Atlanta Falcons: 3 Players with most star power entering 2019

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 23: Matt Ryan #2 and teammate Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons wait to take the field against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo #74 after the touchdown pass from wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Ryan, QB

There aren’t very many quarterbacks who have thrown a touchdown on their first pass in the NFL, but Matt Ryan did. Ever since that fateful day versus the Detroit Lions in 2008, Ryan has become the best Falcons quarterback of all time. Four Pro Bowls, one Rookie of the Year and one NFL MVP award later, Ryan comes in at number two on my list of star-studded Falcons.

Ryan won’t ever be considered in the same category as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but he’s easily the second-most recognizable player in the Falcons organization. Playing for a team who once employed the most exciting quarterback of all time (Michael Vick), Ryan quickly ended the discussion of which quarterback the city should rally behind.

During a time when Vick still held the city of Atlanta in his palm, Ryan’s success in the league almost forced Atlanta fans to turn in their number seven jerseys. Needless to say, that may be one of Ryan’s most underrated accomplishments to this date.

While the former Boston College Eagle has become the face the franchise, he’s clearly not the Dirty Bird with the most star power heading into 2019.

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