National Football League

Ryan returns to the Linc as a winning QB

Published Oct. 14, 2010 10:17 a.m. ET

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Matt Ryan has been here before - literally.

The Exton native and Penn Charter School graduate who now leads the Atlanta Falcons played at Lincoln Financial Field in college and in his rookie year against the Eagles.

So, although coming home might be nice, it's not exactly novel for the third-year quarterback.

"Obviously, my first year was a special experience," Ryan said Wednesday. "But [at Boston College], I had played back in Philadelphia a number of times in that exact stadium, playing Temple.

"And while the two atmospheres aren't really comparable, just the experience of being home, being back in that town, I think helped prepare me for my first game up there. This year, being a couple years into it, it's another road game, and it's the same preparation for me as every week. The only difference is you might get to see a couple family members after the game."

Of course, there are some differences.

When the Falcons last visited the Eagles, in 2008, Ryan was a rookie starting his seventh NFL game at the helm of a team trying to rebound from a disaster the previous year set off by Michael Vick's indictment.

Now, Ryan is firmly entrenched in the league, considered by many to be a rising star at quarterback and leading a 4-1 team that is tied for the best record in the NFL.

"He's very good," said Eagles safety Quintin Mikell. "He's very smart, got a very good arm. He's mobile. He's got it all right now. Even though he's young, he's probably one of the top quarterbacks in the league."

While Ryan is unquestionably the leading face of the Falcons, his team has relied on the run more than the pass so far this season.

The Falcons rank second in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 148.8, and 16th in passing yards per game at 221.4. Ryan's passing statistics place him in the middle of the pack among NFL quarterbacks: 16th in completion percentage (61.6), 14th in yards per game (233), tied for 11th in touchdowns (7), and tied for 10th in fewest interceptions (3).

When Ryan played the Eagles at the Linc in 2008, they held him in check. He was 23 for 44 for 277 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Eagles won, 27-14. Ryan missed the Eagles game in Atlanta last year with an injury.

Eagles defenders said they expect a challenge on Sunday. The attribute they most often praised was Ryan's intelligence.

"He's a smart player. He's real smart," said defensive tackle Mike Patterson.

"You've got to be on top of your disguises," said linebacker Stewart Bradley, who will make the defensive checks to try to counter the Falcons' offense. "You've got to make sure that you're not giving him any advantage as far as showing your hand too early, because he's talented and smart enough of a quarterback. He can pick you apart."

And, Ryan hopes, then enjoy the win with some family.

Contact staff writer Jonathan Tamari at 215-854-5214 or jtamari@phillynews.com.