Matt Ryan: “Our focus is better than ever”

November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons have by all means been successful in his tenure at the helm, but have fallen short in the playoffs. They’ve never won in the playoffs in the Ryan era, and have only made it past the wild card once, courtesy of a first round bye. The Falcons look like they’ll lock in a first round bye again this season.

Ryan went on a Atlanta area radio station and addressed the teams focus this season.

“I think we’re more experienced,” Ryan said. “I think everybody has been in those situations before, understands that it takes a level of commitment that is greater than we’ve had in the past. And I think this year guys have bought into that and done a great job. I think our focus the entire year has been better than it’s ever been.”

Matt Ryan thinks the win against the New Orleans Saints in week 13 was a big victory for the Falcons, maybe something to build a Superbowl run upon.

“It was big. I think division games, they always carry a little bit more weight, and specifically with New Orleans,” Ryan said. “It’s a team that, for the past four or five years, we haven’t played our best football against. We haven’t had the record that we want to have, so I think it was important. We played really well defensively, created five turnovers, and did enough to get it done on offense.”

It will need to be, especially from the man nicknamed Matty Ice, who has been pretty cold or average at best in his playoff career. He has completed 63.6% of his passes for 584 yards in 3 games. He has also thrown 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Matt Ryan has never thrown for over 200 yards in a playoff game either.

In all fairness, Matt Ryan has always lost to the eventual NFC Champions, and twice the eventual Superbowl Champions.

But for now Matt Ryan seems content with the nickname Matty Ice and isn’t propelled to change, like Rich Eisen’s desire to change it to “the Matural.”

“He tries hard. He’s trying hard to get it going,” Matt said. “I’ll tell you what, from my Twitter account people really like the nickname Matty Ice. So I think that’s staying.”