Atlanta Falcons beat Green Bay to Advance to Super Bowl LI

What a win for the Atlanta Falcons.  That game was a drubbing from the start and as a Falcons fan I was OK with that.  Atlanta's offense is historically good and it didn't disappoint.  Well the running game wasn't up to par but overall they still dominated.  Their defense is what was surprising.  They were able to put pressure on Rogers and hold at key moments or get a needed turnover until the game was essentially over early in the second half.  It was odd to see Green Bay so off.  Credit goes to the Atlanta defense though injuries also played some part in their issues.  Still the defense did a great job for the second week in a row.  Coupled with their outstanding offense any type of good outing by the defense will give them a shot at winning games.  Is Matt Ryan a stud this year or what?  Wow. 

As a fan I'm beside myself.  This is such a rush.  Been some 19 years since the last time.  Hopefully Atlanta can win it in this, their second Super Bowl appearance.  I really think they can.  That offense can definitely put up points.  If it continues to do so there is no reason the Falcons can't bring home their first NFL championship to Atlanta.  Waiting two weeks for the Super Bowl won't be easy but it will be well worth it.         

Atlatna Falcons Beat Seattle Seahawks

Wow what a huge win as Atlanta defeats Seattle 36-20 in the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs.  The big news is how well their defense played.  You new the offense could score but what you didn't know is what Seattle would do when they had the ball.  After an inconsistent start to the season they had regained their running game and had a good balance coming into this game.  Luckily Atlanta was able to keep the running game in check and Russell Wilson never got in rhythm after some early success.  Matty Ice on the other hand was once again phenomenal.  He and the outstanding running game did what they have all year - score. 

So who do we want next week?  That is a tough question.  Cowboys in Dallas or Green Bay in Atlanta?  To be honest I'd rather travel.  Green Bay, especially if Jordy Nelson is back, is one of the teams who can keep up with Atlanta in a shootout.  And it might be too much to ask the defense to play so well two games in a row.  Dallas on the other hand has a rookie quarterback and a shootout may not be something he is ready for in the playoffs.  No matter what, just being in the NFC Championship game is a huge deal for the Falcons and no matter the opponent I think they have a shot to win it.  I'm not saying they'd be favored but they'd have to be right there.  Great win this week and I can't wait for next weekend. 

Atlanta Falcons Secure #2 Seed and the NFL Playoffs

The Atlanta Falcons capped off an outstanding regular season by beating the New Orleans Saints.  Their 11^th win of the season secured the Falcons the #2 seed in the NFC for the playoffs that includes a first round bye for Atlanta.  At or near the top of the NFL in most offensive categories, this year’s offense was something to be scared of.  Much of the credit has to go to quarterback Matt Ryan and his career year/MVP caliber year.  Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman led a dynamic running game that was 5^th in the league in total yards and yards per rush.  Mahamed Sanu turned out to be a great compliment to Julio Jones who battled injuries but still almost led the league in receiving yards.  The offensive line stepped up this year as it was much better than last year and the key to that was the addition of center Alex Mack.  He really made the difference to an offensive line that struggled in the past. 

The defense, outside of the 2016 NFL sacks leader Vic Beasley, was a disappointment once again though it did keep opponents under 15 points in three  of their last four games.  27^th in points allowed, 25^th in yards, 29^th in first down and it goes on from there.  This doesn’t seem like a great fit to make a deep run in the playoffs but with their offense I think Atlanta can definitely compete with any team in the NFC.  Having their first playoff game at home and a bye week before that to rest and heal will help their chances quite a bit. 

AFC

I like New England to represent the AFC but how do you not?  That said, I definitely think Kansas City and Pittsburgh can beat them on a good day.  New England will only have to worry about Houston or Oakland in the Division Playoff round which makes their path to the AFC Championship an easy one.  Winning it is another thing.  KC is hot but outscoring the Pats could be tough.  Pittsburgh has a good all-around team who should definitely give New England fits.  Again I’ll take the Pats with my eye on the Steelers and Chiefs. 

NFC

The NFC is a little more wide open to me.  I love Atlanta’s chances especially if the Cowboys can get knocked off in the division playoff round.  Don’t discount that idea as Green Bay could be their opponent and Green Bay is definitely capable of beating anyone.  The Giants could also play spoiler as they’ve proven they are tough if not exciting.  Seattle is as good as anyone when playing their best but were inconsistent during the regular season.  Who will they be in the playoffs and can they do it week after week?  Dallas is good across the board.  Can their young talent bring it in the playoffs?  That is probably the only thing that would keep them out of the NFC title game and maybe Super Bowl.  If a defense can rattle them or they get into a shootout you never know what you might get out of a young team.  If I was putting money down, I’d put it on Green Bay to represent the NFC.