The 2008 QB class of Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan elevated the expectations very high for future QB's because of their efficient play during their rookie seasons. I feel sorry for the 2009 QB rookie class and the QB classes beyond. These two QBs have some GMs believing a rookie can come in and make an immediate impact. Both QB's came out strong Week 1 of the 2008 season. Ryan threw a TD in his first pass to start his NFL career. And Flacco's 38 yard run for a TD and killer block for a TD in his first stint had fans "Wacko For Flacco".

But with the hype over the two QB's in 2008, how will they fare in their sophomore seasons in 2009??? Let's take a close look at their rookie numbers and the obstacles they hold ahead of them:



Matt Ryan


W-L record: 11-5, 2nd in NFC South
Comp pct: 61.1%
TDs: 16
INTs: 11
QB Rating: 87.7
Rushing yards: 104
Fumbles: 6
Playoffs: Lost in Wild Card round




Joe Flacco


W-L record: 11-5, 2nd in AFC North
Comp pct: 60.0%
TDs: 14
INTs: 12
QB rating: 80.3
Rushing yards: 180
Fumbles: 11
Playoffs: Lost in AFC Championship


While Ryan's number are a little better Flacco's, their rookie numbers were pretty much even, and quite impressive. Now let's take a look at the intangibles:

Ryan's upside: Drafting of DT Peria Jerry. Acquisition of TE Tony Gonzalez, better supporting cast w/ Turner, Norwood, Jenkins and White

Ryan's downside: Not enough off season moves to improve Atlanta's defense, ranked 24th in 2008. Strength of schedule for 2009: 3rd hardest schedule



Flacco's upside: Defense, defense, defense. Still intact despite loss of Rex Ryan and Bart Scott (Jets). Drafting of OL Michael Oher @ RT position. Strength of schedule for 2009: 27th hardest schedule

Flacco's downside: No upgrade at WR in the off season. Injuries at TE position. Has to play against Pittsburgh's defense (best in league) and Cincinnati's vastly improved D.


How I predict they will fare: Both QB's have challenges ahead of them for different reasons. Ryan has the better offensive cast, but a sub par defense that may stay on the field longer than his offense. Depending on how the QB situation pans out in Tampa, it seems that though the NFC South will be the tougher division. Flacco's WR group doesn't scare many defenses. While the Steelers are the cream of the crop for the AFC North, whether the Bengals may or may not become a sleeper is the big question. The Browns looks to be at the bottom of the division once again, which seems, right now, that the AFC North isn't as brutal for thr Ravens as the NFC South could be for the Falcons.

The Falcons have the 3rd hardest schedule, while the Ravens have the 27th hardest schedule. Now, in hindsight this means nothing (the Ravens had the 4th hardest strength of schedule, and the Falcons with the 24th in 2008, yet both had the same record), but still one point to throw out there, for all of you stat lovers.

I think both QBs will have good seasons. They have both shown me that there will be no sophomore slump for either of them. How they elevate their game to the next level will be what folks look for, which may be a deciding factor.

I give the edge to Flacco. Not because I'm a Ravens lover, but because of the softer schedule, easier division, better defense and Flacco's playoff experience, which is 2 games more than Ryan's.

Overall, I think Ryan may be a better QB, but I learned a long time ago that offense sells tickets, and defense wins games. If his defense can stay off of the field.. then he has the advantage. Only time will tell if the Falcons D will hold up their end of the bargain.

So who'll be better in 2009 to you?? Let me know what you think.