Falcons QB coach: Matt Ryan 'still performing at a high level'

The Atlanta Falcons have missed the playoffs each of the last three seasons, leaving some to wonder if the team could be moving on from longtime quarterback Matt Ryan. But new quarterbacks coach Charles London heartily endorsed Ryan, saying that he still believes that Ryan is "performing at a high level."

"We studied every drop-back pass, every play-action pass, everything that Matt did this past year," London told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We thought as a staff that he was still performing at a high level. He could still do everything that was needed to do to run this offense. I look forward to working with him. He has a very unique skill-set."

Despite the Falcons' postseason drought, the numbers mostly support London's statements. Ryan has thrown for at least 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns while completing over 65% of his passes for three straight years. Last season, the Falcons had the fifth-best passing offense in the league, gaining 272 yards per game through the air.

The issue for Atlanta has been just about everything except the passing game. The Falcons were just one of six teams to rush for less than 100 yards per game last season and the defense was downright awful, allowing nearly 400 yards per game.