Let's be real here. Matt Ryan hardly played the best game of his career Monday night against the unbeaten Packers, but he did do some good things to give the Falcons a chance.
In the end it still wasn't close to being enough as the Falcons fell to 0-4 with a 30-16 loss in Green Bay.
Ryan, a former league MVP and now in his 13th season, walked off Lambeau Field after completing 28 of 39 passes for 285 yards and no touchdowns. He completed passes to 10 different Falcons players, including eight to Olamide Zaccheaus, the team's No. 4 receiver.
While Ryan was by no means Superman and arguably played more like Clark Kent at times, the 35-year-old signal caller was still the Falcons' best player against the Packers (4-0), a team many consider to be the class of the NFC.
Ryan might be able to carry the offense at times, but outside of 20-play offensive drives, he can only do so much for a defense that's 31st in passing yards allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed and 32nd in opposing quarterback passer rating.
Trailing by a touchdown in the first quarter, Ryan led the Falcons on a ridiculous 20-play drive that covered 94 yards and consumed 10:36 of the game clock. Unfortunately, the Falcons only came away with three points.
Later on in the third quarter and trailing 20-3, Ryan capped an eight-play drive by throwing one heck of a block to seal the edge and give Todd Gurley a 5-yard stroll into the end zone to bring the Falcons back once again, 20-9. Unfortunately, Elliott Fry missed the extra point.
Did Ryan miss on a couple of throws? Sure, but there were some drops, too. My point is outside of Ryan, though, it was hard to know who to look to when the Falcons needed a play to be made. And it's a big reason why the Falcons lost.
It's also why the Falcons are sitting at the bottom of the NFC South standings right now after the Buccaneers (3-1), Saints (2-2) and Panthers (2-2) all posted wins this past weekend. Making matters worse for Atlanta, all four of its losses were to conference opponents that now hold tiebreakers come December.
Sure, the Falcons have suffered their fair share of injuries, but what team hasn't so far during this weird season? Every single team in the league is dealing with injuries. You can't blame the schedule. I don't want to hear about conditioning, either.
The Falcons have been in position to make plays during the first four games of the season, but they just haven't made them. This team needs someone to stand up and make a play in crunch time. Make a tackle. Jump on an onside kick. Make a block. Make a better read. Don't commit penalties in critical situations.
At the end of the day, they need this story to change from a tale of woe, to one of unexpected heroes. We saw Green Bay get a three touchdown performance from an undrafted tight end on Monday night.
Where are those stories on the Falcons roster?
We learned that Matt Ryan can't do it all by himself. As good as he looked in the Falcons' new all-white uniforms, Ryan wasn't wearing a red cape Monday night.
And to be honest, I don't even think Superman could've pulled this one off by himself.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers with top photos from inside Lambeau Field in Week 4.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons defense makes a stop at the goal line Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 scores a touchdown in the second half against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons versus the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls for the snap against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 in action during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
The offensive line lines up against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 and safety Damontae Kazee #27 make a tackle during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 celebrates making a stop against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and defensive end John Cominsky #50 tackle Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones #33 in the first half on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with guard Chris Lindstrom #63 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Damontae Kazee #27 and cornerback Kendall Sheffield #20 make a tackle against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the football against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with defensive end Dante Fowler Jr #56 and defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr #56 makes a tackle during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 makes a tackle at the goal line against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 celebrates making a stop against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 becomes the Atlanta Falcons' all-time leader in receptions with 809 career receptions, surpassing Roddy White, on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 becomes the Atlanta Falcons' all-time leader in receptions with 809 career receptions, surpassing Roddy White, on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 gestures against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 is shown before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before the game the against Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 is shown during warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 is shown during warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is warms up before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons are shown before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 stretches before the games against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 and tight end Hayden Hurst #81 walk to the field on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle around Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank talks with Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 gestures before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks to quarterback Matt Ryan #2 before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle around Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 walks off of the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn will honor Raymond Santana, one of the Exonerated Five, as the Atlanta Falcons face the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 walks across Lambeau Field on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank walks out to the field before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
