Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

NFC Championship game 2013: Julio Jones inspires hope in record performance

Even though the Atlanta Falcons were eliminated from Super Bowl contention on Sunday, they have plenty to look forward to. We discuss Julio Jones’ record-setting performance against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Atlanta Falcons fell to the visiting San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome on Sunday. This weekend's conference match-ups were action-packed and full of intensity. The Niners and Falcons were the first game of the day, and early on, it looked like Atlanta was going to run away with it.

However, the 49ers wiped away a 17-point deficit and came back in the second half, devastating the Falcons. On the bright side, Atlanta has something special and it looks as if they’ll be annual contenders. Dave Choate of Falcoholics had this post-game reaction following Sunday’s loss:

Jones broke Alfred Jenkins’ single game record, reeling in 11 catches for 182 yards. It was the single most impressive game I’ve ever seen out of an Atlanta wide receiver. In the first half, especially, Jones abused the secondary en route to over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

If there’s a more dyanmic package of size, speed and skill than Jones in this league-one not named Calvin Johnson, at least-I haven’t seen it. Julio basically put the Falcons on his back this game, and considering how close it was, he very nearly got them there. Receivers simply are not supposed to do that, but Jones is capable of it.

Julio Jones was downright unstoppable on Sunday. Even the league's No. 1 defense had no answer for him. Whether he was open or covered, Matt Ryan was going to give Jones a shot and the odds were that the receiver was going to use his athleticism to come down with it.

As a second-year receiver, Jones is going to be a major building block for this franchise going forward.

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield