it down a team’s throat, why not keep running it? I know Turner was out by then, but goodness you got Snelling you can give it to or hit out of the backfield. Matt grow a pair and stand tall in the pocket (see Brady & Manning for instructions). What in the heck is Musgrave talking to Matt about after these games? Is anyone working on attacking him in practice to get use to the rushes and how to slide up in the pocket? Matt, you’re killing me man.
Steve K
November 17th, 2009
11:09 pm
We have 4 losses, 3 of them are to Top 10 teams(N.O., Dallas and NE all very much contending teams. This was our first loss to a non contending team. Maybe Ryans inconsistency or not but too soon to panic. Must win vs Gmen.
Back 2 Reality
November 17th, 2009
11:26 pm
LukeMerriman, dude put the meth down!! Falcons in Superbowl? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, man I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, please call me.
Jsmuga
November 18th, 2009
6:19 am
Has anyone looked at Ryan’s 24 game stats compared to Brady, Manning, Favre, Montana etc……. His stats are just as good if not better. Manning had 28 interceptions his first year… All of a sudden Ryan is horrible????? I agree he has had really bad games but he will get better…. The first time he has a good game we will be reading how great he is….
lamac66
November 18th, 2009
8:23 am
Has anyone looked at Ryan’s 24 game stats compared to Brady, Manning, Favre, Montana etc……. His stats are just as good if not better. Manning had 28 interceptions his first year… All of a sudden Ryan is horrible????? I agree he has had really bad games but he will get better…. The first time he has a good game we will be reading how great he is….
@ Jsmuga,
Ok, here we go. Here is your problem so-called falcon fans. You keep comparing Ryan to the great QB’s who have won superbowls. Then on the other hand you keep making excuses when he plays horribly. Can’t have it both ways.
You keep comparing him to Brady and Manning, then expect him to play as such!
lamac66
November 18th, 2009
8:29 am
November 17th, 2009
1:52 pm
Isn’t “IF” always the story? If Jenkins hadn’t misplayed that second interception, it might have been a big play. “IF” Ryan hadn’t throw it…if, if, if.
The problem with the Ryan detractors and this goes for ALL of them—-
The problem is the haters expect a guy 1.5 years in the league to play like Eli Manning or so called, “big game” QB’s.
The problem is you are all impatient and unreasonable.
Eli Manning looked very similar to Ryan in his second year.
So did Peyton Manning.
The Ryan haters are impatient and unreasonable.
Give the guy a few years in the league.
You won’t because you are simply a hater…..
not a real football fan.
@Jimmy,
How long should folks wait when they compare your Ryan to Manning and Brady? Tell me. Rothlisberger had less talent and went to a superbowl his first years in the league.
So, with your rationale this should be the year for Ryan. Maybe year 5 or 6? Tell me. What year did Eli win his Superbowl? I’m not impatient at all. I’m going by what you have hyped Ryan to be. That’s all.
jj
November 18th, 2009
8:38 am
Let’s just paint up Matt Ryan to look like the Soul Man character. Then everyone will love him!!
I understand that kids who grew up in the inner city are generally stupid, so I’ll try to be slow and simple here.
Matt…Ryan…is…in…his…second…year.
Mike…Vick…was…in…his…SIXTH…year…and…turning…the…ball…over. His…record…was…14-18…his…5th…and…6th…years. He…could…not…read…defenses…and…throw…accurately…at…27.
Everyone…still…loved…Vick…when…he…was…younger…but… expected…more…after…four or five…years.
It…wasn’t…because…he…is…black.
jj
November 18th, 2009
8:45 am
Also, slow and simple…
They…don’t…compare…Ryan…to…Brady…as…he…plays…now.
They…compare…him…to…Brady…when…he…was..younger.
Read…below…about…Brady’s…second…year…to…see…if…it…
sounds…familiar. Remember…that…he…had…a…Super…Bowl…
defense…with…Seymour…Bruschi…Milloy….Law…etc. It…is…not…that…hard…to…grasp…the…similarities.
