ITI: Is it fair at this point to begin criticizing Matt Ryan? Can the Falcons truly close the deal with him at quarterback?
Benedict: I would say anyone that is overly critical of Matt Ryan is simply not paying attention. Matt Ryan is one of the best three or four quarterbacks in the NFL today and has had to deal with more ridiculousness than any other upper-echelon quarterback has to deal with.
There are only two other quarterbacks in the history of the NFL to have a higher rating and QBR than Matt Ryan in the postseason. Let’s not forget, in the 2012 NFC title game, he gave the Falcons defense a 21 point lead that they squandered, and he gave his team a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl.
Matt Ryan has played with one Top-10 defense in his 12-year career, and he’s had five different coordinators, all of which were outside hires. His offensive line has been among the worst in the league. Matt Ryan isn’t the problem.