Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank happy with "improving" QB Matt Ryan - NFL News
The Atlanta Falcons have recently struggled in playoff games even after doing relatively well during the regular season.
However, that statistic has not stopped Falcons owner Arthur Blank to feel positive about his team’s future and the owner is fully behind quarterback Matt Ryan.
Ryan was held scoreless in the Falcons playoff wildcard round encounter against the New York Giants as the National Football Conference (NFC) South team lost the game 24-2.
This takes Ryan’s record in the playoffs to 0-3 but Blank feels confident that his quarterback is improving and that he wants Ryan to remain with the franchise for years to come.
Speaking to ESPN.com Blank heaped praise on the 26-year-old.
“He’s grown as a quarterback. He’s grown as an individual. He’s obviously a great team leader. People recognize that and identify with him. He’s exactly what you would want in the CEO of a business. He’s the first to work and the last to leave. He works
the hardest and studies. He provides all kinds of leadership on and off the field. I’m thrilled where he is."
The Falcons ended the regular season 10-6 with as Ryan performed brilliantly to lead the Falcons to another back to back winning season.
The quarterback passed for 4,177 yards completing 347 passes out of 566 while also passing for 29 touchdowns.
Ryan, however, was not able to carry that form into the playoff rounds and the Falcons were knocked out at the first hurdle.
Blank was asked what Ryan should do to improve on his record.
“All the things he’s doing are things he has to continue to do. He has to continue to be willing to learn and grow.”
Adding further he said.
“We’re fortunate to have him as our franchise quarterback and look forward to a long relationship with him."
Blank went on to say that he does not have any problems with the team’s direction right now as everyone understands what has to be done to do well in the playoff rounds.
The Falcons are mostly quiet during the free agency and are looking to sign up their own free agents on new contracts.
They will be looking to the new 2012-13 season to make another bid for the playoffs and this time move further than the wildcard round.
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