Falcons: Game Winning Drives in 2012

[RockHoward]

As some of you know, Scott Kacsmar has made a serious effort during the last few years to standardize the definition of "Comeback Victories" and "Game Winning Drives" so that clutch performances by quarterbacks can be properly compared. As we all know Matt Ryan has been exceptional in these situations and the numbers bear that out.

While looking through the statistics I noticed that Matt Ryan is currently leading the NFL in game winning drives for 2012 with 3. Only one other QB has matched that total and it happens to be today's opponent, Michael Vick. That certainly adds a little more spice to today's game.

That stat also indicates the type of season the Eagles have had. Every one of their victories required a 4th quarter game winning drive and a 4th quarter comeback. (Ryan only has 2 comeback victories in 2012 as the Falcons never actually trailed the Redskins in the 4th quarter.)

Vick has been slammed for his execution vis-a-vis his turnovers so it is only fair to point out that his game winning drives were legitimate 10, 12, and 17 play marches starting deep in Eagles territory and Vick, using a mix of short and medium passes and running plays, delivered the goods when it counted most.