Last-gasp Falcons survive fightback from Seattle

The Atlanta Falcons survived one of the most outstanding comebacks in recent NFL memory, ending the Seattle Seahawks’ incredible season with a 30-28 victory that sets up an NFC Championship showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were unable to withstand the early dominance of the home team, who flew into a 27-0 lead with a busy running game and some nice control from quarterback Matt Ryan.

All week, the fear around the city was that Atlanta’s fragility in the post-season would come back to haunt them, and when Russell Wilson inspired the visitors to a 28-27 lead with 31 seconds to go, it seemed as though their worst nightmares had come to pass.