SI.com wonders: Does Matt Ryan still have room to grow?
Matty Ice asks Harry D.: "Do I look mature to you?" (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
After Sunday’s nervous victory over Minnesota, Falcons coach Mike Smith spoke of Matt Ryan — who’d had his best game of the season — and the “maturation process.” Which sounded a bit odd, given that we around here have, fairly or not, never considered Ryan anything less than mature. He was a starter from Game 1 of Year 1, and he’s 26 now. Speaking of which …
Jim Trotter of SI.com offers a look at four NFL quarterbacks — all of whom were drafted in Round 1 in 2008 or 2009, all of whom had almost immediate success, none of whom are having a noteworthy statistical season in 2011. The four: Mark Sanchez of the Jets, Joe Flacco of the Raves, Josh Freeman of the Bucs … and Matt Ryan.
Trotter makes the case that, because more collegiate quarterbacks are playing in pro-style offenses, more quarterback draftees enter the NFL ready to play from Game 1 of Year 1. But he also writes:
It also could mean that QBs are coming into the league with less room to improve than they did a decade ago, when offenses were more ground-oriented. If true, could fans and some owners be setting themselves up for frustration and disappointment if the players fail to reach elite status before their first contracts expire?
Confronted with this argument, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff — who drafted Ryan with the third overall pick in 2008 — told Trotter this: “It never came up in conversation that maybe [Ryan] had maxed out because of the system he had been under. But it’s interesting that you would think that way. Maybe there is something to it.”
Toward the end of Trotter’s story we hear from Dimitroff again, and this time he addresses a point yours truly has been batting around, sort of, since the end of Ryan’s second season: That Matty Ice could be closer to Eli Manning than to brother Peyton — a very good quarterback but not quite a great one. Said Dimitroff:
There are some very valid levels below that elite [quarterback] level that can allow organizations to be successful and make runs at Super Bowls. Everyone needs to understand that. Owners and team builders and head coaches need to realize that you can win with very good quarterbacks. They don’t have to necessarily be the elite quarterback of the league to be successful as a team.
Is this a concession from TD the GM, or just a reflection of reality? (The latter, I’d say.) But I advise you to real the article for yourself. And thanks to reader Steve Young of Alpharetta – who’s not, I’m assuming, the Steve Young who succeeded Joe Montana in San Fran — for bringing it to my attention.
By Mark Bradley
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268 comments Add your comment
M10
December 3rd, 2011
2:15 pm
I think M.Ryan has already reach his ceiling he’s not or never will be a elite Qb he’s a gm manager.I for one wish we had a chance to draft A.Luck or R.Griffin III.
Monday Morning QB
December 3rd, 2011
2:22 pm
@ M10
I disagree about Matt Ryan reaching his ceiling. I do agree on Luck and Griffin. I really like Griffin, I think he can be a huge star.
M10
December 3rd, 2011
2:28 pm
Monday Morning Qb
Hopefully Ryan proves me wrong,but I agree with you on Luck and Griffin III I think he could be a star as well.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:30 pm
Mr Charlie
December 3rd, 2011
11:18 am
Sure, we won our last playoff game with Vick, and our last superbowl appearance with Chandler. So what? Ancient history. Actually, I would rather take our chances with Chandler running the team. 11 TD and 13 Turnovers? Those are Joey Harrington numbers, lol. But NOOOO, that NOTHING to do why why the Eagles are the must underachieving team in the history of the NFL
___
Thanks for bringing up Joey Harrington. He and Ryan has the same amount of playoff wins.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:34 pm
@Mr. Charlie
I have noticed from previous post that you choose when it’s appropriate to bring up the “ancient” history. I mean why are you talking about Vick if you don’t like bringing up ancient history. Can you “walk the walk”?
If you don’t want to hear about ancient history, then maybe Matt should erased that 8 year drought.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:37 pm
@Monday Morning QB
The only flaw that matters is a qb that can’t deliver at lease a single playoff win.
