Operating behind improved line

Ryan (wrist) may be afforded more time to throw in 2019 after Atlanta agreed to contracts Wednesday with free-agent guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown.

Analysis: Often found running for his life behind a shoddy offensive line in 2018, Ryan still managed to throw for 4,900 yards and 35 touchdowns. Neither Carpenter nor Brown put forth an exemplary body of work last season -- they ranked as the Nos. 54 and 62 offensive guards in the league, respectively, per Pro Football Focus -- but both bring experience to the line and will likely step into starting roles immediately. The duo will provide an upgrade at guard, but investing the No. 14 overall pick in…read more

Focus fixated on ultimate prize

Ryan (wrist) said that winning a Super Bowl title is what "motivates (him) to get out of bed every morning," Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. "It's the No. 1 goal for me," Ryan stressed. "To bring a championship to this city and to our organization, that's what it's all about."

Analysis: With many analysts having considered Atlanta a legitimate Super Bowl contender entering 2018, the team's 7-9 finish was an utterly disheartening result. In regard to Ryan's fantasy output, however, it was an absolutely magical season as he finished top two in quarterback scoring (standard formats) for the second time in three years. Between Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper, there may not be a more electrifying group of skill players in the NFL, but the team's…read more

Left wrist issue

Ryan relayed Thursday that a left wrist issue which cropped up Week 17 led to him opting out of an opportunity to go to the Pro Bowl as an alternate, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: As a result, Mitchell Trubisky got the Pro Bowl nod, but Ryan indicated that his wrist issue is not a concern at this stage. With the offseason ahead to rest his aches and pains, Ryan should be fine by the time the Falcons take the field again. At that time, he'll look to rebuild his chemistry with a skill-position corps that is slated to welcome back its key cogs, though possibly minus running back Tevin Coleman, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in March.

Reuniting with Dirk Koetter

Ryan will receive play calls from Dirk Koetter in 2019 after the former Buccaneers head coach was named Atlanta's offensive coordinator Tuesday.

Analysis: Koetter previously held the same post between 2012 and 2014, during which the Falcons twice finished as a top-eight scoring offense. Over that three-year stretch, Ryan turned in a 86:45 TD:INT with at least 4,600 passing yards each season. Though the Falcons' 2018 season didn't go as planned, it was through no fault of Ryan, who reached the 35-touchdown plateau for the second time in his 11 professional seasons. His reunion with a familiar and proven offensive mind bodes well for his chances to…read more

Stellar passing yardage haul in win

Ryan completed 31 of 44 passes for 378 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Falcons' 34-32 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also rushed four times for seven yards and caught a five-yard touchdown pass from Mohamed Sanu on a trick play.

Analysis: Ryan wrapped up the season in stellar fashion, as the Falcons afforded their offensive stars their normal allotment of playing time. Ryan picked on the vulnerable Buccaneers secondary all afternoon, connecting with Julio Jones on nine occasions for 138 yards and a touchdown and hitting Mohamed Sanu for an additional 90 yards on seven completions. Then, he got in on the fun himself with his touchdown reception, which came early in the third quarter. Ryan finished what was a disappointing 2018…read more

Throws three TD passes

Ryan completed 15 of 26 pass attempts for 239 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Ryan completed just 57 percent of his passes, but some big plays allowed him to average a healthy 9.2 yards per attempt. A large portion of his production came on fourth-quarter touchdown passes of 75 and 44 yards, which proved to be decisive on the scoreboard. Ryan has thrown the ball well over the last three games, posting an 8:1 TD:INT while leading his team to a pair of wins. While the veteran won't be playing in the postseason, his numbers aren't far from those of his 2016 MVP campaign.…read more

Accounts for three TDs in blowout

Ryan completed 22 of 36 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 40-14 win over Arizona. He added 18 yards and a touchdown on three carries.

