Fans ask a simple question. Did matt ryan win a superbowl? They see his high passing yards, his clutch throws, yet they still lack an answer. In Super Bowl LI, he threw for 284 yards and three scores, but the Falcons lost 34-28 in overtime.
This post will show you the key plays, big moments, and stats that shaped his path. You will learn why his MVP season did not end with a ring. Use this guide to clear the fog around his career.
Read on.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Ryan never won a Super Bowl. He led the Falcons in Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, threw for 284 yards and three scores, but lost 34–28 in overtime after a 28–3 lead.
- He earned NFL MVP in 2016 by throwing 4,944 yards with a 117.1 passer rating and 38 touchdowns, and he logged nine playoff TDs with zero interceptions that season.
- Ryan spent 14 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2008–2021) and then joined the Indianapolis Colts (2022–2023), finishing his career with 59,735 passing yards and 381 TD passes.
- He set Falcons records for career passing yards, touchdown passes, and completion rate, and he earned seven Pro Bowl nods plus one All-Pro selection.
- Critics point to the 28-3 collapse in Super Bowl LI and his lone title-game loss, while supporters cite his MVP season and career stats in ongoing Hall of Fame debates.
Matt Ryan’s Super Bowl Appearance
Ryan used a play-action pass to slice through New England’s zone coverage. Next Gen Stats logged his 284 yards in a clash that still haunts Falcons fans.
Super Bowl LI: The Falcons vs. Patriots showdown
Super Bowl LI took place in 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Falcons faced the New England Patriots under bright lights.
Matt Ryan threw for 284 passing yards and two touchdowns.
His passer rating reached 144.1 by halftime.
Patriots watched quietly as Atlanta roared ahead 28-3.
Officials watched the game clock on each snap.
Overconfidence crept in after the third quarter.
Brady rallied New England with four fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Patriots tied it 28-28 in regulation to force overtime.
James White scored on a two-yard run to win 34-28.
He watched in shock as history unfolded.
Analysts call that game the largest comeback in NFL history.
Key moments and plays in the game
This section highlights key plays from Super Bowl LI. Readers see the swings that defined the game.
- Matt Ryan hit Devonta Freeman with a 39-yard strike early, a play that video review upheld, and set Atlanta near the end zone.
- He then lofted a sideline dart to ace wideout Julio Jones in the third quarter, a toss that stunned the New England Patriots’ secondary.
- In the fourth quarter, a brief pause before a handoff sapped the Falcons’ clock and cost them precious yardage near the goal line.
- Linebacker Dont’a Hightower ripped the ball free after a fierce blitz, forcing a strip sack that swung momentum toward the Patriots.
- Atlanta’s 28-3 lead slipped through their grasp like sand through fingers, a collapse that carved its name into NFL history.
The infamous 28-3 lead and its collapse
Matt Ryan lit up the first half with sharp throws and a high passer rating. Atlanta Falcons drove downfield in Super Bowl LI on play-action fakes. They built a 28-3 lead in the third quarter.
Fans cracked open cold beers, certain a title lay ahead.
Tom Brady and the New England Patriots then flipped the script. They found gaps, scored five straight touchdowns to force overtime. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower ripped the ball from Ryan’s grasp in the fourth quarter, swinging momentum.
At the overtime coin toss, Patriots clinched a 34-28 win, erasing a 25-point deficit.
Did Matt Ryan Win a Super Bowl?
He never claimed that top prize, after his NFC South squad lost 34-28 in OT. Yet his 144.1 passer rating, teased out by game log analysis, still grabs eyeballs among NFL historians.
Final score and result of Super Bowl LI
Super Bowl LI ended 34-28, as the New England Patriots edged the Atlanta Falcons in the first overtime in Super Bowl history. Matt Ryan had built a 28-3 advantage.
Tom Brady then fueled one of the greatest fourth-quarter comebacks by leading three touchdown drives. Bill Belichick claimed his fifth championship ring, and Brady earned his fourth Super Bowl MVP.
