Dear Doubters, Non-Believers, Haters, and Saints Fans,

By : Will Dunlap (@1788sports,@WilliamDunlap12)

The bottom line is that Matt Ryan needs an extension. When I mean extension, it doesn’t need to be an astronomical amount of money, nor a long term deal that shatters the salary cap. However three to four years on forty-five million is actually quite reasonable. When you take into account what he has done for the franchise…the man needs an extension. Matt Ryan is a phenomenal quarterback…there is no other way to put it, the man can throw the football better than ninety percent of NFL quarterbacks. Ryan was one of four players that were not Offensive Linemen to play every offensive snap in the 2017 season. Even when his game is not at its peak, he still finishes top ten in passer rating, throws for his seventh straight 4,000 yard season, and leads Atlanta to another playoff berth. Matt Ryan wants you to doubt him, and all it will do is drive him right back to the Super Bowl, and another MVP title. He will continue to perform on the highest level, and put up numbers against your favorite team, and all you can do is watch in awe.

Below are my six reasons why Matt Ryan deserves an extension…

Reason 1 – Week 4 vs. Carolina (2016)

Coming off a Super Bowl run, the Panther’s star, Cam Newton shared snaps with backup Derek Anderson. Falcons had a quick score from four yards out to the Tight End, Jacob Tamme, followed up by a Devonta Freeman rushing touchdown, which opened the flood gates. “Matty Ice” orchestrated a MVP worthy performance, throwing for 503 yards, four touchdowns, in a 48-33 victory. Ryan connected with Julio twelve times for a staggering 300 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Following the record performance, a MVP candidate was born.

Reason 2 – Week 9 @ Tampa Bay (2016)

After losing to the Buccaneers in Week 1, The Falcons sought revenge, this time playing in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneer’s secondary was not prepared for the onslaught of passing concepts thrown at them from every; form, shape, and fashion. Ryan padded the stat sheet, throwing for 344 yards, with four touchdowns in a 43-28 victory in Tampa.

The overall performance was awe inspiring, leaving no doubt in anyones mind that he wasn’t among the elite.

Playoff Bound !!

After securing the first seed in the NFC with an (11-5) record as well as home field advantage, the Falcons still had plenty of work to do. Matt Ryan and the Dirty Birds had their sights set on the Lombardi Trophy, and wouldn’t let anything stand in the way…not even the best defense in the league.

Flashback to October 16, 2016… Falcons 24 , Seattle 26 – FINAL

After a mediocre first half, trailing 14-0, Matt Ryan led the offense onto the field and evened the score on two magnificent drives to start the second half. Eventually the game came down to a controversial no call on a pass to Julio Jones on fourth down.

Preview –

After defeating Detroit in the Wild Card round (26-6), the Seahawks run game showed a tremendous amount of improvement. The Legion of Boom and the Seattle Defense was a force to be reckoned with…entering the game with eleven interceptions and sixteen forced fumbles. Not even in the face of the toughest opponent yet did Matt Ryan show doubt…

Reason 3 – Divisional Round vs Seattle

It is plain and simple why this game was so hyped up… the number one offense led by Matt Ryan, matched up against the Legion of Boom of the Seattle Defense. The Falcons were out for good, old fashioned revenge, and a spot in the NFC Championship. The Seahawks struck first on a quick pass to Jimmy Graham making it 7-0. Matt Ryan answered with a seven yard strike to Juilo, evening the score. After a close first half, a costly Seahawks fumble turned the tides completely, leading to a 36-20 victory. Not only did Matt Ryan earn the second Super Bowl berth in Falcon’s History, he proved he was the best Quarterback in the league. Leading the Atlanta offense with three touchdowns on 338 passing yards, “Matty Ice” distributed the ball to every option he had. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and poise in this entertaining opening game against newly formed rivals.

Preview – With cheese heads everywhere frantically screaming “ Run The Table” over and over, the outcome of the NFC Championship was cloudy. With analysts split between the two teams, and people putting way too much hope in Aaron Rodgers, the stage was ready. Green Bay was hot, and on a win streak to close out the regular season. The table was set for a clash between two NFC powerhouses…

Reason 4 – NFC Championship vs Green Bay

Coming off a thriller against Dallas, Green Bay was once again on the hunt for a Super Bowl trophy. After a late push to make the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers was looking to “Run The Table”. After a long week of anticipation, Atlanta watched it’s Falcons cruise to a 44-21 victory. Matt Ryan once again pieced together a remarkable performance with 392 passing yards, and four touchdowns. Ryan wasn’t only soaring above the road to MVP, but on the prowl for his first ring in a tough game against the New England Patriots.



Reason 5 – Stats Don’t Lie

Matt Ryan dominated the passing attack in 2016, finishing the season leading the NFL in passer rating with 4,494 yards, 38 touchdowns, a meager seven interceptions, a super bowl berth, and a MVP crown…all together resurrecting his career. Ryan also managed to not throw a single interception in the playoffs, even against the elite defenses he faced…it didn’t faze “Matty Ice”.

Reason 6 – Week 1 vs Chicago (2017-18)

After a tragic OT loss in the Super Bowl, the reigning MVP marched back onto the field to prove he was still number one. Throwing for 321 yards, with a touchdown, Ryan lead the Falcons to a (1-0) start. Many expected a timid, disappointed start to the season…they were wrong, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense came out guns blazing for a 23-17 victory.



After resurrecting his career, leading Atlanta to only its second Super Bowl, and being a dang good quarterback, Matt Ryan deserves to stay a Falcon. The connection between Ryan and Julio is unreal, and will probably never be recreated with another quarterback. Signing Matt Ryan to a healthy extension to finish out his career in Atlanta would be wise, and considerate of the eleven year veteran.

Signed,

Will.