:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58235061/902008126.jpg.0.jpg)
The Falcons advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs with an impressive 26-13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Who’s up and who’s down in the win?
Up
Robert Alford
Alford set up his personal no-fly zone in the secondary. He was thrown at six times and allowed just one completion for 15 yards, and also added three pass deflections. Alford did draw a defensive holding penalty, but it was largely inconsequential considering the game he had.
Matt Bryant
What else needs to be said about this guy? Bryant drilled two 50-yarders (51, 54) and added two more field goals (25, 29). The ageless kicker has easily been one of the Falcons’ most valuable players this season.
Deion Jones
It’s pretty amazing Jones lasted until the second round in the 2016 NFL Draft — and even more amazing that Atlanta snagged him. Jones accounted for 10 tackles and allowed virtually nothing in coverage — even when drawing an assignment against wide receiver Sammy Watkins. He officially dashed the Rams’ hopes of a comeback by knocking away a fourth and goal pass intended for Watkins with 2:05 left to play.
Bonus: Defense as a whole
Let’s go ahead and credit the entire unit for holding an offense that averaged 29.9 points in the regular season (best in the league) to a measly 13 points. On the road.
Down
Desmond Trufant
Trufant isn’t playing nearly as poorly as you would be led to be believe, but he did give up a few plays Saturday night. He was thrown at eight times and allowed four catches for 112 yards. Another caveat: two of those allowed receptions were ridiculous throws by Jared Goff and great catches by Robert Woods. Ultimately, Trufant makes it here for not meeting his usual high standard.
Andre Roberts
Roberts continually sets the Falcons up with pretty piss poor field position, but he earns himself a spot here for opting to catch a kickoff on the sideline that would’ve clearly landed out of bounds.
Dan Quinn
Quinn has racked up three playoff wins in just his third season as head coach of the Falcons, but what in the world was he thinking with that timeout on the Rams’ final drive before the half?