The Atlanta Falcons surprised on Monday with a 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the game that closed Week 17, the penultimate week of the NFL season.
The Falcons, who are already eliminated, have seven wins and nine losses in third place in the National Football Conference (NFC) South division.
Atlanta Falcons defeat Rams
The Rams, with a record of 11-5, remain in third place in the NFC West.
They rank number six among the seven postseason qualifiers.
With Atlanta, Kirk Cousins passed for 126 yards and a touchdown. Bijan Robinson also had 195 yards and two touchdowns, one by reception and the other by carry.
The Falcons established a consistent series in the first quarter that carried the visiting defense 65 yards on 11 plays until Bijan Robinson’s catch in the diagonals put the game away 7-0.
In the second quarter, Atlanta’s defense also added to the score.
Jessie Bates intercepted a pass sent too high by Matthew Stafford, which the cornerback took back for a touchdown to extend the lead 14-0.
Defensive strength returned towards the end of the half with another interception by Xavier Watts, which the offense capitalized on with a spectacular 93-yard run to the end zone by Bijan Robinson to make the score 21-0 before halftime.
The Rams woke up in the third quarter thanks to a Harrison Mevis field goal, a touchdown throw to Terrance Ferguson and a blocked field goal by Jared Verse, who recovered the ball and carried it 76 yards for a touchdown.
Atlanta only added on a 56-yard field goal attempt made good by Zane Gonzalez to keep the lead 24-17.
In the final period Los Angeles kept the momentum going and tied it 24-24 with a touchdown reception by Puka Nacua.
Despite the Rams’ dominance in the second half, on the final offensive drive the Falcons pulled within striking distance for a 51-yard field goal that Zane Gonzalez connected on to round out the 27-24 victory.
Filed under: Falcons defeat Rams
With information from EFE
