Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

Scouting reports on every key player in Super Bowl 51

HOUSTON (AP) — Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl at Houston:

ATLANTA FALCONS

OFFENSE

Matt Ryan, QB (2), 6-4, 217, 9th season, Boston College

Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating (117.1), with 38 TDs … First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick … Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs … Popular in New England because of college career, won’t be so popular there if he beats Patriots.

Devonta Freeman, RB (24), 5-8, 206, 3rd season, Florida State

Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season … Also can catch the ball … Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year.