Impact of the loss on Ryan’s career narrative
That Super Bowl LI defeat left a stain on Matt Ryan’s legacy. It changed how fans saw his clutch play. Critics still point at his freeze near the goal line, just before Dont’a Hightower’s strip sack for the New England Patriots.
The Atlanta Falcons had led 28 to 3, but that collapse ranks as one of the biggest blown leads in NFL history. That slip shadowed his 2016 MVP season and haunted his move to the Indianapolis Colts.
Matt Ryan’s Legacy in the NFL
Ryan blazed his path in the league with an MVP trophy and a streak of top passer ratings. His mark in completion percentage and career passing yards still stands tall, begging a closer look.
NFL MVP season in 2016
In 2016, Matt Ryan earned the National Football League MVP award. He threw nearly 5,000 passing yards, led the league in passer rating, and set personal highs in passing touchdowns.
Fans and analysts praised his strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and field vision like a seasoned general. The Falcons club rode his hot streak, stacking wins, gaining momentum each Sunday.
The quarterback carried the squad into the playoffs, then tossed nine touchdowns with zero interceptions, a feat few signal-callers match. His crisp passes sliced through defenses like a hot knife through butter, lighting up scoreboards and sparking cheers.
Critics still salute his mvp season for sheer efficiency, gaudy passing yards, and rock-solid leadership.
Career with the Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan entered the Falcons via the third pick in the 2008 draft. He sparked new hope for Atlanta after the Michael Vick scandal. Pro Bowl honors arrived in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.
2016 brought NFL MVP honors and an All-Pro nod for him.
Four times he topped 4,000 passing yards, with a peak of 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2016. Many franchise marks now bear his name, from career touchdowns to all-time passing yards.
Matty Ice became his nickname, thanks to his calm in crunch spots. The Falcons returned to the playoffs under his guidance, making that NFC title game in 2012.
Transition to the Indianapolis Colts
Ryan moved to the Indianapolis Colts in late 2022, chasing fresh chances. He logged 3,173 passing yards and a 92.1 passer rating, but the offense still lacked a spark.
The shift did not spark a deep playoff run, though. He hung up his cleats in April 2024, and ring dreams never came true in Indy.
Strengths of Matt Ryan’s Career
Ryan earned NFL MVP honors in 2016, smashed Atlanta’s team marks for passing yards and completions, and led with steady poise—read more.
Consistency as a passer
Fans saw precise throws slice through tight windows, often leaving defenders grasping at air. He posted a career completion rate of nearly 66% and tossed 383 touchdown strikes across his journey with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts.
His passer rating climbed into the 90s, glowing like a lighthouse on stormy nights.
Opponents noted calm pocket presence, a trait that turned fourth-quarter comebacks into events of lore. Matt battled fierce pass rushers, yet still delivered efficient passing yards, topping 4,000 in peak seasons.
A steady arm, clear reads, and few mistakes earned him MVP buzz and real respect from peers.
Leadership on and off the field
Matt Ryan drives his team with calm poise. He has led the Falcons to seven winning seasons. He won NFL MVP in 2016. He moved to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He keeps defenses on alert with accurate passing.
He opened a charity that funds youth centers across the Atlanta community. He hands game tickets to local schools. He raised money for hospitals. He speaks at camps and visits shelters.
He never drops the ball on or off the turf.
Franchise records set with the Falcons
He ranks first in Atlanta Falcons history for passing yards and touchdown passes. He reached 60,000 yards faster than all but one quarterback in NFL history. Supporters saw him shatter franchise completion records in 2019.
He still holds the club mark for career passer rating.
He earned four Pro Bowl selections, and coaches named him All-Pro in 2016. The locker room admired his cool head under pressure and his strong arm. He drove Atlanta to its first Super Bowl in 2017 and left a mark on league history.
His work set a high bar for a franchise quarterback.
Challenges Faced During His Career
Critics tore into his grade from a grading service after an ankle sprain put him on the injury report. He faced weak pass blocking and took too many hits, which tracking data showed.
