Matt Ryan stood tall at the podium after leading the Falcons to a 17-3 win on Friday. With his first NFL win under his belt, the No. 3 pick took his best preseason performance in stride, with the same demeanor as he would display after a loss. Upon being asked if he would be disappointed if he wasn’t named the starter for the Detroit game, Ryan sidestepped the question, choosing rather to highlight the help he has received from the veteran quarterbacks on the team. But you could see it in his eyes: Ryan wanted the responsibility and knew his play was worthy of the starter’s role.
On Sunday, the 72 million-dollar man had his wish granted.
Ryan was named the starter for Game 1 against the Detroit Lions. After weeks of speculation and close-to-the-vest speak from head coach Mike Smith, the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder’s progress, further magnified by the dearth of playmaking from Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley, was finally acknowledged as the answer to the Falcons’ quarterback conundrum.
Rookie or not, Ryan has been one of the top preseason performers regardless of position. His 80.4 quarterback rating ranks him 10th among NFL signal callers, placing the Boston College product amongst the rarified air of Drew Brees (first) and Donovan McNabb (third). The detractors who blasted the Falcons for passing over Glenn Dorsey at No. 3 may need to think twice, as the Falcons’ defense has shown improvement thus far and Ryan has dwarfed his rookie draft class at the quarterback position, posting a quarterback rating 18 points higher than his closest competition (Baltimore’s Joe Flacco – 66.3). Ryan also ranks in the top 10 in completion percentage and completions (tied for sixth).
“We have evaluated Matt through OTAs, mini-camp, training camp and over the course of three preseason games,” said head coach Mike Smith via a Sunday afternoon press release. “After reviewing Matt’s progress, we feel like he has won the starting job.”
While Smith has kept the competition “open” since the camp’s beginning, after Ryan’s mature performance against Tennessee, the spot under center was closed. The Falcons’ nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive, led by Ryan, was the purest offensive move of the preseason, and Ryan’s permanent stamp of justification that he was ready. All that was needed was a decision, which has now been made and is the correct one.
Upon leaving his post-game press conference, Ryan was greeted by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who looked on like a proud father throughout. Blank must be elated that the Matt Ryan era will officially start on Sept. 7, and that the Dirty Birds have a new hero under center.
Horne can be reached at ehonre@scoreatl.com.
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