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In my preview, I said the Green Bay Packers would defeat the Falcons by a score of 31-17. They've been giving me so much confidence over the past few weeks. But I wasn't expecting a 48 to 21 beating over the NFC's No. 1 seed. This was like the thumping the Packers put on the Giants three weeks ago. Watch out Seahawks. Watch out Bears. But now it's time to vote for this game's MVP.
It's time to pick the game's MVP, and let the gushing start about QB Aaron Rodgers. I don't know how many quarterbacks have completed 31 passes in a playoff game, but I'm guessing it's a short list. 366 yards, 3 TD passes (1 TD run), 10.2 yards per attempt, no turnovers. And he dodged a blitzing defender on at least three near sacks. A distant second on offense is WR Jordy Nelson. He caught all eight passes thrown to him including a touchdown. Also, six of his seven other receptions went for a first down. The only one that didn't was for nine yards and set up a 2nd and 1.
CB Tramon WIlliams owned the second quarter with his two interceptions. If the Falcons were going to keep up, it was going to have to be a shootout, and Williams almost single handedly ended that threat. LB Clay Matthews had two sacks, two tackles for a loss, and two quarterback hits. And he recovered a fumble. I don't know if he'd say he's completely over the shin injury that made him a non-factor in their last meeting, but it looks like the early season MVP candidate is back.
Off to Chicago or Seattle next week! More on the Falcons at The Falcoholic. More on the Bears at Windy City Gridiron. More on the Seahawks at Field Gulls.