Ryan leads Falcons and finally takes center stage over Vick
Matt Ryan threw four touchdown passes and led the Falcons to one of their biggest wins with him as their starting quarterback -- over Michael Vick and the Eagles. (Jason Getz/AJC)
When Matt Ryan became a Falcon on draft day in 2008, Michael Vick was sitting in a prison cell at Leavenworth. So there was no ceremonial passing of the torch. Maybe just an easing of Arthur Blank’s headache.
To Ryan, Vick has been only a shadow, a ghost, a name he hears in press conferences. But the reminders have been constant, particularly with Vick’s remarkable rebirth in Philadelphia, and the biggest question going into Sunday night was how Ryan would handle his predecessor’s return.
“To me, having not been here and having not played with him and understanding how difficult it is to play regardless of what the circumstances are in this league, I wouldn’t allow myself to get caught up in it,” Ryan said late Sunday night.
Was it really that easy? Or is this just one of those things where we’ll never really know how much it has bothered him? No matter. Even if Vick’s first start against the Falcons — and against Ryan — stirred fans and maybe some members of the organization (Blank?) into a far greater frenzy than Ryan, this much is certain: The exorcism is complete. The Falcons didn’t just beat Philadelphia, 35-31. They beat Vick.
Ryan beat Vick.
Yes, we are reminded constantly it’s all about team. Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and so many others certainly played key roles in this game. But Ryan is the face of this team. A team that used to be Vick’s, in a city that used to be Vick’s, in a league that used to Vick’s 24/7 — and recently it seems like it is all over again.
If the Falcons had lost, Ryan’s face would’ve been targeted for most of the pies. That’s just the way it works in football, and certainly in Atlanta, given the backdrop.
It wasn’t nearly the best game of Ryan’s career. But in some ways, it might’ve been the most impressive. The Falcons had flat-lined. Ryan had two interceptions. The air had gone out of the offense and the building. Ryan was getting hammered behind an ever-collapsing offensive line. Philadelphia had turned a 21-10 deficit into a 31-21 lead. Even with Vick now on the sideline and looking woozy, the game appeared over late in the third quarter. Vick would win again, just as he did as a backup in the Georgia Dome in 2009, when he ran for a touchdown and threw another in a 34-7 Philly win
Ryan was injured that night. But he watched. He saw. He knew what it meant.
On Sunday night, with the Falcons losing by 10 points, Ryan showed his greatest strength. He didn’t change.
“In the huddle, he just said ‘Let’s go down and score. We’ve got this,’” wide receiver Harry Douglas recalled.
And the Falcons did. Twice.
Through nearly three quarters, Ryan completed only 8 of 17 passes for 102 yards. But he came out firing in a no-huddle offense. On first down, he completed a 17-yarder to Roddy White (”You want to get that first big play to get you moving,” he said.) Then came a 13-yarder to Gonzalez, a 14-yarder to Julio Jones, a 15-yarder to Douglas. He went 7 for 9 on the drive, the last being a one-yard touchdown flip to fullback Ovie Mughelli to close to 31-28.
It was like Ryan suddenly plugged the team into a light socket. He even called his own plays in the no-huddle.
“He was going up to the line, calling the plays that he likes to call, and he was getting the ball in good positions for us,” White said.
The winning touchdown drive was mostly about Turner, who broke off a 61-yard run on first-and-17 from the Falcons’ 13. But Ryan hit Douglas and Gonzalez on consecutive passes, the latter coming on third down to set up Turner’s go-ahead touchdown.
“I thought our quarterback really showed his toughness,” coach Mike Smith said. “He took a number of shots and he kept going. When you’ve got guys like that, you’ve got a chance to be successful. He’s a tough Irishman.”
In the end, it was Ryan who brought his team back, rebounding from a poor opener in Chicago. It was Ryan who threw a career-high four touchdown passes and won the game, while Vick was sitting in the locker room with a concussion, a sore neck and three turnovers (two led to Falcons’ touchdowns).
Ryan downplayed the significance of this night.
