QB Ryan faces lofty expectations

0 Comments | USA TODAY, April, 2008 | by Tom Pedulla

NEW YORK -- Michael Ryan was apprehensive the way any father would be after learning one of his children must enter a difficult situation.

The Atlanta Falcons had just drafted his son, Matt, with the third overall selection Saturday, and Michael was quick to recognize the burden accompanying that. There will be inevitable comparisons to former franchise quarterback Michael Vick, and there will be pressure to elevate a team that fell hard after Vick's indictment and eventual imprisonment on dogfighting charges.

"Anytime issues arise that potentially affect your child, yes, it's a concern," the father said while noting the organization's recent travails.

At the same time, if there was a quarterback in this draft who has the qualities to right this...