Falcons Rise Up Against Packers, Lead NFC

By Jesse Rousseau

The Falcons got just what they needed on Sunday- a good win against a good team.

With just 9 seconds to go, Matt Bryant kicked a 47-yard field goal to top Green Bay 20-17. The win puts Atlanta (9-2) in a three-way tie with the Patriots and the Jets for the best record in the NFL. In addition, it assures a third straight winning season for the Dirty Birds.

But the win was no walk in the park. Forty-seven seconds before the game-winning kick, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers guided Green Bay (7-4) on a 90-yard drive to tie the game 17-all. Rodgers carried his team on his back most of the game, leading in both passing and rushing yards. But ultimately it wasn’t enough as Eric Weems broke loose on the kickoff return and the Falcons took over at the Green Bay 49. Matt Ryan completed four straight short passes and Bryant made the winning kick.

The Falcons never lost their composure and proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

The victory is the fifth straight for the Falcons and gives them their longest winning streak since 1998.

They travel south next Sunday to take on their division rival, Tampa Bay.