Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Falcons in a flight for glory
MATT RYAN is looking for a shot at redemption but knows he is one game from that going up in smoke.
The Atlanta quarterback had his team moments from a first Super Bowl win 11 months ago before New England’s astonishing comeback.
Ryan has struggled to reach last year’s heights this time round but the Falcons are still fighting for a place in next month’s playoffs and a return to the Super Bowl on February 4 in Minneapolis.
Tonight, they travel to New Orleans, knowing that not only will defeat hand the Saints a playoff place but that it would seriously damage Atlanta’s hopes. For Ryan, that turns tonight into a one-game season.
He said: “I think knowing that none of that other stuff happens unless we win, that’s what keeps you present in that moment.
“The only thing that matters for us is preparing this week and giving ourselves the best chance to go out and play the way we are capable of.
“Worrying about anything other than that, to me, is a waste of time or a distraction.
“We talk about that every day, about how important every day is, how important the meetings and the walk-throughs and the practices are, and how they put us in a position to be successful.”
After winning just three games last season, Jacksonville have completed a remarkable turnaround by already ensuring their first playoff spot in 10 years and tonight they can win the AFC South division by beating San Francisco.