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Ryan's 5 TDs Lost in Defensive Collapse
16 Jun
Summary
- Matt Ryan threw five touchdowns but the Falcons lost.
- Calvin Ridley had seven receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
- The Falcons' defense allowed the Saints to score four consecutive touchdowns.
In a 2018 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Matt Ryan delivered a remarkable offensive performance, throwing for 374 yards and five touchdowns. This included a breakout game for rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who secured seven receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Ridley's early connection with Ryan was a major development, showcasing Ryan's ability to exploit mismatches, notably against Saints cornerback P.J. Williams.
Despite the offensive fireworks, the Falcons' defense proved unable to contain the Saints' potent attack in the second half. After struggling to gain initial traction, the Saints mounted a comeback, scoring four consecutive touchdowns. This defensive capitulation overshadowed Ryan's historical performance, as he set a record for the best passer rating by a quarterback on the losing team.
The game underscored a recurring issue for the Falcons during Ryan's prime: a weak defense that failed to support his elite play. This defensive inadequacy, exacerbated by injuries, contributed significantly to the team's inability to reach the playoffs in Ryan's final years and ultimately led to the dismissals of coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff in October 2020.