Analysis: Atlanta's defense had already found the end zone by the time Ryan punched in the Falcons' first offensive score early in the second quarter with a one-yard plunge. By the time the half was over, Atlanta was riding easy thanks to a 21-yard dime to Julio Jones down the left sideline in the half's closing seconds. Atlanta came into Sunday on a five-game losing streak, but even that sort of bad mojo was righted by a lowly Cardinals team. Though the Falcons' playoff hopes are dead, Ryan should be…read more

Totals three TDs in loss

Ryan completed 28 of 42 passes for 262 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Packers.

Analysis: Ryan's overall statline is solid enough, but he salvaged a relatively poor afternoon with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. The veteran quarterback's sixth interception of the season was a costly one, as Bashaud Breeland jumped an Austin Hooper out route for a pick-six in the second quarter to help the Packers eventually build a 34-7 lead. Ryan and the Falcons have now lost five straight games as they get set to host the Cardinals in Week 15.

Kept to near-career lows

Ryan completed 16 of 26 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 26-16 loss to Baltimore. He lost a fumble during the contest and it was returned for a touchdown.

Analysis: A late touchdown pass to Austin Hooper saved Sunday from total embarrassment, but it's still hard to overstate just how much Baltimore confounded Ryan, a dark-horse MVP candidate, and the Falcons on Sunday. Ryan didn't top 100 yards passing until midway through the fourth quarter, and his 131 yards passing were a career low for a game in which he attempted at least 10 passes. This performance came on the heels of Ryan topping 325 yards in five of his previous six games, but it wasn't completely…read more

Another big night in losing effort

Ryan completed 35 of 47 attempts for 377 yards, with two touchdowns, an interception and a lost fumble, adding two rushes for 16 yards during Thursday's 31-17 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: Ryan has averaged a staggering 351 passing yards and 2.4 touchdowns per game over his past nine starts, but Atlanta has gone 3-6 over that span as any playoff aspirations are now on life support. The 33-year-old signal caller is on a statistical trajectory similar to his 2016 MVP campaign, with 334.8 passing yards per game and a 26:5 touchdown:interception ratio through 11 outings (319.6 passing YPG and a 26:6 ratio at this point in 2016). Week 13 brings a showdown against a Baltimore defense…read more

Throws one touchdown pass

Ryan completed 24 of 34 pass attempts for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: Ryan averaged a respectable 8.6 yards per attempt while completing 71 percent of his passes. He struggled in the red zone at times, but he was able to connect with Julio Jones on a 34-yard touchdown pass to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Ryan's lone turnover was a big one, as it set up a Dallas touchdown, which put them up 10 with time ticking down. He had at least 330 passing yards with 10 touchdowns over his previous four games, and he'll look to get back on track in what should be a…read more

Throws for 330, two TDs in loss

Ryan connected on 38 of 52 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns while rushing three times for 13 yards and losing one of two fumbles in Sunday's 28-16 loss to the Browns.

Analysis: Ryan linked up with Julio Jones for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but he failed to convert on a crucial fourth down from the Cleveland 1-yard line down 28-10 in the fourth. Faced with almost the same exact scenario on the next drive, Ryan found Austin Hooper for a three-yard touchdown. His fantasy performance was probably better than his real-life impact, but Ryan's owners should be just fine with that. Atlanta will host the Cowboys in Week 11.

Bracing for tough matchup

Ryan spoke glowingly of the Browns defense following practice Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "I think they've done a good job in the secondary of making plays and coming up with interceptions," Ryan said. "I've been impressed by what I've seen from them on film."

Analysis: Through eight games, Ryan owns a 19:3 TD:INT while completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 336 passing yards per game. At the midway point of his 2016 MVP campaign, Ryan had completed 69.2 percent of his attempts with 329 passing yards per game and a 19:4 ratio. Though it's hard to bet against Ryan given the recent form he's displayed, he'll nonetheless face a stiff tests against a Browns defense that leads the NFL with 23 forced turnovers, including 13 interceptions. However, Cleveland's top…read more

Finally connects with Jones for score

Ryan completed 26 of 38 passes for 350 yards, four touchdowns and an interception during Sunday's 38-14 win over Washington.

