Falcons Advance to NFC Championship Game With Win Over Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons are one step closer to punching their ticket to Houston.

The Falcons defended their home field in Saturday’s divisional-round game, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 36-20.

MVP-candidate Matt Ryan powered the Falcon’s offense, completing 26-of-37 pass attempts for 338 yards and three touchdowns.

After Seattle jumped out to an early 7-0, the Falcons responded with a score of their own when Ryan found wide receiver Julio Jones for a 7-yard touchdown.

JULIO. JONES.@AtlantaFalcons answer back with a TD of their own! #RiseUp #SEAvsATL #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/heo4kaSAuP

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 14, 2017

Jones finished the day with six catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta was able to gain a nine-point lead at halftime thanks to another Ryan touchdown pass, this time to running back Tevin Coleman.

Matty Ice.@Teco_Raww.
Six.@AtlantaFalcons have a 9-pt lead! #RiseUp #SEAvsATL https://t.co/iHKKPDRN6S

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 14, 2017

After a hot start to the game, the Seattle offense was never able to get back on track. Trailing by three in the second quarter, the Seahawks were backed up to their own 1-yard line after a lengthy Devin Hester punt return was called back due to a penalty. This proved to be costly, as quarterback Russell Wilson tripped over his own lineman and fell into the end zone, resulting in a safety.

Two points is two points. ¯_(ツ)_/¯#RiseUp https://t.co/JRVGSclPdV

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 14, 2017

Wilson went 17-of-30 for 225 yards and two touchdowns, but he also tossed two costly interceptions, including this circus pick from Deion Jones which effectively iced the game.

So, how 'bout those @AtlantaFalcons?

Cap off a fantastic performance with a circus INT. #RiseUp #SEAvsATL https://t.co/MkQBISMe7c

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 15, 2017

Depending on Sunday’s divisional-round game, Atlanta will either be traveling to Dallas to play the Cowboys or hosting the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship Game.

Thumbnail photo via Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports Images