Rapid Reaction: Falcons 20, Packers 17 
November, 28, 2010

By Kevin Seifert

ATLANTA -- Some thoughts from the Georgia Dome after a thrilling game between two of the NFCs top teams.

What it means: At least the Packers dont go down easy. Theyve now lost four times this season, all by three points. Two were in overtime, and the other two have come within the final minute of the game. Despite the loss, I thought the Packers did nothing to deter us from believing they are one of the top teams in the NFC. But theyll have to await the winner of the Chicago Bears' game against the Philadelphia Eagles to determine if they still hold a part of first place in the NFC North.

What happened: The Falcons got a short field to work with after the Packers tied the game with 56 seconds remaining. Packers cover man Matt Wilhelms face mask call against returner Eric Weems gave Atlanta the ball at the Packers 49-yard line. The Falcons had to move only 21 yards to get in position for Matt Bryants 47-yard game-winning field goal.

Final dash: The Packers tied the game with an epic 16-play, 90-yard drive that consumed 6 minutes, 5 seconds and didnt end until quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordy Nelson on fourth down with 56 seconds left. It was one of two fourth-down plays the Packers converted on the drive.

No rush: Rodgers was the Packers best rushing option against the Falcons physical defense, finishing with 51 yards on 12 carries. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Packers used more five-receiver sets Sunday than the rest of the NFL had in the previous 11 weeks of the season combined. Well get you the full numbers after the game.

Dont forget: Rodgers was charged with a fumble on a goal-line sneak late in the second quarter. The Falcons recovered for a touchback and scored just before halftime in what was a significant momentum swing. Packers medical officials briefly looked at Rodgers wrist on the sideline, but apparently he did not suffer a serious injury.

Reviewable? Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez converted a fourth-and-3 play on that ensuing drive with a catch that replays later showed to be questionable at best. Packers coach Mike McCarthy didnt challenge the call, but in his defense, a quality television replay didnt surface until several plays later.

Whats next: The Packers host the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Rapid Reaction: Falcons 20, Packers 17 

November, 28, 2010

By Pat Yasinskas

ATLANTA -- I'm heading down to the locker room for interviews and will be back in a bit with a full column. But, first, here's Rapid Reaction on Atlanta's 20-17 victory against Green Bay.

What it means: The Falcons are 9-2 and no team in the league has more wins. This was the kind of victory -- against a very good team -- the Falcons needed if they truly want to be viewed as the class of the NFC.

Hero: Matt Bryant. Atlanta's kicker made a 47-yard field goal to give the Falcons a victory. Bryant actually made the kick twice. He made it while still kicking after the Packers called a timeout to ice him. Then, he followed it up and made it again.

Unsung hero: Eric Weems. He had a nice run on Atlanta's final kickoff return. He also drew a face-mask penalty at the end of the drive that gave the Falcons 15 extra yards and very good field position.

What I liked: Atlanta's overall defense. It wasn't perfect by any means. But the Falcons held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to 17 points on a day when they could have had a lot more.

What I didn't like: Atlanta's pass rush. The Falcons barely touched Rodgers all day. On the final play of the game-tying drive with just under a minute left, the Falcons didn't even try for pressure. They only sent two pass rushers.

What's next: The Falcons travel to Tampa Bay next Sunday.