HERO
No one can ever say Matt Ryan has never won a playoff game. They don’t come any more difficult than this one, as the Falcons blew a 27-7 lead and then leaned on Ryan to throw two perfect passes to set up game-winning field goal. Ryan (24 of 35, 250 yards) tossed three touchdown passes and overcame a fourth-quarter interception.
UNSUNG HERO
Harry Douglas caught only two passes for 29 yards, but he ignited the last-gasp final drive, making a grab along the sideline for 22 yards while taking a hit from huge cornerback Brandon Browner. That got the Falcons to midfield with 19 seconds remaining.
ZERO
Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch completed the best season of his career, but this was not his best performance. He rushed 16 times for only 46 yards (he did have a 2-yard TD) and he lost a fumble at midfield in the first quarter, his second lost fumble in two playoff games.
KEY STAT
167: The number of yards Michael Turner (14-98), Jacquizz Rodgers (10-64) and Ryan ran for to keep the Seattle pass rush at bay and Atlanta’s offense balanced.