Falcons Soar Past Packers; Win NFC Crown
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan's 392 yards passing and 4 touchdowns lifted the Atlanta Falcons to a 44 to 21 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Falcons are heading to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1998. The Falcons took a 7 to 0 lead early on a 2-yard touchdown reception by Mohamed Sanu. He finished with 5 catches for 52 yards receiving and 1 touchdown.
The Packers missed a key field goal early. When the Falcons led 10 to 0 with Green Bay driving in the red zone, Aaron Ripkowski fumbled and the Falcons recovered the fumble.
In the second quarter, Matt Ryan scored on a 14-yard rush. Julio Jones caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ryan later in the period.
Early in the third quarter, Julio Jones busted a 73-yard touchdown. He finished with 9 catches for 180 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. Packers scored their first touchdown of the day on a Davante Adams 2-yard touchdown reception thrown by Aaron Rodgers.
Atlanta responded on a 4-yard touchdown reception by Devonta Freeman. He finished with 42 yards rushing and also 4 catches for 42 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Later in the period, Rodgers threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson. Nelson finished with 6 catches for 67 yards receiving and 1 touchdown.
Tevin Coleman scored on a 3-yard rush in the fourth-quarter for the Falcons. He finished with 29 yards rushing and 1 touchdown, along with 3 catches for 35 yards receiving. Green Bay scored one more touchdown on a 1-yard reception by Jared Cook. Cook finished with 7 catches for 78 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Aaron Rodgers finished with 287 yards passing 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
The Falcons will either play the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) or the New England Patriots (14-2) in Super Bowl 51 at Houston.