2002 season
Brady and the Patriots finished the year at 9–7, tied with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins for the best record in the division; however, the Jets won the division on the third tiebreaker, and the Patriots missed the playoffs.
Although posting a career-low single-season rating of 85.7, Brady threw for a league-leading 28 touchdown passes and 921 more yards than in 2001, though his fourteen interceptions would turn out to be a career high.
LukeMerriman
November 18th, 2009
10:05 am
Before our season gets wasted, I think Roddy White needs to step up, gain continuous separation between him and the defensive backs, get open and start making big plays for the Falcons. The great receivers have that ability to do that. They simply take over games and make incredible plays. WHITE HELD OUT OF TRAINING CAMP BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WAS GODS GIFT TO THE SECOND COMIING OF JERRY RICE, YET HE REFUSES TO STEP US AND PROVE TO US WHY WE PAID HIM SO MUCH MONEY. Sure Turner is good, but White needs to be just as good. We wont make the playoffs without White proving his worth. Tony Gonzales has proved his worth so now White needs to do the same. We have a team full of superstars and studs and they are playing like harmless lambs. The playmakers on offense and defense (White, Gonzales, Jenkins, Ryan and Abraham) need to take charge and start dominating people quickly or it will be lights out on our season.
SaulRunigan
November 18th, 2009
10:29 am
All of the fans who have been using the Matt “Choke” Ryan label have simply jinxed the Falcons. Those labels Matt “Choke” Ryan started showing up when the Falcons were 4-1. Since then the Falcons are 1-3. Those riduculous labels, I believe, have jinxed Ryan and the Falcons. Im sure Ryan has seen it in the ajc and it probably turns his stomach. It doesnt make sense because MATT RYAN had the same amount of NFL pressure last year and BREEZED THROUGH HIS ROOKIE SEASON assisting the Falcons to an impressive 11-5 season playing tough NFL competition. Whats more and whaht many of you idiots dont realize is that MATTY “Ice” Ryan EASILY WON THE OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD LAST SEASON. No one else was considered for the award because no one played anywhere close to what Ryan did. Why Ryans play has tailed off this year a bit is somewhat strange, but when he snaps out of his slump he will regain his standing as the leagues best quarterback. RYAN WILL MOST SURELY END UP IN THE HALL OF FAME SO GUYS JUST GET USED TO HEARING ABOUT HOW GREAT RYAN IS BECAUSE HE IS TRULY ONE OF THE GREATEST TO EVER PLAY THE POSITION. Shut up Matt “Choke” Ryan idiots and keep your blogs off the airwaves.
lamac66
November 18th, 2009
2:07 pm
Face it Ryan was annointed waaaaaay to early as a Peyton Manning second coming. I know it’s hard for some of you folk that grew up in the sticks JJ..lol.
lamac66
November 18th, 2009
2:12 pm
Whats more and whaht many of you idiots dont realize is that MATTY “Ice” Ryan EASILY WON THE OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD LAST SEASON. No one else was considered for the award because no one played anywhere close to what Ryan did.
Joe Flacco took his team further into the playoffs however. See he did garner consideration for Rookie of The Year amongst other rookies.
