Matt Ryan throws game-ending interception in Falcons loss
By Ian O'Brien
Matt Ryan caused heartbreak in Atlanta by throwing a game-ending interception against the Buccaneers.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan continues to frustrate Falcons fans, as he has not played at his best. This has largely caused the Falcons to plummet after a 6-0 start, and they now find themselves at 6-6 after a heartbreaking loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ryan threw a game-ending interception after Buccaneers took the lead toward the end of the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from quarterback Jameis Winston. This improved the Buccaneers’ record to 6-6.
Ryan has drawn the ire of Falcons fans during the team’s losing streak, and he was even booed in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts for throwing an interception in the end zone. Despite having Pro Bowl weapons in running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones, Ryan has been unable to take the next step in his NFL career.
The Falcons quarterback is not living up to his $103.75 million contract since he has now thrown 13 interceptions to go with 17 touchdown passes. Ryan had a mediocre 88.6 passer rating entering this game, and he has now thrown an interception in three consecutive games. The Falcons’ playoff hopes appear to be dashed with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks emerging as the clear-cut NFC wild card teams. Although Ryan has struggled in recent games, the Falcons will have no choice but to hold onto him as their starter for the time being since he is not set to become a free agent until 2019.