It takes a tremendous amount of talent for any quarterback to make it to the NFL, even as a backup. The ability to make big plays in big moments is what separates the average passers from the elite ones.
The Atlanta Falcons underachieved again in 2019, but quarterback Matt Ryan finished the season with the fourth-most passing yards per game (297.7).
A stat created by Pro Football Focus highlights the number of “big-time throws” each QB makes in a season. PFF describes a big-time throw as a downfield throw or pass into a tight window on a high-value offensive play opportunity that shows excellent timing and accuracy.
Last season, Ryan completed 15 big-time throws, as you can see in the graphic below.
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Only Jared Goff (17) and Russell Wilson (16) had more big-time throws than Ryan in 2019. Rounding out the top five are Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (13), and Carson Wentz (11) of the Eagles.
With so much roster turnover in the offseason, Ryan will have to play his best to compete in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions in 2020.
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