Did Matt Ryan Hit the Rookie Wall?

Much has been made of the mythical "rookie wall" in the NFL and whether it exists or if it's just a metaphor for poor rookie play down the stretch as team's produce better game plans for impact rookies.

While many rookies this year denied its impact, one needs to only look at those that came before them and their coaches to realize it's more than just a fancy way to say, "Hey, coach, I'm tired."

The question in Atlanta is whether quarterback Matt Ryan experienced a fatigue factor at the helm of a team headed to the playoffs and increased exposure in game planning film for defenses as the Atlanta Falcons barreled toward the conclusion of the regular season.

When asked about his play in the last quarter of the season following the last game of the regular season against the St. Louis Rams, Ryan said, "You never know what to expect, you hear so much talk about the rookie wall...you're going to it...I don't think I have."

If there's one thing that Falcons' fans have learned this season about their young quarterback it's that he doesn't make excuses. He has always taken responsibility for what occurs on the football field, whether it's deserved it or not.

An admirable trait indeed, but is he being completely honest with himself?

Dennis Dillon wrote a fantastic article for the Sporting News' website in November of 2007. In it he examines the rookie wall and speaks with players to get their thoughts on whether or not the wall exists and to gauge its impact.

The result is a resounding "Yes!"

Jevon Kearse said in his outstanding rookie season in 1999 with the Titans that he reached November and the day-to-day aspects of the season became an absolute grind. He reached a point in the season where he approached coach Jeff Fisher and asked for two days off to lounge around his home. The price he was willing to pay: A portion of his bonus money.

Last season, Texans' rookie defensive tackle Amobi Okoye looked forward to his bye week with great anticipation, saying, "I've been waiting for this for the past two weeks. They brag about me being 20 years old and being in the NFL, but right now I tell you what—I don't feel like I'm 20 at all. I feel like probably 35."

Much was made of Okoye's youth entering the season. At 19, he was the youngest player ever drafted in the first round in the NFL. For a player that has thrived as the youngest player on his team (at 16, he was the youngest player not only on the University of Louisville team but in the entire NCAA), the professional season and its community work, meetings, practices, studying, and actual game playing took his body by storm.

In 2006, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes sought the advice of veteran teammates like Hines Ward for insight into how to take better care of his body as the season wore on.

Of the wall, he said, "Hit it? I ran into that wall headfirst, man."

New England Patriots' coach Bill Belichick, following a game in December, said, "Well, as I said, it is a long season. It is a lot longer than any college season. So, when you come into the National Football League you can't really prepare for the length and the intensity of the season."

Ryan was drafted for his intelligence and his preparation. He clearly takes his role, and the work needed to be successful, seriously. But when you look at the last quarter of the season, three things stand out:

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