Matt Bryant

Atlanta Falcons
Place Kicker #3
Atlanta Falcons
Place Kicker #3

Matt Bryant News

Missed PAT facilitates fall to 1-5

Bryant made both of his field-goal attempts, and three of four point-after tries during Atlanta's 34-33 loss the the Cardinals.

Analysis: He has made so many clutch kicks in his Falcons career, but Bryant's missed PAT in the waning moments Sunday may just be the last straw on the camel's back for this 2019 Atlanta squad -- now having dropped to 1-5 with games upcoming against the Rams, Seahawks and Saints over the next four weeks. Coming into the game Bryant had converted on 43 of 45 attempts since the start of last season, but in a high-pressure situation with an unfamiliar holder in Matt Schaub, the 44-year-old kicker was unable to convert. In Week 7, he and the Falcons will face a Rams team that has conceded multiple field-goal tries in every outing thus far this season, with an average of 2.5 attempts against per game.

Oct 13, 2019 8:23 PM EST


Hits all four field goals and PATS

Bryant went 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts, and made his lone field-goal try of 35 yards during the Falcons' 53-32 loss to Houston on Sunday.

Analysis: The 44-year-old kicker enjoyed his second performance of 2019 with both a perfect rate on field goals and point-after attempts, but the volume has simply not been there for him to be a viable fantasy leg in fantasy. Bryant has averaged less than one field-goal make per game, with no more than six points in any game this season after exceeding that number six times in 13 appearances last year. Week 6 offers a chance for Bryant to establish a new season-best outing, facing an Arizona defense that ranks bottom five in red-zone scoring attempts allowed per game.

Oct 6, 2019 9:03 PM EST



Misses second field goal of 2019

Bryant went 1-for-2 on field-goal tries, and converted on his lone extra-point attempt during Sunday's 24-10 loss to Tennessee.

Analysis: The ageless wonder Bryant has been far from his usual productive self in terms of fantasy output, drawing only five field-goal attempts in four games, and missing on two of those tries. As a benefactor of a prolific Falcons offense, Bryant converted on exactly 34 field goals in both 2016 and 2017, but has only been afforded 26 attempts in 17 appearances since. Week 5 presents a hopeful matchup, as Bryant and the Falcons oppose a Texans team that has conceded an average of 2.8 field-goal attempts per game as a byproduct of a red zone defense that was tied for 14th in opponent red-zone touchdown percentage entering Week 4.

Sep 29, 2019 8:23 PM EST


Converts 34-yarder

Bryant made his only field-goal attempt from 34 yards and all three extra points in Sunday's loss to the Colts.

Analysis: Bryant's perfect on all six extra point attempts this season, and he's made two of three field goals with one coming from 50 yards. His next contest will be against the Titans, who allowed two field goals over 40 yards in Week 3.

Sep 23, 2019 1:18 PM EST


Misses one kick in Sunday night win

Bryant went 1-for-2 on field-goal attempts, and made all three of his point-after tries during Sunday's 24-20 win against Philadelphia.

Analysis: The 44-year-old placekicker sunk his first field-goal try of 2019 by knocking down a 50-yard attempt on Atlanta's first drive of the night. He pulled another 50-yarder wide left later in the contest, only to see Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz gift the ball right back to the Falcons with an interception on the subsequent play. Week 3 brings a matchup against an Indianapolis defense that's conceded just five field-goal attempts over its past five regular and postseason games.

Sep 15, 2019 9:56 PM EST



Donut to kick off 2019

Bryant did not attempt a field goal or an extra point during Sunday's 28-12 loss to Minnesota.

Analysis: Scoring opportunities were severely limited for the 44-year-old Bryant in this one, as Atlanta found itself in a multi-possession, first quarter deficit to the Vikings and elected to forgo field-goal chances for potential touchdowns as the game wore on. Red-zone trips were sparse to begin with, as Atlanta did not get inside the Minnesota 20-yard line until its opening drive of the second half, and that drive culminated in an Anthony Harris interception in the end zone -- his second of the contest. Week 2 could allow for a Bryant rebound, as the Eagles permitted scoring opportunities aplenty against Washington in its first outing of the season, with Redskins kicker Dustin Hopkins benefitting from five combined field-goal and extra-point attempts.

