During the month of July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will determine which three players deserve to be considered the faces of each franchise. For this series, we will only consider active players. In this edition, the focus shifts to the Atlanta Falcons.
Faces of the Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan
In an aerial-oriented division like the NFC South, having a formidable quarterback is a necessity. It’s also a plus when that signal-caller is the leader of the franchise, such as Matt Ryan for Atlanta. Immediately leading the Falcons to the playoffs in his 2008 rookie campaign, Ryan has remained one of the most consistent and productive field generals in the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler, he has led the Falcons to two number one seeds in the NFC playoffs, including a berth in the 2012 Conference Championship game. In just seven seasons, Ryan stands as the franchise’s all-time leader in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns (no wonder he was placed on their Mount Rushmore). Despite missing the postseason in consecutive years, the Falcons have boasted one of the league’s most prolific offenses. In the prime of his career at age 30, Ryan will look to bring the team back to relevancy in 2015.
Roddy White
Although he’s on the downside of his career, Roddy White still remains one of the leaders of this team. Being one of the most confident players in football, his outspoken nature has inspired his teammates to perform their best throughout his tenure. Despite being talkative, he backs up his words with his play on the field. Now a decade into his career, White is Atlanta’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His presence and tutelage has helped teammate Julio Jones flourish into one of the league’s top receivers in today’s game. He may not be getting younger, but his leadership won’t fade away. As long as White is suited up in red and black, his impact will be felt on the field, on the sideline, and in the stands.
Julio Jones
Roddy White has been adamant about Julio Jones getting a new payday from the Falcons. The salary cap will be inflated for NFL teams next year, so the sooner the deal gets done the better. With Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant and Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas both nabbing new extensions, pundits are expecting Jones to join his contemporaries in the money-making affair very soon. Additionally, White says he wants his teammate taken care of because of how great of a wideout he is. Known merely as a speedster earlier in his career, Jones has developed into one of the premier receivers in the game. Two offseasons ago–right after the Falcons finished the 2012 campaign 13-3–Jones said that White and now-former teammate Tony Gonzalez were better pass catchers than him. Humbly noting his place among the three, Jones was dedicated to take his game to the next level. Last season, he accomplished career highs in receptions (104) and yards (1,563) along with six touchdowns. Already expressing that he will not hold out for a new contract shows that he is committed to perfecting his craft and winning football games. As White turns 34 in November, Jones is primed to be the Falcons go-to guy on offense for 2015 and beyond.
Main Photo:
