Matt Ryan has not had the most ideal 2015 season. The quarterback has been a roller coaster this year struggling with the new offense of Kyle Shanahan as turnovers and inconsistencies have been plaguing him. However, the quarterback silenced a few doubters in Week 16 as the Falcons upset the Carolina Panthers and their bid at a perfect season. Ryan guided the Falcons' offense like most people expect him to and he did it all injured.
Ryan did a lot of great things in Week 16 against Carolina, but he also took a lot of hits. Ryan took some heavy hits in the first half of the game as he continued to stand tall in the pocket and make gutsy throws, but they appeared to lead to a rib injury. The quarterback was in noticeable pain as he constantly clinched his side and was slow to get up. According to team insider Jay Adams, Ryan was dealing with a rib injury, but had no plans to leave the game nor does he plan on missing the season finale against the New Orleans Saints.
Ryan has faced plenty of talk with trades and releases during the team's six-game losing streak. However, there is no denying his toughness or his arm strength. The 70-yard heave to Julio Jones for a touchdown was a nice example of Ryan in past seasons. This year has not been smooth for the quarterback, but he and everyone else is committed to improving. Owner Arthur Blank and head coach Dan Quinn both stressed that Ryan will be returning in 2016 and after the win against the Panthers, most fans should be happy with that.
One player Ryan will continue to rely on is Julio Jones who proved he can put a game on his shoulder. The 70-yard touchdown catch will likely get a few replays over the course of the week as he made quick work of the Panthers' secondary. Roddy White enjoyed that as he too came up with several clutch catches while Jones was double covered. With Jones, the Falcons always have a chance to win games and he is very comfortable taking on that responsibility.
"I know the team depends on me as far as going out there and making a play," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "All of us together. But when my number is called, I try to go out there and deliver. When the defense makes a play, it gets me hyped. It's get me ready to go. ... It just keeps feeding off each other and it's contagious."
The Falcons will play their final game of the season at home next week against the Saints. The team is hopeful to have Tevin Coleman back on the field after the running back suffered a concussion falling in the shower. Eric Weems also suffered a concussion while Jacob Tamme looked healthy following a few injuries. One more win would at least end the year on a high note.
