Let’s start off with a disclaimer: This is not a spirited argument for using the QB win statistic, which is too often used as a weapon when we know wins and losses are not often solely on the shoulders of the man under center. This is really about the Falcons, and Matt Ryan just happens to be one the one common denominator from 2008-2019 that helps us share something that might make you cautiously optimistic about the season ahead.
That out of the way, let’s talk about that encouraging statistic. Hat tip to Matt Karoly, who rounded these records up:
Matt Ryan’s career record vs the #Falcons 2020 opponents
• SEA: 3-2
• DAL: 3-2
• CHI: 3-2
• GB: 4-4
• CAR: 16-8
• MIN: 2-4
• DET: 4-1
• DEN: 2-1
• NO: 9-14
• LV/OAK: 3-0
• LAC/SD: 2-1
• TB: 16-8
• KC: 2-1— Matt Karoly (@mattkaroly) July 13, 2020Ryan currently has a winning record against all but two of the team’s 2020 opponents, which is to say the Falcons have fared well against everyone but Minnesota and New Orleans over the past decade-plus.