Sports
Sports

Falcons’ Ryan NFL’s second-highest graded QB in PFF rankings

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
By Alex Makrides
Jan 29, 2018

Despite the drop in offensive production from the record-setting 2016 season, former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan was still one of the best signal-callers in the league.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ryan was the second-highest graded quarterback in the NFL with an overall grade of 89.9. The only quarterback ahead of the 32-year-old was the Patriots' Tom Brady (94.9).

Ryan’s grade was down 2.8 points from his 2016 mark, but higher than the three previous seasons before that.

Picture from Pro Football Focus
icon to expand image

After his career-best year in 2016, Ryan’s numbers dipped this season under first-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Ryan threw for 849 fewer yards, 18 fewer touchdowns and five more interceptions in 2017 than 2016. His completion percentage also went down 5.2 percentage points.

The Falcons said this offseason, the organization is prioritizing a contract extension for the franchise quarterback.

About the Author

Alex Makrides
More Stories

Keep Reading

A tribute to Atlanta Braves great Hank Aaron is presented during the sixth inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Hyosub Shin / AJC

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Hank Aaron tribute will be Atlanta All-Star Game’s distinguishing moment

1h ago

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

The Georgia native, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby, hit seven home runs in the first round and added two in the second.

Why Georgia native Whit Weeks is the ‘driver’ of LSU’s defense

Weeks's father was a former Bulldogs’ offensive lineman and his two brothers also play at LSU. Some believe he could help LSU could win the national championship.

The Latest

A tribute to Atlanta Braves great Hank Aaron is presented during the sixth inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Hyosub Shin / AJC

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Hank Aaron tribute will be Atlanta All-Star Game’s distinguishing moment

1h ago

Sports Daily: The Derby, by the numbers

Atlanta TV sports listings

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Bright lights, big stage: Atlanta readies for the All-Star Game spotlight

The Braves, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta have been preparing for the MLB All-Star Game for years, and all will be the epicenter of the baseball world Tuesday night.

The CBS split from Atlanta News First could preview other big TV changes

TV station owners are having to adapt as viewing habits change and viewership declines.

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, No. 1 prospect in Georgia, commits to Texas

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, the top-ranked linebacker in the nation, has committed to Texas, turning down UGA’s long-standing pursuit.