If you can live with that flaw, well you are supporting the right qb.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:40 pm
Monday Morning QB
December 3rd, 2011
12:53 pm
Matt Ryan is avery good QB. He certainly has flaws but so do most players. To say that the Falcons cannot win with Ryan is plan stupid. Ryan is clearly better than some championship qurterbacks and much better than some with playoff wins including Vick. I was a Vick fan until his flaws wrecked the Falcons. I would rather have a smart QB
_____
You mean smart as in throwing a PICK 6 before half time in last season in the playoffs? Or smart like losing both playoff games? Or smart like giving up a safety vs Arizona in the playoffs?
Is that the same guy you call smart? Well I rather have a dumb winning qb as long as they deliver a playoff win.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:43 pm
Monday Morning QB
December 3rd, 2011
1:12 pm
JSS
No one plays with turf toe,
——-
Historically “True” turf toe is career ending. Ryan showed up 2 or 3 games later.
Just saying.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
2:49 pm
Trade School FTW
December 3rd, 2011
1:21 pm
The punk cant pass………but at least he isnt fighting dogs in his spare time
—–
Who gives a rat butt about dog fighting? I don’t, and in fact when I was on active duty overseas dogs were viewed as…..well…..the same way as the animals that are on the kitchen tables of you so called animal loving fanatics.
Do any of you really know what Ryan does off the field? Exactly. I however did see Ryan on The NFL Network admitting he was a Vick fan in college.
Mr Charlie
December 3rd, 2011
2:52 pm
I did not bring Vick up. When he left, he was done he was dead to me.
BUT, others seemed to want to come on here and bring him up and make predictions and comparisons between Vick and Ryan. So, I feel obligated to come on here and hold them accountable.
Even today, you compare Vicks playoff record to Ryans, because that is the ONLY stat left that is favorable for MV7…..And I guess you will continue to do that, until Ryan eclipses it. So until then, have fun, but you will disappear like all the rest, and criticize me for finishing something you started.
lulz
December 3rd, 2011
3:42 pm
72 million dollar bust–Ryan does a few things in his off time…he likes to hunt and fish…Ive seen him at Tech when BC is in town for hoops or football…Ive seen him at Braves games and charity events….I havent seen him fighting dogs yet.
You’re one of those people still wearing a #7 ATL jersey you bought from Marhsalls…..LET IT GO…VICK IS GONE….he had a couple good years here–and a lot of shit years..and left us with a big bill…
the guy can rot in hell for all I care…..Should be banished from the NFL……funny how some guys can play in the NFL and make tons of money but they wouldn’t be allowed to work for most companies.
lulz
December 3rd, 2011
3:44 pm
and to eat dogs because of culture is one thing—-to fight dogs for sport–is classless…..like yourself sir….
Guarantee your fascination with comparing everything Ryan does vs. Vick is race related……..oh noes–we got a white qb…..oh noes…..lol…biggot
100 Million Bust
December 3rd, 2011
4:00 pm
Vick is not as smart as Ryan. That’s obvious. You can’t have too much going on upstairs and get involved in dog fighting. Only a punk would hurt a dog. Period. And I don’t care what he did in the playoffs. It’s history. He won’t be in the playoffs this year. Ryan will. I think those facts are a reflection on those two individuals.
Yeah, I’ll take this edition of the Falcons, with Ryan calling the signals, any day.
100 Million Bust
December 3rd, 2011
4:06 pm
Loving dogs makes me a fanatic? Welcome to loser world.