Analysis: The game was already in hand in the closing moments of the fourth quarter, but Ryan still nailed star receiver Julio Jones on a bubble screen for a 35-yard touchdown, Jones' first of the season. Atlanta's slow start may have masked it, but Ryan is off to an incredible start with a 19:3 TD:INT this season, including just eight touchdowns and one pick during the recent three-game winning streak. Ryan feasted on a solid Washington pass defense Sunday and will take on a Cleveland pass defense in…read more

Completes 18 straight in win

Ryan completed 31 of 39 passes for 379 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 23-20 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Ryan finished Monday's excellent performance by completing his last 18 passes, tying the longest streak of his career. The quarterback has been on an absolute tear lately, topping 350 passing yards in four of Atlanta's last five games. Over that same span, Ryan has compiled 13 touchdowns versus zero interceptions, with his lone score Monday coming on a 47-yard connection with Marvin Hall prior to halftime. The sizzling signal-caller now enters an untimely bye week, but he'll hope to rediscover…read more

Stays hot as Falcons win

Ryan completed 31 of 41 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons defeated Tampa Bay 34-29 on Sunday.

Analysis: So long as the Falcons can stay in playoff contention with Ryan playing at this level, the 10-year veteran is going to mount a legitimate argument to earn his second MVP award in three seasons. Ryan has thrown for 250-plus yards in every game this season, with at least 354 passing yards in three of the past four contests. He also currently has more touchdowns in a four-week span (12) than he's had during any stretch since Week 14-Week 17 of his 2016 MVP campaign. Next come the Giants and a…read more

Puts foot injury behind him

Ryan (foot) wasn't listed on the Falcons' injury report Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After he was seen taking snaps and throwing passes at Wednesday's practice, Ryan held court with the media, telling D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution his foot was "fine." Clearly, the Falcons' medical and training staffs agree with the quarterback's own assessment. Ryan will now turn his sights on Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers, who have allowed 370 yards passing per game and 13 touchdowns versus just a single interception this season.

Puts in work at practice Wednesday

Ryan (foot) was present at Wednesday's practice, taking snaps and throwing passes, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: In the aftermath of Sunday's 41-17 loss in Pittsburgh, Ryan was seen leaving the X-ray room at Heinz Field, where scans returned negative regarding any fractures in his foot. While practicing Wednesday, Ryan appeared to display deft footwork, but the first Week 6 injury report will reveal whether he was a limited or full participant.

Avoids serious foot injury

Ryan had X-rays on his foot after Sunday's 41-17 loss to Pittsburgh, with results coming back negative for any fractures, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Ryan was pulled in favor of Matt Schaub late in the fourth quarter once the game was well out of reach. Coach Dan Quinn said the 33-year-old quarterback will be fine for a favorable Week 6 home matchup with Tampa Bay, but it won't come as any surprise if Ryan shows up on the injury report after the Falcons return to practice Wednesday.

Under siege in the pocket

Ryan completed 26 of 38 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 41-17 loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Ryan was sacked on six occasions by four different defenders, as the Falcons offensive line struggled mightily in trying to contain the Steelers' front seven. Nevertheless Atlanta continues to air it out, with its veteran quarterback averaging 36.6 attempts and 320 passing yards per game thus far this season. Week 6 brings a favorable matchup against a Buccaneers defense that entered Week 5 allowing an average passer rating of 130.5 (NFL-high).

Seen exiting X-ray room

Ryan was seen exiting Heinz Field's X-ray room following Sunday's loss to the Steelers, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Ryan was strip-sacked by T.J. Watt in the fourth quarter during a play that led to a Steelers touchdown and did not return to the game. The nature of a potential injury to Ryan is currently unclear. For what it's worth, Matt Schaub took over at quarterback for the end of Sunday's game and would be in line to start if Ryan is forced to miss time going forward.

