If Matt Ryan isn’t Peyton Manning but Eli, is that enough?
Everybody's happy when Matty Ice throws a TD pass. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Regarding this Falcons’ season, only one question remains, and it will be answered next week in Tampa. Regarding the Falcons as a team, a question has arisen, a question we didn’t figure we’d be asking. But here it is:
What if the franchise quarterback isn’t quite a franchise quarterback?
We stipulate by saying that, if on the day Matt Ryan was drafted we’d have known the Falcons would be 19-10 (and 13-1 at home) with him as a starting quarterback, we’d have swooned on the spot. And we spent all last season swooning. But the greatest rookie quarterback in league history — and that’s what he was — hasn’t been the greatest sophomore quarterback in NFL annals.
Sunday was another installment in Ryan’s good-but-not-great season. He completed barely half his passes and had to hit on his final five to manage that. He threw three touchdown passes against no interceptions, but he was sacked three times and fumbled twice. He finished with 250 yards and his team won 31-3, but after two quarters Ryan was only 10-for-23 and his team’s lead was 10-0 against a Buffalo roster so defoliated it wouldn’t have troubled Alabama.
Yes, there were extenuating circumstances. Michael Turner didn’t play. Tony Gonzalez left midway through. Ryan did buy his team a working lead on the Falcons’ first snap, throwing long to Roddy White down the right side. And Ryan himself is still hurting from turf toe — he limped during the game and sported a soft boot afterward.
And maybe that’s the story of Matt Ryan’s 2009 season: It was extenuating. Almost nothing went wrong last season; a lot did this time. Guys got hurt. The schedule got tougher. And still he has gotten this team to the cusp of those forever-sought consecutive winning seasons. He hasn’t been anything approaching a failure. That said …
Matty Ice hasn’t been as precise in Year 2. His completion percentage has dipped from 61.1 to 57.6. He has thrown one more interception in 13 games than he did in 16 last year. His yards-per-pass index — probably a better indicator than the confusing quarterback rating — has gone from 7.9 last season to 6.5.
Asked about Ryan’s non-rookie season, White said: “I think it’s been pretty good. He’s done a lot of good things. He’s thrown 20 touchdown passes, and that’s good. Him getting hurt really hurt. But he’s a competitor.”
Notice, though, there was no gushing in that response. When anyone associated with the Falcons was asked about Ryan in 2008, gushing ensued. In many ways that was to be expected; there was no way Ryan could have surprised his audience after his bravura rookie campaign. Still, there hasn’t been a Ryan game in 2009 that made you want to shout, “Hallelujah!” (The second half against the Giants did. But not the whole game.)
Asked to characterize Year 2, Ryan said: “The biggest thing — and this is something Coach [Mike] Smith preaches — is that it’s there’s a lot to learn from week to week. I said going into last season that if I could end it as a better quarterback than I started, it will be a successful year. That hasn’t changed in Year 2. There have been some ups and downs, but I’m standing here as a better quarterback than when I started the season.”
Understand: Nobody associated with the Falcons is even close to deciding Matt Ryan isn’t the real deal. Indeed, if this is as bad as it gets with Ryan as QB, then this franchise is in not just for two winning seasons in succession but five or 10. But the convenient point of comparison for Ryan raters entering 2009 was Peyton Manning. What if he turns out to be Eli Manning instead? Would that be enough?
And I say, “Heck, yeah.” At last check, Eli Manning has won just as many Super Bowls as his older sibling. If Matt Ryan wins just one Super Bowl for the franchise that hasn’t yet posted consecutive winning seasons, he’ll be worth every penny of that $72 million.
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435 comments Add your comment
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:36 pm
Spinal Tap it is!! Great quotes and many folks have missed out on a hilarious movie or “Rockudrama/comedy”. Most of us who have seen it . . .have seen it many times:) It’s like a “fine wine” just gets better.
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:36 pm
dont we have to get up early and drive to maysville?
random thoughts
December 27th, 2009
11:37 pm
You would think the makers of SPAM™ would be upset with Internet junk mail being called spam wouldn’t you?
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:38 pm
Actually – is Willie Martinez the Falcs D coach or GA D coach??
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:39 pm
i’ve got the alarm clock set at five
dont worry, I’ll drive
we’ll be to mom’s soon
just afternoon
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:39 pm
I think the makers of SPAM have no conscience:)
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:40 pm
once, do you live under a rock?
