If you are a fan of the Atlanta Falcons, the 2019 NFL season was rather disappointing. It started off with such great promise and a dynamic offense on paper, but instead turned into a roller coaster and a guaranteed losing season. This team wasn't throwing in the towel earlier, though.
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After taking down the Carolina Panthers in Week 14, the Falcons completely stunned the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium the following week. How they captured the road win in Santa Clara, Calif. is one of the most impressive feats in NFL history.
The Falcons scored two touchdowns and 12 points total in a span of only two seconds. That's not a mistake, either. It's a new record.
What a night. pic.twitter.com/93cu5kJsaL
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 16, 2019
Scoring two touchdowns in under 10 seconds had only happened twice in the previous 10 years. The Carolina Panthers did so in five seconds against the Arizona Cardinals back in 2009, and the St. Louis Rams accomplished the feat in six seconds against in the Houston Texans in 2013.
Rams are 1st team to score 2 touchdowns in a span of 6 seconds since the Panthers did so in 5 seconds in 2009 at Cardinals. @EliasSports
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 13, 2013
But two touchdowns in two seconds? Good luck to anyone trying to break this record.
Matt Ryan Finds Julio Jones for Game-Winning TD
NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT ONE!
TOUCHDOWN JULIO! pic.twitter.com/JAeuwHL9RE
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 16, 2019
Facing third-and-goal on the five-yard line and only five seconds remaining, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan found wide receiver Julio Jones in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
So with two seconds remaining, Matt Ryan kneeled down on the two-point conversion to make sure the extra point was not blocked and returned.
Somehow, the five-yard touchdown pass was not the final score of the game.
Olamide Zaccheaus Fumble Recovery TD
We'll take that TD, too! pic.twitter.com/ZXrN8KnLCE
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 16, 2019
On the game's final kickoff, the Falcons kicked it short and into the hands of Deebo Samuel. He then lateraled it to Richie James, who then pitched it Raheem Mostert.
However, Mostert fumbled it, the ball rolled near the goal line, and Olamide Zaccheaus scooped it up for a special teams touchdown with no time remaining.
The Falcons scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to earn the win over one of the best teams in the NFC, but it was far from conventional.
Falcons-49ers Reaction
Absolutely thrilling. pic.twitter.com/YvloK1mTQ4
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 16, 2019
The Niners could have easily won the football game. A Jimmy Garoppolo 2-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk and a Robbie Gould field goal should have been enough to stay atop the NFC East standings with the Seattle Seahawks.
Instead, they were tied after a wild finish, and tight end George Kittle's monster performance was ruined.
As for the Falcons, head coach Dan Quinn's team is showing some fight. A playoff berth and Super Bowl bid isn't happening, and Matt Ryan isn't winning the MVP award, but it was nice to see the offense click when it mattered most, especially watching Jones catch a pair of TD passes, including another 5-yard pass in the second quarter.
A win like this might be enough to keep Quinn on the sideline next year, too.
This article was originally published December 16, 2019.
