Just like the old saying goes, "every person is different in their own unique way." Same goes for athletes when they step on to the playing field. In this case, when Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan's name was called third in this years NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, some questioned that he would step in immediately to take over the realm at starting QB. With Chris Redman, Joey Harrington, DJ Shockley, and now Ryan on the depth chart, the starting position is wide open. But with the signing of Ryan to a six-year $72 million contract, one would figure he would step in as starting QB from the get go. But wait just a minute, in your real life, would you rather think about a big purchase, and take your time in deciding, or jump right into it and buy the first thing you see? You probably want to think about it. Same goes for the decision in starting Ryan or letting him grow into the position. Spend the $72 million wisely, don't rush him into the starting position to have him lose confidence or get hurt and possibly end his career. Yes, I know football is a rough sport and injuries happen, but let them happen when he is comfortable lining up under center. It is a faster game between the NFL and college.
You may also say, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts stepped right in as a rookie in 1998 and played the entire season, and look at him now. Yes, that is true, going back to the beginning of this article, "people are different in their own unique way." And again, Manning's rookie contract wasn't $72 million either. And Manning took his growing pains that year, as Ryan will as well, and only won three games. You want to spend that $72 million wisely and make a good investment. Yes, I believe Ryan was the best QB in this years draft that was the most ready to step in to play, but don't jump the gun on him.
Redman is a capable QB to keep the position warm until Ryan is ready. Look at what Redman did when he was given a shot last year under Bobby Petrino's happy go lucky offense, which wasn't happy nor was it lucky. Forced into the lineup in the second half of the St. Louis Rams game, he drove the team down and almost pulled the win off, but the Rams prevailed and won 28-16. Then in week 17, the last game of the season, the Falcons put up 44 points with Redman as general in the 44-41 win at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Yes, since the Seahawks were already in the playoffs they were playing backups, but Redman still showcased what he can do given the opportunity.
Redman is not the long term solution, Ryan is. But lets ease Ryan into the position when he is comfortable and knowledgeable enough of the playbook to play against the men of the NFL and not the boys of college.
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, NFL
