Is Matt Ryan poised for another MVP year?

Matt Ryan. Undoubtedly my favorite athlete and, as an unashamedly biased Falcons fan, the source of countless moments of joy – in addition to more moments to which I’d prefer we do not talk about. He was drafted by my Atlanta Falcons whilst I was the age of 11. My voice was squeaky, height was short, and the prior year’s MVP was Tom Brady’s first – at the age of 30. Of course, Peyton Manning would go on to win the subsequent two to follow, and Matt Ryan would eventually win his own in that 2016 Cinderella season. He achieved a lot in 14 years. Now I’m 25, and the legendary Quarterback leads the franchise in every notable stat and accolade. He will hold these records for some time, no doubt long after he is inducted into the hall of fame. His impact on the franchise has been immeasurable. Yet, that leads us to the present day. The all-time great Falcon was recently shipped to Indianapolis in exchange for a 3rd round pick. The value of the trade was significantly low, if we compare to the Matt Stafford trade a year before, but works more so as a cap based move to contribute toward Atlanta’s long rebuild. What’s next, though? I would argue that this move has put Matty Ice in the best position he has ever been throughout his illustrious career. The question being, can he finally win a ring?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The significance of his new offensive line. Ok, in Atlanta Matt Ryan benefited from constant reliability of Jake Matthews or the dominance of Alex Mack. Even in 2021, with the failing line ahead of him, Matt still had up and comer Chris Lindstrom providing some protection but Indianapolis is a wholly different story. For the first time, Matt Ryan can play behind a line as competent as this one. Need I even reference Quenton Nelson? At 26 years old, the generational guard is etching up a first ballot hall of fame career if he were to continue at the pace he currently hurdles at. Then there’s Ryan Kelly, another pre 30 multi pro bowl talent. Matt Ryan is protected and, in the pocket, this is where this Quarterback thrives.

But it’s not just the line which benefits Matty Ice. Look at the weapons. The most clear being Jonathan Taylor. Disregarding ‘what if’s’ considering Derrick Henry’s season cut short, Jonathan Taylor was unquestionably the best running back in football last year. Once more, he’s only getting started. 2022 will be his third year, and I’d argue his rookie season was vastly overlooked to suggest this level of dominance is more so regular than an outlier. A competent rushing attack takes pressure away from Matt Ryan to consistently win games throwing the ball. He thrives alongside a powerful rushing attack, as seen during the two headed Freeman/Coleman years of the Falcons or, even earlier, the Michael Turner years. Jonathan Taylor could reignite this vintage Matt Ryan. Yes, with the exception of Michael Pittman Jr, I feel the receiving corps could use some work – but the draft nears and there are plenty of weapons to pick up here and solidify this corner of the roster. Same goes for Tight end, but why not orchestrate a Falcons reunion by collecting Austin Hooper in free agency to an incentive based one year deal?

But it’s not only on the offensive end of the ball. Let’s talk about the defence. Clearly the addition of Stephon Gilmore goes without saying as an incredible move, but they’re lining him near Darius Leonard – arguably one of the best young linebackers in the league. Opposite 2021 pro bowler Kenny Moore with Deforest Buckner on the line and Yannick Ngakoue rushing the passer. This defense is elite. To question such a sentiment would be quite foolish. Matt Ryan no longer needs to chase leads. Ok, he earned the Matty Ice moniker for a reason, but I’m sure he would appreciate the lack of pressure in scoreboard watching so frequently. It’s not to say Matt Ryan didn’t have great defensive weapons in Atlanta. Even as he leaves, the Falcons have a top 3 cornerback in AJ Terrell and the ever frequent dominance of Grady Jarrett. The difference is that Matt Ryan’s defence is loaded with potential. The holes aren’t so blatant and raw now. There are superstars in every direction on this squad – and that’s exciting. Even as we look to special teams. Matt Ryan left one of the league’s best kickers in Younghoe Koo, for another of equal standing in Rodrigo Blankenship. The future is bright for Matt Ryan in these tail end corners of his career.

Then let’s focus on his competition. Namely, the remainder of the AFC South. The Texans are likely enthralled in the biggest rut in the league. With little going their way, they admittedly acquired a lot of draft capital through the Watson trade but still have a long way to go before reaching the dominance of Indianapolis’ roster. What about Jacksonville? They’re a different story, quite likely the biggest mystery in the league when we focus ahead 5 years. In half a decade this team could be perennial contenders, alike the Buffalo Bills rebuild, or back where they are today. Is Trevor Lawrence a bust? Or is he going to break out? It’s clear they’re going to take Aiden Hutchinson at #1 next week too. Help is on the way for him, and they’re spending spree in free agency suggests an urgency to contend sooner rather than later, but I still see a solid year, maybe two, before they threaten this Indi roster in a ‘best case scenario’. Then there’s Tennessee. It would have been interesting if they kept a hold of Julio for one more year so we could see the rivals head to head with former long-time team mates on either side. But what about them? They’re on the decline, on paper, yet there is no predicting their downfall whilst Derrick Henry remains as dominant as ever. Above all of this, their coaching is easily the most solid foundation within the division and with great coaching comes greater players. I see the Titans as the biggest threat to Matt Ryan’s Colts, yet far from wielding the strength they once had. Atop of all this, AJ Brown is rumoured to leave, so what state will the Titans be in the long term? A difficult question to answer, as the same with the Jags. I mention this because I argue that the timing is perfect for Indianapolis. Whilst their competition rebuilds or teeters toward the end of dominant eras, Indi are set upon a new one. Sure, Matt Ryan isn’t the team’s long term option for QB, but I feel that he may be poised to hold this position for longer than expected.

Is another MVP on the cards for the near 37 year old veteran? Likely not, yet the pieces surround him enough to suggest that a career year remains on the table. Of course, as the most biased Falcons fan of all, I near bleed to see this legend succeed, but there is much to suggest this may be the case. The Colts are in the best position they have stood since the years of prime Andrew Luck, the question is whether they will capitalize on this perfect opportunity and make a deep run to content about a loaded AFC conference.