/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38260586/20140907_tcb_sz2_315.JPG.0.jpg)
There's no denying that Matt Ryan had a stellar showing in Atlanta's victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. With 448 passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions against a defense that ranked in the top five in the league in most statistical categories last season and added the top free agent safety on the market during the offseason, Ryan certainly played an impressive game.
But the game wasn't just impressive--Ryan set Falcons records with his performance. Ryan now holds the records for the most career passing touchdowns in Falcons history, and Ryan's 448 yards through the air were also good for the single-game passing yards franchise record. Ryan had one of Pro Football Focus' highest grades of the week (+7.4) for his performance and earned the quarterback spot on their Team of the Week feature.
It should not be a surprise that Ryan is nominated for the NFL's FedEx Air Player of the Week honors, and he deserves it. Ryan currently leads the league in passing yards, and his 448 passing yards on Sunday far exceed those of the other nominees for this honor. Ryan threw for over 100 yards more than Matthew Stafford and had 83 more yards through the air than Ben Roethlisberger.
But that's not the only factor. Roethlisberger did have a lot of passing yards, but he also threw an interception, fumbled once, and only had one passing touchdown. Stafford had a really good game with no interceptions, but he only threw for two touchdowns.
Stafford finished the day with a passer rating of 125.3. Roethlisberger had a rating of 100.7. Matt Ryan's quarterback rating was a well-deserved 128.8.
Matt Ryan deserves your votes for the FedEx Air Player of the Week award. You can show your support and vote for Ryan on the NFL.com FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week page.