NFL Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan Will Be X-Factor For Atlanta Falcons In Week 10

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By @Paul_Jackiewicz

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As bad as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been this season, quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons won’t have it easy when they roll into Raymond James Stadium this coming Sunday.

For one, this is a divisional game. When teams from the same division face off, you can usually throw the records out the window. You also have to remember that Ryan isn’t the same player on the road that he is at home. That’s why he’s the x-factor in this game.

On the road this season Ryan has completed 61 percent of his passes, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions with a quarterback rating of 76.1. At home he’s completed 69 percent of his passes and has thrown for nine touchdowns and two interceptions with a rating of 115.7.

The good news is that Ryan has played great this season during both of Atlanta’s divisional games so far. The problem is that both games were at home.

This is exactly why Ryan is the key to Sunday’s showdown with the Buccaneers. The Falcons need him to step up his play by limiting his turnovers, because right now he’s averaging two interceptions a game away from the Georgia Dome this season.

It also wouldn’t be fair to place all of blame on Ryan when it comes to the mistakes he’s made. He does have an offensive line that’s experienced a lot of turnover due to injuries.

Despite everything I’ve laid out above, the good news for the Falcons is that the Buccaneers’ secondary has been horrendous this season. Their pass defense is ranked 31st in the NFL and has given up 285 yards through the air per game. That bodes well for Ryan finding success in their Week 10 matchup.

Paul Jackiewicz is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Paul_Jackiewicz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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