Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan Solidifies NFL MVP Case in Wide-Open Race

Go ahead and tell everybody; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the man. 

In a quarterback-driven league, Ryan’s body of work throughout the 2016 campaign warrants recognition as the NFL’s MVP. 

His dominance was on full display Sunday during a 38-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Ryan completed 75 percent of his passes for 331 yards and four touchdowns. In doing so, the Falcons captured a division crown and the NFC’s No. 2 seed.  

With a stellar performance in the regular-season finale, the Falcons quarterback built on a resume already worthy of the league’s top honor. 

Ryan’s near-flawless performance broke his own franchise record, as he set a new Falcons single-season mark with 4,944 passing yards.

Atlanta’s franchise player operated with the precision of a surgeon: 

Falcons’ first-half possessions:TDTDTDTDTDMatt Ryan: 17/19, 235 yards, 4 TDs #ATLvsNO pic.twitter.com/VJvJE7WYDf

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 1, 2017

The quarterback’s efficiency has been staggering. In fact, his performance registers among the best in NFL history.

There are great seasons within the past 12 years that redefined how the quarterback position is played. 

Everyone remembers when Peyton Manning broke Dan Marino’s record for most touchdown passes in a season and Tom Brady topped Manning three years later. Aaron Rodgers’ 2011 campaign still stands as the most efficient ever. 

Ryan’s 2016 season can be considered as good as each of those. 

Entering Sunday’s contest, Ryan already held a 115.5 quarterback rating, which placed him fourth all-time, according to NFL Stats: 

Matt Ryan’s Passer Rating: 115.5But will he win MVP?