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Hello, number two seed.
The Atlanta Falcons cruised to a first round bye with a 38-32 win over the New Orleans Saints in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicates.
Who’s up and who’s down in the victory?
Up
Matt Ryan
Ryan threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns on 27 of 36 passing. What else needs to be said at this point? He’s the league MVP, no questions asked.
Vic Beasley
The ferocious pass rusher added another sack to his total, finishing with the most in the league with 15.5. It’s been an excellent second season for Beasley, to say the least.
Jalen Collins
The second round pick from a year ago has looked good since stepping in for the injured Desmond Trufant. Collins added an interception today and had a couple of nice breakups.
Down
Jake Matthews
Atlanta’s starting left tackle has to clean up the procedural penalties. Matthews was flagged for three false starts, including two back-to-back in the third quarter. This shouldn’t happen in games at home.
Ricardo Allen
Allen has to tackle better. Period.
Justin Hardy
Hardy could’ve had a contender for catch of the year if he’d stayed inbounds on a Ryan throw to the back of the endzone. His stock isn’t truly down; I just needed someone to put here.
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Who’s up and who’s down for you?