Team struggles in building a complete roster
The Falcons spent too much cap space on aging stars after the 2016 MVP season. They failed to add Pro Bowl help for their secondary. Falcons let a key edge rusher walk in free agency.
The roster lacked depth at linebacker and cornerback. Coaches saw fourth-quarter leads slip away. Matt Ryan still led with strong passer rating, but support fell short.
Scouts missed on big-play defenders in the draft. Coaches leaned on advanced analytics tools but still fell short in finding a reliable pass rusher. Staff tried roster management software to track cap room.
A balanced lineup never formed in time for Super Bowl LI. Falcons blew a 28–3 lead to the Patriots.
Criticism following the Super Bowl loss
Critics seized on Matt Ryan’s hesitation with 2:08 left. Film study revealed him hold the ball too long before linebacker Hightower’s strip sack. Analysts applied sports analytics and pressure charts to blame his footwork and the offensive line.
Fans pointed at his 117.1 passer rating and tagged the collapse as his fault.
Broadcasters and bloggers dissected his clock management in real time. Social media echoes still ring with jabs at his decision under a heavy blitz. Coaches dug into the playbook notes to spot weak reads.
That Super Bowl LI loss stays a shadow on his reputation.
Injuries and team changes in later years
Ryan battled injuries in 2018 and 2021. A calf strain sidelined him for two games in 2018. A rib injury cost him three contests in 2021. His passer rating dipped after each setback.
He still threw for more than 4,000 passing yards in both seasons.
In March 2022 Ryan signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He led the franchise quarterback room but missed the playoffs. He finished with an 8-9 record in the AFC South. Pro Football Reference rated his passer rating at 87.4.
He did not reach the postseason.
Super Bowl LI: Key Stats and Performances
He threw for 284 passing yards, he posted a 144.1 passer mark, but the Falcons stalled when it counted most. The player tracker flagged a 20-minute ball control lead, yet a pick-six off tape study flipped the game like a carnival ride.
Matt Ryan’s individual stats during the game
Matt Ryan fired 17 completions in 23 attempts for 284 passing yards in Super Bowl LI. One throw sailed 39 yards to Devonta Freeman, another landed on the sideline for Julio Jones. Ryan added two touchdown passes and zero interceptions on that day.
His 144.1 passer rating and 73.9 percent completion percentage ranked high. Falcons had to chase New England, after a trio of sacks slowed the aerial attack.
Comparison of Ryan’s performance to Tom Brady’s
At Super Bowl LI, Atlanta’s signal caller threw 284 yards with two TDs and one pick. He posted a 116.1 passer rating and topped Rodgers in the 2016 NFC Championship. New England’s vet threw 466 yards with two TDs.
He led a 25-point comeback, the largest in NFL history.
He also led six scoring drives in three quarters. The Falcons star set season highs in passing yards and won NFL MVP in 2016. Brady claimed his fifth ring that night. Both QBs shined, but one held the Lombardi Trophy.
Analysis of the team’s offensive and defensive struggles
On offense, Falcons stuttered after Ryan faced a 12-yard sack. It killed a chance for a key field goal. Ryan threw for 284 passing yards but his completion percentage fell to 56%. His passer rating sank below 80.
The offense stalled at first and third downs. Film study charts show three sacks and two drops. The playoff performance felt flat in the red zone.
On defense, the unit cracked and let New England score 31 straight points. The rally began early in the fourth quarter. The run defense gave up 135 yards on the ground. Brady saw only two hits all game.
Chart tool stats show no fourth-quarter stops. Fans felt the collapse in real time. NFL history marks that point as one of the worst defensive fades.
Post-Super Bowl LI: Career Aftermath
After the brutal loss in Super Bowl LI, Ryan poured over passer rating, completion percentage and playoff performance stats, then rallied the Colts back into the Wild Card Round—keep reading to see how his story unfolds.
The 2017 season and beyond
Matt Ryan led the Atlanta Falcons to another playoff appearance in 2017. He finished the regular season with 4,095 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns. Atlanta crushed the Los Angeles Rams 26-13 in the wild card round.
