Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Ryan named offensive player of the year

FILE - In this Dec. 24, 2016, file photo, Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Falcons and New England Patriots certainly are seeking the NFL crown on Sunday in Super Bowl 51. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 24, 2016, file photo, Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Falcons and New England Patriots certainly are seeking the NFL crown on Sunday in Super Bowl 51. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
By
Feb 5, 2017

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was named the NFL’s offensive player of the year on Saturday at the NFL Honors program.

Ryan’s also considered the favorite to win the most valuable player award.

Ryan, with his pinpoint passing, led the top-scoring offense in the NFL with franchise records in passing yards (4,944) and touchdowns (38).

“If you are looking at consistency this year, you can talk about Matt Ryan,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “A lot of that is coming out of last year. I would say that it’s due to his offseason work that he put in himself, personally. …I think he and Kyle Shanahan have been on a much better communication path than they were in their first year. Matt’s understanding of the system is certainly greater than it was in year one.”

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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