Matt Ryan understands the nuances of the NFL’s biggest stage better than most. The former MVP and longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback is no stranger to how narratives are spun — he has lived them. Now, as an analyst for the NFL on CBS, Ryan provides a perspective that is “more balanced” than the hot takes dominating morning shows.
These narratives, which New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers called the media’s “big problem,” reflect the relentless cycle of defining quarterbacks by a single game, moment, or postseason failure. Ahead of the AFC Divisional Round, Rodgers highlighted the scrutiny that would likely fall on the losing quarterback in the Baltimore Ravens’ matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Currently, Lamar Jackson is experiencing this pressure, and if the Bills lose to the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, Josh Allen might find himself under the same spotlight.
In a conversation with host Brandon Contes on the Awful Announcing Podcast, Ryan acknowledged the reality of these debates while surprisingly framing them as fair. “I’m probably a little bit more balanced in my view of it. Is it fair? Yeah, it’s fair,” Ryan explained. “This is the world we live in, right? The sport has become so big because people enjoy engaging in debates about whether a player can win in the playoffs or where he ranks among his peers. I think it is fair, and we all understand that as players.”
He continued, “My perspective on those guys, though, is if they keep giving themselves opportunities, they’re both the caliber of players who will get there — I genuinely believe that. Having gone through it myself early in my career after losing playoff games and facing similar discourse, I eventually broke through to make it to the NFC Championship in 2012 and then to the Super Bowl in 2016.” Ryan believes that both Jackson and Allen’s moments will eventually arrive.
“I think Lamar Jackson’s time is coming,” he tells Contes. “I don’t see it as a performance issue. Just look at that last drive when everything’s on the line; his ability to make plays with the football shows he’s got what it takes. He needs to clean up some early turnovers and learn how to manage those types of high-pressure games more effectively. But I believe he will learn.”
“Josh has a great chance this week to change that narrative, as well. All it takes is three hours on a Sunday, and everything we’ve said about him prior could no longer matter. Given my experience, I think I approach this topic with a more level-headed perspective, but I do think it’s fair,” Ryan concluded.
Listen to the full episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast featuring Matt Ryan beginning Friday, Jan. 24. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For more content, subscribe to AA’s YouTube page.
