Ryan Show keeps rolling as Falcons rout Packers
Matt Ryan believes his ATLANTA current crop of Atlanta Falcons teammates has finally formed the “right mix” to end the city’s long wait for a Super Bowl triumph.
Ryan produced a superb display as the Falcons tore apart the Green Bay Packers 44-21 in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game to put themselves one victory away from the first NFL title in franchise history.
But Ryan, who threw for 392 yards and four touchdowns — and ran in another score — warned against any complacency in Houston on Feb. 5 against the New England Patriots, despite the Falcons’ imperious march through the playoffs.
“We need to finish the job,” Ryan said.
Ryan went into the playoffs with a 1-4 postseason record but showed no frailty Sunday as Atlanta jumped into an early lead that it never looked in danger of relinquishing.
“I feel exactly the same,” Ryan said when quizzed about whether reaching football’s biggest game would permanently alter his career. “I am happy for everybody in our organization. We have worked hard to get to this point, but the challenge is still in front of us. What we set out to accomplish is still in front of us. We will enjoy because it is hard to get to this point. I know that from experience.”
Ryan is the front-runner to be named NFL MVP, and his efforts in connecting with a core of receivers, led by outstanding Julio Jones, took the drama out of the Falcons’ first two playoff games, both ending in comfortable wins.
After years of operating at a high level, the 31-year-old might at last have the requisite supporting cast to go all the way.
“It is really difficult to win one game in this league, it really is,” Ryan added. “To string together (wins) and keep guys healthy and get the opportunity and play your best at the right time, there are a lot of things that come into it. This team we have had this year is the right mix.”
Perhaps more than mere sta- tistics it is Ryan’s fearless attitude and uncompromising aggression that has set the tone for a trip to Texas.
“Incredible,” star wide receiver Jones said when asked about his quarterback’s attitude. Jones was the recipient of two of Ryan’s touchdown passes, with Mohamed Sanu and Devonta Freeman also crossing the line.
Sunday, Ryan might have been the only quarterback left in the playoffs without a Super Bowl ring, but he certainly didn’t play like it.
“You can’t lose belief or confidence,” he said. “One thing about this league is that you can get humbled very quickly. Learning what is best for you personally and what works best for our team has taken time for sure. I always felt like we would get to this point and have an opportunity to play in this game, and I am happy that we are there.”