Despite their 6-9 record and lack of postseason implications entering Monday night, the Atlanta Falcons defied expectations against the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams.
Atlanta established a commanding 21-0 lead by halftime and successfully fended off a second-half resurgence from the Rams, securing an exhilarating 27-24 victory. The Rams mounted a comeback to equalize the score at 24-24 late in the fourth quarter. However, the Falcons countered, setting up Zane Gonzalez for a game-winning field goal attempt. Gonzalez successfully converted from 51 yards, clinching the win and preventing an Atlanta collapse.
The Rams failed on three deep pass attempts to reach field goal range in the game’s final 21 seconds. On the second such pass directed at Tutu Atwell, officials overlooked a potential pass interference infraction that would have positioned the Rams for an easy field-goal attempt. Cornerback Dee Alford was observed holding Atwell’s left arm, but no pass interference penalty was called, allowing the Rams to hold onto the win.
A Challenging Evening for Stafford’s MVP Candidacy
This game’s outcome threatens to relegate the Rams from the No. 5 to the No. 6 seed in the NFC, which would result in a more difficult matchup during the wild-card round. The fifth seed is scheduled to play on the road against the NFC South victor, either the Carolina Panthers or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It also significantly impacts two developing narratives in the NFL’s late season.
Matthew Stafford was intercepted three times by the Falcons, including a pick-six, which delivered a significant blow to his MVP aspirations in what is largely considered a two-person contest with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The pick-six, executed by Jessie Bates, provided the Falcons with a 14-0 lead in the initial half.
By the conclusion of the night, Stafford had completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, tallying 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. This increased his total interceptions for the season from five to eight.
Naturally, a single subpar performance will not entirely derail Stafford’s MVP campaign. Nevertheless, following Maye’s impressive five-touchdown display in a dominant victory over the Jets on Sunday, the competition for MVP has become considerably more intense.
Buccaneers’ Playoff Prospects Diminished
The unexpected Falcons triumph also poses a threat to the Buccaneers’ playoff prospects. The Buccaneers are scheduled to face the Panthers on Saturday in a game that could determine the NFC South champion and the division’s sole playoff berth. However, if the Falcons secure a victory next Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, the outcome of Saturday’s Panthers-Buccaneers game will become irrelevant. The Panthers would claim the division in the event of a three-way tie with the Falcons and Buccaneers at 8-9, should Tampa Bay and Atlanta both win in the upcoming week.
The Falcons established their substantial lead primarily due to an outstanding first-half performance from Robinson, who accumulated 138 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns before intermission.
Robinson concluded the contest with 22 rushing attempts for 195 yards and one ground touchdown. He also recorded 5 receptions for 34 yards and an additional score. He capped the first half with a 93-yard touchdown run that expanded the Falcons’ lead to 21-0, seemingly placing them in complete command.
That touchdown was orchestrated following Stafford’s second interception of the game.
Further developments in this narrative will be provided.
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Ryan Young
Despite securing a playoff berth, the Rams now occupy the sixth seed following their defeat. It is probable they will remain in this position unless they overcome the Arizona Cardinals in their upcoming game and receive external assistance. The Falcons are scheduled to conclude their regular season against the New Orleans Saints next weekend. Even though their playoff chances are already gone, a victory in that match would grant the NFC South title to the Carolina Panthers.
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Ryan Young
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Ryan Young
Following their near forfeiture of a substantial 21-0 advantage, the Falcons managed to secure a close victory against the Rams, courtesy of Zane Gonzales’ successful 51-yard field goal in the game’s concluding minute. Puka Nacua almost made an extraordinary reception that would have placed the Rams in a field goal opportunity, but the ball slipped from his grasp as he went out of bounds. The Falcons, already out of playoff contention, have now achieved three consecutive wins.
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Ryan Young
The execution was flawless on this play. Zane Gonzales precisely kicked a 51-yard field goal, positioning the Falcons ahead with approximately 20 seconds remaining. This could potentially be the decisive play for their victory.
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Ryan Young
In an instant, the score has been leveled. Matthew Stafford delivered a screen pass to Puka Nacua, who then advanced 11 yards to score a touchdown. The Falcons are set to regain possession with 2:46 remaining, presenting them with an opportunity to clinch the game.
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Ryan Young
Regarding a fourth-quarter interception, the Rams experienced some fortune in that moment. Following the turnover and subsequent penalty, they managed a swift three-and-out, ensuring they would regain possession almost immediately after the punt.
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Ryan Young
The Rams’ drive had shown such great potential. Matthew Stafford attempted to connect with Terrance Ferguson on a crucial fourth down play, but Xavier Watts intercepted the pass. Watts then advanced the ball towards the end zone, however, officials nullified the touchdown because he narrowly stepped out of bounds. Additionally, a Falcons coach interfered with an official, resulting in an additional 15-yard penalty on the play.
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Ryan Young
The Rams are currently gaining momentum. They swiftly engineered a three-and-out by disrupting a pass intended for Bijan Robinson on third down, which means the Rams will promptly regain possession in the fourth quarter.
