Nov 24, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

You have to have confidence in yourself to become elite. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan certainly has it. But is he elite?

Matt Ryan says he’s best QB in the NFC South

During an appearance with “Pardon My Take” earlier this week, Ryan was asked if he’s the best quarterback in the NFC South.

He replied: “Currently, yeah. I’ll go with myself.”

For the record, two of the other quarterbacks in the NFC South are future Hall of Famers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

So, this isn’t just a casual brag.

Teddy Bridgewater of the Carolina Panthers is the third quarterback, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks Bridgewater is better than Ryan.

Is Matt Ryan underrated? The stats show he shouldn’t be

During the podcast, Ryan also discussed the idea that he may be underrated. He ultimately said he doesn’t concern himself with any of that, but noted that since he’s been in the league that Super Bowl wins seems to be how people value quarterbacks, rather than their ability to produce week in, week out, for years in the league.

Speaking of which, that’s exactly what Ryan has done throughout his career. He has put up prodigious stats and clearly is one of the best pure quarterbacks in the NFL. Since his rookie season in 2008, he’s racked up 51,186 yards passing with 321 touchdowns and 147 interceptions.

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