New England fans still have something to cheer for in the playoffs

January 2, 10:19 PMBoston Fantasy Sports ExaminerMark Fuery

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Local fans still have someone to root for this season. 

For the first time since 2002 the Patriots are not in the playoffs.

It is without a doubt an odd feeling for local football fans. Every year the Pats have been serious contenders for the Super Bowl, but not this season. Instead of looking at the various paths they can take through the AFC playoffs, Pats fans are left without their team for this postseason.

But there is no need to worry football fans, there is still plenty of football to be played. There is also a local rooting interest, and it doesn’t come from any of the Patriots’ bitter AFC rivals.

Of course, I am talking about former Boston College star Matt Ryan and his Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons will hope to continue their improbable run Saturday afternoon against the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the NFC playoffs.

This young team is one of the best stories in the NFL. They came from complete turmoil last season to an 11-5 record and a playoff spot. They are not the most talented team on the field, but they have been through all of the ups and downs together and they play hard on every snap. They are very easy to root for.

And they are even easier to support when their team leader has so many great memories here. The success Ryan and his team achieved here are unmatched in recent history at Boston College. He helped bring their average program into the national spotlight and had them one game away from a BCS bowl game, which is almost unheard of for that program.

Now he is working to help another franchise reach a higher level, and he has done a good job so far. Just a few days ago he was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in a year that was supposed to be a lost cause for the Falcons. Tomorrow he takes one more step towards changing the losing culture of the Falcons, a franchise that has never had back to back winning seasons.

The Patriots may not be in the playoffs this year, but they will be back. Maybe some New England fans can find some enjoyment in rooting for their former quarterback for just a little while.