He then stumbled in a 15-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. High-pressure moments still tripped him up.
Matt Ryan moved to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 to chase that Super Bowl ring. The franchise quarterback got a sturdy offensive line and faster receivers. He led some fourth-quarter comebacks, but tight spots still showed those old cracks.
Efforts to return to the playoffs
Atlanta’s offense stayed potent after Super Bowl LI. Ryan topped 4,000 passing yards in 2017. The Falcons rolled out new play-action schemes, and they mixed shotgun snaps with quick slants.
Fans watched big gains, but the defense couldn’t hold up when it mattered. Each December, hopes fizzled as they missed another trip to the postseason.
Indy rolled out film study and fresh game plans in 2022. Ryan still posted a solid passer rating under Coach Reich. The Colts struggled in the clutch, and they limped to four wins.
Playoff dreams evaporated late in the year. Fans saw promise fade, and patterns of failure kept repeating.
Transition to the Colts and later retirement
Matt Ryan joined the Indianapolis Colts in late September 2022. Coaches gave him the No. 2 jersey. He started nine games under coach Frank Reich. His arrival boosted the passing game.
Colts fans watched a franchise quarterback adapt to a new playbook.
Ryan announced his retirement on April 10, 2024. That move closed a 16-year career. The tally shows over 59,735 career passing yards and 381 passing touchdowns. His stats rank among top marks in NFL history.
Is Matt Ryan a Hall of Famer?
He piled up career passing yards, snagged an MVP trophy, and posted a strong passer rating, yet Canton enshrinement still evades him. Fans lob hot takes like a hurried throw, and only the final vote can seal his legacy.
Arguments in favor of Hall of Fame induction
Matt Ryan stacked stats with the Atlanta Falcons. His career achievements fuel every Hall of Fame chat.
- He won NFL MVP in 2016 after topping the NFL in passer rating.
- The four All-Star game nods highlight his spot among elite passers across NFL ranks.
- A single All-Pro nod shows he outplayed every rival in his peak year.
- Nearly 60,000 career passing yards place him in the top tier of all-time aerial leaders.
- Franchise marks in touchdown passes and yardage back his status as the Dirty Birds’ leading man.
Career stats and accolades to support his case
Readers can review clear career data. These stats and honors back his Hall of Fame case.
- 2016 campaign won NFL MVP, he threw 4,944 passing yards, held a 117.1 passer rating, and he led the club to Super Bowl LI.
- Career totals include 383 passing touchdowns, over 60,000 career passing yards, and he ranks second-fastest to that mark.
- Hall of Fame voters note seven Pro Bowl nods earned during club stints with Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, he joined elites like Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.
- Falcons record shows top marks in completions and attempts, plus franchise passing yards, surpassing Roethlisberger and Matt Schaub.
- Passer rating stayed above 90 in eight seasons, he kept completion percentage above 65 percent, a mark matched by few.
- Playoff efforts boast 11 fourth-quarter comebacks, he ranks inside top fifteen in NFL history for clutch wins.
- Streaks include seven 4,000-yard seasons, he matched Dan Marino and Kurt Warner, he set that run from 2011 to 2018.
- Colts debut gave him 4,014 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2022, he proved his skills after departing Falcons.
Counterpoints from critics
He faced fierce scrutiny after that 28-3 collapse. Some still wonder if he can ever win the big one.
- Critics point to his lone Super Bowl LI run, where he threw for 284 passing yards yet saw a 25-point lead vanish in the fourth quarter.
- Doubters highlight his playoff passer rating, which slips to around 86.0 against a 97.0 mark in regular seasons, as proof he falters under pressure.
- Skeptics note his 2016 NFL MVP crown did not translate to rings, despite amassing over 59,700 career passing yards and 360 passing touchdowns.
- Analysts compare him to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, saying that unlike Brady he lacks that winning touch and big-game aura.
- Observers criticize his fourth-quarter comebacks, claiming too many tight-rope acts end in near-misses, not triumphs.