Geo
December 3rd, 2011
4:15 pm
“Toward the end of Trotter’s story we hear from Dimitroff again, and this time he addresses a point yours truly has been batting around, sort of, since the end of Ryan’s second season: That Matty Ice could be closer to Eli Manning than to brother Peyton — a very good quarterback but not quite a great one. ”
These kinds of questions are default mode article fodder I gess. But not particularly interesting imho. Matt Ryan is Matt Ryan. He plays like Matt Ryan. Why take the joy out of it by comparing against preconceived notions, obsessing about rankings and wondering whether stats are good enough? Let the kid play. He’s writing his own story, even if ajc sportwriters aren’t.
todd
December 3rd, 2011
4:50 pm
Why does everyone constantly have to label everything? Players guy through peaks and valleys throughout a career. His stats are very comparable to other “elite” guys. Peyton Manning threw 23 INTs his 4th season. Brees’ 1st 4 yrs he had 80 TDs and 53 INTs compared to Ryans 64-44 with 5 games to go this year. He hasn’t reached the ceiling yet. It’s not that much of a stretch that could be that type of guy but he doesn’t have a Sean Payton coaching him- no knock on Mike Smith.
They never won back to back seasons before he got here, they are working on 4 in a row. He will own every Falcon record before he’s done and I believe at least 1 superbowl.
72 Million Dollar Bust
December 3rd, 2011
6:42 pm
26 years old an playoff winless – that’s embarrassing.
Enjoy your mediocre qb.
Number 1 defense + Andre Johnson + Arian Foster – Good luck with that.
REAL DAWG'S N FALCONS FAN
December 3rd, 2011
8:12 pm
hey mark why don’t you go interview the punter the buc’s signed again? while you are in tampa stay there because you fit right in there with the rest of the doom and gloom bunch!
WhoDat4Eva
December 3rd, 2011
9:03 pm
Matt Ryan’ arm = water pistol = no playoff again for the dirty birds…..sorry guys.
JSS
December 4th, 2011
12:10 am
“Mr Charlie
December 3rd, 2011
2:52 pm
“I did not bring Vick up. When he left, he was done he was dead to me. BUT, others seemed to want to come on here and bring him up and make predictions and comparisons between Vick and Ryan. So, I feel obligated to come on here and hold them accountable.”
You’re a L-I-A-R!!!
Simple Dawg brought up Vick in a derisive comment at 10:55AM Dec. 2nd. I’ve said this over and over about you Charlie, your the one who comes on and kicks up a Vick comment like you and PB Orr did at 12:14PM that same day… Everyone told him that Vick was relevant to this blog… Then you stuck your nose (again) and spent the next 3 pages trying to flame other bloggers… Charlie, you have a Vick fixation and it is time for you to get over it once and for all… Stop your campaign of lies and half-truths on the sports blogs..
JSS
December 4th, 2011
12:12 am
Everyone told him that Vick was ‘not” relevant to this blog…
Eric C.
December 4th, 2011
1:28 am
Todd, excellent post
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
8:50 am
Yes Todd, very good…..JSS, no reason to start calling names, is says more about you than it does I….And I was not the first person to ever bring up Vick on the Blogs. For 3 years, any Ryan post has been covered with Vick posters, mainly comparing the two. Now, as everything is playing out, my predictions are true. NOW, all of a sudden, he is not relevant?
You just want him to not be relevant because I am right about him. If you want me to stop bringing him up? Just admit that I was right, he is who I thought he was, and I will stop. But, if you want to say things like the Eagles wows are not caused but QB play, expect a debate with facts.
Again, we make predictions, I am just making sure everyone is accountable on past opinions as to measure their credibility.
randyt
December 4th, 2011
9:06 am
Ryan doesn’t have a cannon for an arm true. But neither did Joe Montana. Ryan is very smart and could be very successful with good players and coaches around him. Improve the line next off season and get an offensive coordinator that understands him and his abilities. Then you’ll see what we have and you’ll be very happy with him.
lulz
December 4th, 2011
9:25 am
100 million dollar bust….lmfao…..love the handle….
72 million dollar bust is just a troll–guy gets his roxx off by irritating people…gue doesn’t realize joke is on him…..
JSS
December 4th, 2011
10:32 am
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
8:50 am
“JSS, no reason to start calling names, is says more about you than it does I…” “I am just making sure everyone is accountable on past opinions as to measure their credibility.”
