Ryan shoulders aside Rodgers in Falcons victory

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.

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Matt Winkeljohn

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