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:41 pm
i hate the thing spam
its really a sham
edits what i say
on every day
especially when i sing just as i am
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:44 pm
willie . . . . sometimes:) Actually, I’ve always liked Falcons but started following on AJC when they drafted Ryan. I’m a BC grad that lived in Boston until moving to SE Florida in 2001. So I don’t know much about the Bulldogs staff other than Richt, and other than Mike Smith – I don’t really know Falcs staff either. That’s my story and I’m sticking by it:)
random thoughts
December 27th, 2009
11:45 pm
Lately he’s been overheard in Maysville
Better stay away Bradley,
He’ll rip your lungs out gladly
Ha! I’d like to meet his tailor
Ahoooooooooo, werewolves of Bluegrass
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:45 pm
Once, do you have time for my bio?
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:46 pm
My God Almighty, this blog brings out the worst in prose at times.
Mark Bradley
December 27th, 2009
11:47 pm
We do, Willie. And I’m signing off for the night. Thanks for your patronage through this long Sunday.
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:47 pm
Hah. Yeah got a little long there – but wanted to explain my ignorance on WM.
Once "Recent" Reader
December 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
MB have a good trip and vacation. Enjoyed being on the Live Chats this season!
random thoughts
December 27th, 2009
11:50 pm
My God Almighty Willie, I do believe I represent that remark.
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:50 pm
Mark, safe travels to you and family. Happy new year. Best, willie
random thoughts
December 27th, 2009
11:54 pm
Last!
willie martinez
December 27th, 2009
11:55 pm
nope
comedy
December 28th, 2009
12:03 am
Enter your comments here
robertussen
December 28th, 2009
12:04 am
after a completely dominating performance this is what you come up with?!?! YOU AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE MEDIA! this kid is coming off turf toe (a serious injury that some retire from) to play for a team that wont make the playoffs and he just wants to win and seems to do a pretty darn good job of it. you call this news i call it trash if you want to jump off the band waggon then go right ahead buddy dwell in your negativity you sad man
Atlanta Peach
December 28th, 2009
1:10 am
Choke, “Howd you Doin” ?!!!!!!
dizzy5dean
December 28th, 2009
1:33 am
Matt is still developing and should improve as his career continues. Its hard to say if he is Eli or Peyton, but he ain’t Vick, that goodness. I hope he is like Peyton.
JASon
December 28th, 2009
2:25 am
BugKiller 6:36pm, 6:47pm:
You, sir, are the man. I have been trying to say this all season, but you lay out the points unlike I could have nor I’ve seen on any blog. Its the coaches who are to blame. I had not thought of Weis because I hate ND so much. But you make solid points as to why to go after him, and at the end of the day I can’t say I disagree with you. Great job with your posts.
JSS
December 28th, 2009
2:31 am
Well let me put this “BugKiller play calling scheme to bed once and for all…
Point by point (sorry to do this, but it has to be done…)
“Why does the offense NEVER throw screen passes to take the pressure off the o-line?”
IT IS SIMPLE… The Falcons max protect with their running backs more than any other team in professional football! Say what you like about Mularkey, but he is deeply schooled in the Pittsburgh Steeelers school of running screens (2nd best in football behind the Philadelphia Eagles scheme). But this teams line is not stout enough to pull off running screens. When you run effectively, play action works, when play action works, your deep game opens up. When you can not do that linebackers do not respect the screen game… That is why the Falcons can not pull that off at present… Now you should not pay respect to what Michael Turner pulled off last season, it was astonishing…
“Why does Mularky continually call for roll-outs to the SHORT side of the field, taking 2/3’s of the field away from Ryan?”
Because your tackles and center need help!!! Teams crush our tackles with speed… Clabo and Baker have to have Peelle and the running backs to stay in and chip or straight block with them. The way you help that is to roll away from the defensive strength. And because the element of Turner at his best has been taken away this season, then the risk of “leak” draw is gone. You are damned if you do, and crushed if you don’t… Example, see the play on which Ryan suffered the infamous turf toe injury…
“Why isn’t Mularky calling the downfield passes like he did last year?”
If you look at the hold time for the Falcons Offensive line, it simply can not keep out other teams defensive fronts to allow downfield throws… When you add teams with any type of sophisticated blitz scheme and it goes to tatters… Examples: The Philly game, the Giants game, and for heavens sake: The 1st Bucs game… The greatest one was when the Pats dismantled the O-Line… It was trip to the wood shop…
“I was worried, a little, going into the year, when Mularky said he took about 1/4 of the playbook offline.”
If you go back to the 3/4 point of last season, teams had figured out the Falcons… The playoff game was the cultivation of that matter. The Cardinals slammed us from halftime on… They even knew the snap counts! The OC is only as good as the pieces, the loss of Douglass and for that matter Turner left you with a shell of a offense like that of which Vick had around him. Matt Ryan with just Gonzalez and White only scares bad football teams.
scottbravesfan
December 28th, 2009
2:45 am
Get back to me in year 4 and 5 of Matt Ryan being the starter then you will have an understanding of where he is.
scottbravesfan
December 28th, 2009
2:46 am
And Bradley if you really think that the Buffalo Bills would lose to Alabama you are delusional.
