South Fulton Today

Atlanta Falcons' coach Art Smith argues that the team's quarterback Matt Ryan is among league's most underrated players. 

Ryan has averaged more than 300 passing yards per game over team's last four games, according to atlantafalcons.com. 

"He's a special player," Smith said after Sunday's 30-28 result at Hard Rock Stadium, according to the website. "I personally think he's criminally underrated if you look at his career here in the National Football League."

After an 0-2 start, Ryan and the Falcons are 3-1 in last four games. 

Discussion about Ryan's status across the league has become a national debate. Atlantafalcons.com called it "debate show catnip". 

In particular, Stephen A. Smith and former NFL receiver Michael Irvin debated Ryan's status on ESPN's AM show, and Ryan's abilities were complimented, Atlantafalcons.com said.

The website said the Falcons would not have won their most recent game if not for Ryan's performance, citing that as a testament to his abilities as a quarterback. The CBS Sports Twitter account also said Ryan was "on fire" over his past four games. 

The Falcons' website also said that Ryan could be "fitted for a gold jacket," indicating their belief that he should be elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.