Updated

For about three quarters, Matt Ryan was not only poised to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl victory, but it looked like he would do so in record fashion. He had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for most of the game, only to see that slip away along with the Falcons' 25-point lead.

It was a crushing defeat for Atlanta, one that left players and fans disheartened. Ryan tried to ease the pain on Instagram Monday, sharing a message for fans and the city of Atlanta.

Ryan is a tremendous leader for the Falcons and an icon in the city in which they play. They'll be back next year, and for many years to come.