Finally, a Franchise Quarterback

[goosedaddy70]

Ever since Mr. Bartkowski retired, we Falcon fans have been anxiously waiting for a Franchise QB. And FINALLY, we have been awarded such a man.

Matt Ryan has made people believers in this team. Not just people on the outside but football people. Guys like Ron Jaworski, Merrill Hodge and Steve Young. True football people are seeing the greatness in this guy.

I am more excited about this team than I have been since 98. We have had some recently dark times but Matt Ryan has brightened our future and hopefully will lead us to the promised land.

Its never been a better time to be a Falcons Fan and we can all thank Mr. Ryan for that fact.

[norbendon]

I'd like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Dimitroff and Mr. Smith as well. Actually, to Mr. Blank for finally putting the right people in place to run the show for him.

[g-dawg]

Ever since Mr. Bartkowski retired, we Falcon fans have been anxiously waiting for a Franchise QB. And FINALLY, we have been awarded such a man.

Matt Ryan has made people believers in this team. Not just people on the outside but football people. Guys like Ron Jaworski, Merrill Hodge and Steve Young. True football people are seeing the greatness in this guy.

I am more excited about this team than I have been since 98. We have had some recently dark times but Matt Ryan has brightened our future and hopefully will lead us to the promised land.

Its never been a better time to be a Falcons Fan and we can all thank Mr. Ryan for that fact.

truer words were never spoken......gotta think Thomas Dimitroff first - he's "the architect"...........Just like Bill Polian was "the architect" who built the Colts and drafted Peyton Manning.

[Farmer (The 2nd)]

Well said. This is the most excited I've ever been about our franchise. I can admit when I'm wrong, and I've never been more wrong than to want anybody other than Ryan in the draft. I love what I'm seeing from him on the field and also off the field. The guy presents himself in a way that only guys like Manning and Brady present themselves. He's a true professional. I don't know that I've ever been more proud to be a Falcons fan. I've even turned a couple people up here in Indiana into closet Falcon fans.

[Falcon Freddie]

I'm very impressed with Matt Ryan, and I'm happy he's with the Falcons. However, I can't help but to think what the results would have been with Michael Vick if Vick enjoyed the same advantages as most of the "great" quarterbacks enjoyed in their successful years: good coaching, a strong O-line, and good receivers and/or backup running backs. No quarterback, no matter how good, can carry a team by himself – as Vick was apparently expected to do all too often.

Unfortunately, Vick himself proved too personally undisciplined to obtain true greatness. His obvious potential blinded many of us to his reported difficulties rising to the next level – which may not have been entirely Vick's fault. However, Vick's long-term enthusiasm for dog fighting would have eventually blown everything up in any event.

But nevermind Vick, he's now history and he's not coming back to the ATL. Ryan is now our man, and I'm quite pleased. I now see that in the completed package, Ryan is probably a superior QB to Vick. After the horrific 2007 season (other teams may have lost more games, but I doubt any team has ever been more degraded than the 2007 Falcons) a new and better team and organization are rising from the ashes. Perhaps it is true: what doesn't destroy you makes you stronger.

[goosedaddy70]

I'm very impressed with Matt Ryan, and I'm happy he's with the Falcons. However, I can't help but to think what the results would have been with Michael Vick if Vick enjoyed the same advantages as most of the "great" quarterbacks enjoyed in their successful years: good coaching, a strong O-line, and good receivers and/or backup running backs. No quarterback, no matter how good, can carry a team by himself – as Vick was apparently expected to do all too often.

Unfortunately, Vick himself proved too personally undisciplined to obtain true greatness. His obvious potential blinded many of us to his reported difficulties rising to the next level – which may not have been entirely Vick's fault. However, Vick's long-term enthusiasm for dog fighting would have eventually blown everything up in any event.

But nevermind Vick, he's now history and he's not coming back to the ATL. Ryan is now our man, and I'm quite pleased. I now see that in the completed package, Ryan is probably a superior QB to Vick. After the horrific 2007 season (other teams may have lost more games, but I doubt any team has ever been more degraded than the 2007 Falcons) a new and better team and organization are rising from the ashes. Perhaps it is true: what doesn't destroy you makes you stronger.

Your key phrase is "nevermind Vick, he's now history." He should not even be in this conversation?

Matt Ryan is the leader of this team and all the players and coaches respect him for his play, intelligence and hard work. He is what we have waited for. He is dedicated to this team and to the game of football.

Thank God we have him.

[skynyrd04]

I'll confess that at the draft I wanted Dorsey. But now I'm happy to say I was wrong. Ryan will be a good Qb for the next 10 years. He'll lead us to those first back-back winning seasons.

[deester11]

Your key phrase is "nevermind Vick, he's now history." He should not even be in this conversation?

Matt Ryan is the leader of this team and all the players and coaches respect him for his play, intelligence and hard work. He is what we have waited for. He is dedicated to this team and to the game of football.

Thank God we have him.

Bringing him in to the discussion is going to happen so there is no need for blinders. He "could" have been what we wanted I think with a better architect (sans McKay), better coach (sans Mora), and better dedication (sans dogs). I will admit that I like what Ryan has shown and I am a strong supporter of his. His intelligence is unreal....we have a keeper.

[2 to 84 for 7]

in 5 games i have seen a guy who has heart and guts. a guy who threw 2 picks to the bucs D and still came out and fought like it was 0-0 on the board. this is what alot of us call a god send.

i did not want ryan but i will be a bigger man and admit i was wrong

[ket222]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

[2 to 84 for 7]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

not really as we don't have to rely on the pass anymore we got a duo of backs who take alot of him

i mean a 300-400 yd game for him would be great but right now. i feel he is improving a little more each week.

