Guarded Optimism

My feelings are mixed about the drafting of Boston College’s Matt Ryan (pictured). On one hand I agree with the pick, as Atlanta needs a quarterback and a new face of the franchise. Ryan has prototypical size, standing 6’5 and weighing 224 pounds. Ryan started 32 games in four years at Boston College and he’s known for his character, leadership, and intelligence. Ryan has shown that he can win big games and he put up strong numbers in his four years at college, completing 837 of 1,347 (60%) for 9,313 yards, 56 touchdowns, 37 interceptions, and rushed for 58 yards. and he was named ACC Player of the Year.

On the other hand, I’m not completely sold that Ryan can be the savior of the franchise immediately and I’m not really sure he’ll even grow into the role. Although a majority of the scouts call Ryan the highest rated quarterback in the draft, many concede that he was not head and shoulders above the other quarterbacks in the draft. I feel the Birds would’ve benefited by drafting outstanding defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey who many believe will make an immediate impact on Sundays.

To be truthful I still have some unresolved feelings regarding the organizations handling of Vick and deep down inside I’m still holding out that Vick would serve his time and come back to the home team and find his redemption with the Birds. Not to say that this can’t still happen, but it was probably unlikely before and really unlikely now. Hopefully, by the time the season starts I’ll be back on the Falcons bandwagon.