In 2008, the Atlanta Falcons took QB Matt Ryan in the NFL draft third overall. Now in 2017, he leads the Falcons to Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots.
Ryan went through harsh criticism over his nine-year career about not playing well in the postseason. Prior to this season, Ryan was only 1-4 in the playoffs. He threw only nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in postseason play. In this years playoffs alone, Ryan has thrown seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in only two games.
His work ethic has prepared him for his level of play, as he is a favorite to win NFL MVP this season.
“Definitely. I think he’s (Ryan) made a huge step,” said Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on Ryan improving his play. “It’s tough to make a huge step when you’ve had as good of a career as he has. Matt’s put the work in.”
The additions of C Alex Mack, WRs Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel has helped Ryan improve, but another year in Shanahan’s offense has helped Ryan become comfortable in the offense and play at an elite level.
“Kyle (Shanahan) has pushed me to become a better player,” said Ryan on The MMQB Podcast. He’s challenged me in ways to expand my game to do things differently for a couple of years. He’s helped me become a better player.”
The Falcons have been doing well at setting the tone for the game offensively. Dating back to the regular season, the Falcons have scored a touchdown on their opening drives in eight consecutive games.
“I think it speaks to Kyle (Shanahan) doing a great job of putting together some early plays and plans for us,” said Ryan on the offense opening drive success. “It comes down to guys just going out there and executing, trusting our plan, trusting our preparation and going out and playing well from the start.”
Shanahan is expected to take San Francisco 49ers head coaching job the after Super Bowl. It is no guarantee the Falcons offense may be successful with Shanahan gone, so taking advantage of this opportunity is critical.
That offensive success will be needed against the Patriots on Sunday as the defense has their hands full containing Patriots QB Tom Brady and that offense.
Getting Brady off his spot will be important for the Falcons defensive success. Falcons OLB and NFL sack leader Vic Beasley Jr. will play a big role in getting in Brady’s face on Sunday. The Patriots offensive line does a good job at protecting Brady as he was only sacked 15 times this season.
“Its so important that we get to him (Brady), even if we get to him off the spot,” said Beasley. “Tom Brady doesn’t get knocked down that much so put pressure in his face and get him off his spot and get him frustrated will definitely help us at least try to come out with the win.”
In only his second season, Beasley is capable of having a similar type of game Denver Broncos OLB Von Miller had in last years Super Bowl. A game like that from Beasley can help a young Falcons secondary and put his team in position to win.
The Falcons depend on their rookies to make plays for them—S Keanu Neal, LB Deion Jones and CB Brian Poole. Neal serves as the enforcer for the Falcons secondary, forcing five fumbles. Jones led the team in tackles and interceptions and Poole had increased playing time since CB Desmond Trufant went down for the season with a torn pectoral.
Poole is an undrafted rookie that serves as the Falcons cornerback in their nickel package. He may find himself lined up against Brady’s favorite WR Julian Edelman in the slot, which is not an easy task. Edelman led the Patriots in receptions with 98.
The Falcons will play in a brand new stadium at the start of next season and celebrating the opening for the new stadium with the organizations first Super Bowl would be incredible.
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