The Atlanta Falcons today announced that quarterback Matt Ryan has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Atlanta's 31-23 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Ryan completed 22 of 38 passes for 320 yards and tied a career-high with four touchdown passes in the Falcons Week 14 win. He tossed three touchdowns in the second half and led the Falcons to 24 unanswered points in the final 30 minutes to record the fourth-largest comeback in team history (16 points). Ryan also posted a 120.5 passer rating, marking the fifth time this season he's eclipsed the 100-point mark. Since 2008, the Falcons are 21-0 when his quarterback rating is 100 or higher.
Atlanta trailed 23-17 entering the fourth quarter when Ryan drove the offense 90 yards in 10 plays and hit rookie WR Julio Jones for a 17-yard touchdown pass to take a 24-23 lead. It was the 16th time in his career that Ryan has led the team on a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime. He's led the team to three comeback wins in the fourth quarter this season, including both of the Falcons games against NFC South rival Carolina. The fourth-year signal caller has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 27 of his last 28 games, including 12 straight games. Ryan also helped improve the Falcons record after a loss to 17-3 (.850), which is the second-best mark in the NFL behind the New England Patriots (.867).
This is the second time in his career that Ryan has earned Player of the Week honors. He also won the award in Week 9 of the 2008 season. This season, Ryan has completed 288 of 479 passes for 3,474 yards and 23 touchdowns.
