Sports

Mr. Automatic: Matt Bryant makes all the big kicks for Falcons heading into NFC title game

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) reacts after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 30-28. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (The Associated Press)

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) reacts after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 30-28. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (The Associated Press)

When Matt Bryant is on the sideline, fully aware the game might be decided by his right leg, he'll drape a towel over his head to shut out the world.

He barely pays attention to the game. He doesn't hear the crowd.

A sense of calmness sweeps over him. For some reason, the towel acts "like a force field."

His methods work. No kicker has been more clutch than Bryant over the last three years — and especially this season. He has won three games for the Atlanta Falcons in the final minute of regulation, including a 49-yard field goal with 8 seconds left in last Sunday's thrilling playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Since the start of the 2010 season, he has five winning kicks, more than anyone else.