Monday 31 October 2016 07:09, UK
Matt Ryan led a 75 yard drive in the last minute to set up a 33-32 Atlanta win over the Green Bay Packers.
It was an impressive performance from the Falcons quarterback, who is receiving a lot of MVP buzz. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes but it wasn't enough as Atlanta snap a two-game losing streak.
In 140 characters...
Exhilarating first half, dominated by unfamiliar names for both sides. Down the stretch, Matty Ice keeps his cool to see game out.
MVP
Matt Ryan earned his nickname 'Matty Ice' tonight. No turnovers and a perfect touchdown drive in the final minute gave Atlanta the lead and the win. The MVP talk is deserved.
Game-changer
With less than four minutes on the clock, Ryan led his team 75 yards downfield before finding Mohamed Sanu for an 11-yard throw straight down the middle. With 31 seconds on the clock, the Falcons grabbed the win after back-to-back losses.
Stat of the night
6 - The Falcons snapped a six-game losing streak to NFC North teams with this win. The result could be an important one when it comes to play-off seeding time.
The game
Atlanta started the game with a steady build up, before the drive stalled and they settled for a 36-yard field goal. However it was Aaron Rodgers and the Packers who got the first touchdown of the night. Missing a raft of their starting attack, including Randall Cobb, James Starks, Eddie Lacy and Ty Montgomery, Rodgers found his favourite receiver Jordy Nelson for a 58-yard gain, before firing to Nelson once more for a short five-yard pass into the end zone, to give the Packers a 7-3 lead.
It took Atlanta just three plays to re-establish their advantage, Ryan throwing two consecutive 12-yard passes, before connecting with Taylor Gabriel for a 47-yard touchdown throw.
Rodgers had to make the most of an unfamiliar offence, using Trevor Davis, Aaron Ripkowski and Knile Davis before passing to Geronimo Allison, who was promoted from the practice squad on Monday, for a four-yard touchdown to hand Green Bay a 14-10 lead. It was then Green Bay's defence who stepped up, restricting Atlanta to a 40-yard field goal.
Rookie wide receiver Trevor Davis who scored the first touchdown of his career to extend Green Bay's lead, before a late field goal left the Packers 24-19 ahead, to cap an exhilarating first half.
It wasn't until the end of the third quarter that the Falcons retook the lead, Devonta Freeman bursting through for a one-yard score to get his second touchdown of the night, and give Atlanta the 26-24 advantage.
Green Bay forced a fifth lead change in the fourth quarter as Rodgers found Jeff Janis at the back of the end zone for a seven-yard score, before running in himself for the two-point conversation to make it 32-26.
But the Falcons had the final say in the last minutes of the game as Ryan led the Falcons offence 75 yards on 11 plays, finishing with an 11-yard pass to Mohamed Sanu to move one point ahead with 31 seconds to go. Rodgers couldn't find an available receiver, giving Atlanta a 5-3 record and a two game cushion in the NFC South.
The Packers remain a game behind NFC North leaders Minnesota Vikings, who play the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Despite an improved performance from Rodgers, who rushed for a career high 60 yards, the lack of first choice receivers told, particularly down the stretch. Green Bay fans will hope that they can get some talent back on the field before too long, as they make a push for the post season.
Our live NFL coverage continues on Sky Sports with Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.15am on Monday night.
