The first game of Championship Sunday is over and the NFC has found the team to represent the conference in Super Bowl LI: The Atlanta Falcons. In only his second year as head coach, Dan Quinn has been able to lead his team to the biggest stage in pro football – and a dominating effort today helped them get there.
NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers 21 – Atlanta Falcons 44
Just like last year, the NFC title game was a blowout victory by the home team. Atlanta dominated the contest from start to finish and jumped to an early 10-0 lead. While the Falcons offense was its usual productive self, the Packers were also able to move the ball well at the early stages of the game. However, the visitors were plagued by mistakes – a missed field goal and a lost fumble – and thus unable to capitalize on good field position.
While Green Bay struggled, Matt Ryan and the rest of Atlanta’s offense were able to seemingly move the ball at will. The unit scored three touchdowns and a field goal in the first half. Meanwhile, the team’s defense was able to shut out Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Early in the second half, which the Falcons entered with a 24-0 lead, wideout Julio Jones scored his second touchdown of the day to expand the lead even further. While the Packers were able to avoid a shutout, the Falcons still were in total control of the game and ultimately won by three touchdowns. Thanks to their victory, they will now play in the second Super Bowl in franchise history.