Appears to be in 2016 form

Ryan completed 29 of 39 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns as Atlanta suffered a debilitating 37-36 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.

Analysis: Ryan has become a must-start after alarming some with a quiet season opener against Philadelphia, averaging 355 passing yards and 3.3 touchdowns per game over his last three outings. The 10-year veteran entered Week 4 with more fantasy points (standard scoring) than he had at that point during his 2016 MVP campaign, and he continues to be an incredibly valuable asset given the way Atlanta seemingly needs to score 30-plus points in order to have a chance of winning. The Week 5 matchup is a…read more

Career day in loss

Ryan completed 26 of 35 attempts for 374 passing yards and a career-high five touchdowns, but the Falcons were defeated in overtime 43-37 by New Orleans.

Analysis: After a slow start with just 8.8 fantasy points (standard scoring) in the season opener against the Eagles, Ryan has exploded for 35 points per game out his last two outings against divisional rivals Carolina and New Orleans. Ryan's sudden boost in value can be attributed to 646 passing yards over the past two weeks, his greatest regular-season output in back-to-back games since Weeks 4 and 5 of the 2016 MVP campaign. Next week Ryan and the Falcons will take on Cincinnati, whose defense has…read more

Preparing to take on Saints

Ryan said Friday that the Saints deploy a number of different defensive looks, making it all the more challenging to prepare for Sunday's matchup, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: The New Orleans secondary has been absolutely torched in each of its first two games of the season to the tune of 325.5 passing yards per game, while allowing a league-worst passer rating of 133. Still, Ryan isn't taking the Saints defense lightly, as he knows Marshon Lattimore is one of the NFL's elite cornerbacks. "(Lattimore) is a good player and he had a great year last year," Ryan said after practice Friday. "He's solid in man-to-man, he's solid in playing off in zones coverage, too. I've…read more

Accounts for four TDs versus Panthers

Ryan completed 23 of 28 pass attempts for 272 yards, two touchdowns and one interception Sunday against the Panthers. He also carried four times for 18 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the 31-24 win.

Analysis: After a bit of a slow start, Ryan led the Falcons on back-to-back touchdown drives to end the first half, completing touchdown passes to Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper. He then plunged into the end zone himself from one yard out in the third quarter and scored on an eight-yard rush in the fourth. Ryan was held in check in the season opener against the Eagles, so this bounce-back effort was a great sign for the veteran, despite the fact that Julio Jones had a quiet game in his own right. He…read more

Believes red-zone execution will improve

Ryan addressed Atlanta's red-zone woes with optimism Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "It's a long season. I believe the work we put in is going to pay off moving forward. I hold the belief that that the job is going to get done when we get those opportunities again."

Analysis: Ryan and the Falcons' offense managed one touchdown and just nine points on five red-zone trips against Philadelphia in last Thursday's season opener. Granted, Atlanta could have added three more points to that tally had the team elected to kick a field goal on the game's first drive instead of attempting to convert on a fourth down -- but the offense nevertheless continues to struggle putting teams away when it gets inside the 20-yard line. A central focus of the offseason program, Atlanta…read more

Looking to bounce back in Week 2

Ryan strives to improve upon a turbulent Week 1 outing, admitting that "(he) didn't play well enough" in the season opener against Philadelphia, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: The veteran signal-caller is aiming to get on track against a stingy Carolina defense in what is a vitally important game for the Falcons to win at this early juncture of the schedule. Ryan only had 172 passing yards against Philadelphia prior to marching his offense down into the red zone on the game's final drive -- a total that would have been his lowest output since Week 10 of the 2013 season. Sunday's matchup against the Panthers is no walk through the park, either, as the secondary…read more

Stymied by Philadelphia defense

Ryan completed 21 of 42 passes for 251 yards while tossing one interception during the Falcons' 18-12 defeat to Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Analysis: Atlanta's red-zone struggles from last year have persisted into the opening act of the 2018 season, as Ryan was picked off by Rasul Douglas on a crucial third-and-medium situation midway through the fourth quarter when targeting Julio Jones on a fade. The Falcons got another chance in the game's waning moments -- with a final sequence that eerily resembled the conclusion of the divisional round tilt between these same two teams. Ryan once again targeted Jones, but the All-World wideout was…read more

