The Falcons took home another close win in week 12 to make them 10-1 on the season as well as 2-1 in their division. Hanging on by just a point, Falcons QB Matt Ryan led his team to his 5th fourth-quarter game winning drive of the season to finish up 24-23 over the Tampa Bay Bucs. Even though it was a nail-biter, the Falcons saw a lot of things they could correct upon (per the usual) but more importantly a lot of impressive play that they can build upon.
Sunday’s squeak by was Ryans sixth game this season in which he threw for over 300 yards. He completed 26 of 32 passes that totaled 353 yards and had one interception matched by one touchdown. The trusty QB has now led the Falcons to game-winning, fourth quarter or overtime drives, 21 times in his career…count them…21. No wonder this is feeling like the new Falcon QB Normal. That is the most by a single QB in their first five seasons since 1966.
Not to be outdone, WR Julio Jones also set a career high with 147 yards catching six passes. One catch alone delivered an impressive 80-yard touchdown reception. This was Jones’ fourth time recording more than 100 yards in game this season and the ninth time in his career.
Then there’s TE Tony Gonzalez who became the first tight end in league history to tally over 14,000 career receiving yards. Likewise, RB Jazquizz Rodgers also notched a career long 32-yard reception.
Michael Turner wanted some press so he tied WR Terance Mathis for the for the Falcons total touchdowns Franchise record by securing his 57th career touchdown late in the fourth. RB Adrian Peterson is the only RB to outdo this record….Peterson, Turner’s got his eyes on you.
Wanting to relish in the sweetness as well, were DE Kroy Bierman who recorded a sack on a big third down play to bring his career total to 15.5. sacks and RB Jazquizz Rodgers who had fourth quarter catch that would become a career-long 32-yard reception.
As the Falcons look to continue to impress and reach new franchise heights in the post-season they will need to deliver more of the aforementioned baller-ness and less of the mindless mistakes. Is this sounding like a broken record yet? As long as they keep winning thats all that counts at the end of the season.
