Yet another Eagle in Atlanta

11 years ago, the Falcons changed their franchise by selecting Matt Ryan in the First Round. He will retire with every Falcon record imaginable. If he is going to be a Hall of Famer, he will probably need four or five more years of elite play. A key component to the final stretch of his career will be a fellow BC guy Chris Lindstrom, who the Falcons selected with the 14th pick.

Lindstrom's story is a good one for BC. He was a solid, local recruit, who BC identified and closed early. He got good coaching and got better every year. Lindstrom also deserves a lot of credit for his work the past 12 months. He shot up draft boards with his senior year, great week at the Senior Bowl, strong combine and good workouts.

On a personal note, I am giddy. Matt changed what it was like being a BC fan here in Georgia. Adding another critical piece from BC will make all their success in the next few years that much better. And I think Lindstrom will be a difference maker here. The Falcons line has been bad since Shannahan left. Lindstrom will give Matt more time.

Congrats to Lindstrom. Congrats to the BC staff for getting him here. Go BC. Go Falcons.

Thank you, Matt Ryan

Like most of you I am stunned and without much to say. I don't know what the future holds. Sports are funny. Windows and opportunities close unexpectedly or last longer than anyone could have planned. I hope Matt has many more chances in the coming years.

While I feel for him, I am not offering up my pity. I doubt he wants it...or cares, frankly. What I do want to offer is my thanks. I think I have watched every snap of football he has taken in college and the NFL. During that time, he has put 100% effort and determination into every play. He has also been a class act on and off the field. Football is a team sport, so one player can't do it all. However, Matt is one of those people who make everyone around him better. Thank you, Matt.

Stroll down Memory Lane with Matty Ice

Matt Ryan should be the MVP

There are probably many Patriot fans reading this blog who think Tom Brady should be the NFL Most Valuable Player. Brady is great, but Ryan has been the best QB in football this season and leader of the NFL's most prolific offense.

I don't have a say, but here are some other people weighing in:

CBS: Matt Ryan lock for MVP?

Mike Florio: One key stat favors Matt Ryan for MVP

Football Outsiders: Matt Ryan Is the 2016 NFL MVP

Here's a list of QBs with a higher yards per attempt than Matt Ryan since 2000:

Kurt Warner, 2000 (Greatest Show on Turf)

That's it.

— HSAC (@Harvard_Sports) January 2, 2017

Why should any BC fan really care about who wins an NFL award? Aside from Matt being a passionate BC supporter, Matt winning helps BC. In the past 20 years -- even when we reached No. 2 -- there is always a perception and narrative problem with BC. We are nice little underdogs, but never elite. Matt has been shaking that perception too since he entered the NFL. Winning the NFL's top prize changes that perception for him and indirectly for BC.

BC produces great players. It would be nice for that to be recognized.

Checking in on BC NFL Alumni

BC's camp doesn't start for another week, but former BC guys are all over NFL practice fields. Here are some of their stories:

Andre Williams made some headlines when he said the Giants are going to the Super Bowl. It wasn't a bold proclamation like Joe Namath...more like the power of positive thinking.

Edebali is playing well in New Orleans.

Raji reported to Green Bay in good shape. It is the lightest he's been since BC.

Matt Ryan has a new offense and some new facial hair.

The best thing you will read about Matt Ryan all summer

Although I don't let it creep onto the blog much, in my day-to-day and on twitter, I feel like I am always defending Matt Ryan. Even after last year's playoff run, there are those who say he can't and won't win the big one. I still believe and think this great feature on CBS Sports is a sign of how close Matt has been and that he knows what he needs to do to win it all.

The feature is heavy on Xs and Os, but Matt's knowledge of the game isn't what gives me hope. Most QBs should be able to breakdown a play. What stood out to me instead was Matt's defense and trust of his teammates and willingness to carry the blame. He doesn't call out his line or guys who dropped passes. He also explains his mentality within the game. Matt's looking for the big play but understands a lot of offense is taking what is given. If Matt keeps playing the percentages as well as he does, one day he will be on top.

Matt Ryan finally starts tweeting

As I tweeted earlier today, my neighbor and fellow Eagle Matt Ryan has finally started tweeting. Day 1 consisted mostly of Atlanta media and BC shout-outs. You can also follow Mrs. Ryan, who also still has her tabs on BC sports.

Two great BC stories

For those who haven't already read them, please enjoy these two positive articles on BC sports.

Falcons and Giants share BC ties.

BC basketball honors leukemia survivor.

Appreciating Matt Ryan and other links

When talking heads discuss Matt Ryan the usual theme is that he's good but not in the elite. Finally someone has crunched the numbers to show just how good Ryan really is. All he needs now a deep playoff run to change the perception about his style of play and his upside.

