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
Stafford sux
November 15th, 2009
8:26 pm
Bob from Winder
November 15th, 2009
7:55 pm
If I see Matt throw the ball out of bounds 4-5 times a game I will puke.
He plays too conservative, get loose like farve or cutler and let it rip try to win instead of trying not to lose
Amen Brother!!
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:27 pm
What is the “you people” stuff? You mean clear thinking, rational people who judge one by the content of their character? I did not blame Vick anymore than I blame Ryan. If we get a few more seasons of games like today, I will want to see a change at QB, just like I wanted to see one after Vicks two bad season in 05 and 06.
But why is it “YOU PEOPLE” always wanted to make excuses for Vick? You throw up some half stats trying to say he had a great 2006, but lost because the players around him.
What a whiner.
PMC
November 15th, 2009
8:27 pm
The next two games are crucial to the WC chances. Need to beat the Giants and the Eagles to get those tie breakers.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:28 pm
Falcons fans and the CHOKE deserve one another. Should be a 2 team race for last.
mars
November 15th, 2009
8:29 pm
“What do you mean, you people?” “What do YOU mean, you people?” Nope. No racism there.
JSS
November 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
OK, I’m going to bash Dan Reeves… He was one of the all-time greats… Great in destroying a draft board! Name me 6 Reeves picks in Atlanta that amount to more than a hill of beans?
I will again note my previous statement. Matt Ryan is supposedly such a great cerebral intellect. If he is spending all of this time in film study, clearly something is missing! Hello!!!
"Chef" Tim Dix
November 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Vick Supporter: Matty will not surpass Vick’s rushing yardage.
Nor will he surpass number of home field fans flipped off.
Or for that matter STD’s spread.
Or, blowing off Congress and one off the teams biggest financial backers.
Oh, and then there’s mans best friend…
J
November 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Hello,
I have been thinking all year long that the curse will continue. I really do not think we will ever have consecutive winning seasons.
Might be time to tank and get a good draft pick. Shame we lost the 2nd rounder due to the Gonzalez trade. Hate to sound defeatist, but the Saints have runaway with the NFC South and there are tons of teams with the same 5-4 record without having the brutal schedule that we do. Couple that with Turner going down…..
Bill Simmons
November 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Every one of Pat White’s Wildcat cameos is the exact opposite of Michael Vick’s cameos in Philly. With White, anything is possible. With Vick, it’s just depressing. This might be the single worst comeback that didn’t involve a porn star, wrestler, musician or Magic Johnson. Can we all agree that (A) he lost his legs; (B) pre-2007 Vick is gone and not coming back; and (C) it doesn’t matter where he plays next year, since he won’t be good, anyway? You know how you can block people on Twitter? I wish I could block all “Where is Michael Vick going in 2010?” stories from my eyes and ears. Doesn’t matter. We don’t care.
chemdawg
November 15th, 2009
8:31 pm
I don’t get it… Vick doesn’t play for the falcons anymore. It’s like comparing Ryan to Jeff George or Byron Leftwich. If this whole thing is about race, then compare him to Leftwich too. Vick wasn’t dropped for Ryan. Ryan was drafted while Vick was in Jail. After being released from jail, Vick addressed his lying and laziness in the 60 minutes interview. I believe his exact words were “I was the first one out of the building and the last one to arrive” Can we let Vick die already and let the scars heal?
Vick Supporter
November 15th, 2009
8:31 pm
@Pump Your Freakin’ Brakes Already
We’ll see about that man. Vick will get it done. Hell, he was better than Ryan without even trying, apparently.
