Ranking the Atlanta Falcons’ players: No. 25 (tie), Matt Bryant and Matt Bosher

There were some tough calls, indeed. Here's the 25th rated players (tie):

No. 25 (tie): PK Matt Bryant and P Matt Bosher

Bryant: Season 12; Age: 38; Height: 5-9; Weight: 203

Bosher: Season 3; Age: 25; Height: 6-0; Weight 208

The kicker and the punter are on the list because both are tough hombres.

The diminutive Bryant, who booted the game-winner over Seattle in the divisional round of the playoffs, is still clutch. Also, he’ll stand up for the team in the heat of the battle like he did last season at Carolina's Greg Hardy last season.

He set the franchise record for most points in a single season (138) and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Bryant’s 49-yard game winning field goal against Seattle was the 15th game-winner of his NFL career and his sixth as a member of the Falcons.

Since joining the Falcons in 2009, Bryant has made on 31 of 41 field goal attempts from 40 yards or longer.

Bosher punts and handles the kickoffs. He’s on the list because he doesn’t mind mixing it up as a tackler. He had four special teams tackle in addition to breaking his own franchise record for net punting average (40.7 yards) and he set a franchise record for most touchbacks in a single season with 45.

Last year, Bosher punted 60 times for 2,827 yards (47.1 yard average). Bosher, who appears to have a Pro Bowl trip or two in his future, placed 22 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

In part because of Bosher’s hang-time, the Falcons’ punt coverage team has consistently been one of the top units in the NFL over the last five seasons. In 2012, the Falcons held opponents to 9.3 yards per return.

The Falcons special teams units, under the directior of coordinator Keith Armstrong, led the league in fewest penalties with seven.


(ajc.com)