Chemistry building with offensive coordinator

Ryan said Monday that he and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian have reached a new comfort level with one another heading into the coach's second year with the Falcons, Kelsey Conway of the team's official site reports. "A lot of the situational stuff comes up in practice more so than it's come up in games for us," Ryan explained Monday. "There have been a handful of times specifically in two-minute situations or low red-zone situations where we've had those things come up during practice and I'm kind of already thinking the way he's thinking before the play comes in."

Analysis: Just two years removed from MVP recognition, Ryan finds himself amidst a slew of solid middle-to-late round quarterback options. He's a potential league-winner so long as he and Sarkisian can find ways to take advantage of the signal-caller's outstanding accuracy on intermediate-to-deep routes. There's no denying that the 10-year veteran regressed in his first season under the new offensive coordinator, as he failed to throw three touchdowns in any game last season after throwing three-plus…read more

Leads Falcons on two scoring drives

Ryan completed five of 12 pass attempts for 57 yards in Saturday's 17-6 loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: The captain appeared to be in sync with Mohamed Sanu amidst an otherwise ho-hum performance, connecting with his veteran target for 21 yards on the first play from scrimmage, and later delivering an impressive back-shoulder pass for 15 yards during a second-quarter scoring drive. Ryan and the offense continue to struggle in finishing drives with touchdowns, as the first-team unit was down inside the 30-yard line on two occasions (once inside the red zone), but both trips culminated in Matt…read more

Unflustered by Jalen Ramsey's comments

Ryan responded to Jalen Ramsey's comments from last week in which the Jacksonville cornerback tabbed the 2016 MVP as overrated, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports. "Playing as long as I have in this league.... I don't worry too much about it," Ryan said after practice on Tuesday. "My responsibility is to go out there and play the best football I can."

Analysis: The 10-year veteran endured significant statistical regression last year following the departure of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, as his touchdown total was nearly sliced in half between 2016 and 2017 (from 38 to 20), while his completion rate dipped from 69.9 to 64.7 percent. Still, Ryan managed to finish tied with Drew Brees for the second-highest quarterback grade last year, per Pro Football Focus. With an offensive line returning all five starters as well as the addition of Calvin…read more

Dices up Chiefs

Ryan completed five of seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: After attempting just one pass in the preseason opener, Ryan made the most of his two drives Thursday, getting some help from Tevin Coleman and Austin Hooper. The Atlanta offense will be even more dangerous once Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones are available, which could happen in the third week of the preseason against the Jaguars on Saturday, Aug. 25. With rookie first-round pick Calvin Ridley replacing Taylor Gabriel and Steve Sarkisian in his second year as offensive coordinator, Ryan should…read more

Leaves preseason opener after one drive

Ryan completed his only pass attempt for minus-2 yards in the Falcons' 17-0 preseason loss to the Jets on Friday.

Analysis: The starting unit's showing (albeit in a minute sample size) during a three-and-out opening drive was abysmal, as Tevin Coleman couldn't find any running room, Justin Hardy got flagged for an illegal block in the back, and Ryan's only passing attempt to rookie Calvin Ridley was snuffed out behind the line of scrimmage. Bulletin-board material for Ryan and the offense to build upon going into Week 2 of the preseason, when the starters may see an extra drive or two to ramp up towards a potential…read more

Signs five-year extension

Ryan signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension with the Falcons on Thursday, Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports. Ryan is guaranteed $100 million in the deal.