As far as football, you people under estimate Vick’s football IQ. You can’t make the plays he made ON THE FIELD being dumb. you were right about Vick on alot of points, but Vick had instincts on the field that have never been seen before
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:31 pm
Choke, 8 picks and 9 Fumbles. So he was directly responsible for 17 Turnovers. So, if Ryan turns it over 5 more times, he will equal Vicks 2002. Lets be fair.
jojatek
November 15th, 2009
8:32 pm
Bottom line: This is the first real gut-check for this team, and a good test for Dimitroff as well as he works to overcome mid-season injuries on both sides of the ball. Time for Ryan and his teammates to man-up, win next weekend, and “finish the drill”. Matt… we know you’re young and have alot to learn; however, that’s not something we want to hear in a press conference. There is a disturbing lack of discipline (devastating turnovers, penalties, and errant chip-shot field goals) that is beginning to settle in with this team. You’re the quarterback… stop making excuses, talk to the offense, and straighten it out!! That’s what great teams (and great QB’s) do…
Big Ray
November 15th, 2009
8:33 pm
BONE
Just so everybody knows:
In Vicks 2nd year (1st year as a full time starter): he threw 8 ints.
Matty Noodle has 12 ints already.
LMAO so if Vick sucks what does that make Matty Noodle who has way more weapons then Vick had. I’ll wait to hear the excuses LMAOOOOOOO
You did about the worst thing you could do, LOL. Bringing up stats. You’re right, Vick only threw 8 interceptions his second year, while Ryan has thrown 12.
Well….(oh yeah, here it comes)….
Vick had 16 thrown touchdowns all season long. Ryan already has 13.
Vick had 9 fumbles. Ryan has 0.
So yeah, no excuse for Ryan’s interceptions. None for Vick’s fumbles, either.
Pump Your Freakin' Brakes Already
November 15th, 2009
8:33 pm
@ Conservative White Male
Turner was lazy for not coming back in the game? Dude are you serious?? Ever had a high ankle sprain????????? It doesn’t tickle my friend, believe me. Kinda makes it hard to play NFL football. Besides, his backup did OK. We didn’t execute, had some bad calls and some poor throws…missed a chipshot and got GASHED for the clinching TD. He’s just a RB not Jesus.
Vick Supporter
November 15th, 2009
8:34 pm
@mars
I’m not being racial when i say “you people”. Its easier to type than having to type “falcon fans” every post.
Read my posts woman. Nothing racial about them. Schultz said he would bann those that make racial comments and I’m still posting, so that should tell you something
Quagmire
November 15th, 2009
8:34 pm
It was looking pretty good after four games that the Falcons would finally have two consecutive seasons of better than .500 ball, but now that’s not looking as likely. Unbelievable that after over 40 years of football, the Falcons might still be looking for their first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history.
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:35 pm
VS, you hit the nail on the head, VIck was great “WITHOUT EVEN TRYING”.
Well, that sums up a true loser. The world is littered with those of lots of ability, and lack of effort who fall short of their potental.
Me, I would rather have the lesser talented/hard worker. They generally come out ahead in life. As a matter of fact, I am one of those guys, and I always hated those who had what I lacked, but it drove me, and today, I have more than most. So, go ahead and idolize somebody who had it all, but threw it away.
Big Ray
November 15th, 2009
8:36 pm
Vick Supporter ,
Alright, you’re a diehard Vick fan. What in the devil is Andy Reid doing with the guy? Are they flat-out just using him to boost attendance, or what? I’m not being sarcastic, believe me. But I’m failing to see what the deal is. Vick isn’t getting any burn. Maybe he’s having trouble learning Reid’s system, and we’ll see more from him next year. It’s 9 games into the season. I think we all knew Vick wasn’t taking McNabb’s job from him as long as he was healthy. But Vick’s physical ability makes him a weapon, doesn’t it? Then why isn’t Reid using him?
Eric C.
November 15th, 2009
8:37 pm
Vick Supporter…and just why do you support Vick?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:37 pm
Bill Simmons
November 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Every one of Pat White’s Wildcat cameos is the exact opposite of Michael Vick’s cameos in Philly. With White
I feel the same about the CHOKE and Joe Flacco every time I see those 10 Picks the last 5 games
FALCON FAN ?????
November 15th, 2009
8:37 pm
OK it’s time to bench RYAN so that he can do a VINCE YOUNG. ELAM MUST BE CUT BY 8AM TOMORROW MORNING. FALCONS HAVE A CITY WIDE TRY OUTS FOR KICKER AND CORNER BACK.
Big Ray
November 15th, 2009
8:38 pm
Matt”Choke” Ryan ,
I have to say, you CAN be mildly entertaining at times (but lay off the caps, will ya?). Tell you what, I’ll talk Falcons exclusively, but only if you quit bringing up Flacco and Vick (”Oh, the memories”…and all that rot), okay?
