Matt Ryan, Falcons Reach the Next Level in Defeating New Orleans

Since he was drafted with the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 Draft, Matt Ryan has had his share of critics and fans alike.  He has been labeled everything from savior to noodle arm bust, but today he and the rest of the Atlanta Falcons showed that these past two seasons were no fluke as they went into the raucous den of the New Orleans Superdome and defeated their archrival New Orleans Saints 27-24 in a thrilling overtime game.

Sure, it took some luck to get it done.  Saints QB Drew Brees uncharacteristically threw bad picks, and reliable kicker Garrett Hartley missed an easy 32 yard field goal in overtime to give the Falcons a chance for victory. During the Falcons' final drive it looked as if they were content to just walk away from the Crescent City with a tie due to the way they were running the ball, but fate intervened as their own kicker Matt Bryant had a blocked attempt called back due to a false start.  He then connected with a 46-yard game winner and sealed the upset.

A lot of people will state that it was due to a lot of uncommon mistakes by the Saints, but the Falcons showed that they were equipped to handle this kind of crowd after what they experienced during their first road game this year at Pittsburgh.  The defense did give up a number of big plays (something that has been too common this year) however the offense stepped up when the situation called for it.  RB Michael Turner and Jason Snelling formed a one-two punch that put away the Saints late in the overtime period. 

Matt Ryan had his second successful week in a row, throwing for two TD passes and keeping the Falcons in the game when all points looked to the Saints making their usual game-winning drives that they were known for all of this season, including last week. 

A lot of pepole will point to Ryan's last second comeback against the Bears in his rookie season to his game winning drive against the Jets at the Meadowlands last year as proof of his ability to win games, but Sunday was extra special.  His ability to maintain composure and lead the offense down the field in the 4th quarter and overtime is something that cannot be taught, it has to be born from within.  Ryan and the running game broke the tide of the Saints' recent dominance over the Falcons with this win, and for a team that has it sights set on higher goals this season, it was exactly what they needed.

This season will continue to be a battle, with games against Green Bay and Baltimore looming later this year.  The Falcons and their fans need not to concern themselves about whether or not they will be able to defeat these types of teams as long as No. 2 is in the huddle.

Just imagine what would've happened if they did draft Glenn Dorsey.