Last season something happened in the NFL that just about never happpens: Not one, but two rookie quarterbacks led their respective teams to the playoffs. Matt Ryan with the Atlanta Falcons and Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens.
And one, Flacco, won two games for his Ravens. A first for any rookie QB in the NFL. Matt Ryan went on to win the Associated Press '08 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. So with the NFL season on the horizon I decided to compare the two quarterbacks and tell you which one will have the better 2009 season.
Flacco had a great rookie season in 2008 throwing for 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns, with a Passer Rating of 80.3. All of these are respectable numbers when you consider not only was Flacco a rookie, but he also played behind one of the best defenses in the NFL, so he didn't have to put up Peyton Manning or Tom Brady-like numbers to be successful.
Look for the Ravens to repeat the formula they used last season and let their defense lead them while relying on a strong running game to take pressure off of the young Flacco. At the same time, though, "Joe Cool" has shown he can handle the pressure of the position, so look for the Ravens to open up the playbook offensively and give Flacco more freedom with the play-calling. Personally I believe Flacco is ready to take the leadership role on the offense already.
One thing Baltimore will have to adjust to will be the abscence of their ex-defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, who has moved on to greener pastures as the new head coach of the New York Jets.
Ryan also took with him to New York linebacker Bart Scott, a key cog in the Ravens' defensive machine the past few seasons. With Ray Lewis re-signed, but a year older, the Ravens offense, especially Flacco, may have to step up this season if they wish to go far again. Their defense will win them some games as usual, but the offense must step up.
Matt Ryan also looks to improve on a rookie season for his Falcons that saw them win 11 games and make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Ryan threw for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns while throwing only 11 interceptions. He also had a passer rating of 87.7. What else can you say about the expectations for "Matty Ice?"
The offense should once again be potent with Ryan a year more experienced, and Roddy White and Michael Turner back and ready to explode. I would also leave out Jerious Norwood, who is expected to get even more touches this season, at my own own peril.
But without a doubt the biggest addition to the Falcons offense will be tight end Tony Gonzalez, who should help out both the running and passing games. Sure the defense may still have some questions, but the Falcons' offense will be as potent as any team in the league, let alone our own division.
And if you score 30-plus points every game, then you don't have to worry too much about the defense. Perhaps they'll use the formula that won the St. Louis Rams a Super Bowl in 1999.
The Falcons could win fewer games this season and still be a better team due to their difficult schedule. However, I look for Ryan to have a monster season as he, too, is allowed to open up the playbook, especially with the addition of Gonzalez. The Ravens will struggle while the Falcons will make the playoffs again. Advantage-Matt Ryan.
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