"The Falcons didn't lose Sunday's season opener against Chicago solely because Matt Ryan played poorly, any more than they lost a playoff game to Green Bay last January solely because Ryan was a turnover machine.

But doesn't it always start with the quarterback in football?

The Falcons' 48-21 playoff loss to the Packers in the Georgia Dome was punctuated by Ryan's three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble), including a pivotal 70-yard interception return by Tramon Williams just before halftime. Their equally ugly 30-12 loss to the Chicago Bears to open the season Sunday included two more turnovers by Ryan, an interception and a fumble that both led to touchdowns.

The fact Ryan completed 31 of 47 passes for 319 yards was mere window dressing. He made the bad plays that made a difference, not the good ones. He did not throw a touchdown pass. "