By the way, it really IS painfully obvious when you post under different names (your syntax and other patterns are the same no matter what name you use), so don’t think that bringing up those other quarterbacks under one of your other 38 names is going to cut it.
Vick Supporter
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
Mr Charlie
I give it to you…I’m one of the people also who’s had to overcome. I’m speaking of Vick on the field. My point was he took the falcons to heights we’ve never had with out apparently putting all of the time he should have.
You said he was just flat out dumb (he made a huge dumb choice off the field)….i was talking about on the filed and the plays that he made.
you just take words and twist them around to your advantage, but hey, thats what you do. Good for you
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:31 pm
Choke, 8 picks and 9 Fumbles. So he was directly responsible for 17 Turnovers. So, if Ryan turns it over 5 more times, he will equal Vicks 2002. Lets be fair.
Is it also fair to compare 2002 vs 2009 in regards to playoff wins and pro bowl appearances?
mars
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
Vick Supporter, I’ll ask you again, little girl. DID YOU READ THE REST OF MY COMMENT that you felt hellbent on responding to? No. You “cherry picked”. Therefore your point of view is biased and unvalid. Go change your panties.
will
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
if you have a team that needs to get back on track just play the falcons.
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
VS, I am glad that you admitted Vick did not try his hardest, I guess, he, and you, were satisfied with one trip the the NFC championship game, another quick exit from the playoffs. I, like you, fell in love with Vicks talents, but his obvioulsy unwillingness to put in the time necessary to be the greatest QB he could be bothered me. And in the end, I am glad he is gone. For 100 million, I would expect his best. However, maybe that is your ethic and motto, “Don’t try hard, make excuses, and in the end, tear down those to took your opportunities”. Maybe you line Vick so much because you are just like him.
Pump Your Freakin' Brakes Already
November 15th, 2009
8:41 pm
@ Vick Supporter: I agree that he did have some incredible instincts on the field. I just wish some of those instincts had led his butt to the film room while he was here because:
A) The time he spent in the film room might have kept him from spending that time doing illegal things and we might still have him (no disrespect to our current QB)
B) He would have been an unstoppable force for us. You can’t gameplan for what he could have been if he had hit that film room like a real champ.
Brenda
November 15th, 2009
8:41 pm
remember how cool mike smith was last week when he fought deangelo hall? forget him and his $15k fine. he is a clown and only arthur blank would hire him. great job, blank. jimmy the joke mora, bobby petrino and now this ernest borgnine look alike. THE CURSE OF DAN REEVES IS ON YOUR SORRY SIDELINE STANDING ARSE! Lotsa luck to the schlep in the red vest. you screwed dan reeves and now his curse will follow you the rest of your sorry life.
Big Ray
November 15th, 2009
8:41 pm
Of course, this is probably like asking a fish not to swim….
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:41 pm
Big Ray
November 15th, 2009
8:33 pm
BONE
Just so everybody knows:
In Vicks 2nd year (1st year as a full time starter): he threw 8 ints.
Matty Noodle has 12 ints already.
LMAO so if Vick sucks what does that make Matty Noodle who has way more weapons then Vick had. I’ll wait to hear the excuses LMAOOOOOOO
You did about the worst thing you could do, LOL. Bringing up stats. You’re right, Vick only threw 8 interceptions his second year, while Ryan has thrown 12.
Well….(oh yeah, here it comes)….
Vick had 16 thrown touchdowns all season long. Ryan already has 13.
Vick had 9 fumbles. Ryan has 0.
LIAR LIAR LIAR – He had 2 alone against the Cowboys.
You wouldn’t know the truth if it hit you Sambo
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:44 pm
Pro Bowl appearance don’t mean anything, nor more than ROY means, just a beauty contest.
So Vick, in his best year our of the 6 years he was here, took them to the NFC game. That is the shining moment in his now over career. That ranks him tied for 2nd with Bartkowski, behind Chris Chandler as the best QBs in the existance of this sorry franchise, not exaclty HOF stuff, now, is it?
