Time to pop the MVP top off Matty Ice

By Adam Sweeney | Monday, November 10, 2008 | ( 1 )

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I received a text message Friday night from a friend asking me if I thought Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was a worthy candidate for Most Valuable Player honors in the National Football League. "No," I replied, "but he is the offensive rookie of the year, no question." Well, I may end up paying some overage fees for texts, because after watching Ryan help dismantle the flustered New Orleans last weekend, it's pretty clear he deserves MVP consideration. Ryan's 1,909 passing yards won't make fans stand up and cheer, but look closer: The third overall pick from Boston College has an outstanding 11 touchdowns against just five interceptions (an 89.9 rating) in nine games for 6-3 Atlanta. He's not your typical rookie.

Commentary:Ryan looks ready to guide the surprising Falcons to the playoffs. Considering Atlanta's success, you'd have a hard time saying that any player in the NFL has had a bigger impact on his team than Ryan.

Fan Pulse: Fans are impressed that Atlanta could set a record for most wins with a rookie QB.

Fantasy Football Commentary: Don't look now, but Ryan has scored over 14 fantasy points in his last five games. If you don't have a guy like Drew Brees, whom Ryan outplayed Sunday, Ryan makes for a great starting fantasy QB. He won't kill your team and that is what matters most.

Injury Watch: DE John Abraham injured his shoulder Sunday against New Orleans, but he should be probable this week against the Denver Broncos.

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	About Adam Sweeney Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads ...
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