This is the live blog for the Falcons-Seahawks divisional playoff game. I’ll update this frequently with observations and analysis from the Cohn Zohn.
10:14 The Falcons easily drive 54 yards in 11 plays and 5:20. The Falcons went right after the Seahawks defensive weakness – stopping the run. On that drive the Falcons averaged 5.3 yards per carry. On third and three from Seattle’s 21 yard line, Matt Ryan had Roddy White open in the end zone, but Ryan threw it a second late and Richard Sherman knocked it away. The Falcons make the field goal. 3-0.
10:20 The Falcons stuff Marshawn Lynch on first and second down, and Russell Wilson throws high and incomplete for Sidney Rice on third down. The Seahawks punt.
10:20 Everyone says the Falcons are finesse, they can’t punch a team in the mouth. But they’re punching the Seahawks in the mouth right now. Michael Turner is running down their throats and the front-seven is stout.
10:21 Nate Silver just predicted a Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl.
10:25 Nate Silver’s prediction swing the whole game. Just as the Falcons are driving into the Seahawks territory again, Matt Ryan throws an interception right to Bobby Wagner. Seahawks ball at their 29 yard line.
10:29 Marshawn Lynch gives the ball back to the Falcons. He breaks a tackle in the backfield, runs for about 15 yards and fumbles as he gets hit.
10:37 The Falcons are easily marching down the field once again. They’re at the Seahawks’ one yard line. Maybe Nate Silver should stick to predicting elections.
10:38 First and goal, play action pass to Tony Gonzalez. Touchdown. That was the obvious and correct play call by Dirk Koetter. 10-0 Falcons early.
10:45 The Seahawks offense stalls at midfield when Russell Wilson can’t convert a third-and-8. This game could get out of hand early. The Seahawks’ defense, except for the one interception, has played horrendously.
10:46 First play, Jacquizz Rodgers runs 45 yards. Oh boy.
10:49 Next play, Koetter goes for it all. He calls a deep pass to Julio Jones. Richard Sherman knocks the pass away. He must be the best cornerback in the NFL.
11:00 Matt Bryant makes another field goal and it’s 13-0 Falcons with 9:13 left in the second quarter. The Seahawks are in danger of suffering an early knockout.
11:06 The Seahawks drive all the way to the Falcons’ 10 yard line. It’s fourth and one and Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell calls a handoff to Michael Robinson, the full back. He doesn’t pick up the first down. Duh. Darrell Bevell is the Seahawks’ weakest link. You either hand off to Marshawn Lynch of play fake and throw to Zach Miller in that situation.
11:11 Michael Turner rushes for 33 yards and a few plays later, Ryan throws deep for Roddy White. Touchdown. 20-0 Falcons with 4:16 left in the first half. This is going to be a rout.
11:52 The Seahawks open the second half with a touchdown drive. They’ve been able to move the ball on the Falcons, but the Seahawks have just made mistakes. Russell Wilson almost made a huge mistake on this drive, taking a sack on first down. But he made up for it on the next play, hitting Zach Miller for a 20 yard gain. And then he hit Golden Tate for a touchdown. 20-7 Falcons. Now the Seahawks have to hold up on defense.
12:06 The Falcons go 13 plays and 75 yards for a touchdown. They’re killing the Seahawks.
12:17 The Seahawks just drove the length of the field again. It’s first and 10 at the Falcons’ 13. The Seahawks certainly can move the ball on the Falcons. If the Seahawks can do it, I’d think the 49ers could, too.
12:22 Russell Wilson just ran it in for the touchdown. 27-14 Falcons. If the Seahawks’ defense could stop the Falcons’ offense, the Seahawks could come back and win.
12:29 Matt Ryan just threw deep into double coverage and got picked off by Earl Thomas. The Seahawks needed that break. Now they need to score a touchdown.
12:35 The Seahawks just drove 62 yards in four plays and 1:50. Russell Wilson threw a TD pass to Zach Miller. The Falcons cannot cover him. The 49ers must be rooting for the Falcons to hang on and win. The 49ers could beat Atlanta.
12:40 The Falcons go three and out and lose three yards. They punt and it’s a short punt. The Seahawks will start from their 40 yard line. The Falcons look like they’re crumbling.
12:47 The Seahawks can’t convert a third down at midfield and they have to punt. The Falcons will start from their 20. Let’s see if Matt Ryan can redeem himself.
12:53 The Falcons go four and out. This is it for the Seahawks. 2:30 left.
1:00 Russell Wilson escapes a sack and hits Marshawn Lynch, who runs it down to the 4. Then the Falcons have 12 men on the field. Half the distance to the goal. First and goal from the 2, Marshawn Lynch runs up the middle for a touchdown. The ball pop out as it crosses the goal line. The refs are reviewing the play.
1:03 The refs confirm that it was a touchdown. 27-27. Ryan Longwell has to make the extra point to give the Seahawks the lead.
1:04 He makes it. 28-27 Seahawks with 31 seconds left.
1:07 Matt Ryan hits Harry Douglas for 22 yards. First and 10 at midfield with 18 seconds left.
1:07 And then Ryan hits Gonzalez for 19 yards.
1:08 Matt Bryan will attempt a 50-yard field goal.
1:09 He misses it, but the Seahawks called timeout. Wow.
1:10 Now he nails it. Unbelievable. But it’s not over. There are eight seconds left.
1:12 The Falcons squib the kickoff and the Seahawks recover at their 46 yard line with 6 seconds left.
1:14 The Hail Mary is intercepted. The Falcons win.
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Are you not doing offensive grades because the offense was that good last night?
No, I will. I’m writing them now.
GB didn’t have an answer for the dual threat QB CK. I thought the 9ers would win, but GB didn’t show up last night especially of defense. There isn’t a defense left in the NFC that can handle the dual threat QB CK. ATL receives accolades as the best team in the NFC, but their run defense was ranked 21st, and their pass defense was ranked 23. I don’t see them slowing down the 9ers offense, even in their stadium, with the former 9er HC now running their defense. No way, no how. SEA gave the 9ers fits a few weeks ago, but that is past tense. On defense, their DL has been weakened with the loss of CClem. Playing in SF, I don’t see SEA being able to keep up this time around. Time to start looking into SB tickets.
Hofer
That extra week of rest and preparation did wonders for this team. The D was looking tired going into the playoffs. Last night, they looked fresh. Justin Smith was outstanding. He’ll heal up even more for the NFCCG. The offense is peaking. I get the feeling that LMJ will have a huge game next week regardless of the opponent. The Niners look unstoppable now. Who’s got it better than us? NOBODY.
Nick, I agree. FG looked nimble and fast. I don’t see a team that has a defense that can stop the 9ers. Not even in the SB.
Did J smith have a good game like I predicted?
he played alot better then I thought he was, surprised he played so many downs, he is a beast.
Justin had a good game….not a great one. He was feeling some pain in his arm at one point when the camera went close on him. Just his presence on the field means a lot.
I like the way Michael Turner is knocking down Seahawks. Hope he keeps that up
I take personal accolades for the Ross punt muff yesterday. My seats were near that end zone. The Fans were quiet as we were forced to punt. As the ball was getting closer to Ross, I let loose the loudest “bitch” scream in my life, lol. so loud, I believe I spooked him. YES it was my doing and I’ll die believing it!!
I greatly appreciate that BN, you are the top player on the 9ers ST
Feed the fumblefingers.
Grant
Was that the best QB performance you’ve ever witnessed live?
Where is your QB grade?
Coming up shortly.
You gotta do something to match the spinetingling effect of your dad’s superhero column. CK just doesn’t look like he’s cut from the same cloth as any of the Lilliputians he happens to step onto the field with.
My wife likes how crazy Richard Sherman acts, she even called her mom (who’s from Seattle) to tell her to watch him and how good he is. Disgusting fellas!
I’m not for domestic violence but every man has his breaking point. :-)
You should show her how he hand checks, holds and plays dirty. The next time she tries to go to the bathroom, do it and see if she still likes him, lol
big niner – Hilarious! I will try that, it won’t take long….Women go to the bathroom every 5 min (like male dogs). Sorry 9erGirl, just foolin around.
Crab
You just stay in your LazyBoy and don’t do anything dumb. Where’s your house at? I’ll come handle yer woman so you don’t have to listen to her treachery.
Mr. E…..Lol thanks bro. Corona, Ca….Just look for my hand made 49ers mailbox.
Well if Seattle does come back to win this game, they may be worn down physically for next Sunday.
LOL Crabs
Was your lady on Real Housewives of The OC? Sherman? Really?Shockingly bad taste, LOL!
Tuna – You kill me man.
Do want Atl or Sea to win?
I can’t root for Seattle even with home field at stake; it’s some sort of bio-chemical or allergic thing.
Crabs,
Tell the wife to get a good look at Sherman today. She won’t see him again until next year!
Here in the hills near Healdsburg we have no cable TV, since DTV no broadcast TV, and only dial-up internet. (I drive into town to Watch 49er games) .
Still, I had good old AM radio to listen to NFL games… until last weekend when they switched the playoffs FM radio I can’t get here. Grant, this live blog you are my window to the world of post season football. We are counting on you!
DTV should pick up the nat’l broadcast through local or nat’l stations.
No DTV reception at all. Even with the conversion equipment. Analog TV bounce worked fine for 40 years. DTV zip.
Do you have trees (or hills) blocking the dish? If the dish has direct access to the satellite, there shouldn’t be a problem. ???
Dang B2W
How far out are you? Mill Creek area? Cuz I thought Chalk Hill and Shiloh are still considered civilization….
Brotha Yup, off Mill Creek. 5 miles from Healdsburg Safeway. I watch the 49ers at DeVine.
I’m counting on you Grant!
Falcons blowing out the Seahawks…
Game is a long way from being over.
Um maybe not.
If Nolan’s defense stuffs Seattle’s option offense all day, I wonder how the 49ers will adjust the game plan. Less read option and more of the Pre-Kaep jumbo formations?
Pack your bags were going to Atlanta.
I’m hoping Seattle at least makes a game of it so Atlanta’s defense has to work all 4 qtrs. Any little advantage helps.
abraham out this game
Looks like Game over. Start preparing for Atlanta
It’s going to be very loud next Sunday. Need to get ready for it all week.
Did Seattle really have two red zone possessions and came up with zero points?
Yep bad coaching
ATL can’t cover TE’s. VD and DW should have big games next week in a controlled environment. I just worry about the turf. It took out KH and KW in the New Orleans game…
Agree, the middle looks vulnerable. LMJ could be a target in there too. But Nolan knows our personnel, he may offer different coverages to see if Moss and Ginn and Jenkins can beat coverage.
wow. atlanta really can’t cover the te. can walker catch the ball?
Hopefully Seattle gets a 3 and out on defense and scores makes it a game a wears Atlanta down a little.
MR playing like himself in the playoffs trying to help Sea. Here we go…
TD! Hawks are alive!!
Hey Crab!!!!!!!!!!
It won’t matter, I don’t see either of these teams stopping the 9ers.
Hofe – I like your confidence bro! …Moxy ;)
I’d like to see the Seahawks win this. Even thought they’re scary as hell it would be nice to send them packing from our own turf.
Fans deserve it here. Tens years of misery plus the Stick doesn’t have much life left in her – it would be fitting to have the championship game here at home!
Plus, the NFC West is forcing some respect from the East coast Sports and Propaganda Network. That’s worth it all on its own.
Uh oh
This concerns me.Seattle is playing like the “hot” team in the playoffs.
So far
Plays… Sea 48, Atl 48
Net Yards… Sea 353, Atl 348
Yards per Play… Sea 7.4, Atl 7.3
Looks like Seattle’s red zone mistakes are the difference.
If you go by the win 2, lose 1 formula…
Like “smoking hot” Sarah Harbaugh, I want revenge on Hawks at home!
Wasn’t that a terrific interview she gave? Loved it, it’s the first time I’ve seen her. And like her feisty attitude too. She’s impressive even without good looks.
OK, OK, give me a break, my wife reads the blog. Alleight? ; >)
Tuna – I thought the same exact thing about Sarah.
Just watched wow she is hot love the hair.
Hofer: 12/23/12
I get it – SEA crushed the 9ers on that day. I don’t see it happening now though. Just me?
21-27? Its a game! Lets hope for a quadruple OT slug-out in the bird bowl so the Niners can play a pooped team on 8 days rest.
Bird poop?
Seattle punting it back. Looks like Atlanta might be recapturing the momentum.
Is Seattle that good or is Atlanta that bad?
Falcons are running the ball really well. Didn’t expect them to be this balanced. 9ers have a better run D than Seattle.
NFC Championship 11AM start…..Breakfast beers baby!!
A Ramos Fizz has eggs in it. Just sayin…lol
Falcons punter sucks.
Come on Seattle. Run it up the gut, drive the field, tire out those Atlanta legs, score a TD and miss the PAT. We want quadruple OT!
How bad does that decision to pass on the field goal in the first half look right now?
good point.
Wilson worries me more than Ryan does.
Why isn’t RW running more??
Wow Wilson is good
Whoa Nelly. Here we go.
Man, Seattle is going to win this thing. Holy choke job Batman! NFC Championship game at the Stick!
SEA is the real deal. Wow!!
They are good, but that was an EPIC choke by the Falcons. Matty Ice my ass……
Yeah, I never got the “ice” BS.
Too soon?? LOL
Hofer,
I think he heard us, lmao.
Atlanta = greatest chokers of all time?
FESNYC
Atlanta pathetic, but the most epic choker of all time is Peyton Manning.
i hope so. i want to see the Seahawks go down. but looks like the Falcons may pull it out
That’s a fumble and touchdown!!!! Yessss!!!
Man, they are lucky.
Webster dictionary for Choke:
1. Atl
Sneaky Pete.
There it is. Barring a miracle, we get another home game! Whooop!!!
Damn miracles!
No matter, we are going to kill ATL.
Yes sir. I have no doubt about it.
If the Niners win Sunday, Superbowl. If Seattle wins, the Niners are humiliated at the hands of Carrol. Perfect.
Atlanta’s about to win this game. Matty Ice! Gonzo! Comes down to the kicker.
Atlanta wins? More perfect!!!
Will the Falcons pull it out? Lmao! These playoffs have been insane!
MBryant 33 of 38 FGs made – Hmm!
Yeah, he’s in range now. Ugh.
Hook it!
Icing the kicker just backfired.
Wow. There’s that miracle.
Maybe Seattle runs back the kick. :P
i dont hate Pete Carroll. but i’m glad to see him lose this game!
altho ATL seems able to botch almost any play in the book!!!
Falcons riding high right now. Get ready for some dissapointment next week Atl.
Holy sh%&. That was a great game. Niners and Seahawks next weekend for the right to represent the NFC in the SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What’s your deal?
*Falcons
Wow poor squib kick
Well at least the Falcons lost some confidence, blowing big lead.
I look forward to getting revenge for the NFC Championship game from the ’98 season.
I remember that. Hearst injured right off the bat, the 49ers almost win anyway. March to Atlanta. March On!
yep. if Hearst didnt break an ankle in the first drive, I think we win that game and get our 6th SB.
…altho i really should set aside these grudges… ;-)
Vengeance!
Also – is it just me or does Mike Smith wear a lot of makeup?
20-18, Hearst bust his ankle and never really recovers. Bo jackson like injury.
I like Pete Carroll, and the Seahawks had a hell of a run this year with Wilson and Lynch. Props to them.
Tell ya what, there will be some epic battles in the next couple of years between us and the Hawks. If they get a few more pieces on that team they will be extremely dangerous. Same with us though, we continue to have good drafts and we have some good times ahead in the NFC West!
dont forget about the Rams they are up and coming also.
Was it Maiocco that predicted a Niners vs. Texans Superbowl?
Texans up next, let’s see what they’ve got.
And… well, Watt looked pretty good at least?
Pete Carroll saw the Falcons choking and said “hey! I can choke better than you! Just watch!”
Clem – Lol
Niners look to have a much stronger team than Atlanta. 31-13 SF.
I think Niners will be 2 or 3 point favorites vs Atl.
wow if Mike Smith doesnt work as a coach he could always turn to motivational speaking.
Mike Smith gets credit for worst post game victory speach ever!
+1
+2 lol
49ers match up really well against the Falcons, but we have to get over the “can’t win 3 games in a row” curse we’ve been subjected to. I’m still pretty confident though.
Blessing in disguise, it will help counter any feelings of overconfidence. Just like the FAIL Mary was a blessing in disguise. That play altered the seeding tremendously.
manning had a great return but he Patriots got lucky they only gave up 3.
Vic Fangio vs Mike Nolan.
Someone please tell me why Mike Smith didn’t go for 2 after that last touchdown? It was 29-28 and there’s no way for Sea to get a safety on a kickoff return.
Grant
Are you going to reply to your comments you made on Chronilcle Live with your Dad and Jim K. They were pretty down grading to 9ers and their ability in the game.
Which part the Niners losing 31-27 or Justin Smith not being a factor, needs to listen more to his Dad who was correct.
I missed the Seahawks game, but read that Atlanta MISSED that final field goal before time expired!!……only to get a second try which they made because someone had called a time out. Which Seahawk goat called time out? Was that Pete Carroll himself or a player? That is home field magic at work.
No really, why don’t you look at the video, cheating Pete, called time out and it was a pratice kick.
On the one hand, having the NFCCG at Candlestick would have been great.
On the other hand, every time Pete Carroll cries an angel gets its wings.