Lets see where Ryan does in her career.
Seriously...
November 15th, 2009
8:44 pm
@Pump Your Freakin’ Brakes Already
We’ll see about that man. Vick will get it done. Hell, he was better than Ryan without even trying, apparently.
As far as football, you people under estimate Vick’s football IQ. You can’t make the plays he made ON THE FIELD being dumb. you were right about Vick on alot of points, but Vick had instincts on the field that have never been seen before
——————————–
What I find interesting is how people used to say Vick didn’t have the intellectual ability to read NFL defenses. Contrarily, Matt Ryan has thrown more INT’s than any other QB in the last 5 weeks and all people can say is how “young” he is.
S
November 15th, 2009
8:44 pm
To Vick Supporter:
I think your comments are absolutely without merit and I’ll “be a man and admit” a few things to you real quick. You claim that Vick is/was a better QB? Vick’s first year, he played 8 games; 62.7 rating; 50/113 TOTAL completions/attempts which is 44.2 percent. Ok, only 8 games right? The next year, he played 15 games: 81.6 rating (granted, monster improvement); 231/421 TOTAL completions/attempts which is 54.9 percent.
In Matt Ryan’s first year, his rating was 87.7; 265/434 TOTAL completions/attempts which is 61.1 percent. Yes, Matt Ryan threw 3 more interceptions in his 16 game stretch compared to Michael Vick’s 15-game stretch, yet Matt Ryan threw for 3440 yards vs. 2936 for Michael Vick. Now I know you said to forget the statistics, but are you serious?! In terms of raw talent, Michael Vick had/probably still has it all, but that’s not being a good QB. Being a good QB means making decisions with your arm, not your legs, and quite frankly, Michael Vick always ran first, and passed the ball second. You can claim anything you want, but the statistics ARE what define a player because you wouldn’t say that a defensive end is amazing if he averaged 3 sacks a year, or claiming a WR as incredible if he only averaged 500 yards a year. The bottom line is you can say whatever you want but the statistics don’t lie. Matt Ryan is a better quarterback and Michael Vick was never better than him. Yea, he made plays. That’s true. He is an amazing athlete, and an amazing running back. And you claim that he’s the second-string QB on Philadelphia because he is in the Wildcat instead of Kolb? The two things have nothing to do with each-other. Ronnie Brown is not even on the depth chart at quarterback but he still takes snaps. Honestly man, I’d re-evaluate my comments if I were you.
And for the record, and again, this is me “being a man and admit[ing]” things, no team in the league lost their top three draft picks to injuries, their two starting running backs, and their starting corner. The Falcons have had to overcome incredible adversity PLUS one of the hardest schedules in the league and they are still above 500. Say what you want, but when this team gets healthy, the league is in trouble.
By the way:
Matt Ryan’s stats: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8780
Michael Vick’s stats: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5448/career;_ylt=AudGN.Us6s0OZZ.8sitxC9f.uLYF
the violins are playing...
November 15th, 2009
8:45 pm
The Vick obsession is sentimental. Anyone need a tissue?
Cedrick
November 15th, 2009
8:46 pm
PMC,
HAHAHAHA we gonna go to New York (coming off a bye week) beat them at home possible in the cold and/or snow. Please, Ryan gonna get up there and freeze up some more. This QB is baked for the year. Can’t wait to see Vick & Philly in the dome though. Welcome back VICK! HAHAHAHAHAHA
mars
November 15th, 2009
8:46 pm
The point I was trying to make before being sidetracked by (well, never mind. He’s not important), as a fan of whoever our QB happens to be at the moment (and always have been) we should not offer blind adoration when our guy performs poorly. We need to hold him, and all of them, responsible. Matty is our guy, and I’m behind him. And I’m wearing workboots, so he really doesn’t want a kick in the @$$! Do your job, Matty!
preston
November 15th, 2009
8:48 pm
OMG this stuff about bringing Vick into the discussion about todays game is about to make me throw up. Regardless of what position you take on that issue, all of you guys sound like idiots……what in the world does Vick have to do with this game or the organization at this point. The guy is a closed chapter here. Matt Ryan is getting his due criticism for his recent performance…….the guy is struggling at bad times in the game, and it isnt going unnoticed…….no one is giving him a pass……..geesh……there was no conspiracy against Vick…….he was backed to the fullest by Arthur Blank and the Falcons organization, and as much as it pained me to see the falcons part ways with him, he had no one to blame but himself……geesh, this is getting ridiculous!!!