Eric C.
December 28th, 2009
3:42 am
Ryan hit first…the league hit back this year, watch for a better season from Ryan next season…especially if the defense can improve.
jerry
December 28th, 2009
6:18 am
Accuracy. Ryan does not have Manning (either) or Brady accuracy. Maybe later, maybe never.
Frank Wren
December 28th, 2009
6:39 am
that’s what happens when you have no offense line to help him. He’s been hit all year…Dmitroff needs to revamp that line to give ryan some protection
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
December 28th, 2009
7:16 am
[...] Ryan is more Eli than Peyton. [AJC] [...]
mar1049
December 28th, 2009
7:19 am
Hmmmmm.. still talking about Mr Vick I see. He’s on a playoff team but lets put the ills of the falconettes on him. With all the stellar qualities heaped on Ice Ryan, please tell me where the team is listed among the playoff contenders. I watched Sunday but for some reason I did not see Atlanta listed. Was there something wrong with my glasses? The guy is an ok qb but as long as the team does not make the show that is what he always will be, ok. Stop with the Manning stuff and get a life.
snapshot
December 28th, 2009
7:49 am
give his a little time and he will be one of the best in the NFL.
bob
December 28th, 2009
7:51 am
How would Peyton have done playing on the same two Falcons teams Ryan started with? The Colts throw the ball 40-50 times per game. Would Payton have been as good under Malarkey and his system, and with the Falcons receivers instead of Harrison and Wayne? The colts also have a defense and have had one for several years. Hard to compare QB’s under different systems and with different talent around them. If we get a pass rush next year, I bet our defensive backfield, with the same guys will show significant improvement
Bill
December 28th, 2009
8:06 am
1. His numbers are better than P. Manning first and second year
2. He’s hurt
3. The running back is hurt
4. The probowl kicker misses 2 – we miss the playoffs
5. He is not P. Manning, E. Manning, D. Brees, B. Farve, etc – he is Matt Ryan – and this whole subject takes no talent
6. Did you miss class the day they taught Journalism?
Dr. Andy
December 28th, 2009
8:10 am
Hey guys, I have been reading all or most of these comments for the last 4 pages. I just have one comment.
Back before the 90’s it was common practice for rookie QB’s to spend the first 3 to 5 years on the bench before ever starting a game. Today, the salaries are so big that they are forced into action in year one. We now have a situation where the QB is learning in public instead of behind the scenes. Ryan is doing great in his public training camp and has a tremendous up side.
suwaneedawg
December 28th, 2009
8:11 am
All winning QB’s are surrounded by two needed qualities, a solid running game and a great defense. Go back and look at the super bowl seasons of Starr, Montana, Brady and let’s not forget Elway did not get his ring until Davis and a stout defense. Ryan is in his second year with a still rebuilding defense and a limp running game this year. Let’s wait until we have the all the cylinders before we decide if Ryan is the right QB.
Alan
December 28th, 2009
8:14 am
Mark, for once in your life wake up and smell the roses and quit putting out colums like this one which will do only one thing, STIR UP THE NAYSAYERS.
I would like to know if you can answer this question for me, how many 2nd year phenoms such as Matty have face the following and yet had a better second year.
1-Defense, if you can’t get the opposition off the field you can’t score(this is called putting pressure on the offense).
2-Your running back and his backup stay injured for the greater part of the season, eliminating that threat and placing the burden on the passing game.
3-Your receivers can’t get seperation on passing routes thus making absolute pinpoint accuracy necessary, few expierence QB’s can overcome that at times.
4-The decline in the offensive line compared to last years sucessful line(look at the sack comparisons) and the fact that they lost the advantage in run blocking.
5-Lack of adjustment in the offensive and defensive coordinators, there were times that a college or high school coordinator could have read what was taking place on the field and made the necessary adjustments.
This team as a whole has had to fight for everything that they have acheived, nothing has been given to them, yet it doesn’t way on one mans shoulders. I have not seen infighting and blame, I have seen togetherness and hard work across the board and yes I have seen Matty stand up to the questions and not hang his head and quit.
Now why don’t you see if youcan get those answers for me, I would really like to hear from you.
GO FALCONS AND GO SOUTHERN RUSH, YOU DESERVE BETTER SUPPORT THAN YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND I AM PROUD OF YOU.
jmh
December 28th, 2009
8:24 am
Quarterbacks are scrutinized to the nth degree these days. I recently watched the NFC Championship game between the Cowboys and the Niners. The game dubbed “The Catch”. Joe Montana threw three interceptions that day and misfired on numerous passes and yet his place in the annuls of football history is secure. Winning superbowls and making plays in the clutch defined his career and made him a star. Statistics are misleading. The key to becoming a great quarterback is the ability to overcome adversity and make the plays when they count. Can the lead their teams to victory and are the cool under pressure.
