Monday 17 October 2016 06:54, UK
The Seattle Seahawks scored a 54-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to beat their NFC rivals Atlanta Falcons 26-24. Matt Ryan led a third quarter comeback as the Falcons scored 21 points to take the lead, but it was Steven Hauschka, who earlier missed field goal and extra point attempts, to secure the win.
In 140 Characters...
Late pass interference penalty not given to hand Seahawks victory. Two touchdowns for Christine Michael and a Hauschka field goal seals it.
MVP
Despite the loss, Matt Ryan still added more weight to his case for the season's most valuable player. After a first half where Atlanta were held to 86 yards of total offence, the quarterback finished with 335 yards and three touchdowns.
Game-changer
Ryan throws to Julio Jones, but the wide receiver spills the ball and Earl Thomas is underneath to recover for the Seahawks, who go on to score a game-winning, 54-yard field goal.
Stat of the night
21 - Before this game the Seahawks had not given up a point in the third quarter. Matt Ryan and the Falcons had 21 and took the lead.
The game
In the opening quarter, both quarterbacks fumbled but while Russell Wilson got away with his, Matt Ryan wasn't so lucky as Tony McDaniel recovered for the Seahawks. They took advantage, Christine Michael running in for a nine yard score.
It wasn't until the middle of the second quarter that the Falcons got themselves on the board. Two first down completions to Julio Jones set up a 33 yard field goal conversion from Matt Bryant.
Seattle extended their lead as Wilson led his side 75 yards off eight plays, Alex Collins barrelling in from two yards to score the first touchdown of his NFL career. With 40 seconds to go in the half, Steven Hauschka added a 42-yard field goal to give the Seahawks a 17-3 lead going into half time.
It was a difficult half for Ryan, who had just 71 yards passing, but Atlanta came out quickly in the second, and were immediately on the board as the quarterback found his favourite receiver Julio Jones for a 36-yard touchdown throw.
The Falcons levelled just five minutes later as Mohamed Sanu completed an eight-play drive to make it 17-17, before they took the lead at the end of the quarter as tight end Levine Toilolo found space for a 46 yard catch and run.
After a poor snap, Hauschka missed a field goal chance, and he then missed the extra point attempt after Michael scored his second rushing touchdown of the night with five minutes to go. This gave Atlanta a one point lead and possession, and the Falcons looked to be in control until Jones tipped Ryan's pass to Earl Thomas who intercepted, giving the Seahawks the ball at midfield. Hauschka made the 54-yard field goal and Seattle held on for the victory.
It could have ended differently as Sherman looked to have obstructed Jones with just seconds remaining, but the officials failed to call it, and the Seahawks improve to 4-1 in what could prove to be an important win for play-off seedings.