Analysis: The price of a franchise quarterback goes up yet again with Ryan officially signing his extension, as he will now be the first player in NFL history to earn $30 million per season. Ryan saw a sharp drop in production this past year after his MVP campaign in 2016, throwing 18 less touchdown passes, five more interceptions and for nearly 900 fewer yards. Still, Ryan is far and away the most consistently productive player the Falcons have had under center in franchise history, and he will now be…read more

Ryan was confident Monday when reflecting on his contract negotiations, saying he feels talks between him and the team will culminate in an extension, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "I'm excited about being a Falcon for a long time," Ryan said before the media at his charity golf tournament Monday. "It will get done when it's supposed to get done."

Analysis: Ryan echoed the sentiment of what Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff stated in a radio appearance last week: neither the Falcons nor their franchise quarterback feel apprehensive about the two sides being able to come to a contractual resolution. As long as negotiations remain unresolved, Ryan is set to make $20 million in the expiring year of a five-year, $103.75 million contract which he agreed to just before the start of training camp for the 2013 season. Both sides are considering their…read more

Closing in on new deal with Atlanta

Ryan and the Falcons are close to reaching a consensus on terms for a new contract, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said on Atlanta's 680 "The Fan" on Tuesday morning.

Analysis: Dimitroff's comments mirrored what he had said at Georgia's Pro Day in March: "We're not being kept up at night. It still is the No. 1 priority. ... We want to continue to build a team as we're going through this process." Ryan's fantasy value last season severely declined compared to his MVP campaign of 2016, as he plummeted from second to 15th in scoring among quarterbacks in standard leagues, while failing to exceed 18 fantasy points in a single outing. Still, Ryan is the most prolific…read more

Ryan completed 22 of 36 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 15-10 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: The Eagles' powerful front had Ryan shuffling around all game, with his lone touchdown pass coming off of a scramble and an innovative dump-off to Devonta Freeman in the second quarter. On Atlanta's final drive, Matty Ice showed how he earned that name with clutch throws, including a 20-yard pass to Julio Jones on 4th-and-6 to keep the drive going. When Atlanta got down inside the 10, however, Ryan couldn't get it done -- missing on three of four attempts. It was a ho-hum season for Ryan, who…read more

Returns in full Wednesday

Ryan (personal) practiced in full Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The reason for Ryan's absence Tuesday was explained as a personal matter by the organization, per McClure. Ryan wouldn't elaborate on the topic Wednesday, but his ability to log every practice rep returns the Falcons offense to status quo. Over the past four contests, including Saturday's wild-card win against the Rams, he's completed 62 percent of his passes, averaged nearly 259 yards per game and recorded four touchdowns versus one interception.

Back at practice Wednesday

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Ryan (personal) rejoined the team Wednesday, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: It's expected that Ryan, who missed the Falcons' first practice of the week Tuesday to attend to the personal matter, will be a full participant in Wednesday's session, given that he's not dealing with an injury. Since throwing three interceptions in the Falcons' Week 14 loss to the Saints, Ryan has bounced back nicely with a 4:1 TD:INT ratio, 62 percent completion rate and 7.3 yards per attempt over the past four contests, which includes Atlanta's wild-card win over the Rams last week.

Dealing with personal matter

Ryan missed Tuesday's practice due to a personal matter, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Although Ryan was at the Falcons' facilities for a portion of the day Tuesday, he left before he was able to take any practice reps, per McClure. Upon the release of the first injury report of the divisional round, a team spokesperson relayed Ryan "had an appointment" but wouldn't reveal the nature of it out of respect for the quarterback. There's a chance Ryan returns to drills Wednesday, but until he does, his status will be monitored with a watchful eye.

Ryan completed 21 of 30 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 26-13 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Ryan almost did a split while setting and tossing a lollipop to Julio Jones on a flag route in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Fortunately for Ryan, the ball landed perfectly in Jones' outstretched arms for an eight-yard score, putting Atlanta up by two touchdowns. Ryan has certainly taken a step back from his MVP ways in 2017, but a quiet, efficient playoff win is a positive for a quarterback that had as many interceptions as touchdowns in the season's final quarter. The Falcons, as…read more

Ryan completed 28 of 45 passes for 317 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Panthers. He also rushed three times for 14 yards.

