49ers Come Back To Beat Falcons, 34-24

Dec 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of the final regular season game at Candlestick Park. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

For a bit, it seemed like the Atlanta Falcons would pull off the impossible, and win a game against a decent team. But, in the end, the Falcons that we know and love showed up to seal the victory for San Francisco and help them clinch a playoff spot.

Where’s the fun in playing spoiler, right?

With 1:10 left to play, Matt Ryan threw an 89-yard pick-six to NaVorro Bowman that would end the Falcons last hope of pulling out a win.

Ryan had a pretty mediocre day by all statistical accounts, but of course, the offensive line’s contributions are swept under the rug in that area so don’t think he was bad or anything. He threw for 348 yards on 37/48 passing and threw two touchdowns and two picks. His main target was Roddy White throughout the night. White was targeted 15 times and hauled in 12 catches for 141 yards and a score. Tony Gonzalez was also a frequent man on Ryan’s list–he had 8 receptions and a touchdown as well.

Meanwhile, the 49ers ran over Atlanta all day, with each of their three running (and quarter) backs averaging more than 4.5 yards per carry. Frank Gore had 21 touches for 97 yards and a score, Kendall Hunter had three carries for 51 yards and Colin Kaepernick ran the ball six times and managed 51 yards and a touchdown. Kaepernick also threw for a touchdown and didn’t throw a single pick. He was 13/21 with 197 yards through the air.

In the end, there’s really not a lot to say about this one unless you’re a San Francisco fan–if you are, feel free to go wild and celebrate that last victory in your old stadium. If you’re a Falcons fan… well, you’re probably used to this by now.