Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball during the first quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Is Matt Ryan the best quarterback to ever wear number two?

Jersey numbers are a strange phenomenon in the NFL. Number 12, for example, has been worn by several hall of fame quarterbacks and future hall of famers, including Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Bob Griese, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, and Kenny Stabler, just to name a few.

While the best quarterback to ever wear the number 12 could be debated for hours, the number two offers less competition. Two was most notably worn by Tim Couch, Aaron Brooks, Doug Flutie, and of course, Matt Ryan.

Let’s break down the careers of these field generals who wore the number two.

Aaron Brooks

20,261 Career Passing Yards

56.5% Career Completion Percentage

123 – 92 Career Touchdown to Interception Ratio

38 – 52 Record as a Starter

More stats at Pro Football Reference

The cousin of Michael Vick, Aaron Brooks never found the same success in the NFL. While he will be remembered as an inconsistent quarterback, Brooks did lead the New Orleans Saints to the franchise’s first ever playoff win in 2000.

Tim Couch

11,131 Career Passing Yards

59.8% Career Completion Percentage

64 – 67 Career Touchdown to Interception Ratio

22 – 37 Record as a Starter

More stats at Pro Football Reference

As an All-American in college and the first overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft, Tim Couch was supposed to bring the Cleveland Browns to the promised land. Unfortunately, injuries were the story of Couch’s career, as he showed flashes of greatness, but was never able to perform at a top level consistently.

Doug Flutie

14,715 Career Passing Yards

54.7% Career Completion Percentage

86 – 68 Career Touchdown to Interception Ratio

38 – 28 Record as a Starter

More stats at Pro Football Reference

Heisman winner and college football legend, famously known for his hail mary to beat Miami, Doug Flutie easily stands out here. However, due to his height, Flutie found most of his professional success in the Canadian Football League, winning three Grey Cups. He did make an NFL comeback after his stint in the CFL, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl and winning the Comeback Player of the Year award in 1998.

Matt Ryan

37,701 Career Passing Yards (through 2016)

64.9% Career Completion Percentage (through 2016)

240 – 114 Career Touchdown to Interception Ratio (through 2016)

85 – 57 Record as a Starter

More stats at Pro Football Reference

If Ryan’s superb numbers alone do not close the argument, his accolades will. The 2016 Most Valuable Player, the 2016 Offensive Player of the Year, 2016 First Team All-Pro, Four Pro-Bowls (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016), and the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year are the highlights of Ryan’s trophy case. His great playoff run leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 and his intangible clutch factor throughout his career seal the deal.

Matt Ryan is the best quarterback to ever wear two on his jersey, but we know he’s also number one in the hearts of every Falcons fan.