“We have a big game against Tampa Bay next week,” he said, as if reading from a cue card.
Something tells me it means more than he will ever admit. It certainly did for others.
By Jeff Schultz
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766 comments Add your comment
Tom
September 19th, 2011
10:18 am
Up here in Canada and got to watch the game live. Sam Baker should give his paycheck back for that came. Cole owned him and have to give Ryan credit for getting up time and time again. Thought he was coming unglued at one point, but that 4th quarter was a thing of beauty. The O-line is the problem with the run game and pass protection. Saw replays of Tom Brady and he could have sat in a lazy boy with a cup of coffee and made his passes. He had all day. If we could give Ryan any sort of protection he would light it up.
Julio, if Samual can dive for the interception how about diving for the catch?? Dunta is a bust in coverage, just look at how the Eagle corners covered, what a difference. I did not think it was a cheap shot. Thought he led with his right shoulder pad, but we shall see what the NFL thinks.
Tony G. Hope you never retire, you are the man and that catch in the back of the end zone should be no1 on the Sports Center highlights.
Go Falcons, lets see Ryan shoot the Bucs down in their house.
scrappy
September 19th, 2011
10:19 am
Sam Baker played like Trent Cole’s blocking dummy..Forget the defense and find a real LT or Ryan will be in a wheelchair before long..
Zombie Steve
September 19th, 2011
10:20 am
Vick pointed to the score board as he was getting booed off the field. I hope he took a picture…
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:20 am
That OL is brutal..
Playoffs? PLAYOFFS??
Keeping it Real
September 19th, 2011
10:20 am
@ Get Real:
Vick: 1st QB in NFL history to win at Green Bay. I think that was followed up by a win on the road at Minnesota. I think that was followed up by a loss in the NFC championship game.
Ryan: Your numbers have established Ryan can’t win on the road or any playoff game for that matter. I want Ryan to win, he plays for my Falcons. Face it, he has average numbers at best. That’s not good since he is a passing QB. Ryan did not start moving the ball until Turner started dominating. Let’s just pray Turner don’t hurt. If he does, our season is over.
Gatorzone
September 19th, 2011
10:21 am
WHen will Weems be benched?
MV7, you are delusional
scrappy
September 19th, 2011
10:22 am
P.S.Tony G. made Matt Ryan’s night..Plain and simple..
BYC
September 19th, 2011
10:24 am
“Keeping it real” is really reaching with his stats, this must be the only possible one that made Vick look better:
Ryan: 17/28 (61%) for 195, 4TD/2INT, QB Rating 91.5
Vick: 19/28 (68%) for 242, 2TD/1INT, QB Rating 103.6
and it’s really not even that great. If you asked me to pick stats for my team’s QB every week, i would take 4TD/2INT over 2TD/1INT and a higher yardage + completion% any day. The sad part is that this doesn’t take Vick’s two fumbles into account. Someone needs to change their screenname
lee Gale
September 19th, 2011
10:24 am
Before making your comments rewind the game again, particularly, Sam B and Daunta.
Make you wanta give back some sallary? I think so. TD please look at other players on market.
If these guys can show they need to move on. Cut your liabilities.
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:25 am
Hey Vick will be back..
Just as the flood gates were opening up on the Fal-cons in the 3rd quarter he goes down in a freak hit to the head/Chin….shoot..
Yes Ice did look like a beaten man on the bench cause he new Vick was getting ready to bury them..
Then all of a sudden he jumps up after MV7 goes down and is helped off the field..
Like a script for a made for television movie…lol
Falcons should worry their defense is horrific…
truebluebravesfan
September 19th, 2011
10:26 am
A few thoughts.
While Duntas hit was nasty. I don’t think he was trying to hit with his helmet. It looked on the replays like he was leading with his shoulder(legal). The refs weren’t calling any late hits or illegal hits on Ryan allthough the Eagles were head hunting him all game (Illegal and should have been called).