Sep 9, 2019 7:26 AM EST


Signs with Falcons

Bryant signed a contract with the Falcons on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Bryant worked out with the Falcons on Thursday and was ultimately lured out of retirement, presumably to replace Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh, who were equally disappointing during the preseason. The 44-year-old has been nearly automatic in domes throughout his career, connecting on 89.4 percent of his kicks in the aforementioned contests and should be an intriguing fantasy option situated in the Atlanta offense that plays just three outdoor games all season.

Aug 31, 2019 9:13 AM EST


Confirms tryout with Falcons

Bryant confirmed he has a tryout with the Falcons scheduled for Friday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Falcons apparently haven't been too impressed by what they've seen from Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh. The team now will take a look at the 44-year-old Bryant, who played in Atlanta from 2009 to 2018, converting 88.7 percent of his field-goal attempts in that stretch. His career conversion rate of 89.4 percent in dome games should be appealing to a team that's scheduled for just three outdoor contests in 2019. Given the talent on offense along with a favorable schedule, the Atlanta kicker should be a solid fantasy option this season, regardless of which player gets the job.

Aug 29, 2019 11:15 AM EST


Tryout on tap

Bryant will reportedly try out for the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network repprts.

Analysis: Fellow kickers Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh are currently on the team's roster, but the 44-year-old Bryant-- who kicked in 13 games for Atlanta last season -- may now get another shot with the team he played for from 2009 to 2018.

Aug 29, 2019 10:09 AM EST


No plans of retirement just yet

Bryant said Tuesday that he wants to continue playing in the NFL and remains confident in his abilities to perform at a high level, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. "I want to go where I'm wanted," the 43-year-old kicker explained. "I can still hit from 57 yards. I can still make the game-winning kick."

Analysis: Atlanta elected to let go of the ever-reliable Bryant last Wednesday, clearing up cap space for much-needed roster moves on both sides of the ball and providing Giorgio Tavecchio with an opportunity to become the Falcons' full-time place kicker. There are multiple teams who could use the services of Bryant, who connected on an extraordinary 20 of 21 field-goal tries last year. Though his ultimate destination remains up in the air, there is one team of the seven that posted a sub-80 percent field-goal rate that seems to make a lot of sense. When asked about returning to the Buccaneers, an organization in which he spent four seasons between 2005 and 2008, Bryant reported to ESPN's Vaughn McClure that "They are definitely an option. I could definitely (see myself) going back there to play. Bucs special teams coach Keith (Armstrong) knows me, and I know him."

Feb 12, 2019 7:23 PM EST


Cut free by Falcons

Bryant tweeted Wednesday that he's been informed of his release.

Analysis: Bryant said Tuesday that he intends to continue his career, but it appears he'll need to move on from Atlanta where he spent the past 10 seasons. He converted 88.7 percent of his field-goal attempts in a Falcons uniform, including 20 of 21 (95.2 percent) during the 2018 campaign. The 43-year-old did miss three games with a hamstring injury, and he's been bothered by his back at times the past few seasons. Even with concerns about durability, Bryant shouldn't have much trouble finding another job.

Feb 6, 2019 9:13 AM EST


No plans to retire

Bryant said via Twitter on Tuesday that he is not retiring.

Analysis: Bryant is coming off his most efficient season as a kicker, as he made 20 of 21 field goals in 2018. The longtime Falcon will turn 44 in May and is under contract for two more seasons in Atlanta, as the team is likely to happily welcome his return in 2019.

Feb 5, 2019 9:21 PM EST


Flawless against former team

Bryant connected on field-goal attempts of 49 and 37 yards, while converting on all four of his point-after tries during Sunday's 34-32 win against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Like fine wine, Bryant continues to improve with age. In his 17th pro season, the 43-year-old Bryant converted on 20 of 21 field-goal tries (95.2 percent), comfortably surpassing his previous career-best field goal percentage of 93.1 among seasons in which he attempted at least 10 field goals. It's hard enough to find a serviceable option at kicker, let alone an elite one, and the Falcons would surely embrace the idea of Bryant returning for an 11th year with the franchise. Whether that is in Bryant's plans remains inconclusive as the 2018 regular season winds to a close.

Dec 30, 2018 10:38 PM EST


Nails field goal, three PATs in win

Bryant converted on his lone field-goal attempt of 39 yards, and went 3-for-3 on extra points during Sunday's 24-10 win against the Panthers.

