A day after Joe Flacco of the Ravens was able to quiet some critics, Matt Ryan seemed to do the same.
Ryan who entered to game winless in the playoffs completed 24 of 35 passes for 250 yards, three touchdowns and one interception as the Falcons defeated the Seahawks 30-28 in the NFC Divisional Round game from the Georgia Dome.
Down 20-0 at the half due to turnovers and missed fourth down chances the Seahawks were able to battle back in the second half eventually taking the lead off a Matt Ryan interception. Marshawn Lynch who was relatively ineffective in today’s game made his presence known as he barely got into the end zone late in the fourth quarter to give Seattle their first lead of the game.
The Falcons weren’t finished though.
With the stigma of a playoff choker hanging over his head, Matt Ryan was able to lead the Falcons down field on the ensuring possession tearing part Seattle’s pass defense and setting up Matt Bryant for a 49-yard field goal.
But… it didn’t end there.
Looking to further take time off the clock, the Falcons looked to squib the kickoff and when they did Seattle was able to recover at midfield with 6 seconds remaining.
Russell Wilson (24/36, 385 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) attempted a late hail mary only to be picked off by Julio Jones in the end zone.
Atlanta now moves on to face the 49ers next Sunday in the NFC Championship game.
