Steelers vs. Falcons: Five Questions with the Enemy
By Kim Myers
Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan signed a huge contract not too long ago and the Falcons were supposed to have a bounce-back year after a horrid 2013 that was plagued by injuries, what’s been the biggest problem so far this season for the Falcons?
Let’s get this out of the way early – Matt Ryan is a great quarterback. He rarely gets the kudos he deserves, and certain media personalities are quick to point to his playoff record as though there aren’t 52 other players on an NFL team, but the results of the Falcons 2013 and 2014 seasons are not on him. Ryan started the year hot and, despite an up and down few weeks in the middle, has led the team the best any quarterback not named Rodgers or Manning could have. The biggest issue with the offense has been a lack of a run game and terrible pass protection, not helped by several key injuries across the O-Line including losing LT Sam Baker in preseason and being down to our UDFA 3rd string center. Sure he’s thrown a few of the ugliest picks in years this season, but without Ryan and Julio Jones, this team would be lucky to have won a game so far. Not at all on the hot seat.