HD's posted a series of rankings articles. I ignored the coach version, but cannot let the QB one slide. I know Rettig still has a lot to prove but do how can he be ranked behind so many guys who have barely played?

Jason Sylva is excited about his BC offer.

Here is more speculation on Reggie Jackson having a wink-wink deal with an NBA team. I hope Reggie is getting good advice. If he doesn't get drafted, skipping the workouts will look like a huge mistake.

Finally, I just found out today that former BC linebacker and backup QB Kevin Kiley is now WWE superstar Alex Riley.

One of those days

BC basketball lost a winnable game in Miami. But you can breathe a sigh of relief regarding Reggie Jackson. He rolled his ankle on the final shot but expects to play against UVA. I'll have more on the game Sunday.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons got smoked against Green Bay. I know there are plenty of BC fans who don't care about the Falcons, so I will keep it short. Happy for Raji and will be rooting for all BC alums in the NFL playoffs.

To top it off, Women's Hockey lost to BU.

Let's hope Sunday is a little better for BC folks

Ricci gets on board and other links

After a little lull, BC added another member to Spaz's recruiting class in Massachusetts defensive tackle Max Ricci. Ricci is a bit raw but has much needed size. Let's hope this begins another mini recruiting push as BC's class remains smaller than many of our opponents.

The Globe had a nice feature on Matt Ryan. I know he is only in his third year, but this is sort of a make or break season. If he is going to be an elite QB it needs to start coming together soon. Peter King is also going to feature Ryan in his MMQB next week.

The Sporting News posted their ACC overview and their BC preview.

This article throws cold water on Charlie Davies' comeback. If he can't get on the field for Sochaux, hopefully he will end up on a team where he can work on his fitness and form.

Mike McLaughlin is off to a good start in Baltimore.

Catching up with Troy Bell.

Former Eagle player and GA Ryan Mattison is now a full time coach with Bowdoin. Best of luck to him.

Matt Ryan in his own words

Matt Ryan filled in for Peter King, in King's Monday Morning Quarterback column. He acquits himself well. His one BC note is that he thinks BC will do well this year and is excited for Herzy.

Note to Matt: if you liked that and want to blog more, we can always find space for you here!

Behind the scenes at Matt Ryan's first football camp

Although my idea of fun can be a bit different than most, I normally wouldn’t go out of my way to watch a Matt Ryan football camp. However, it was practically being held in my backyard. I figured it was worth a few minutes of my Saturday morning. I am glad I went as it was just more confirmation that Matt might be one of the best representatives BC has ever had in professional sports.

The kids spent the first part of the morning doing drills and whatnot. The camp is run by a company that hosts these sorts of things around the country. There were a variety of assistant coaches (mostly local guys) acting as counselor. Matt was joined by fellow Falcons Sam Baker and Justin Blalock. He worked the drills and then spent a little time with the media. At the midpoint of the camp the group got together and asked the pros some questions. Pretty innocent stuff (favorite player, teams they liked growing up -- the kids booed when Matt said the Eagles -- , etc). Then they broke out the groups for one-hand touch scrimmages. This was the highlight for everyone as Matt went around and spent time with each pairing, playing QB for one series then switching sides to play one more series.

His interactions weren’t as sappy sweet as one of those United Way commercials nor was he getting in kids faces like Peyton Manning in that great SNL skit. But Matt was into it. You could see his competitive spirit coming out. As a drive moved along you’d see a little more heat in his passes. When kids dropped passes, Matt would visibly react. One little kid picked him off and started running it back and Matt started chasing him down! The kids' reaction was just was funny to me. They were all into their respective scrimmages, then Matt would join them and no one seem fazed. They just adjusted to their new QB …who happened to be Rookie of the Year.

As he moved around the fields, Matt engaged whoever engaged him. If a kid wanted a word, Matt talked. As the fans asked for autographs he obliged until the camp handlers moved him along. As I said at previous events, he’s a natural at these things. Now his name is on the camp, so he should make the extra effort, but he’s always very genuine. His parents, coaches and parents should be proud as he carries himself well.

As for the miscellaneous… I saw one kid bust his glasses when he couldn’t pull in one of Matt’s passes. My wife saw another kid lose a tooth and bleed like crazy. Although Matt doesn’t have a national commercial yet, the sponsors are starting to show up for him. Old Spice, Topps, Powerade and a local Atlanta orthopedic practice were all involved in the camp. If Matt keeps playing well, I think he’ll be as ubiquitous in commercials as Peyton Manning is now.

It was just one camp and just a few hours, but I think Matt and the kids had fun. Now, he just needs to get the adult fantasy camp going…

Play football with Matt Ryan

Matt is having a football camp here in Atlanta. Although I can think of a dozen our so alums who would gladly play catch with him for a few hours, this is only open to kids 7-14. Matt is also providing a discount for the children of BC alums (see details below).




