 It was a big reversal of declining fortunes for the team, who had failed to qualify to play in the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.The Falcons were loaded with offensive firepower, leading all NFL teams in scoring with 540 points.Nine-year veteran quarterback Matt Ryan earned the NFL MVP and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, as well as his fourth career Pro Bowl selection, leading the league in passer rating (117.1).