Overreaction: Kyle Shanahan, not Matt Ryan, was real MVP
Kyle Shanahan was the real MVP for the Falcons last season.
A team that averaged almost 34 points per game in 2016 can’t score anymore. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are still in Atlanta but the offense has 121 points in six games, 21.3 per game.
The missing ingredient? Shanahan. He was the offensive coordinator last season when the Falcons were nearly unstoppable until the second half of the Super Bowl.
Now, Shanahan is coaching the San Francisco 49ers (0-7) and Atlanta (3-3) is struggling. The Falcons have lost three in a row, including a 23-7 loss to the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch.
Ryan, who threw for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns while winning the NFL MVP award last year, is on pace to toss just 17 TDs. Jones finally caught his first TD in garbage time against New England.
It must be new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s fault. There’s no creativity in his offensive system.
Players have to make plays. Blame them.
Here are more overreactions following Week 7:
Overreaction
The Browns (0-7) are getting close to a win. They took the Titans to overtime before losing.
Realistic Reaction
They’re a mess. Hue Jackson is playing yoyo with quarterback DeShone Kizer. And, 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas suffered is injured for the first time in his career.
Overreaction
The Bears don’t need a quarterback to win. Mitchell Trubisky has completed 12 passes
Realistic Reaction
They can’t rely on safety Eddie Jackson to keep scoring TDs. Eventually, Trubisky will have to throw the ball.
Overreaction
Marshawn Lynch will quit the NFL if his onegame suspension isn’t overturned.
Realistic Reaction
He’s just a misunderstood peacemaker.
Overreaction
Cam Newton is overrated.
Realistic Reaction
His NFL MVP season in 2015 is looking more and more distant with each inconsistent performance.
Overreaction
The Patriots (5-2) fixed their problems. Onto the Super Bowl.
Realistic Reaction
The Steelers (5-2) and Chiefs (5-2) won’t be pushovers in the AFC.
Overreaction
Carson Palmer’s career is over.
Realistic Reaction
Given the dearth of quality starting QBs, a 38-year-old Palmer coming back from a broken left arm still will be better than many guys still playing.
Overreaction
Trevor Siemian will lose his job to Brock Osweiler.
Realistic Reaction
The Broncos (3-3) already went down that road before. Siemian is their guy unless he gets hurt.
Overreaction
The Jaguars are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Realistic Reaction
Their defense is dominant, but they haven’t had a winning season since 2007 so prove it.
Overreaction
Jeff Heath is better than most kickers .
Realistic Reaction
Heath did a nice job filling in for Dan Bailey, but there’s a reason why he’s a starting safety for the Cowboys.
Overreaction
Los Angeles is a better football town than New York.
Realistic Reaction
Don’t confuse better teams — Rams (5-2) and Chargers (3-4) vs. Jets (34) and Giants (1-6) — with better fans.
Overreaction
Matt Moore is better than Jay Cutler.
Realistic Reaction
Cutler may have more talent, but Moore might be a better fit.