In 2008, the Atlanta Falcons shocked the National Football League. When rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan, stepped up to the line of scrimmage and Chris Redman was sent back to the sidelines, three things happened: Critics dropped their pens, the Carolina Panthers went running with their tails between their legs and somewhere in the American justice system – Michael Vick cursed his own name. With an 11 and 5 record plus a formidable post season performance, fans must ask – can young Matt Ryan take the Falcons farther this year than Vick ever could?
The 2008 season was huge for rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. The Boston College alumni made the air over the opponent’s turf his own personal highway and the Georgia Dome became a hangar for Ryan’s long range bombs and his lightning-fast missiles. Precision and power was the key to the Falcons’ surprising performance in ’08, and Ryan was the locksmith. He might have had a few rocky moments to overcome, but he showed the whole League he was one of those rare rookies that are not to be underestimated. Coupled with Michael Turner’s break-loose, helmet-pounding running style, the Falcons’ had finally established what they had been looking for – menacing attacks from both ground and air (I’m sure if there had been a sea, head coach, Mike Smith, would have found a way to let lose a furious Falcon navy). Ryan brought to the team a new leadership – and a huge cannon with an accurate gunner.
In present time, preseason has drawn to an end and Matt Ryan is looking even deadlier than last year. Things even out, however, as he is also looking somewhat more cautious with only two touchdowns and zero interceptions in preseason stats. In week four of playoffs, Ryan’s health was preserved by head coach, Smith, and John Parker Wilson, the infamous rookie from Alabama, took over with thirteen completions for a mere 80 yards. It is self-evident that Ryan will be starting in the season opener against the Dolphins on September 13th. With the new title of Offensive Captain (voted on by his own teammates last year), Ryan has a new burden to carry upon his shoulders as well as a reputation to uphold. With the season opener only a few days away, the question remains: Can he take the Falcons even farther than last year? If so, then can Matt Ryan take the Falcons all the way?
This is some text prior to the author information. You can change this text from the admin section of WP-Gravatar My name is Chase Satterfield, I live in Destin, FL. However, I consider Atlanta my hometown as I was born and spent my first few years in Roswell (just outside the city). I am a long-time Falcons fan, and on Saturdays, I'm all about the U of GA - sic 'em dawgs. Read more from this author