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Jason Owens
This demonstrates a method for re-entering contention. The Falcons were on the cusp of extending their lead to three possessions with a 37-yard field goal try from Zane Gonzalez. However, the Rams have now reduced Atlanta’s advantage to seven points. Jared Verse successfully blocked Gonzalez’s kick, subsequently recovering the ball and running it back 78 yards for an uncontested touchdown. This 10-point reversal has diminished Atlanta’s lead to 24-17 late in the third quarter, significantly altering the game’s atmosphere.
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Jason Owens
This illustrates the performance expected from MVP-contender Matthew Stafford. Stafford executed a play-action roll-out and delivered a precise 27-yard throw to tight end Terrance Ferguson in the end zone, marking the Rams’ initial touchdown of the evening. Los Angeles has narrowed Atlanta’s lead to 24-10 with 4:59 left in the third quarter. The outcome of this contest is still uncertain.
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Jason Owens
The Falcons responded by converting a 56-yard field goal courtesy of Zane Gonzalez, thereby re-establishing their 21-point lead, making the score 24-21 with 7:46 left in the third quarter. The Rams urgently require a touchdown.
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Jason Owens
The Rams have registered points, yet they still trail by three scores. Los Angeles opted to go for it on fourth-and-6 during their opening drive of the second half and successfully converted. However, when confronted with fourth-and-12 within field-goal distance, they chose to attempt a 35-yard kick by Harrison Mevis. The Falcons maintain a 21-3 advantage early in the third quarter.
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Jason Owens
The Falcons completely dominate at halftime in an astonishing performance against a Rams team destined for the playoffs. Atlanta has intercepted Matthew Stafford twice and carries a 21-0 lead into the intermission. An impressive 93-yard touchdown run by Bijan Robinson concluded the Falcons’ explosive first half.
Atlanta
Kirk Cousins: 7 completions on 11 attempts, 68 yards, 1 touchdown, zero turnovers
Bijan Robinson: 11 rushes for 125 yards; 2 receptions for 13 yards; 2 combined touchdowns
Jessie Bates: 1 interception returned for a touchdownLos Angeles
Matthew Stafford: 9 completions on 17 attempts, 96 yards, 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions including 1 pick-six
Blake Corum: 6 carries for 18 yards
Puka Nacua: 2 receptions for 18 yardsAtlanta’s total offensive output: 211 yards at an average of 7.5 yards per play, 8 first downs
Los Angeles’ total offensive output: 113 yards at an average of 4 yards per play, 5 first downsAtlanta turnovers: 0
Los Angeles turnovers: 2 -
Jason Owens
An absolute shocker. The Falcons head into halftime with a 21-0 advantage, having managed to keep a Sean McVay-led Rams squad off the scoreboard in the first half – an occurrence only seen three times throughout McVay’s nine-year tenure. Two interceptions thrown by Matthew Stafford and a 93-yard touchdown sprint by Bijan Robinson were major highlights of Atlanta’s electrifying first half.
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Jason Owens
The Falcons have dramatically widened their lead following Matthew Stafford’s second interception of the match. Xavier Watts secured a deep ball from Stafford on first down, notwithstanding an offensive pass interference infraction committed by wide receiver Xavier Smith. Immediately after, Bijan Robinson sprinted for a 93-yard touchdown, establishing a 21-0 lead for Atlanta.
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Jason Owens
A typically potent Rams offense has been surprisingly inert and still has not scored by the two-minute warning of the first half. They have regained possession close to the 50-yard line following a Falcons punt and will aim to execute an effective two-minute drill to reduce Atlanta’s 14-0 advantage.
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Jason Owens
The Rams believed they had reached the red zone after Puka Nacua executed a remarkable contested sideline reception within the 5-yard line, resulting in a 36-yard advancement. However, left tackle D.J. Humphries was not properly aligned on the line of scrimmage, incurring an illegal formation penalty which nullified the significant gain. The Rams were forced to punt three plays afterward and continue to be scoreless, while the Falcons maintain a 14-0 lead with 4:11 left in the first half.
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Jason Owens
Despite having no postseason implications, the Falcons are demonstrating fierce competitiveness this evening. Matthew Stafford’s deep throw was off-target, leading to an interception by All-Pro safety Jessie Bates. Bates subsequently ran it back 34 yards for a touchdown, giving the Falcons a 14-0 advantage. This marked only Stafford’s sixth interception of the current season. Remarkably, it was the 32nd pick-six of his 17-season career, placing him in a tie with Brett Favre for the all-time record, as noted by the “Monday Night Football” telecast. This performance will not bolster his campaign for league MVP honors.
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Jason Owens
Following the red zone turnover on downs, the Falcons executed 10 plays but only managed to progress to their own 48-yard line. They elected to punt on fourth-and-9, and the Rams have now regained possession, facing a 7-0 deficit with 9:54 left in the second quarter.
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Jason Owens
Khalid Kareem, having been promoted from Atlanta’s practice squad for the Monday night contest, instantly justified the Falcons’ choice. The seasoned professional, in his sixth year, read the snap on fourth-and-1 perfectly and stopped Rams running back Kyren Williams in the backfield for a two-yard loss. The Falcons gained possession on downs at their own 13-yard line, maintaining a 7-0 lead after executing the defensive stop in the red zone.