Analysis: Bryant continues to build upon his ever-reliable form, knocking nine of his 10 field-goal tries through the uprights since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 11, and converting on 18 of 19 FGA overall this season. If there is a black mark on Bryant's 2018 resume, it comes as a result of shaky results on point-after tries. (The veteran kicker has missed multiple PATs for the first time in his past 17 seasons as a pro.) In Week 17, Bryant's fantasy upside remains limited facing a Buccaneers team that's allowed 25 FGA all year, largely in part to a putrid red-zone defense. (Allowing touchdowns on 77.8 percent of opponent's red-zone drives.)

Dec 24, 2018 8:22 AM EST


Flawless outing against Arizona

Bryant converted on field-goal attempts of 22 and 33 yards, while going 4 for 4 on extra-point tries during Sunday's 40-14 win against the Cardinals.

Analysis: Outside of coming up short on a 53-yard attempt last week at blustery Lambeau Field, Bryant has connected on all eight of his field-goal tries since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 11. This after going 9 for 9 through his first six appearances of 2018, though he has missed two extra points on the year -- just the second time Bryant has failed on multiple PATs since his rookie season of 2002. The fantasy upside is limited heading into a Week 16 matchup against Carolina's putrid red-zone defense. Allowing touchdowns on an astronomical 74.4 percent of opposing red-zone drives (31st), Carolina has yielded 20 FGA all season, fourth-fewest in the NFL.

Dec 17, 2018 7:07 AM EST


Rough day at the office

Bryant failed on one of his three extra-point tries, also coming up short on a 53-yard field-goal attempt during Sunday's 34-20 loss to Green Bay.

Analysis: Not only did the veteran kicker miss his first field-goal attempt of the year after converting on his first 15 tries, he also missed an extra point and a FGA within the same game for the first time since Nov. 13 of 2016 (and for the third time over his past 11 years in the NFL). Kicking in blustery Lambeau Field conditions in December is less than ideal, as Bryant struggled to slice his ball through the wind both in pregame warmups as well as during the game -- snapping an NFL-leading streak of 22 consecutive successful field goals with the miss. In Week 15, Bryant and the Falcons host a Cardinals bunch that's allowed 25 FGA on the year (tied-13th most).

Dec 10, 2018 5:27 AM EST


Suiting up Week 14

Bryant (back) is listed as active Sunday at Green Bay, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Bryant was tacked onto Friday's injury report as a limited practice participant due to a lingering back concern, placing a cloud over his Week 14 availability. In the end, though, he'll suit up for the fourth game in a row against a reeling Packers squad. It should be noted reserve kicker Giorgio Tavecchio is in street clothes, a sign that the Falcons are confident Bryant will be able to handle his usual duties.

Dec 9, 2018 8:34 AM EST


Back issue crops up again

Bryant (back) was added to the Falcons' injury report Friday and is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Bryant's back issue forced him to miss three games between Weeks 7 and 10, but he reclaimed kicking duties for the past three contests and showed no rust, converting all six of his field-goal attempts and going 5-for-5 on extra-point tries. The veteran's late addition to the injury report suggests his back may have acted up again at some point after Friday's practice, putting in jeopardy of his fourth absence of the season. Perhaps in recognition of the touch-and-go nature of Bryant's injury, the Falcons have been keeping Giorgio Tavecchio on the roster as a second kicker. Tavecchio will fill in for Bryant this weekend in the event the latter is unable to kick.

Dec 7, 2018 11:18 AM EST


Scarcely called upon in Week 13

Bryant converted on a field-goal try from 44 yards out, and succeeded on his lone extra-point attempt during Sunday's 26-16 loss to Baltimore.

Analysis: The beloved veteran kicker has yet to miss since returning from a groin injury in Week 11 (6/6 on FGA, 4/4 on PAT), but the volume of late has proven insufficient to returning starting value. With just two field-goal attempts over Atlanta's past two games, Bryant has registered an output of 10 combined points (standard scoring) against New Orleans and Baltimore -- teams that have each allowed 17 FGA this season (tied for third-fewest in NFL). Facing Green Bay's 12th-ranked red zone defense has potential to provide more scoring opportunities to Bryant in Week 14.

Dec 3, 2018 7:00 AM EST


Suiting up Sunday

Bryant is active for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: Contained to just one limited listing on the injury report this week, Bryant nonetheless will continue on as the Falcons' placekicker with Giorgio Tavecchio on the inactive list. In his eight appearances this season, Bryant has missed just one kick (an extra point) en route to 7.6 points per game.

Dec 2, 2018 8:48 AM EST


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