The Atlanta Falcons were able to find their star receiver in a key moment to help the Falcons to defeat the Los Angeles Rams and advance in the NFL playoffs.
Despite the Falcons offense getting off to a slow start and relying on Matt Bryant and the field goals, receiver Julio Jones made a crucial catch in the end zone to help put the game away for last season's NFC Champions.
Instead of Todd Gurley and the Rams showing off one the best offenses and the highest scoring team of the regular season, the Falcons defense was able to force a couple of turnovers and keep young quarterback Jared Goff under pressure and keep the ball out of their hands.
While the Falcons offense struggled to finish drives, there were flashes of last season's explosive offense late in the game. Matt Ryan threw a screen to Mohamed Sanu who ran 53 yards to the red zone. Two plays later, Ryan threw a fade 8 yards to Julio Jones, who made just his fourth touchdown this season.
The Falcons defeated the Rams 26-13 on Saturday night, their first playoff victory since winning the NFC Championship last year to advance to Super Bowl LI. They have a long road back to the Super Bowl, with every game on the road. Next week, it's on to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.
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Kicker Matt Bryant kicked four field goals to help the Falcons come up with points in the red zone while only getting one other touchdown.
After Damontae Kazee forced Pharoh Cooper to fumble for a second time, Devonta Freeman scored from 3 yards out with center Alex Mack helping him get across the goal line.
Goff was sacked three times by the Falcons, and while he tried to get the ball to Todd Gurley, he had trouble making accurate throws to the team's leading rusher and receiver.
Goff's one touchdown was a 14-yard-throw to Cooper Kupp to cut the Falcons' lead down to six in the second quarter.
The Rams had a chance as the first half was coming to a close, but the defense was able to hold them to just a field goal rather than the Rams taking the lead. The Falcons led the entire game.
Sam Ficken kicked two field goals for the Rams.