- Some argue his Hall of Fame case feels incomplete, since consistency and stats shine, but one glaring title gap remains.
Matt Ryan’s Contributions to NFL History
Ryan rewrote the Falcons’ record book with more than 59,000 yards through the air and a top passer rating. His 2016 NFL MVP nod and dizzying highlight reel keep fans in heated debates over a Pro Football Hall of Fame bid.
His impact as a quarterback for the Falcons
Fans saw a spark in Atlanta after their 2008 draft pick took the field. Matt Ryan grabbed the Falcons’ playbook and threw pinpoint passes. He reignited a team that lagged after Michael Vick’s scandal.
Film study and calm leadership drove big Fourth-quarter comebacks.
Matt Ryan passed for 4,591 yards, and won NFL MVP in 2016. Community service and youth camps made him a civic icon. Fans loved his playful grin at charity dinners. The old stadium and current arena still echo his name.
Influence on younger players in the league
He shares playbook tips in locker room huddles, guiding new signal-callers like Sam Ehlinger by drawing on his 2016 MVP campaign. He brings Next Gen Stats and GPS trackers into drills, pointing out coverage shifts and tight window reads.
He pairs tape from Super Bowl LI and divisional rounds, to fine-tune technique for new backs like Tevin Coleman and receivers such as Calvin Ridley.
He models calm pocket play under fourth-quarter comebacks, and younger quarterbacks mimic his dropback steps and release points. Young signal-callers note his 4,944 passing yards and 117.1 passer rating from that season.
Colts backups grin as he lights up film sessions with jokes and clear guidance, boosting confidence with simple, hard truths.
Legacy beyond just Super Bowl appearances
Matt Ryan stands tall as a franchise quarterback, and he holds the Atlanta Falcons record for career passing yards at 59,735. He set a single-season mark with 4,944 yards and won the NFL MVP trophy in 2016.
Analysts examine his 117.1 passer rating from a single game to demonstrate precision. Coaches upload his game tape into analytics tools to refine metrics on pocket movement.
When he joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, he showed he craved new challenges. He helped rookies like Anthony Richardson master reading coverages and managing the clock. His steady grin under pressure speaks louder than any scoreboard.
Fans still praise his consistency and leadership across 12 NFL seasons.
Takeaways
Fans still debate that one night. He led a dominant offense, piling up passing yards and a stellar passer rating, yet he walked away empty-handed from Super Bowl LI. His NFL MVP season shines in recaps, but a frozen play, and a shocking collapse, haunt his resume.
He built a Hall of Fame case through consistency and drive, but that loss sticks. He shaped league history as a franchise quarterback, yet greatness stayed just out of reach.
For more insights into Matt Ryan’s off-field life, explore where Matt Ryan lives and his personal journey.
FAQs
1. Did Matt Ryan win a Super Bowl?
Matt Ryan played in Super Bowl LI with the Georgia bird squad. He lost 34-28 in overtime to the Foxborough team. He still has no ring, unlike Joe Flacco or Peyton Manning.
2. How many Super Bowl games did he play in?
He played in one Super Bowl. That came after he led his team to an NFC Championship in the 2016 season.
3. Which team beat him in Super Bowl LI?
The Foxborough team, led by Tom Brady, staged a big comeback late in the fourth quarter. They won in overtime, 34-28.
4. What is his legacy in NFL history?
He earned a 2016 MVP season, he ranks high in career passing yards and passing touchdowns, and he served as a true franchise quarterback. His football statistics show strong playoff performance and a solid completion percentage.
5. How do his passing yards and passer rating stand?
He has over fifty-nine thousand career passing yards and four hundred career passing touchdowns. His career passer rating sits near ninety-two and his completion percentage stays above sixty-one percent.
6. Did he win NFL MVP or make the Hall of Fame?
He won the NFL MVP award in 2016 after a standout season. Hall of Fame talk has begun, but he has more football statistics and playoff wins to add before the case grows even stronger.
