The Atlanta Falcons had no success moving the football in their first two drives of the NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams at the L.A. Coliseum. However, a fortunate bounce flipped the field and gave the Falcons offense new life.

After a three-and-out deep in their own territory, Falcons punter Matt Bosher was forced to punt the football away at his own goal line.

Rams return man Pharoh Cooper called for a fair catch around his 40-yard line, but got out of the way when he saw a hoard of players heading his direction. One of those players was his teammate Blake Countess.

The punt hit Countess on the foot, making the football a live ball. It continued to bounce around deeper and deeper into Los Angeles territory. Eventually Atlanta’s LaRoy Reynolds jumped on the loose ball at the 18-yard line.

The Falcons took the lead four plays later as Matt Bryant hit a 29-yard field goal.

About the Author

Featured

The Midtown Atlanta skyline is shown in the background as an employee works in Cargill's new office, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta.  (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com