No one expected the Atlanta Falcons to hang with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football last night.
The Niners were 14.5-point favorites in the team’s final game at ‘The Stick,’ and most of us (myself included) figured the game would be over by halftime. But instead, Atlanta kept fighting,
With just over two minutes remaining, the Falcons lined up for an onside kick, trailing by a field goal. As the ball traveled forward, DPOY candidate LB NaVorro Bowman had a chance to come up with it, but it bounced behind him and was recovered by Falcons RB Jason Snelling, who made an excellent play near the sideline to snag the ball with one hand while keeping his feet in bounds.
After completions to WR Harry Douglas and TE Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta was suddenly knocking on the door, looking to take the lead and play the role of spoiler, on the SF 10-yard line.
And then Bowman more than made up for failing to recover the onside kick.
Looking to tie or take the lead on 2nd & 1, QB Matt Ryan felt the pressure which DC Vic Fangio dialed up and was forced to get the ball out quickly. He fired a quick bullet to Douglas who ran a slant and was working against CB Tramaine Brock. As the ball arrived, Douglas got his hands on it, but so did Brock, who was attempting to break up the pass. The ball floated in the air, and Bowman swooped in and tipped it to himself. The rest was history, as he exploded down the right sideline for the 89-yard touchdown.
This was one of the most clutch plays in Monday Night Football history. Without it, the Falcons may have spoiled the big night, and also would’ve completely reshaped the NFC playoff picture.
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