ATLANTA — Kicker Zane Gonzalez made a last-minute 51-yard field goal to solidify the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 17 win Monday against the Los Angeles Rams inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Why it’s important: The Falcons have now won three games in a row for the first time this season, and none during that streak was bigger than the one Monday night. Coaches and players alike wanted to end this season on a high note regardless of playoff circumstances. This victory keeps those hopes alive with one game left.
Key takeaway: This is a massive win for the Falcons, as the Rams entered with an 11-4 record that already had them bound for the playoffs. Since Sean McVay became the Rams head coach in 2017, Los Angeles has made the playoffs in now seven of the nine seasons. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris worked for McVay from 2021-23 and explained in Week 17 how that experience set his standards in Atlanta. Morris admitted it’ll take time to consistently reach those standards, but Monday’s win shows positive strides are being made.
- More: The Falcons are good in prime time, improving their record to 4-1 this season with the nation watching.
Key moment: Falcons safety Xavier Watts’ second-quarter interception set up the offense at Atlanta’s own 7-yard line. From there, all it took was handing running back Bijan Robinson the ball. He ran it 93 yards to the end zone. The touchdown put the Falcons up 21-0 — a three-score lead they took into halftime. That cushion was important given the Rams’ offense ranked first in scoring.
- More: It was the Falcons’ largest point differential in a first half since 2017. It was the first time the Rams were held scoreless in any half this season.