Name calling? Do you ever read what you post after you hit the submit button? Because it is clearly obvious that you don’t read it or think about it before you hit that button… Name calling is the random throwing out of palabra… You lied, and you continue to lie at every opportunity… Now you’re trying to deflect from being caught in your habit of lying… And again, it is not about Vick, it is about the group of bloggers who lie (like you) about who brought up the subject of Michael Vick.
Whatever delusional state you’re in about your habit, you need to get to the bottom of it…
JSS
December 4th, 2011
10:47 am
And a grown man who does not know the use of “wows” and “woes” is not just full of any “credibility!” And you can keep putting that childish Vick is the cause of the Philly failure issue. As I pointed out yesterday at 12:04 PM, people, columnists, players, and observers all see where the problem is there. But be my guest deflector, your issues will still be the same after this NFL playoff tournament is over… Anybody who goes back through this blog and looks at the chronology of Simple Dawg, PB Orr, JFreak, and your comments see the truth… But when you’re a pathological liar (that would be you Mr. Charlie), you never claim what you do…
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
11:06 am
Man, I guess I won. You cannot even put anything rational up anymore. Attack vocabulary, spelling, grammer and name calling, Troll 101 handbook. Your 12:10 post that “proves” anything is a joke.
You make excuses that suggest Vick is not the root cause of Phillys problems, but you do not ever do the same for Ryan. So you are a hypocrite, and if you deny it, you are a liar….See who easy that is?
Move on, you have been beaten. Checkmate.
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
11:10 am
But I predicted that Philly would fail miserably, and for good measure I say Vick does not make it past game 8. I was right. Soooo, my credibility to read through the hype, to make good football analysis is spot on.
I also say that before it is said and one, Ryan had MORE playoff victories that Vick ever had. So, we can debate it, but it is pointless, at least until I am proven right, or Ryan and Vick retire, and I am wrong. At that time, I would expect a “told ya so” just like I am laying on you…..Anyway, enjoy hoping your home team loses today.
JSS
December 4th, 2011
11:22 am
Somebody post how many game Vick has started for Stephen “Mr. Charlie” Hawkins… I guess he cannot count with his fingers and toes that high? Are your diabetes amputations keeping you from being cognitive enough to function?
Go look at the January 15th blog and enjoy my “I told ya so!”
JSS
December 4th, 2011
11:23 am
Bradley, check your filter…
JSS
December 4th, 2011
11:34 am
Change your current multiple user name to “Mr. 1000 yd Charlie.” Troll? Your black pot must be grey? You’re still can’t count… Approximately, 2200 yards is 1000 yards in “Charlie’s World!” 9 is suddenly 8 in “Charlie’s World!” Simple Dawg, JFreak, and PB Orr derisive comments are “people defending Vick” in “Charlie’s World!” And not being able to spell w-o-e is higher education in “Charlie’s World!” Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy this trip to an previously undiscovered parallel universe: “Charlie’s World!”
JSS
December 4th, 2011
11:38 am
And here’s some food for thought… 2-8 even if they win out the final 6 games will still have a 1st round, 2nd, and 3rd round draft pick in the Spring… What will you team have in those rounds?
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
11:46 am
JSS, you really need to raise your hands and step away from the computer. You are now grasping as straws…
and the Vick 1000 yard was actually a typo, meant to type 2000. Anyone with common sense would know that he threw for more than 1000 yards, but the numbers that matter are 11-13. Fact is, you don’t win in the NFL with a QB who turns is over more they produces TDs. If you could get a handle on your emotional issues, I am sure you would agree….Could you imagine it that was Ryan’s line? OMG!!!
JSS
December 4th, 2011
11:57 am
“Emotional issues,” you mean that “Vick fixation” that you have? And since you bring up the 4 more TDs than TOs (yeah, that is all the great Matt Ryan has), but that fantastic “elite play” in the previously undiscovered parallel universe called “Charlie’s World!”
