Bringin

[HMFFL]

That’s right. No head-banging rock anthems powered by AC-DC. No bass-thumping gangsta’ rhymes lipped by Tupac. Nope, instead the NFL’s most electric rookie quarterback gets amped listening to serene acoustic ditties about surfboards, hemp sweaters and wheat grass. Frankly, it’s surprising Ryan plays in shoes.

For the “Big Chill,” jamming to mellow ocean-side tunes prior to kickoff is indicative of his super cool personality.

The No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, Ryan, who played in a pro-set system under Jeff Jagodzinski at Boston College, has defied conventional fantasy wisdom. With Vince Young, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino the very rare exceptions, rookie quarterbacks traditionally have an enormous learning curve to overcome. Even the most physically gifted products normally take at least 2-3 years to blossom. However, Ryan is an unusual breed.

At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, the 23-year-old is a spectacular physical and mental specimen. His quick release, excellent footwork and plus zip on short-to-intermediate passes are sensational tools that have allowed him to dissect opponents with surgical precision. Cerebrally, Ryan’s salient intelligence, uncanny awareness, tireless preparations and inspiring leadership explain why his pocket demeanor is markedly poised. Only the great ones have entered the league with a similar precociousness. Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey concurs.

“He gets it. And it shows up Sundays. He knows how to study. … He’s bright and fun to be around. Matt’s the first quarterback I’ve been around who has the ability to know somebody’s not going to be open faster than anyone else I’ve ever worked with. He just has a knack. … Every game he’s gotten better. His play has earned (everyone’s) respect even more. He is accurate on the move and has a great pocket presence. Matt’s shown a great clock inside his head.”

Atlanta head coach Mike Smith has also fostered a man-crush for the kid:

“The learning curve is really accelerated with him. Like all games, he’s going to come in tomorrow, watch the tapes and see things that he could do better, but he’s maturing beyond his years up to this point.”

Fantasy owners, too, have noticed Ryan’s steely resolve and statistical contributions. The rookie’s ownership percentage has doubled over the past three weeks in Yahoo! Plus leagues, peeking at 77 percent entering Week 10.

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