Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan to Atlanta Fans: 'We Will Rise Up Again'

ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan spoke out a day after his team shockingly lost to the New England Patriots. For more on the Falcons, subscribe to the Atlanta Patch. Or find your local Atlanta Patch.

Ryan took to social media to console Atlanta fans, who had been jumping for joy for three quarters of Sunday's big game.

The franchise has never won a Super Bowl in its 51-year history, despite making two appearances. Many thought Sunday would be the day.

Behind the surgeon-like precision of Tom Brady, the Patriots methodically erased a 25-point lead to beat the Falcons 34-28.

Read more: Patriots win Super Bowl LI in overtime thriller

Ryan, who was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player hours before his team took the field, posted on Instagram late Monday that he felt Atlanta's pain.

"We came up short last night and my heart hurts for you Atlanta," he said. "Hats off to New England they played a heck of a game. We will adapt, we will over come, we will #RiseUp again."

Ryan enjoyed his most prosperous statistical season, leading the league in all the quarterback categories that mattered, from yards-per-attempt to completion percentage. Ryan finished the season with 38 touchdwons and 4,944 yards through the air vs. seven interceptions.

Sunday's game immediately went into the history books, shattering several long-held records, including the first-ever Super Bowl that went into overtime, most offensive plays by a team (New England ran 93), largest deficit overcome. The Patriots and Coach Tom Belichick also set several individual records.

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