SaulRunigan
November 18th, 2009
3:14 pm
Iamac66: Sure, I agree with you. Flacco was in consideration for the award. Thats true, I stand corrected. But I heard with my own ears from hall of famer, former San Franciso 49er Steve Young, who once backed up the great Joe Montana, that Matt Ryan played his rookie season like a hall of fame quarterback. In addition, I saw for myself with MY OWN EYES that Matt Ryan played like a hall of fame quarterback in his rookie season. In fact I said it to some of my colleagues before I heard Steve Young say it live on ESPN. Before the Monday night Saints game a few weeks ago, I saw Steve Young talking to Matt Ryan before the game started so I believe Young knows that this guy (Ice) is the real deal and his assessment of Ryan is good enough for me. Now Ryan is in his sophmore season and all of a sudden he forgot how to play quarterback? No. I dont buy it. I’m also not saying Ryan is the best rookie Ive seen, cause that distinction goes to Dan Marino and Peyton Manning. What I will say is when Matt Ryan comes out of his slump, he will be winning games for the Falcons hopefully sooner rather than later. Last year the Falcons started out 4-3. In the second half of the season the Falcons won seven of the last nine games (7-2) to finish a steller 11-5 and then got upset by Arizona in the playoffs. The Falcons were the FAVORED team against the Cardinals, however, the Cardinals have who I consider the greatest receiver to ever play football in Larry Fitzgerald and Fitzgerald was just too much for the Falcons to overcome. I believe the Falcons will finish the year 7-0 by winning out their last games to finish a respectable or steller 12-4. This wont catch the Saints for first place in the division who will finish at 16-0, but its good enough for a playoff berth and hopefully we still get into the superbowl and win it. I predicted it at the start of preseason and Im standing by that prediction. If the Falcons stars come alive (John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Mike Jenkins, Roddy White and Tony Gonzales), truthfully there is no team out there who can stop us. If you doubt the Falcons at all, then go back and watch the tape of the this years game against the San Francisco 49ers. That was a game when all systems were on GO and the Falcons played up to their potential and just went out and CRUSHED FRISCO 45-10. The Falcons can play like that EVERY SUNDAY if they were motivated to. Stay tuned because Im not backing off my prediction. FALCONS WIN THE SUPERBOWL THIS YEAR. Hee Haw!
D Shaw
November 18th, 2009
4:57 pm
There are some major issues going on with Matt he normally doesn’t miss throws as bad as he is missing. He doesn’t seem like he is comfortable in the pocket anymore. True outside of White and Gonzalez we don’t have any wide recievers but the ball has to be atleast close to their hands for a catch. Another big problem is Where is John Abraham he has been non-existent this year to say the least. But once Matt get’s his mind right and Norwood comes back we will be fine!
Matt "Choke Forever" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
Ryan is so good that in my opinion there are only four qbs in the league who I feel are better than Ryan: 1) Manning, 2) Brady, 3) Brees, and 4) Carson Palmer. Thats it! Ryan is MUCH BETTER THAN Romo, the other manning (Eli), Jay Cutler, DeMarcus Russell, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Brady Quinn and of course Vick. Ryan is better than all of them except for the first four I listied in numerical order. That is why I keep saying that Ryan is headed for the hall of fame.
CrowlerWilkinson
November 18th, 2009
5:24 pm
I read today where LaBron James will be getting a tryout with the Cleveland Browns to play either at wide receiver or tight end. LaBron James CAN play football and basketball both at the same time. I realize that the other two sport athletes, Brian Jordan (football and baseball); Dion Sanders (football and baseall); Bo Jackson (Baseball and football) all had the same two sports. Brian Jordan didnt play both at the same time. He started out in football and switched over to baseball. I think LaBron will excel at football because this combination can be played simultaneously without any adverse or strenuous side effects. LaBron is ALREADY great at basketball and is probably bored because he is already at the top of his game and couldnt get much better. If LaBron decides to try football, he will be challenged but he is so gifted that it would be worth watching nonetheless. Football is played once a week and is difficult enough but then to combine football with basketball simultaneous, is not nearly as mentally taxing as baseball and football. LaBron can make them both work equally as well. LaBron is probably the only player who can potentially excel in both of those sports, by playing at an all star level in both. Bo Jackson did this one season in his great career, but he couldnt sustain it long enough to be great in both sports. Bo was excellent in both sports and would have been a hall of famer if he selected only one of the two sports. LaBron may end up being a hall of famer in both sports, should be decided to take up football as his hobby.