Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan & 5 Players Who Need To Step Up to Make the Playoffs

It's no secret that a 4-3 start is far from what the Atlanta Falcons had in mind before the season. A team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Falcons have struggled to find consistency through the first seven games.

Two straight wins have the Falcons back in position to make a push for the playoffs. That won't happen though, without some improved play from key players.

So let's look at Matt Ryan and five players who need to step up for the Falcons to make the playoffs. 

Matt Ryan

The 2011 season was supposed to be about Matt Ryan taking the next step in his progression as a quarterback, particularly pushing the ball down the field more.

Matt Ryan’s yards per attempt has only marginally increased from 6.49 to 6.68 this season. That still ranks just 24th in the NFL.

Compounding the problem is the fact that Ryan is turning the ball over at a high rate. His eight interceptions through seven games is just one less than he had all of last season. Ryan’s numbers across the board are down and his passer rating of 79.5 ranks 23rd in the league.

Ryan has to hold onto the ball while finding a way to incorporate more big plays into the offense. 

Jacquizz Rodgers

Rodgers has been a small part of the offense so far, but his role will need to increase for this team to improve.

The Falcons have gotten back to their identity of running the football, but have done so almost exclusively with Michael Turner. Michael Turner has 138 carries on the season compared to just 16 for Rodgers and six for Jason Snelling.

I’m not saying split the carries evenly, but if Atlanta is going to run the ball as frequently as they have the past few games, someone is going to have to give Turner a breather. 

Sam Baker

Matt Ryan is tied for fourth in sacks taken among quarterbacks in the NFL. This is particularly alarming for a team that makes its living mostly on short passes.

Some blame can go on Ryan, the receivers and the offensive line as a whole. At the end of the day though, the LT has to take blame.

Baker has been up and down since the Falcons spent a first round pick on him in 2008. He has to prove he’s the guy to anchor this line and keep Matt Ryan upright. 

Ray Edwards

The success of the Falcons’ defense hinges on the pass rush, and its solid play was the top factor in holding the Lions to 16 points. No player is more important than Ray Edwards.

The Falcons know what they have in John Abraham. Edwards must become a second legitimate threat from the end position.

His play has improved the last few weeks, presumably as his knee has gotten stronger. This will have to continue for the Falcons to maintain the consistency they need on defense. 

Corey Peters

Corey Peters has certainly had his moments for the Falcons this season. His interception of Cam Newton helped put the Panthers away and he provided solid pass rush against the Lions, sacking Matthew Stafford.

However, Peters needs to show an ability to do this on a more consistent basis. At times he can disappear on the field. His push up the middle can be huge for the Falcon’s run defense and freeing up pass rushers on the outside. 

Matt Bosher

Normally a punter wouldn’t be among the list of players who need to improve most but Bosher’s stats have been particularly bad.

Bosher is averaging 36.9 yards per punt on the season, which ranks last in the NFL. A punt average under 40 is an embarrassment in major college football, let alone the NFL. Bosher isn’t even close to that number and his net punting average of 34 yards is ranked only slightly better at 29th.

I don’t how much a kicker can improve, but something has to be done. Bosher’s poor punting is putting the Falcon’s defense in bad positions again and again.