Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Ryan shoulders aside Rodgers in Falcons victory

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan scores during the NFC Championship game against the Packers in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. (DAVID BARNES / DAVID.BARNES@AJC.COM)
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan scores during the NFC Championship game against the Packers in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. (DAVID BARNES / DAVID.BARNES@AJC.COM)
By Matt Winkeljohn
Jan 23, 2017

The Atlanta Falcons are going to the Super Bowl for the second time; Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy sent up the white flag by putting backup quarterback Brett Hundley onto the field after Atlanta punted with just over three minutes left in the NFC Championship game in the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta’s lead of 44-21 was far too great for Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers to overcome.

He completed 27 of 45 passes for 287 yards, three touchowns and an interception, but never came closing to finding the magical rhythm he played with as the Packers (12-7) won their final six regular-season games and two playoff games.

His counterpart, Matt Ryan, carried the day while completing 27 of 38 for 392 yards and four touchowns. He also ran three times for 23 yards and a score. Atlanta did not turn the ball over Sunday. The Packers coughed it up three times.

About the Author

Matt Winkeljohn
More Stories

Keep Reading

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich addresses members of the media on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Flowery Branch. “Being in the AFC East for four years, got very familiar with Drake, especially the last year,” Ulbrich says. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons defense must learn how to stop Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Atlanta’s defense will be on the hot seat when the Falcons (3-4) face the Patriots (6-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

21m ago

Falcons injury report: Michael Penix Jr., Drake London set to return vs. Patriots

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London are both scheduled to return to the lineup Sunday after missing last week's game with injuries.

Falcons staying together through mentally tough season

The Falcons' 2025 season has been a roller-coaster so far, but the team is trying to fall back on their strong connection to one another.

The Latest

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich addresses members of the media on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Flowery Branch. “Being in the AFC East for four years, got very familiar with Drake, especially the last year,” Ulbrich says. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons defense must learn how to stop Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

21m ago

Falcons staying together through mentally tough season

Falcons injury report: Michael Penix Jr., Drake London set to return vs. Patriots

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.