Based on what I’ve seen of Matty Ice in his first two years, I don’t think there is any real argument. They young man is a franchise quarterback! He is a leader and a winner. He has the same DNA as all of the great quarterbacks. I’ve been a Falcon fan since Atlanta was awarded a franchise. I am loving the direction of this team and the fact that we have a potential HOF under center.
Boast74
December 28th, 2009
8:43 am
Ryan can be a better quarterback instantly if he shows a will to step up in the pocket and not lateral. Everytime he drops back and his 1st option is not available, he bails left or right automatically which completely eliminates half of the field and his options. If he steps into the pocket with his eyes downfield, then his options will increase and his percentage of completion will increase…ala Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers and even Joe Flacco.
Birdseed: December 28, 2009
December 28th, 2009
8:55 am
[...] If Matt Ryan isn’t Peyton Manning but Eli, is that enough?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Valid points but, at the end of the day, quarterbacks are judged on wins and losses. Let’s also not forget this is only Ryan’s second game back after turf toe. [...]
TB Buc Backer
December 28th, 2009
8:56 am
Who dat??
Suckers.
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
9:22 am
How about “Mystery, Alaska” for sports movies? Very re-watchable…
Bored of the Go-Dawg Nation
December 28th, 2009
9:25 am
Does anyone recall any gushing about Drew Brees his 1st 2 years? He got shipped out after another 1st rd QB was drafted during his tenure. Aaron Rodgers? I seem to recall a 2nd rd pick spent on Brian Brohm after Rodgers’ preseason and relief efforts 2 years ago. Philip Rivers? His longest pass for his 1st 2 years were passes that travelled 5 yards to LT who then ran them 50 additional. These are who are now considered ELITE QBs. Give it TIME before you tear down the best thing thats happened to our franchise in its existence. Most guys cant even beat out the incumbent the first 2 years. We were easily spoiled by year one. Compare yr 2 with the current elites, then I believe we have much to look forward to in the coming decade.
MIKE
December 28th, 2009
9:28 am
Mark, You cannot even be positive without making it sound negative. Give it a break.
CR
December 28th, 2009
9:29 am
Mark Bradley refers to Matt Ryan as, “the greatest rookie quarterback in league history.” Let’s compare Ryan’s rookie year to those of some other notable QBs.
– Dan Marino 1983: 7-2 record, 96.0 rating
– Ben Roethlisberger 2004: 13-0, 98.1
– Joe Flacco 2008: 11-5, 87.7
– Matt Ryan 2008: 11-5, 80.3
Ryan was good as a rookie, but let’s not get carried away.
C'mon Man
December 28th, 2009
9:33 am
“Matty Ice hasn’t been as precise in Year 2.” YEAR 2. Patience people, patience. How were the Saint’s past two seasons? This column is nothing but web-traffic bait. And I guess it worked. Your doing the man and the team a disservice.
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
9:42 am
jmh, I agree. I could care less what the completion % or “rating” of the QB is. Just get a win. I’ll bet Terry Bradshaw’s career numbers aren’t very pretty, but he could lead his team, and he could make plays under pressure. And he could win. Ryan is a winner. Just needs a few more playmakers around him.
garcia
December 28th, 2009
9:47 am
Matt Ryan was a better QB when his back side was protected. Baker is fine, but his injuries have put Ryan in a dangerous position.
Most people think that the Falcons should draft a defender in the first round. I am a firm believer that we should take the best LT available. Move Baker to his natural RT position, where his affinity to injuries will not be such a problem. One Ryan is given a decent amount of time in the pocket, the offense will flourish.
I wouldn’t worry about Matt Ryan.
Mr. Sorry
December 28th, 2009
9:59 am
I would just like to see some consistency from game to game with this kid before I anoint him the Falcons’ savior. One game he’s throwing on the money, the next game he’s throwing errant throws. One game he’s poised, the next he’s dancing in the pocket and can’t wait to run and throw the ball away. One game he’s throwing interceptions like crazy–oh wait, that’s been most of the season. I hope he works on looking off his receivers, getting the timing down with receivers on deep balls (consistently), and truly going through his progressions to the open guy. I know he hasn’t went through his progressions this season because he locks on to one guy from the time the ball is hiked until he throws it to him. That’s the main reason he has all the interceptions this year. Stop staring down everyone you’re going to. Tampa will bait him if he doesn’t stop staring every receiver down. Maybe he needs to spend more time on the little things on the field instead of all the extra in the film room. Just my observations. I’m sure some of you will try and label me a hater. He’s young and has plenty of room to grow still. I heard a QB’s third year in the league is where they make the most improvement. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.