On the negative. Im sick and tired of watching this team play a zone that doesn’t work. VG has to change or go. Our punter is awfull….can we not find a a better one on the waiver wire somewhere. Hes an obvious bust. Eric Weems is killing us with his refusal to catch a ball at the 10-15 yardline.
Brown Eyed Girl!
September 19th, 2011
10:27 am
I watched that game last night and obviously saw something that a lot of people here didn’t see. I saw two teams play a terrible game. Matt Ryan was lucky he only got one intentional grounding call against him. He played like a dear in headlights. Mike Vick probably would have played better is he had moved out of the pocket more. Even the CC and AM commented that he was getting hit in the pocket more. I saw MV revert to the player of old when he tried to run with the ball in his hand and it was stripped. But then he immediately turned around and ran a two minute drilled and Philly scored to take the lead. I believe the Eagles would have scored another touchdown had Vick not gotten hurt. Those of us who are objective will admit that Vick got hurt when his own player ran into him. It was a solid lick that he took. Dunta Robinson not only led with his head, he launched his body and made a cheap shot hit! I believe he should be sat down for at least one game. He did not learn from last year with just a fine. The jury is still out for both these teams in my opinion. Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was just a tough battle, but maybe the Falcons are not all we want them to be and all the sports writers said they would be! They have to have one heck of a season to convince me! I’m not going to hold my breath! GO BRAVES!!!!!
JeanE
September 19th, 2011
10:29 am
I respect Matty for downplaying the game’s significance but no matter what he says, this was a defining game for him. I was so impressed with his toughness, he was getting just hammered back there and he just stayed composed and totally lead this team! Thank God they went no huddle, took the playcalling away from Mularkey who is just downright atrocious. I know they couldn’t abandon the run but everyone and their 80 yr old mother knows what he’s going to call when he calls it! And BVG, why were there no adjustments to stop Trent Cole???? Sam Baker is God awful, he was getting pancaked and nothing was done about it. Weems is terrible, too, bad decisions back there constantly. Kudos to Tony G, who was his usual awesome self, tough as nails. Wasn’t perfect but they fought hard and they got a big-time win. Way to Go Falcons!
True Atlantan
September 19th, 2011
10:29 am
The ONLY reason it is being reported that Matt Ryan “takes center stage over Vick” is because of the injury Vick received which caused him to not be able to finish the game. Let’s me honest, Matt Ryan – Coach Smith – the Falcons Defensive Line – as well as the Atlanta Fans pulling for the Falcons, all breathe a sigh of relief when Vick left the game. I think I say Ryan say a quick ‘thank you’ prayer to Lord and the Falcons probably paid defensive end Ray Edwards a bonus for knocking him out of the game; THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY THEY COULD WIN …. Can’t wait for the next matchup.
Ryan know in all honest that he has not knocked Vick out of the hearts of Atlanta … probably never will until he has proven to all, beyond a doubt, that he can win with Vick playing the entire game.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
September 19th, 2011
10:29 am
I waffle back and forth on Collinsworth, NFL analyst.
Con: He’s a Gator.
Pro: He’s got a law degree so he’s got something on the ball.
Pro: He’s got the cred of a guy who played in the NFL – as a wide receiver no less.
Con: But a more unlikely looking pro-football player you’ll see than the gawky, pencil-necked, ferret-faced Collinsworth. Monroe Drive has wider shoulders than Chris. A physical specimen he ain’t.
Con: He’s opinionated [when I don't agree with him].
Pro: He’s insightful [when I do agree with him].
Over the years, I think he’s been a bit rough on the Falcons. And all the praise he was heaping on Vick last night – I kept thinking, if MV7 was still wearing red, would Chris have spent the evening ripping him?
Did I mention:
Con: “He’s a Gator” yet?
Bill
September 19th, 2011
10:30 am
Brown Eyed Girl! – Matt came back to beat your Vick team… end of story. Now go to the Vick… uh… I mean Eagles site and go pull for him all you want. Sometimes QBs just get the job done and don’t show the flash that y’all in the da innah city like to see. The rest of us just like a SMART QB who usually makes good decisions and WINS.
