Packers at Falcons: Highlights, recap and more

The Atlanta Falcons punched their ticket to the Super Bowl by blowing out the Green Bay Packers 44-21. 

Matt Ryan has played like an MVP candidate since Week 1. However, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback saved what might have been his most impressive performance of the year for the NFC Championship. The rest of his team did as well, as Atlanta destroyed the Green Bay Packers 44-21.

Ryan led the way for the Falcons, as their offense mercilessly picked on an unimpressive Green Bay secondary. While the game was expected to be high scoring, only Atlanta managed to hold their end of the bargain. Credit the Dirty Birds defense for their effort in ensuring Aaron Rodgers didn’t turn this game into a battle of the quarterbacks.

Atlanta dominated this game from the opening drive, as they got a beautiful opening drive touchdown. Green Bay didn’t have anything go their way, as an early missed field goal and fumble by Aaron Ripkowski derailed them from their game plan. While Atlanta had so many things go their way, it’s important to note they were clearly the better team.

Credit head coach Dan Quinn for his flawless game plan against the Packers. His players deserve credit for executing the game plan, but the coaching staff won the battle of preparation before the game began. It certainly showed on the field.

Highlights

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Three Stars

1. Matt Ryan: Ryan put an exclamation point on his resume with a terrific performance against Green Bay. He was the leading passer and rusher in the game. Ryan was calm and collected, yet assertive as he surgically tore apart the Packers’ secondary. This was a career defining game for the second overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, and he played as such. Ryan finished with 392 passing yards and five total touchdowns (four passing and one rushing).
2. Julio Jones: Jones dominated Green Bay throughout the game. He had the game’s biggest play with a 73 yard touchdown catch, most of which were earned after the catch. It seemed like Jones made an eye opening play on every drive. He finished with 180 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions.
3. Devonta Freeman: The running back was a versatile weapon for Atlanta. When they needed him to, he protected the ball well and helped them move the ball. Combined, he had 84 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving).