Atlanta Falcons Get Bye And Await Wild Card NFC Playoffs At Home January 14

The Atlanta Falcons are flying high right now. What a difference a year makes. It seems the team is finally getting comfortable with one another and with the direction of second year Coach Dan Quinn, Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan and Defensive Line Coach Bryan Cox.

Last year about this time the fans were restless and disappointed and boos could be heard around the Georgia Dome during the final game of the season. There was no post season action for the birds. But, this year is a different story. Not only did the Falcons clinch the NFC South title,they also scored a second seed and a bye allowing them to rest up and not see a playoff opponent until the second week of action at home.

This year the Falcons are sending six players to the NFL Pro Bowl, the largest number from any NFL team. 2017 Pro Bowlers are Quarter Back Matt Ryan, Wide Receiver Julio Jones, Running Back Devonta Freeman, Outside Line Backer Vick Beasley Jr.Kicker Matt Bryant and Center Alex Mack were all selected for the Pro Bowl to be played Sunday, January 29 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando Florida. Ryan is also being touted for the MVP and the Walter Payton Man of The Year. He was selected as the Falcons Walter Payton Man of the Year and the NFL winner will be announced during the Super Bowl.

It is the first time for Matt Bryant 15 year career and at 41 years of age to be selected for the Pro Bowl. The kicker has had an outstanding year. He was Player of the Week against the Carolina Panthers in game 15 converting 4 of 5 field goals, two at 50 plus yards. He won Player of the Month for Special Teams in October.

Deion Jones, a rookie out of Louisiana State won Player of the Month in September and Freeman in his second year out of Florida State was named Player of the Week against the San Francisco 49ers in week 13.

Most times it is the offensive players like the Quarter Back Ryan, Wide Receiver Julio Jones and Running Backs Freeman and Tevin Coleman who receive all of the attention. But the Falcons have drafted some outstanding defensive players in recent years whose performances are shining brightly.

Vick Beasley Jr in his second year out of Clemson was Player of the Week during week 4. In Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, he went out injured and surprised his coaches when he returned to the game. Beasley who is in his sophomore year out of Clemson is going to the Pro Bowl and considered to be one of the standouts in the NFL. "He is finding all details to get better. Spending more time in the film room studying opponents," said Defensive Line Coach Cox of Beasley noting veteran LB Dwight Freeny's presence on the team is "huge for him". The coach pointed out Beasley's toughness. "He is as fast as anybody, strong as anybody and is as laid back as anybody," he has seen in the game.

"Feeling I have when I get a big play is a lot of excitement. I know I am helping my team get a turnover and hopefully bring the momentum to the offensive side of the ball, saidBeasley. " What I want people to say when they see me is that he is relentless, doesn't mind taking one for the team. He's not an individual player. He definitely tries to put the team on his back and do whatever it takes to get a win."

Another young defensive stand out is Saftely Keanu Neal. The rookie out of the University of Florida's fifth forced fumble Sunday tied for the most by any rookie defensive back in NFL history on Sunday against the Saints. He racked up a total of 105 tackles this season followed by Deion Jones who had 106.

Next up, after the Falcons defeated their rival the New Orleans Saints 24-7 where 30 alumni attended the final game in the Dome including former Falcons QB Michael Vick, the team gets a bye week and await a yet to be determined opponent in the second round of NFC Wild Card games on Saturday, January 14 home at the Georgia Dome.

The Falcons have Risen Up to the occasion this Season. Superbowl???