Why was Falcons fumble recovery not a safety (Video)?

The Atlanta Falcons regained some momentum after Jalen Collins forced Aaron Ripkowski to fumble in the red zone. 

So far, everything is coming up Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship. After an opening drive touchdown by the Falcons, the Green Bay Packers drove down the field, but a missed field goal prevented them from putting points on the board.

However, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers started driving down the field again after Atlanta took a 10-0 lead. Luckily for them, Jalen Collins came up big with a forced fumble and recovery. One could say he ripped the ball from Aaron Ripkowski.

That’s just what the Falcons needed. Collins comes up with a huge play when his team needed it the most. The Packers have been very good at not turning the ball over during their eight-game winning streak, as this is just their third turnover during the stretch. It’s the first forced fumble of Collins career. Atlanta drafted the cornerback in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft from LSU.

This is the third turnover of the season for Collins, who also has two interceptions. He’s been a great value for them, giving them solid production at a dirt cheap price. Collins also had 31 tackles during the regular season.

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In real-time, it looked like Collins may have cost his team possession and two points. It looked like the referees could have ruled it a safety instead of a touchback. However, possession wasn’t gained until his leg was touching the goal line and his momentum meant there would not be a safety called.

His fumble turned out to be quite meaningful. Not only did it stop the Packers from scoring at least a field goal, it also started a drive that led to a touchdown. The Falcons lead Green Bay 17-0 and Collins is a huge reason why. It’s those kinds of plays that have defined their season. They’re so good, they’re making the red-hot Packers look ridiculous.