Coming into this game, the Falcons were expected to win handily over a struggling Bucs football team, and so far that looks like it will hold true. With over three minutes left in just the first quarter, Atlanta already leads 21-0 in the Georgia Dome, and two more Ryan-to-Jones TD connections are in the books.
Michael Turner, who struggled back in week three against Tampa, already has 56 yards rushing on only eight carries, including a 26-yard run on his first touch of the game. The Falcons would embark on a 12-play, 80 yard drive, capped off by a one-yard TD run by Jacquizz Rodgers.
After the defense forced a three and out (Kroy Biermann would sack Josh Freeman on third down), the Falcons marched right back down the field for another score. This time, Matt Ryan would find Julio Jones on a drag route, and he'd run it in for a 17-yard touchdown catch:
Then Dominique Franks, filling in for an inactive Brent Grimes, would intercept a poor Freeman pass around midfield, giving the ball right back to a red-hot Falcons offense. What would follow is quite possibly the most impressive Falcons play of the year.
On the first play following the turnover, Ryan would heave the ball downfield and hit Jones again in double coverage. Having not been touched, Jones regained his feet and fought through multiple would-be tacklers for a 48-yard touchdown, his second of the day. Watch and be amazed:
The Falcons now lead 21-0 and are rolling in the Georgia Dome. With Packers now all but guaranteed of holding on to beat the Lions, that's a double win for the Dirty Birds.
Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation and Rams blog Turf Show Times, plus SB Nation Bay Area and SB Nation St. Louis.