Pump Your Freakin' Brakes Already
November 15th, 2009
8:50 pm
@ Seriously…
Yeah that is interesting, and I have theory for what that was all about but there’s enough race baiting going on in the board so I’m not gonna go there. I’ll just say that Vick had to WANT to get better and he needed coaches that demanded that he do more to improve but not enough of that seemed to happen.
Cedrick
November 15th, 2009
8:50 pm
Seriously….,
What do you expect?? Mike Vick was not the typical pocket white QB that everyone seems to love even though he was a winner. Look at the Titans, they railed on Vince as a young second year QB but Vince was a winner. It took the owner to threaten the coach to get Vince back into the starting role even though the team was 0-6. Now Tenn has just won there 3rd straight game because Vince has limited his mistakes and used his leggs when needed. Where would Tenn be if they would have pulled the trigger before 0-6??
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:51 pm
The CHOKE now ranks 3rd in the NFL in interceptions, and one more than the rookie in Detroit
will
November 15th, 2009
8:51 pm
work on matt’s mechanic’s
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:51 pm
In Ryans 1st year, he went 11-5 and got to the playoffs. Vick rode the bench. So, I would have to say year one goes to Ryan.
I would also have to assume regardless of what happens, Ryans years 6 and 7 will also be better than Vicks.
Lets see how year 2 goes before we make any judgements, but right now, Ryan’s year 1, 6 and 7 beats Vick.
mars
November 15th, 2009
8:51 pm
Oh, Good Grief! The master of turning peoples words around is accusing others of turning peoples words around. Well, that’s what he does. Geez! Do you even read your OWN posts?
Vick Supporter
November 15th, 2009
8:51 pm
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
VS, I am glad that you admitted Vick did not try his hardest, I guess, he, and you, were satisfied with one trip the the NFC championship game, another quick exit from the playoffs. I, like you, fell in love with Vicks talents, but his obvioulsy unwillingness to put in the time necessary to be the greatest QB he could be bothered me. And in the end, I am glad he is gone. For 100 million, I would expect his best. However, maybe that is your ethic and motto, “Don’t try hard, make excuses, and in the end, tear down those to took your opportunities”. Maybe you line Vick so much because you are just like him.
——————————–
I assume you’re calling me a t.h.u.g because I support Vick…..if you are, so what.
You think you’re the only one who has a story? Lol. I can’t believe its this bad that people bash me on here because i support a damn player and speak my opinion on another….
What a sad society we live in…really. You’re actually offended that I would support Mike Vick,lol
Vick Supporter
November 15th, 2009
8:53 pm
mars
you should try reading your own posts,lol. You’d be surprised at some of the nonsense that you say
Matt Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:53 pm
Dear Fans,
I just wanted to say thanks again for the blind faith. A blind man can see that I’m not really what everyone thought I was but they continue to hype me. I think I was in over my head here in the NFL but I’m too headstrong to admit it. I dont know if I’ll ever stop looking like a deer in the headlights when the pressure comes because I’m scared. I just dont have that killer instinct Atlanta. I wont be that QB you guys thought I could because it simply isnt in me to be. I’m also colorblind. I thought all those balck jerseys where actually my guys I was throwing to. Sorry guys. Like I say every week, I’m still learning and trying to get better. I’ll keep making the same excuse until I’ve lost enough games where I cant anymore. I lost Turner today so I’ll show you all that I cant beat a team by myself. Thanks Atlanta!!!
Mr Charlie
November 15th, 2009
8:53 pm
And Choke, what about Vicks inability to throw ONE STINKING 4TH QTR TD PASS in the entire 06 season? Talk about choking under pressure.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 15th, 2009
8:54 pm
THE BOTTOM LINE: Falcons have lost 3 out of last 4.
So if it’s not the quarterback’s fault – who’s is it?