Whether You Like Him or Not, Matt Ryan is Elite

Sure, Matt Ryan won the MVP last season and is coming off one of the most historic seasons in NFL history, but just how good has Ryan truly been throughout his career?

During his first nine seasons Ryan has led the Atlanta Falcons to 85 regular-season victories. Only Tom Brady (97) and Aaron Rodgers (90) have more wins during that span.

Whether You Like Him or Not, Matt Ryan is Elite

So what has Matt Ryan done to help lead the Falcons to 85 wins?

No one in NFL history has more completions through their first nine seasons than Ryan’s 3,288. Ryan broke this record, previously held by Peyton Manning (3,133), during the Falcons’ week-nine victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016. Furthermore, Ryan has thrown for at least 4,000 yards in six-consecutive seasons, tying Peyton Manning (1999-2004) for the second-longest streak in NFL history.

Last season, led by Ryan, the Falcons had the most potent offense in the NFL that put up 540 points on their way to securing their third NFC South title since 2010. Not only was that the first time in franchise history that the Falcons led the NFL in scoring, but it was also the eighth most points ever scored in an NFL season.

Oh, and his 55-straight games of 200 or more passing yards in a game is an NFL record. The last time Ryan failed to throw for at least 200 yards came against the Seahawks Nov. 11, 2013.

In the last season’s playoffs, Ryan set the record for most consecutive playoff games (4) with at least three passing touchdowns. Throughout the playoffs Ryan threw for 1,014 yards, completing 71.4 percent of his passes, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ryan’s nine touchdowns with zero interceptions tied him with Steve Young for the second-most touchdowns without an interception in playoffs history.

And finally, not that it means much, but Ryan threw for as many touchdowns (3) in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the Rams did all season… Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu both missed this game due to injuries.

Below you will find a list containing all of Ryan’s awards and accolades and where his numbers stand on the all-time list, according to Pro-Football Reference.

Ryan’s Awards and Accolades:

• 2008 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
• 2008 NFL All-Rookie Team
• 2016 NFL AP MVP
• 2016 NFL PFWA MVP
• 2016 Bert Bell Award (Player of the Year)
• 2016 NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year
• Four Pro Bowls (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
• First Team All-Pro (2016)

Where Ryan ranks all time:

• 18^th most passes completed (3,288)
• 24^th most pass attempts (5,064)
• 21^st most passing yards (37,701)
• 25^th most passing touchdowns (240)
• 11^th best career passer rating (93.6)
  • 5^th best single-season (2016) passer rating (117.1)
• 1^st best single-season yards per pass completion (13.3)
  • 2016
• 7^th most pass attempts per game (35.7)
• 3^rd most passes completed per game (23.2)
• 8^th best pass completion % (64.9)
• 10^th best pass interception % (2.3)
• 1^st best single-season passing touchdown % (7.1)
  • 2016
• Led the league in game-winning drives
  • 2010 (6)
  • 2012(7)
• 14^th most fourth quarter comebacks (25)
  • Led the league (2010, 2012, 2015)

Such a resume does not happen just by a fluke. Ever since being drafted with the third overall pick in the draft, Matt Ryan has been the face of the Falcons franchise. Over the years he’s grown as a player, and as a quarterback. Given these accomplishments, he should be mentioned with the top tier of quarterbacks today.