3 reasons why Matt Ryan is the short-term answer at QB for the 49ers
It's no secret that the San Francisco 49ers have predominantly been Super Bowl contenders ever since Kyle Shanahan was hired back in 2017. They have made two NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl appearance in the last four seasons.
For the most part, San Francisco looks primed to make another playoff run in 2023. The only problem is under center. From Jimmy Garappolo to Josh Johnson, the 49ers have used a handful of quarterbacks over the last several years. They need to have some stability for once. That stability should come in the form of the veteran Matt Ryan. Here are three reasons why.
#1 - The current QB room is not ready
Whether they can win a Super Bowl or not depends on the health of the quarterback position.
Trey Lance, who started the first two games of the 2022 season, is coming off a season-ending ankle injury.
One of the great stories of the NFL last year in Brock Purdy had elbow surgery earlier this offseason and won't be ready to throw for another three months, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Finally, veteran Jimmy Garappolo is now the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
GM John Lynch needs to find a healthy, stable option under center.
Yes, Matt Ryan is aging (37). Yes, he was cut after just one season in Indianapolis. But the former MVP still has something left in the tank. Why not use what he has left in the Bay Area with Shanahan, his former offensive coordinator?
#2 - The friendly history between Matt Ryan and Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan was the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator for two seasons (2015-2016). In those two seasons playing for Shanahan, Ryan had two of his three most prolific passing seasons of his 15-year career. In 2016, the former Boston College star set career-highs in completion percentage (69.9%), passing yards (4,944), yards-per-attempt (9.4), touchdown passes (38) and passer rating (117.1) en route to earning his first and lone MVP.
Atlanta's offense that year led the league in scoring (33.8 PPG). They also finished top five in total yards (415.8 YPG), passing yards (295.3 YPG) and rushing yards (120.5 YPG). Shanahan's electric offense helped lead Atlanta to its second-ever Super Bowl appearance.
The history between Matt Ryan and Kyle Shanahan could come in very handy for a 49ers offense that desperately needs stability at the quarterback position. Matt Ryan has seen nearly everything in his long career in the NFL. Yes, his age could be a concern. But, he is still very capable and would only need to be a game manager considering how much talent San Francisco has on offense.
#3 - San Francisco is elite everywhere else
Kyle Shanahan is already one of the most creative offensive minds in the NFL (the 49ers finished fifth in total offense, according to ESPN Stats and Info). Plus, he also has All-Pros all over the field at his disposal, including running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
On the other side of the ball, the 49ers were the No. 1 total defense in the NFL a season ago. All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner might be the best pair of defensive teammates in football at the moment.
This is a team that is well-coached and well-represented at nearly every position except the quarterback spot. Great teams need to have a healthy, competent signal-caller under center. This is where a player like Matt Ryan, who is on the doorstep of a Hall of Fame career, could help. His history with the head coach puts this move over the top as an ideal fit in the Bay Area.