I am glad to see Matt doing this sort of thing. After he is done with these kids, do you think he'd hold a session for Davis, Tuggle and Boek?

An evening with Matt and Gene

Tonight the BC Club of Atlanta hosted a cocktail party with Matt Ryan and Gene DeFilippo. Thanks to the Alumni office for coordinating the details and our local chapter president Kyla Perfetuo. Big congrats to BC Mike for being the driving force behind the event and for giving Gene a very nice introduction.

Before I get into the details of the evening, I strongly encourage all chapters to organize and push for events like these. We are very fortunate that the ACC Championship is taking place here in our city and that Matt just happened to be drafted by the Falcons, but there are always opportunities like this in major cities. Try to capitalize on any occasion locally and then work with BC to bring some names to your town. I don't know if Spaz expressed any willingness to do these sorts of things, but his recruiting will take him to the big markets of the Midwest, Texas and California. It doesn't hurt to see if he and/or Gene will come and speak with you. And as BC continues to push the "Light of the World" campaign they will need to hold more events like this. So be aggressive, organized and continue to give to BC. Pep talk over.

As for the evening, it was a simple cocktail party for the first hour. Matt and Gene both worked the room while alumni mingled. Then we moved into a seated area. The alumni office showed a short Light the World video, then BC Mike introduced Gene. Gene spoke for a few minutes and then handed things over to Matt. Matt was the star of the show. Gene does this sort of thing for a living. Matt does it even better. Working off the cuff, he gave a short speech with the right amount of humor, modesty, and poise. He understood his audience and what they wanted to hear. I don't want to make it sound like the Gettysburg Address, but I've sat through a lot of canned speeches. And to see Matt handle himself in this way was very impressive. If he didn't have an NFL arm, you could see that he'd be very comfortable in front of a classroom, court room or board room.

After the speeches Matt and Gene both stood for a short Q&A. This was probably the best part of the evening. Like and old comedy team they finished each others sentences and balanced things out. Gene did an impression of Jared Dudley. They told a story together about Matt going to Gene and asking that the football team live somewhere other than Upper during the summer practices. Matt fielded most of the questions. He talked about the difference between college and pros. Admitted that the Virginia Tech touchdown is still his favorite moment and told stories about the NFL. I couldn't help myself and asked a question to Gene. I didn't want to rehash any of the topics where we already knew his answer or try to show him up with any of the things I've criticized him for on the blog, so I hit on the subject that I get emailed about often: ESPN U. I said I get ESPN U but many BC fans don't and I wanted to know what the ACC is doing about it. Gene got into the history of ESPN and how they've always leveraged special events and live games to force the cable companies to carry them. First with the original ESPN and then with ESPN 2. He even said that that the 1995 Duke-UNC game was a critical piece of programing in getting ESPN 2 onto more systems. He then explained that some of the top ESPN folks just met with the ACC about this issue. They are going to continue to push and also hope fan interest puts pressure on the cable companies. In summary, there was no timeline or specifics given, but the powers that be do think getting ESPN U into more homes is important.

After the Q&A wrapped, people mingled and Matt stood patiently for more pictures and autographs. The guy is a saint. He was kissing babies, shaking hands, listening to everyone's stories and fawning questions...and he's and NFL superstar. How many of us would be that patient with nothing to gain?

It was a short, fun night and certainly made me proud to be a BC fan. Despite my differences with how Gene handled the Jags situation, I thank him for speaking to the BC fans tonight. Obvious thanks to Matt. And one more thanks to Kyla and Mike for pulling it off.

[Here are my amateur pictures. Sorry, but the lighting was screwing up my auto focus.]

Matt's the Man

Congrats, Matt. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Ryan on ESPN.com and another link

Ryan got the front page treatment on ESPN.com this afternoon. Thanks to all who sent the link along.

The Chick-Fil-A bowl updated their selection blog. For those of you who cannot see through the BS, I'll give you my interpretation: "we want UNC and are dreading the mere thought of BC."

"Our baby's all grown up!"

His first fourth quarter comeback. His first 300 yard game. Tied for first place in October. I'd say things are coming along.

I am just glad the rest of the sports world is witnessing what we've been seeing (and saying) the past three years.

Some BC fans saw winning football this weekend

BC Mike and others from the BC Club of Atlanta went to the Georgia Dome to support Matt. He did not disappoint. Other regional clubs should consider game outings when the Falcons come to town.

The Way We Were

Memories
Like the corners of my mind
Misty watercolor memories
Of the way we were


Congrats, Matt. We miss you.

Love,
All of BC

(sniff)