2 more years our team will have the manning we so deserve

[goosedaddy70]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

He doesn't have to throw it for 300 yards at this point. We have a balanced offense that allows for the run and the pass.

Ryan looks off defenders, has touch and the coaches already trust his intelligence enough to allow him to audible. Something our old QB never had the ability to do.

Matt Ryan is the greatest QB we have had since Bartkowski and he is ONLY 5 games into his career.

What a great future we have as Falcon fans.

Thanks TD for having the Vision.

Thanks Coach Smith for having the Desire.

Thanks Matt Ryan for having the Passion.

[The Don™]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

not worried at all. Mularkey is not stupid; he knows Ryan is a rookie; He does want to make Ryan do to much in his rookie season. Ryan's feet are barely wet anyways, Mularkey will slowly wean him into more difficult passes. Wait till Ryan's arm improves next year. We will see longer passes.

[gjlaf]

Ryan is our man. I think he will just keep getting better with experience. I get cold chills thinking about how he will look in a couple of years. should be fun to watch!

[millenium falcon]

i think everyone is loving the matt ryan pick now even if they did'nt before. ryan was my choice come draft day so i was happy then but he has exceeded my expectations thus far. i was excited to get turner who also exceeded my expectations. same can be said for baker who was a guy people wanted they just did'nt want to trade up for him. i bet we are glad we did now, even without someone ahead of us admitting they had targetted him between 22 and 33.

[TeamPlayer1]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

With more experience Matt Ryan will have many 300+ yard games, however at this time as a rookie, he is doing exactly what the coaches want. He is learning, playing conservatively, and managing the game. As a rookie NFL QB he is phenomenal!

[#1$tunna]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

I agree. yeah he's a franchise QB AFTER FIVE GAMES!!! I hope he does mature into a Franchise QB but can we wait for the season to end before we proclaim him as a franchise QB. This thread is way too premature.

[Tom Servo]

I agree. yeah he's a franchise QB AFTER FIVE GAMES!!! I hope he does mature into a Franchise QB but can we wait for the season to end before we proclaim him as a franchise QB. This thread is way too premature.

Well, we can definately say through five games he's been way more than anyone could've hoped.

And, sadly, 78 million dollars dictates the fact he's Franchise, regardless of his skill.

That being said, Matt's been killing it. I tip my hat to him.

[lee sunset]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

Yeah, he "only" threw a 62 yard TD on his first pass and 70 yd TD in his third game... those deep enough for you?

[mtb007]

Ever since Mr. Bartkowski retired, we Falcon fans have been anxiously waiting for a Franchise QB. And FINALLY, we have been awarded such a man.

Matt Ryan has made people believers in this team. Not just people on the outside but football people. Guys like Ron Jaworski, Merrill Hodge and Steve Young. True football people are seeing the greatness in this guy.

I am more excited about this team than I have been since 98. We have had some recently dark times but Matt Ryan has brightened our future and hopefully will lead us to the promised land.

Its never been a better time to be a Falcons Fan and we can all thank Mr. Ryan for that fact.

No need to start any confusion over this topic, because it is your opinion and I can;t knock you for that. I am however glad you are excitied about this team once again. I've always been exicited about this team even when the critics and other fans weren't.

[Falcons Ace]

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, doesn't it worry anyone that he rarely has more than a two hundred yards passing game? Glad that he is showing such promise, but aren't we getting ahead of ourselves here? i'd like to see more deep and mid-range balls, and more successful third down conversions.

Nope, not at all. Give or take a dropped catch in the Packers game he could have EASILY had 200 yards, we just have way too good of a run game.

[mtb007]

He doesn't have to throw it for 300 yards at this point. We have a balanced offense that allows for the run and the pass.

Ryan looks off defenders, has touch and the coaches already trust his intelligence enough to allow him to audible. Something our old QB never had the ability to do.

Matt Ryan is the greatest QB we have had since Bartkowski and he is ONLY 5 games into his career.

What a great future we have as Falcon fans.

Thanks TD for having the Vision.

Thanks Coach Smith for having the Desire.

Thanks Matt Ryan for having the Passion.

Wow! Now you are getting ahead of yourself. I don't see how you can put both QBs in the same breath. Even though I didn't have the opportunity to watch Bartkowski like maybe yourself and others, I've seen old highlights and footage. Lets wait awhile before we make such a claim.

I am though exicited about Matt Ryan.

[#1$tunna]

He doesn't have to throw it for 300 yards at this point. We have a balanced offense that allows for the run and the pass.

Ryan looks off defenders, has touch and the coaches already trust his intelligence enough to allow him to audible. Something our old QB never had the ability to do.

Matt Ryan is the greatest QB we have had since Bartkowski and he is ONLY 5 games into his career.

What a great future we have as Falcon fans.

Thanks TD for having the Vision.

Thanks Coach Smith for having the Desire.

Thanks Matt Ryan for having the Passion.

Tell me how he's better than Vick at this point in his career? You're clearly a redneck who's trying to stir up things on this board.

[goosedaddy70]

Wow! Now you are getting ahead of yourself. I don't see how you can put both QBs in the same breath. Even though I didn't have the opportunity to watch Bartkowski like maybe yourself and others, I've seen old highlights and footage. Lets wait awhile before we make such a claim.

I am though exicited about Matt Ryan.

I didn't say he was a good as Bartkowski. I said he is the best we have had SINCE Bartkowski.

[goosedaddy70]

Tell me how he's better than Vick at this point in his career? You're clearly a redneck who's trying to stir up things on this board.

You are calling me derogatory names because I think Matt Ryan is a good QB?

Thats crazy!