Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had one of the best statistical seasons of his career in 2018. Ryan threw for 35 touchdowns and 4,924 yards, good for third in both categories, while only throwing seven interceptions. Still, his team failed to make the playoffs.
Entering the 2019 season, the analysts over at Pro Football Focus have Ryan ranked as the seventh-best quarterback in the league.
“The 2015 and 2017 seasons saw Ryan grade better than his numbers would indicate, while 2016’s MVP campaign and 2018 saw Ryan post gaudy numbers that were elevated by some interception luck and fantastic play by his playmakers and play-callers (particularly 2016). When you add it all up, Ryan has six top-10 finishes in PFF grade in his 10 years in the league, and he consistently throws the ball accurately down the field. Last season saw Ryan struggle when he left the friendly confines of dome stadiums, but he doesn’t play an outdoor game until November this season, so expect another big year for the stat sheet.”
Ryan could be in for a big year, but as we saw last season, it takes more than just good quarterback play for a team to contend for the Super Bowl.
The Falcons kick off the season in three weeks on the road against the Vikings.
