After a playoff run highlighted by his first-ever postseason win, Matt Ryan re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons for five-years, $103.75 million with $59 million guaranteed through 2018 meaning he’ll averaged $20.75 million a year.
This deal needed to happen for both sides. It keeps Ryan in Atlanta for the foreseeable future and the team keeps its franchise quarterback. He is the most successful quarterback in team history and one one of the best in the NFL. Ryan now has an unwritten mandate to win at least one Super Bowl during the next six years.
Teams don’t invest this type of money unless they believe the player can lead them to the promised land. It is a leap of faith on the part of Arthur Blank, one that is well worth taking. Atlanta has had winning seasons ever since he has been in the league. Ryan is 56-22 as a starting quarterback and is a two-time Pro Bowl participant.
That is a bona fide franchise quarterback.
An albatross that had been on his back was his lack of a playoff win, a situation that changed last season. The team finally won a playoff game with Ryan by beating Seattle 30-28. The end was vintage “Matty Ice” as Ryan helped get the team into position for a game-winning field goal. Not a surprise considering that he has 16 4th quarter comebacks.
This year, the Falcons have pulled out all the stops to win it all.
His weapons include Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, an upgrade at running back in Steven Jackson will help alleviate some of the pressure for him to pass the ball. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter brings out the best in him and will accentuate his greatest assets, accuracy and touch. There is no reason that this team should not be in the playoffs and go all the way.
There are too many weapons that Ryan has at his disposal.
A Super Bowl is what he needs to validate himself as elite. It is time for Matt Ryan to let that football fly and ascend to greatness.
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