Falcons WATCH: Best of QB Matt Ryan - Training Camp Highlights
The Atlanta Falcons bet big on Matt Ryan when they declined to take a quarterback like Justin Fields with their No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft.
Rather than go for Ryan's long-term replacement, the Falcons opted to go for Julio Jones' long-term replacement in 6'6 and 245-pound tight end Kyle Pitts. Jones was traded shortly after the draft to the Tennessee Titans.
The Falcons have endured three straight losing seasons, and similar to how the head coach takes heat, the quarterback gets too much credit when things are going well and too much blame when they aren't.
READ MORE: Why do so many Falcons fans Hate Matt Ryan?
Ryan didn't have his best season in 2020, but his 93.3 passer rating put him 19th among quarterbacks who started at least 10 games.
While offensive coordinator with the Titans, new Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith helped Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill have the fifth-best rating in the NFL at 106.5 in 2020.
In six seasons prior to working with Smith, Tannehill's previous high was 93.5 in 2016 with the Dolphins.
There's reason to believe that Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP, can reach similar heights under Smith. Smith's offense will emphasize the running game, tight ends, and play action.
In Atlanta's view: Pitts and veteran tight end Hayden Hurst could have big seasons in the offense, and Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage are capable of filling the gap left behind by Jones.
READ MORE: Human Highlight Reel 2.0, Kyle Pitts Training Camp Highlights
But maybe most of all? Matt Ryan needs to be Matt Ryan again - in a season of highlights.