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
12:35 pm
Glad you got your composure back…..Charlies World….I like it.
JSS
December 4th, 2011
12:35 pm
Since some fool brought this up…
Turnover +/- numbers of possible playoff QBs (7. Matt Ryan is only +6) in 11 games
(including rushing TDs)
1. Aaron Rodgers +29
2. Tom Brady +14
3. Drew Brees +11
4. Matthew Stafford +11
5. Tony Romo +9
6. Matt Schaub +9
8. Tim Tebow +5 (Are you kidding me?)
9. Jay Cutler +5 (playing 1 less game)
10. Joe Flacco +4 (Still tied at waist)
11. Alex Smith +3 (hey, that is why he’s Alex Smith)
12. Andy Dalton +3 (he only beats a rookie!)
13. Mark Snachez +1 (speaks for itself)
14. Carson Palmer -3 (and an off the street player)
JSS
December 4th, 2011
12:40 pm
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
12:35 pm
“Charlies World….I like it.”
Only a narcissistic clown like you would… It was s-a-r-c-a-s-m! Sarcasm, get the point?
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
12:48 pm
Yes, I get it, obviously you don’t…..Turnovers, no surprise there….Ryan was struggling with it early, but over the past few games he has righted the ship….all W’s. Funny how that works.
JSS
December 4th, 2011
12:58 pm
Ws against all except the “elite.” Charlie’s Bizarro World! The legend grows!!!
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
1:00 pm
Todd at 4:50 says it best. Elite, Schmalete.
Mr Charlie
December 4th, 2011
1:05 pm
Anyway, outta here…gonna watch the game with humans….There is some guy starting Vick stuff on the main blog…I am sure you will accuse him of being me…Thats ok….I can live with that.
JSS
December 4th, 2011
2:24 pm
Tell the kids at the Chucky Cheese top drink their milk… Then clean up those other two tables!
JSS
December 4th, 2011
2:26 pm
He roughed him alright!!!
JSS
December 4th, 2011
4:30 pm
Here’s another spelling lesson for Charlie… V-i-n-d-i-c-a-t-i-o-n!!!
jlperry
December 4th, 2011
4:47 pm
Ryan yes he have more growing to do he hold the ball to long and don”t have that clock in his head to move like aaron roger.And the killer mind set like brady or bress or payton.But with hard work on the off season and more frim study he will be alright.
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
4:52 pm
Ryan is not a downfield passer. This goes back to college. He missed 3 open WR’s downfield today. Nobody wants to talk about that in the loss of course but Turner and Jones got the blame on both those INT’s by the joke of a FOX broadcast today. Sickening.
achybreakyheart
December 4th, 2011
5:53 pm
Matt Ryan has been going backwards ever since his first year in the league..Anyone in his right mind can see that..Of coarse when the ball hits the the receiver in the hands or chest and said receiver drops the ball..is that on Ryan? I think not! I wonder if stats are kept on drops..I would bet that Gozo And White are right there at the top of the list.
As for T.D. the GM. comments..He has made several huge blunders in his draft picks since he has been here..Who cares what he says. As for the game today..we have proven once again that we can Not compete with the big boys..we are the cellar dwellers sloshing around with the rest of the riffraft..Mediocre team..mediocre coaching staff..that’s about it!
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
6:24 pm
Trent Dilfer won a championship…lol. so what is the point. Actually the point is that pundints and whover like to pick and chose when to give someone a pass I suppose. Ryan will always be given the benifit of the doubt regardless to the fact that he is not accurate throwing the ball downfield. Even when he has multiple INT games.
The national media and the league wants to protect the Falcons. The local media wants to protect Ryan. All because of the Vick thing.
Mr. Charlie
December 4th, 2011
9:01 pm
What lamac66 said…ALL TRUE! They’ll never admit it, but Bradley and his ajc peers know deep in their hearts, its true!