Chase for NFL crown begins anew for Ryan
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA. — Quarterback Matt Ryan is in the playoffs for the sixth time in 10 seasons and still searching for the ultimate prize.
Last year’s meltdown in the Super Bowl has been well-documented with the Atlanta Falcons blowing a 28-3 lead and losing to New England, but Ryan has his team back in the postseason despite a big drop-off in points and yards.
At 10-6, they’ve gone from the No. 2 seed to the sixth, but they’re the only NFC team to return to the playoffs. Ryan hasn’t enjoyed the kind of seamless production that made him the league MVP last season, yet he likes the team’s chances even though the offense has scored just two touchdowns over the last two weeks.
“We do a very good job throughout the week of getting ourselves prepared and ready to play,” Ryan said Tuesday. “That provides confidence, so I think guys just need to focus on doing the best that they can with where their feet are at that time of the day.
“If we do that and we’re locked in for practice and walkthroughs, that’s going to give us the best chance to be successful.”
Atlanta has won three of four and six of its last eight heading into Saturday’s wildcard game at the Los Angeles Rams (11-5). The defense is better than a year ago, moving into the top 10 in scoring and total yards for the first time at the end of the regular season the 1998 Falcons advanced to the Super Bowl.
But the offense has been unable to match last year’s productivity, dropping from first to 15th in scoring as opponents have held fivetime Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones to just three touchdowns.
Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are still a tough tandem, but both missed time with concussions. The offensive line hasn’t been as stout despite another Pro Bowl season from center Alex Mack.