Parting shot: Falcons TE Gonzalez says QB Ryan isn't yet 'elite'

[RS12]

On the surface, it seems pointless to debate the status of a quarterback who has accounted for 13,411 yards passing and 90 total touchdowns over the last three seasons, with an NFC championship appearance thrown into the mix.

And yet, here we are, thanks to Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Citing an ESPN The Magazine article that's due to hit the shelves soon, the future Hall of Famer had some interesting things to say about QB Matt Ryan ... along with his final season in Atlanta, supposedly the swan-song year of an amazing career.

Regarding Ryan's possible status as an "elite" QB, Gonzalez said, "Matt's an excellent quarterback. But he's not elite. He's thisclose. He'll get there, but he has some learning to do."

http://msn.foxsports.com/south/stor...-gonzalez-says-qb-ryan-isn-t-yet-elite-020714

 

[Tabascocat]

He is not elite and is not "this close" to being elite either. The only thing favorable on his side is age which gives him a chance to get better. I think we have seen his ceiling, but ya never know.

 

[Blackspider214]

Tony is definitely correct, although I don't see the point in saying it when he did.

Ryan is nowhere close to being elite.

 

[joseephuss]

Gonzales is getting his next career as a TV analyst started early.

 

[casmith07]

The "elite" stuff is ridiculous. Russell Wilson isn't "elite" and he's got a Lombardi Trophy.

Maybe if Roddy White wasn't hot garbage without Julio Jones on the field, and Gonzalez didn't self-serve himself and his own statistics at the expense of the Falcons developing a new tight end behind him, Matt Ryan may have performed better this past year.

Way to throw the guy under the bus that's helped you single-handedly stay ahead of Jason Witten in tight end statistical categories. Classy move.

 

[BoysFan4ever]

Living in ATL I have never heard anyone ever say Ryan was elite. I think everyone pretty much can see he is not.

 

[BAZ]

I hate the elite/not elite arguement. I miss the days when it was just good or not.

 

[joseephuss]

I hate the elite/not elite arguement. I miss the days when it was just good or not.

When were those days? There have always been more than just two classifications of QBs.

 

[BAZ]

When were those days? There have always been more than just two classifications of QBs.

The good auld days, before your time.

 

[joseephuss]

The good auld days, before your time.

I doubt days were that great in the 50s and 60s with regards to the NFL.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I love it.

Falcons to win Super Bowl this year.

Ala Tiki parting shots about Eli. Good grief.

 

[DFWJC]

Matt Ryan is plenty good enough to win a Super Bowl.
Look, if Joe freaking Flacco just won one, guys like Ryan (and Romo for that matter) are fully capable of doing it if everything falls into place.
BIG "IF"

I do think that prior to this year, Ryan was a bit overrated. I think the public perception has been properly adjusted though.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Trent Dilfer^^.............
MR does have a catchy nickname so he must be elite right..........