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:31 am
To all these bad bloggers that cant shut-up. what did I tell you all week long? Atlanta would upset the Eagles ! Did I not say that the Birds Would drop the Bomb on the Eagles ! Open your Ears and shut your mouths !!!!!!
Congrats to Matt Ryan and the Birds ! Matt is one of the elite Quarterbacks in the NFL !
JeanE
September 19th, 2011
10:32 am
OH and Dunte Robinson, get outta town, you jacka**. We don’t play like that, here. There’s a difference you bonehead in playing hard and playing like a complete idiot. I hope you get suspended, we don’t need your overpaid bu## anyway.
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:33 am
Vick and the Eagles were rolling and about to score again and bury the dirty birds..Ice knew it on that bench…
He jumped up like his girl screamed out lets get busy right now…lol
dre
September 19th, 2011
10:33 am
Brown Eyed Girl! – baseball is going on right now??? Never would’ve known….who cares?!
oh brother!
September 19th, 2011
10:35 am
Want to know why Ryan won and Vick lost…check out the Wonderlic.
PMC
September 19th, 2011
10:35 am
I just don’t think this game warrants so much Vick or Ryan talk at all really.
Tony Gonzalez won this game. The Falcons defensive front 7 made enough plays to win this game.
Mistakes were all over the place, haven’t even mentioned Weems completely misplaying a punt for the 2nd time in 2 weeks leading to awful field position.
We don’t have enough talent to make up for all these mistakes.
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:35 am
To all these bad bloggers that cant shut-up. what did I tell you all week long? Atlanta would upset the Eagles ! Did I not say that the Birds Would drop the Bomb on the Eagles ! Open your Ears and shut your mouths !!!!!!
Congrats to Matt Ryan and the Birds ! Matt is one of the elite Quarterbacks in the NFL !
duronimo
September 19th, 2011
10:36 am
Mullarky’s play calling was abysmal …. clueless. In contrast, when Ryan got to call the plays, he quickly picked Philly apart.
bravesfanforever
September 19th, 2011
10:36 am
Well Vick to me is the same old Vick a lot of talent but still puts that pigskin on the ground.Also he got hit a lot but was KO
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:37 am
Vick and the Eagles were going to win going away….Ice went whew…..They put on a clinic with those last two scores….
Fal-cons defense, especially that secondary is horrific….
Cams gonna put up 500 yards on them..
Arron will put up 600.
Drew will put up 550.
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:38 am
Mularkey, Greyhound is ready for ya….Nice to be part of that network huh?
bravesfanforever
September 19th, 2011
10:40 am
Well vick is the same old Vick,he puts the pigskin on the ground.He got hit a lot and was KO by his own man.Dunta Robinson is a thug and a waste of money.He should be KO along with baker.Matty Ice must be made of rubber he bent a lot tonite but did not break.Let him call his own plays.
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:40 am
Atlanta might knock them out in their games as well ha ha ha
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:41 am
he better smoke some this morning all those lumps he took on the head last night
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:42 am
Settle down cowboy, Ryan’s got to win some playoff’s game like say JOE FLACO before he will be considered Elite by the Experts…..You Cheerleading jock sniffers are a joke…lol
Brown Eyed Girl!
September 19th, 2011
10:42 am
@ Bill, no where in my blog did you see that I was an Eagle fan. I am born and raised a Georgia girl and proudly represent my home even while living now in Kentucky. All that being said, I see what I see! I watch the Falcons get deconstructed in the playoffs last year. I can’t watch any games here but I read via AJC that they won no preseason games. I watched them get beat down last week in Chicago. Right now, I don’t even know who the Falcons are! They will have to win more than just a Sunday night, second game of the season, at home game to convince me they are Super Bowl bound!
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:43 am
face it Vick isn’t the QB he is acclaimed to be
Jeff Schultz
September 19th, 2011
10:44 am
To all those who’ve commented on Sam Baker: I don’t have much to add, other than I agree. Missing center Todd McClure is hugh (he could be back next week) but Baker has been an issue from the outset, and he plays the most important position (left tackle). Philly has one of the best DLs in the league so let’s see what Baker does against other teams. But he’s not instilling much confidence right now.
