All Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan did this year was lead them to a record of 11-5. Oh yeah, he helped them make the playoffs, forget about Michael Vick and his dog-fighting troubles that have clouded this franchise for over a year. For just some of that he was named the A.P. offensive rookie of the year, and deservedly so. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger and the Tennessee Titans Vince Young have won it more recently.

"I'm certainly flattered," Ryan said. "There's a number of guys who had great rookie seasons this year, so to even be mentioned in that light is nice. It's certainly a great honor, and I think it speaks to what we did as a team this year." Those rookies he were referring to were Chicago Bears back Matt Forte, Denver Broncos lineman Ryan Clady, and the Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart who had 10 touchdowns this year.

This was supposed to be a rebuilding year and probably next year as well, but Ryan and the upstart Falcons would have no part of it. Through in a great rookie coach in Mike Smith and you have the formula of a winning team. Ryan has showed unreal vetran poise at times and made great mental decisions in critical times of NFL games. If he keeps this up he could easily win NFL MVP this year or in the future.

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