Matt Ryan Proves Me Wrong

Yes, at one time I wrote a post on this blog, "5 reasons why Matt Ryan will be a bust". But Matty Ice has played MVP ball this year. And the Falcons are in the playoffs! I couldn't have been more wrong.

Here's what a reader wrote to me:

it couldn't have ended up more differently than what you said... Turner and Norwood have both done a good job, and Matt Ryan has one of the best rookie seasons for a qb in nfl history. The receivers are all doing great, including 3rd round draft pick, harry douglas, and the offensive line has been quite allright (even without sam baker for most of the season). The defense has done a really good job too, even with quite a few rookies as starters :D better luck next time... and go for the unexpected, it seems like that's whats happening the whole time in the NFL

Vince Almost Quit

It came out this week that Vince Young considered retirement just after playing one season in the NFL. He hasn't said why but you have to imagine the immense pressure of being a NFL Quarterback probably got to him. I wonder sometimes about these young guys coming into the NFL because many of them are not ready for that amount of pressure.

You have to remember that many of these kids are aged 20-22 and not even college graduates. Meaning their last job likely was at a Burger King, Foot Locker, or Walmart. To go from that kind of job to the bright lights may be too much for some.

I can't wait to see how Matt Ice stays cool in the ATL next year.

Arthur Blank Makes it Rain On Matt Ryan

$72 mil, $34 guaranteed. That's how much you can make if you too can take Boston College to the ACC Championship game.

Granted that Ryan is a good QB and is going to be an upgrade over what they have eventually but is he $34 mil of good? We will see. Some are saying that this may be a sign of desperation by Mr. Home Depot, and I couldn't agree more. Vick put them in a bad way and the rebuilding had to start somewhere.

Let's see if Money Matt is worth it before we rush to further judgment.

5 Reasons Why Matt Ryan Will Be a Bust

#1- Lack of Talent at RB

Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood... I don't believe in either. Combine those unproven backs with a rookie QB is means for disaster.

#2- Wack Wide Receivers

Roddy White came on at the end of last year but if history is anything, Atlanta is where receivers go to die. Jorn Horn isn't anything anymore either.

#3- No Alge Crumpler

Why get rid of Michael Vick's security blanket? You know your receivers are not that good and that you're bringing in a rookie, Alge was NEEDED.

#4- Michael Vick

Michael Vick will be out of jail next year and the comparisons will start. If Ryan does not look good the fans will wonder why not let Mike try again?

#5- Terrible Defense

That defense is not going to help them win games. If you can't get off the field, the game is over before Ryan even has a chance to get in sync.

And I didn't even mention their offensive line because I'm a Sam Baker fan.

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Random Analysis

I'm going to throw out some random analysis on my behalf... which comes from watching mainly C USA games and ACC games... but I also watched every SEC game I could get which was a lot of Arkansas for some strange reason... anyways.. here is my analysis from how they play, not the combine.

I have come around on Matt Ryan. I do not think he is benefiting from a weak QB class at all. He took a team with lackluster talent and made them look real good every Saturday. He moves well in the pocket and finds the open man, doesnt force it.

Chris Johnson is my homer pick. Ive watched is maturity from a freshman surprise all the way to NFL Draft Prospect so I have to support him. Is an effortless runner, with elite speed, and has soft hands. Waits for his blockers instead of trying to outrun everyone which resulted in the most all purpose yards in the nation.

I absolutely love Mike Hart as a prospect. He doesn't fumble and is tough. Built small and compact and gets those tough yards. He benefited a lot from Long but no one will deny he was a quality back in college. May never be the man in the NFL but will be a great #2 man.

Darren McFadden is an elite runner who comes once every five drafts or so. Big and strong with a great stride and the speed to house it when he gets to the second level. Unreal stiff arm as well and breaks the arm tackles with ease. Put his team on his back against LSU and cemented himself as the first runner taken.

I think Limas Sweed is the next Plaxico. He has great speed for his size and has good leaping ability. A terror in the redzone with 20 career TDs and would have broke the school record if he didnt get hurt. Came to the combine healthy and I have him ranked as my #1 WR.

I saw a bunch of WVU and I will join the Schmitt fans. He is a bull in a china house. In other news, Slaton looks like kick returner at the next level. I dont think he is big enough nor quick enough to make guys miss.
Kenny Phillips is a first round talent. Sure he played not to get hurt, but he has the size, bulk, speed, and experience you look for in a future safety. A hard hitter and sure tackler. I dont believe any of the misinformation about him. I will admit he needs work against the deep ball.

Thats all I have for now.. Ill think of more guys I watched later.

5 Reasons Why Miami Will Take Matt Ryan #1

5. Drew Bledsoe.
When faced with this same decision of whether or not to take a QB in the 1993 NFL Draft, Bill Parcells went with Drew Bledsoe #1 overall to the Patriots. Just 3 years later, Bledsoe took them to the Superbowl.

4. Bill Parcells
Everywhere Parcells went in the league guess who showed up? Good ol' Drew Bledsoe, his trusty #1 overall Quarterback. Drew was a guy that Bill drafted and trusted and Matt Ryan has those same intangible leadership qualities.

3. John Beck
The previous administration drafted Beck in the second round and the current administration owes him nothing. The pick is wasted, the decision was made. Ryan grades out much higher than Beck did and is a better prospect overall.

2. A 1-15 record in 2007
There is nowhere this team can go but up and it is the perfect low pressure situation to ease your Quarterback of the future in. Not to mention Jason Taylor wants to leave and Zach Thomas is gone. The fans need a new guy to rally around and Ryan is that guy.


1. The dollar dolla bills
Don't get me wrong. They don't want to pay #1 overall money to anyone and will scramble to give this pick to anyone but in the end its too costly to trade picks away and take the #1 player so Miami will be stuck. The money that the #1 player will get will be more than Mario William's $60 million dollar deal and a similar contract to Jamarcus Russell. Most likely you're looking at $30 million of that guaranteed as well. Why not invest the pick in a guy that will touch the ball every play and be the face of the franchise for the next 12 years? Sure Chris Long, Jake Long, and Vernon Gholston are all appealing but a pass rusher can be found later, and quality offensive tackles such as Sam Baker can be had in round two.