Saturday was a special night for the Falcons organization.
After posting career bests in a number of statistical categories, Matt Ryan was named NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Ryan threw for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, good for a 117.1 quarterback rating. He led the No. 1 scoring offense that averaged 33.8 yards per game.
"When you think of consistent excellence this season, you think of Matt Ryan," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said of his quarterback. "He was the catalyst for our team during the offseason and it carried over to outstanding performances week after week thereafter. I am extremely proud of Matt as a person and leader and, in my view, he was the unquestioned MVP of the league this season. We are fortunate to have Matt as our quarterback for years to come and are so pleased his name will go down as our franchise's first-ever NFL MVP."
Ryan's offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, was named Assistant Coach of the Year. Shanahan's unit broke franchise records in total yards per game (415.8) and yards per play (6.7).
Head Coach Dan Quinn was this year's recipient of the Salute to Service Award by the NFL and USAA.
Quinn's program is built with the notion of "team" behind everything, something he believes no one better demonstrates than the military.
He and his wife, Stacey, have hosted a number of special events for military members and their families over the years. Quinn and four of his players also participated in a USO tour through the Pacific this past summer.
"Dan Quinn's commitment to honoring our military is an inspiration to me and sets an outstanding example for our league, our team and the entire country in my view," Blank said of Quinn's award. "His desire to give back to those who serve and protect us, as well as the families of the fallen, does not waver and I could not be more proud of how he represents his family and our organization in this regard. I'm absolutely thrilled the NFL has honored such a deserving leader with this prestigious award."
And to kick off the night, Morten Andersen, who played 13 seasons with the Falcons, was named to the 2017 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He made 302 of 389 field goals during his time in Atlanta.
