GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Bryant snatched off his helmet in agony. He rubbed his head in dismay and stared at the ground in disbelief.
The 44-year-old veteran kicker's missed extra point attempt after a Devonta Freeman's 12-yard touchdown reception from Matt Ryan was a microcosm of how grueling this season has been for the Atlanta Falcons. Nothing has gone their way, even when things appeared to be on the up and up.
Bryant pulled the kick wide left with less than two minutes remaining, allowing the Cardinals to maintain a 34-33 lead instead of giving the Falcons a chance to tie and maybe win the game.