Fansided

Top 30 duos in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

13. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones

The connection between Jones and Ryan was one of the most exciting of the 2010s. The Falcons were coming off a 13-3 season in 2010, but wanted to get Ryan more help on offense. Knowing how badly they wanted Julio Jones, they traded a king’s ransom along with the key to the city to move up in the draft to take him.

The decision would go on to be a good one, as Jones became one of the best receivers of the decade. In 2014 and 2015, Jones caught a combined 240 passes for over 3,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. In Matt Ryan’s MVP year of 2016, Jones caught 83 passes for over 1,400 yards and six touchdowns.

The Falcons reached the Super Bowl in 2016, and we all know what happened next- go ahead and say 28-3 in your head. If Atlanta held on to win, Ryan and Jones would be much higher on this list, especially because Jones had an amazing performance in the Super Bowl. Regardless, both men got better because of each other, and they were one of the best duos of the previous decade. Jones is a lock for the Hall of Fame, but don’t be shocked if we see Ryan there one day, too.

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