No preseason forecaster could have predicted a 2008 playoff showdown between the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, but it’s now underway in suburban Phoenix.

The 9-7 Cardinals claimed a division title in the soft NFC West behind seasoned veteran QB Kurt Warner. The Falcons were coming off a 4-12 campaign in 2007 and went with rookie Matt Ryan, who was the third overall pick in last summer’s draft.

The Falcons also overcame the abrupt resignation of coach Bobby Petrino late in the 2007 season, yet were a surprising 11-5 under Mike Smith. Certainly Ryan made life easier for the new man. The Boston College pick had a terrific season, posting first-year numbers that rank among the best by a rookie quarterback and earned him AP offensive rookie of the year honors. In making Michael Vick an afterthought, Ryan also fared well compared to his NFL peers in 2008.

Matt Ryan in 2008, with League Rank

ComPct. . . . .61.1. . . . 17th
Pass Yds. . . .3,440. . . . 13th
TD Passes. . . .16. . . . . 16th
Rating. . . . . 87.7. . . . .11th

From the start of the season, Ryan impressed Smith and his teammates with his determination and poise. He has been quoted saying he doesn’t feel like a rookie, and he certainly hasn’t played like one. He’s earned the nickname “Matty Ice” for his performance under pressure.

"He always wants more," Smith said of Ryan to Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic. "We started the season where he was managing the offense and now we're in a different place and in a different situation. We've been able to do a lot more than we anticipated because of his maturation."

The Falcons are in a much different situation Saturday, playing their first playoff game in four years. Ryan, who hasn’t played as well the last three games, now faces the pressure of the postseason for the first time.

Win or lose on Saturday, Ryan and Baltimore QB Joe Flacco share the honor of being the first rookies in NFL history to start a full 16-game slate and lead their teams into the playoffs.