Ranking NFC South teams by their starting quarterbacks

By Lucas Schuh | Jul 30, 2019

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a call at the line against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Matty Ice has consistently been one of the best quarterbacks in the league for years now. He doesn’t have the biggest arm and isn’t the fastest quarterback in the NFL but he can sling it enough and is mobile enough to make plays. Where Ryan thrives as a starting quarterback at the pro level is with his accuracy to all levels of the field as a passer.

For a good part of Ryan’s career, he has had Julio Jones, perhaps the best receiver in the NFL, working with him in the offense. He now also has Calvin Ridley to throw to, who had a good rookie season with the Falcons and should have an even better sophomore season.

There’s no question that Ryan has been aided by a strong supporting cast around him. However, he’s also helped to make the most out of the offense with those players, earning his keep as one of the better quarterbacks in the league.

Ryan consistently has been among a tier of above-average NFL quarterbacks throughout his career. Moreover, he’s also shown he can occasionally rise up into that elite tier of the very best. As was the case with Newton, though, the NFC South is the reason that the Atlanta starting quarterback is at No. 2.

No one, not even Matt Ryan, is taking down the top dog in this division.

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