Marvelous: Atlanta Falcons Derail New York Jets

New York

NFL News - December 20th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

At kick off the temperature was 29 degrees with a wind chill of 18, but that was not enough to phase the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan's four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez on fourth down with 1:38 remaining propelled the Falcons over the New York Jets 10-7.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention following Dallas' win over New Orleans Saturday night, the Falcons came out and played like the season was on the line. To them, there is still something to play for. Never in the history of the organization has the team had back-to-back winning seasons. At 6-7 entering the day, Atlanta must win the remaining games on their schedule. It started today with the Jets, in a game that featured only 17 total points. With the win, the Falcons are now 7-7 and in addition, likely ended the playoff hopes for the Jets.

Coming into the contest, the Falcons were a 5 1/2 point-underdog on the road in the NFL Betting Odds. The over/under was installed prior to kick off at 36 1/2, but with the game's total reaching only 17, it went the under.

Atlanta was glad to get their two offensive leaders back from injury. Ryan and running back Michael Turner had been sidelined the last few weeks with injuries, but were finally activated after an uneventful week of practice. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Turner once again went down with an injury in the game after only having one carry for seven yards. However, Ryan and the rest of the offense were able to compile enough points to defeat the Jets on the road.

Neither offenses could do much all game long until the game-winning drive by Atlanta. On the day, Ryan was held to only 152 yards passing on 16 of 34 attempts and one touchdown.

Atlanta relied on a tandem of running backs once Turner went out with an injury. Jason Snelling led the ground attack for the Falcons carrying the ball 16 times for 59 yards. Complimenting Snelling's power running game was Jerious Norwood, a speedy back who at any time can break for a big play. He had nine carries for 22 yards, but was used more effectively in the passing game. He accounted for two receptions for 47 yards, one of which went for 38.

It was the Atlanta defense however that kept the Falcons in the game, ultimately allowing them to win. They forced three turnovers that stalled Jets' drives. On the season the Falcons' defense has struggled winning the turnover battle, however, they were plus-three for the day.

New York quarterback Mark Sanchez accounted for all three turnovers, throwing three interceptions, and finished the day 18-for-32 for 226 yards one touchdown and the three interceptions.

With New England defeating Buffalo, the Jets have no chance of winning the AFC East. Mathematically, New York is still in playoff contention, but would need a lot to happen to reach post season play. This is made more difficult as the Jets play the only undefeated team in the NFL next week in the Indianapolis Colts.

The Falcons' 2009 playoff campaign has ended, but a chance at making history still has not. A win next week against Buffalo and the following week in the regular 2009 NFL season finale against Tampa Bay and the Falcons will secure the first back-to-back winning seasons in team history.