The Falcons played hard in this game before coming up just a bit short yesterday.  Matt Ryan completed 26 of 40 passes for 199 yards with 2 TD passes and 2 interceptions.  Michael Turner had one of his toughest games of the season as he only finished with 42 yards rushing on 18 carries (2.3 ypc) with a TD run.  He also lost a fumble that was returned for a TD.  Roddy White (11 rec, 84 yards, TD) and Michael Jenkins (5 rec, 51 yards) led the way in the passing game for the Falcons yesterday.  The Falcons finished up with 60 yards rushing on 24 carries (2.5 ypc) and they also completed 24 of 40 passes for 190 yards.

Linebacker Coy Wire and safety Erik Coleman led the way for the Falcons on defense with 8 tackles apiece.  The Cardinals finished up with 86 yards rushing on 28 carries (3.1 ypc) and they also completed 19 of 32 passes for 271 yards.

23-year old rookie QB Matt Ryan was outstanding for the Falcons this season as he led them to the playoffs.  Ryan played in 16 games (all starts) this season and he completed 265 for 434 (61.1%) for 3,440 yards with 16 TD passes and 11 interceptions (87.7 QB Rating).  He also carried the ball 55 times for 104 yards (1.9 ypc) with 1 TD run.  Ryan is such a beacon in the darkness that was the Falcons the last couple of seasons due to Michael Vick spending time in prison for dog fighting.  Now the Falcons can get rid of Vick once and for all and move on.

31-year old Chris Redman will likely be the backup for the Falcons again next season despite not playing a down in 2008.  He has played in 17 games (10 starts) in his NFL career and he has completed 195 of 347 passes (56.2%) for 2,190 yards with 17 TD passes and 10 interceptions (79.5 QB Rating).  He has also carried the ball 21 times for 28 yards (1.3 ypc).