Analysis: With the defending NFC champion's playoff lives on the line, Ryan came through with his fourth 300-yard effort of the campaign and first since Week 12. The 10-year pro helped lead the Falcons downfield on a 10-play, 75-yard opening possession that he capped off with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Devonta Freeman. Although that would be his only passing score, Ryan was sharp while connecting with six different pass catchers. He'll head into an NFC wild-card showdown against the Rams next Saturday…read more

Ryan completed 22 of 36 pass attempts for 288 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Sunday's 23-13 loss to the Saints. He also gained seven yards on two carries.

Analysis: Ryan finished with his second-highest passing total in the last seven games, but he struggled for much of the afternoon and didn't have a touchdown pass to his name until a 14-yard connection with Tevin Coleman during garbage time with the game out of reach. He threw his fourth interception in the last three games, but he was hardly to blame on the play, which saw the ball resting on a Saints defender's back as he lay on the ground. Perhaps most importantly, the loss put Ryan and the Falcons'…read more

Ryan completed 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers. He also rushed three times for 29 yards.

Analysis: Ryan's numbers weren't spectacular, but he did enough to clinch another road victory. His lone touchdown pass came on a six-yard throw to Justin Hardy during the first quarter. Although he's gone four straight games without multiple touchdown tosses, Ryan didn't turn the ball over Monday, cleaning up his act following a three-interception outing in Week 14. Ryan also contributed more than usual on the ground, with his 29 yards marking his second most this season. Next up for Atlanta is a tussle…read more

Survives three-interception night

Ryan completed 15 of 27 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints. He also netted zero yards on his three rushes.

Analysis: The Falcons ultimately walked away winners with the help of some timely defense, but Ryan's night was mostly forgettable from an individual standpoint. The Boston College product threw all three of interceptions within a nine-play stretch between the end of the first half and beginning of the second, but he bounced back to fire a game-tying touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu with 9:55 remaining. Ryan also led an eight-play, 38-yard drive later in the period that culminated in Matt Bryant's go-ahead…read more

Ryan completed 16 of 29 passes for 173 yards during Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Ryan struggled mightily in this one, recording his lowest yardage total of the season while failing to throw a touchdown pass for the first time on the campaign. The opposing defense keyed in on Julio Jones a week after his breakout game, and Ryan was unable to consistently connect with any other pass catchers as he looked away from his star wideout. The signal caller had produced consistently prior to Sunday's ineffective performance and will look to get back on track Thursday against the…read more

Ryan completed 26 of 35 passes for 317 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Buccaneers. He also rushed once for one yard.

Analysis: Ryan's production was decidedly funnelled through one pass catcher in particular, that being the incomparable Julio Jones. The multi-time Pro Bowler recorded a whopping 253 of Ryan's 317 yards on the afternoon, propelling the latter to his third 300-yard effort of the campaign. Although he failed to throw multiple touchdowns passes for the first time since Week 7, Ryan's 9.06 yards per attempt represented his best effort in that category since the opener versus the Bears. He'll face a much…read more

Throws two touchdowns in win

Ryan completed 19 of 27 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's 34-31 win over the Seahawks. He also rushed three times for 12 yards.

Analysis: Ryan has now thrown for under 220 yards in back-to-back outings, but Monday marked his fourth straight game with two touchdown passes. The quarterback led the Falcons to strong starts in both halves, as they scored touchdowns on their first two drives of the game as well as their first drive after halftime. On the back of a tough road win, Ryan will now look forward to three straight home games, beginning this Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Ryan completed 22 of 29 pass attempts for 215 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's 27-7 win over the Cowboys.

Analysis: The yardage total was a season low, but Ryan made up for it with the two TD passes, something he had only done once through his first six games, but has now done in each of his last three. While the 32-year-old still has not thrown for more than two scores in a game this season, he at least seems to have turned a corner as the Falcons head to Seattle to face a defense sans Richard Sherman in Week 11.