Jeff Schultz
September 19th, 2011
10:45 am
Thanks Kno. (But change your screen name please)
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:45 am
Still laughin at the Dream Team . What a joke!!
TMZ
September 19th, 2011
10:46 am
Is it true that Sam Baker is pregnant with Trent Cole’s baby…Cause he got raped. I know he had to have creampie running down his leg all night last night. We have got to resolve the LT issue in the offseason because Sam Cole or Mrs. Cole is NOT the answer. She is actually getting worse not better. Undersized and getting tossed around like a rag doll he and Reynolds will get Matt Ryan placed on IR if something is not done soon.
shawn
September 19th, 2011
10:46 am
Matty ice was unbelievable when it counts the most. Defense looks horrible and not sure if we can fix it. Let’s go beat succanears……….
Jeff Schultz
September 19th, 2011
10:47 am
You won because — 1) Falcons scored against Eagles defense, not Vick; 2) Eagles finished off a touchdown drive without Vick; 3) Vick committed three turnovers, two that led to touchdowns. I don’t think you can just assume Philly would’ve won if Vick had stayed in the game.
Dr. Bombay
September 19th, 2011
10:47 am
You silly fanboys. It’s all praise today, after the Falcons barely beat the other birds last night. Georgia native here, but why can’t you remember that Vick was out well before the game’s end. There will always be doubt about the win.
Greg Mendel
September 19th, 2011
10:47 am
Briefly, I lost confidence in Matt Ryan last night. But the 4th quarter answered a big question. Ryan should call his own plays.
Chandler going Deep..
September 19th, 2011
10:48 am
Neither is IceM…He’s got to win like Flaco does on the National Stage! He has not yet and probably will not because of the horrific defense…
Rodgers is going to lite em up in 3 weeks, so go on and gloat now because the beatdown is coming again.
We seen this B4?
Jonny
September 19th, 2011
10:49 am
Vick is flashy and fast and has come a long way since his immature time with the Falcons (Ron Mexico, water bottles with hidden compartment found at the airport, not studing the playbook, not very interested in learning, etc.), but I will take a solid, hard working, head-on-straight, intelligent QB any day of the week! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FALCONS!
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:50 am
I think Ryan would have beat em with Vick in all game because Vick would have fumbled or had a pick again!
Jeff Schultz
September 19th, 2011
10:51 am
Insider — “ESPN is reporting that Vick may miss next Sunday’s game.”
<<< The concussion is key. There are baseline tests players must pass now. It’s not like the old days. Bottom line: I’d be stunned if he plays. Wouldn’t surprise me if he missed two weeks.
ramguy68
September 19th, 2011
10:51 am
I can’t believe people are posting that if Vick hadn’t got hurt the Eagles would have won. They state it as fact….lol…..Vick may have fumbled again, threw an interception or got a knee blown out. You don’t know what would have happened. If you know for a fact what would have happened, let us know about the scores in the games coming up……would love to place a few bets, after all ya’ll know exactly what will happen…I could use a winter home….lol
Jonny
September 19th, 2011
10:51 am
PS – SAME BAKER IS A BUST! GET RID OF HIM BEFORE HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING MATT!!
ET
September 19th, 2011
10:53 am
What has happened to Pro Football? The hit by Robinson would have been celebrated 10 years ago as a great hit. Now he is a thug and told to get out of town. Granted he has to change because the rules have changed, but that was a heck of a hit. These rules have become so asinine that Atlanta was charged with a 15 yard penalty because our linebacker touched Phili’s QB on the back with his helmet. He had pulled up and the touch didn’t even knock the QB off balance. The official threw the flag for “leading with the helmet”, Asinine
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:53 am
Atlanta will beat the Pack in a few weeks, another upset pick coming! wait n see !
Jeff Schultz
September 19th, 2011
10:54 am
PreyDawg — Thanks, appreciate the words.