The best moments of Matt Bryant’s Atlanta Falcons career
After a pre-season of disappointment from Giorgio Tavecchio, the Atlanta Falcons finally decided to bring Matt Bryant back. Bryant has meant so much to this team over the last decade, making big kick after big kick.
Now that he is back with the Falcons, we can breathe easy knowing that one of the most consistent and beloved kickers is back where he belongs…in the ATL.
Matt Bryant recently signed a one-year deal worth $3 million, according to Ian Rapoport. With this signing, I would like to take a look back at some of Bryant’s best moments with the Atlanta Falcons.
6. 2014 – New Orleans Saints
A huge moment in Bryant’s Atlanta Falcons tenure came in week one of the 2014 season against the New Orleans Saints. With the team down 34-31 with only 1:20 left, Matt Ryan led the charge downfield, getting Bryant in position to do what he does best, come through when the team needs him the most.
With less than a minute remaining, Bryant knocked in a 51-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Bryant again knocked through a clutch 52-yard field goal to give the Atlanta Falcons the victory.
5. 2010 – New Orleans Saints
Another favorite moment of mine is his 46-yard game winning field goal in overtime against the New Orleans Saints. Any time you can steal a game in this fashion from you arch rival, it makes the victory that much sweeter.
4. 2017 NFC WIld Card – LA Rams
His 4-4 performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card game helped to extend the lead to double digits and ultimately put the game away. This moment is one that is extremely impressive given the atmosphere of the game and the Atlanta Falcons history playing in road playoff games.
3. 2012 – Carolina Panthers
The comeback win over the Carolina Panthers in 2012 helped to extend the Atlanta Falcons then perfect record to 4-0. The team was down 28-24 in the fourth quarter with time ticking down. For most teams, they would be thinking touchdown, but not for the Atlanta Falcons. They knew they had the best kicker in the league. Bryant nailed two field goals towards the end of the fourth quarter, sending the fans home happy and once again proving he is the most clutch kicker in the league.
2. 2018 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The final game of the 2018 season saw Bryant kick a game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to give the Atlanta Falcons a 34-32 win in week 17, ending the frustrating season with a glimmer of satisfaction.
1. 2012 – NFC Divisional playoffs – Seattle Seahawks
The kicks mentioned are all great moments that won’t soon be forgotten, but, for me, the top Bryant moment that comes to mind is the NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. Possibly the biggest kick in the franchises history, alongside Morten Anderson’s game-winning kick against the Minnesota Vikings, the 49-yard field goal sent the Falcons to the NFC Championship game and finally gave Mike Smith and the Falcons that much needed playoff victory.
The kick, at first was wide right. But thanks to a Pete Carroll timeout, Bryant was given another attempt and made the most of his second chance.
Next. Ranking the Falcons 53-man roster in order of importance. dark
Game after game, Bryant has proven that he is one of the best to ever to do it and because of his consistency, has become one of the most popular Falcons ever. His return to the team guarantees that, if need be, he will be there to do what he does best, come through when the team needs him the most.