Rapid Reaction: Matt Ryan Traded to the Colts

THE END OF AN ERA

The offseason quarterback carousel continues. Matt Ryan’s name has been synonymous with the Falcons franchise for over a decade. That time is no more. After 14 long-tenured years with the same team, Matty Ice is on the move. The Colts are acquiring the veteran services of the former NFL MVP for a third-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, per Ian Rapoport. Ryan becomes another name on the long list of quarterback changes occurring around the league. There are colossal fantasy implications for both parties involved. A transaction of this magnitude will have a lasting ripple effect throughout the 2022 season and beyond. Let’s dive in.

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE – ATLANTA FALCONS

Shortly after being a front-runner in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, the Falcons franchise has all but waved the white flag in attempts to field a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Trading Ryan signifies a changing of the guard. Sadly for Falcons fans, there is no apparent long-term contingency plan to replace the veteran cornerstone. Marcus Mariota will act as a stop-gap replacement for the interim while the Falcons attempt to steady the future. Mariota joins the team on a two-year deal but has not started a game in the NFL since 2019.

The Falcons will indeed look to make another upgrade under center in the near future. Unfortunately, whoever the team brings in will be working with one of the weakest supporting casts in the league. With the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Falcons may already have their eyes on the heir apparent to Ryan’s vacated position. Check out Fanduel’s NFL betting odds for the first quarterback selected.

As it stands, the “Dirty Birds” fly blind into an age of the dark unknown. Their receiving corps looks like the depth chart of a winless Division II college program. According to the Falcons’ updated depth chart via ESPN, Olamide Zaccheaus, Frank Darby, and Austin Trammell are the top-three wide receivers under contract. Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley (suspended) are the only remaining viable dynasty assets on the Falcons’ offense. Both players are expected to see a reactionary decrease in perceived value as managers attempt to project an offense without a star quarterback.

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts did not wait around to find Carson Wentz’s replacement. This marks the seventh consecutive season the Colts will start a new quarterback.

Even in the latter stages of his career, Ryan is a noticeable upgrade over Wentz. It will help keep the Colts competitive as they look to capitalize on the Jonathan Taylor era. Ryan will need to adjust to a polar opposite coaching philosophy after leaving the pass-heavy system implemented by Arthur Smith. Smith called a pass on 62.4% of the Falcons’ offensive plays, whereas Colts’ head coach Frank Reich operates a more balanced play-calling approach. Reich ran a pass play on just 56.5% of plays in 2021.

Managers can expect a similar offensive approach from the Colts in 2022 with slightly increased efficiency from the quarterback position. Michael Pittman is sure to be a benefactor of that increased efficiency. Pittman enjoyed an impressive second-year breakout in 2021 as the WR1 on the Colts offense. Pittman recorded a route participation rate of 98.1% in 2021 with a 25.2% target share. The young receiver should continue his ascent up the ranks while catching passes from Ryan in 2022.

SIGNOFF

Much respect, thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.

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