Quarterback Matt Ryan has had quite a ride for the Falcons in the past four years.

After an abysmal season in 2007, Ryan was drafted and brought a new sense of hope to the franchise, leading the Falcons to the playoffs in his rookie season. He’s, in fact, led the Falcons to the postseason in three of his four season — the one season it didn’t happen was when Ryan was sidelined with an injury.

But the fact remains — in playoff games, Ryan is 0-3.

Still, based on the success Ryan has experienced in his career thus far, there’s little reason to believe there would be anything but total confidence from the front office in the young signal-caller. Owner & chairman Arthur Blank just happened to back that up last week.

Speaking to NFC South blogger for ESPN.com, Pat Yasinskas, Blank called Ryan a great team leader and someone who has grown as a person and as a quarterback in his four years in Atlanta. Blank points out, however, that in order to reach that elite level as a quarterback, Ryan has to start winning playoff games.

That’s something Ryan is well aware of, and something he does not take lightly. Ryan told me last month that, “… You need to be playing your very best football in January and we haven’t done that. I think that’s, for me, the most motivating thing heading into next season.”

But while goals are still hanging out there, yet to be reached, there’s no sign or signal that anything will be changing as Ryan continues his development and strives to reach that elite level.

“I think the worst thing you can see in a leader whether it’s on a football team or in business, is to see someone say ‘I’ve gotten as much as I can get and I’ll just keep performing that way.’ But you have an opportunity to grow throughout life, professionally as well as personally. I think he has that mentality,” Blank told Yasinskas. “It’s not just words with him. He really believes that. We’re fortunate to have him as our franchise quarterback and look forward to a long relationship with him.”