As the 2024 NFL season nears its end, the Atlanta Falcons are poised to make a bold move that could reshape the course of their season. With just three games left in their regular schedule, the Falcons, sitting on the edge of playoff contention, have opted to make a dramatic quarterback switch. This decision, while shocking to many, has the potential to either make or break the Falcons’ playoff aspirations. With so little time left, every play, every call, and every decision will be crucial to their ultimate success or failure.
The Situation
At the heart of the Falcons’ mid-season quarterback dilemma is a familiar pattern of inconsistency. Desmond Ridder, the team’s young quarterback, showed flashes of potential but was unable to consistently lead the team in crucial moments. His struggles in key games, coupled with a lack of experience in high-pressure situations, prompted head coach Arthur Smith and the front office to evaluate the team’s chances heading into the final stretch of the season. With Ridder struggling to find his rhythm, it became increasingly clear that the Falcons’ chances of making the playoffs could be compromised if a change wasn’t made.
The Falcons had already dealt with a rollercoaster of performances from their quarterbacks, with Ridder being benched at times earlier in the season for poor play. With three games remaining and a playoff berth still within reach, the decision was made to look beyond the present starter. For a team so invested in its defense and running game, the quarterback position had become the final obstacle preventing them from taking that next step.
The New Face of the Franchise
The Atlanta Falcons have turned to veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, returning to the franchise after his retirement, a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike. After spending 14 seasons in Atlanta and cementing his legacy as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and wins, Ryan had retired following the 2022 season, concluding a Hall of Fame-worthy career. However, as the Falcons’ offensive struggles intensified and the team faced a do-or-die stretch of games, it became clear that a return to the familiar face of their former leader might be the most pragmatic solution.
Ryan, who had spent the 2023 season as a commentator for various networks, was approached by the Falcons with an offer to come back for a playoff push. His understanding of the system, familiarity with the locker room, and ability to manage a game in clutch moments were seen as invaluable assets for the team as they navigated the end of the regular season.
The Decision-Making Process
The decision to bring Ryan out of retirement wasn’t made overnight. Falcons management, particularly General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Arthur Smith, weighed the risks and rewards carefully. Ridder’s inconsistency had left a noticeable void at quarterback. While some may have argued for giving Ridder more time to develop, the Falcons knew their window for playoff contention was shrinking rapidly. Atlanta’s defense had kept them competitive throughout the season, and the running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier had provided a reliable offensive foundation. The offense, however, needed someone who could effectively command the game when it mattered most.
Matt Ryan’s return was not a decision based solely on nostalgia or sentiment. The Falcons had carefully evaluated their options and considered a range of potential quarterbacks available through trade, free agency, or promotion from the practice squad. However, after careful consideration, they concluded that Ryan, despite being a year removed from the game, was still a better option for the immediate future. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and his leadership in high-pressure moments were qualities that could help the team navigate the gauntlet of the final three games.
The Impact on the Team
Matt Ryan’s return to the field instantly provided a sense of stability that had been lacking in recent weeks. His presence in the huddle was felt immediately, as his leadership and poise stood out. Despite being a year removed from active play, Ryan’s football IQ and his deep connection with the coaching staff and his teammates allowed him to slip seamlessly back into his role. His ability to make quick reads and his command of the offense instantly elevated the Falcons’ playcalling and execution.
A key benefit of bringing Ryan back was the reassurance it provided to the rest of the team. The Falcons’ defense, which had been the backbone of the team throughout the season, knew that their efforts would be complemented by a quarterback who could manage the game efficiently. The offensive line, which had shown signs of improvement but still lacked consistency, gained confidence from Ryan’s presence. They knew he would make the necessary adjustments at the line of scrimmage and wouldn’t take unnecessary risks. This stability allowed the running backs to focus on their roles, knowing Ryan would be in command of the passing game.
In addition to his on-field leadership, Ryan’s return brought a wave of optimism to the locker room. The Falcons’ younger players, especially Ridder, were able to learn from one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Ryan became a mentor on and off the field, sharing his knowledge and experiences with those around him. His influence helped to galvanize a squad that was now focused on the bigger picture: reaching the playoffs and making a run at the Super Bowl.
The Road Ahead
With the decision made, all eyes were now on the final three games of the season. The Falcons had a difficult road ahead, with matchups against division rivals and other playoff-contending teams. The first challenge came against a formidable defense, which would be a true test for Ryan’s timing and composure under pressure. The subsequent games would test the Falcons’ ability to integrate their running game with a passing attack now led by Ryan. While the offense had struggled to find its rhythm throughout the season, Ryan’s veteran presence might be exactly what the team needed to execute in the critical moments that had been so elusive.
The decision to start Ryan over Ridder, despite the latter’s youth and promise, was an indication of how seriously the Falcons were taking their playoff aspirations. It would be a high-risk, high-reward move, but it was clear that the Falcons’ future in the 2024 season rested on the shoulders of one of their most successful quarterbacks in history.
