Falcons edge Bears 22-20 with thrilling last-second field goal
During the Bears-Falcons game on Sunday afternoon, Matt Ryan showed Atlanta fans why he was a great pick for the franchise in the 2008 NFL Draft. Kicker Jason Elam also showed how valuable his acquisition was during the low season.
Ryan was 22 of 30 for 301 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the Falcons’ thrilling 22-20 win over the Chicago Bears. The biggest story, though, was kicker Jason Elam, who went 5-for-6 from the field, including a 48-yarder as time expired, giving Atlanta its fourth win in six games this season.
Both teams had to rely on their kickers, as each side stayed out of the end zone for the entire first half. Elam kicked a total of three field goals for Atlanta, while the Falcons defense held Chicago to just three points in the first half (a Robbie Gould 36-yard field goal with 4:02 remaining in the second quarter). ).
The score was 9-3, in favor of the Falcons, heading into halftime.
The Bears scored the first touchdown of the game with 2:24 remaining in the 3rd quarter on Matt Forte’s 3-yard run, making it 12-10 in favor of Atlanta. The Falcons’ ensuing drive, which lasted into the 4th quarter, resulted in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White from Matt Ryan, making it 19–10.
Neither team made much progress on any drive after that touchdown until the Bears were able to convert on a 32-yard field goal attempt, again by Robbie Gould, with 4:00 remaining in the quarter.
The Bears retained possession after Atlanta’s drive late in the 4th quarter faltered when Jason Elam, who seemed to be the goat, hooked a 33-yard field goal attempt wide left with less than 3:00 remaining. in the game. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton completed a total of seven passes on Chicago’s ensuing drive, including a 17-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Rashied Davis with 0:11 seconds remaining in the game to tie the score. 19-19. Gould’s Bears PAT attempt was good and gave Chicago the 20-19 lead.
After the score, Gould passed Chicago’s kickoff to the Falcons’ Harry Douglas, who managed to return the kick 10 yards to put Atlanta at their own 44-yard line. The clock showed 0:07 seconds left in the game and the Fans seemed to lose hope as many of them poured out of the packed Georgia Dome. Then, with the poise of a 10-year veteran, Matt Ryan calmly threw a pass to receiver Michael Jenkins for a 26-yard gain along the left sideline. Jenkins caught the pass in front of safety Mike Brown, dropped both feet and fell out of bounds with just 0:01 seconds left on the clock. Matt Ryan once again showed the Falcons faithful why the organization selected him with the third overall pick in the draft and also why the team has labeled him “the new face of the franchise.”
The play set up a 48-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jason Elam. The try spelled redemption for the longtime Denver Broncos leg, who the Falcons picked up in a free agent deal during the offseason. His missed field goal early in the fourth quarter was his first of 31 attempts, and nearly sealed his fate as the game’s scapegoat. After a short delay to confirm Jenkins’ reception was good, Elam lined up for the kick. The snap was good, and Elam, with a flick of his right leg, launched the kick into the air as the clock read 0:00. The ball slipped between the uprights and the referees raised their arms, indicating that the shot had been a good one. Elam had redeemed himself when the Falcons stunned the Bears with their shocking and thrilling fourth win of the season.
The Falcons broke out in a playoff-like celebration near midfield after the kickoff. Head coach Mike Smith lifted his rookie quarterback into the air as Elam was surrounded by his teammates, having made amends with his fifth field goal of the game, tying his career high.
The Falcons can get a lot out of their 22-20 win over the Bears. The defense showed he’s a resilient force to contend with, Elam showed just how reliable his leg still is and Matt Ryan showed he’s a rising star after another successful week. Ryan is a player who will soon be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, as soon as he reaches his prime.
Six games into what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the Falcons have already matched their win total from a forgettable 2007 season.
Suddenly, the playoffs don’t seem to be out of the question.
Go Falcons!
-Chris Barfield