Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons had a nice throwback night and made big catches all game long on Sunday Night Football. The Cal alum took advantage of mismatches with the Philadelphia Eagles average linebacking corps, and burned the unit for play after play. Gonzalez finished with some huge numbers, catching seven passes from Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
One of those TD catches before halftime was especially impressive. After Ray Edwards scooped up a fumble and was tackled by DeSean Jackson close to the red zone, Ryan went to work and drove Atlanta to 3rd and 3 at the Eagles four-yard line. Gonzalez originally stuttered his body by tilting it in as if he was running a tight end in/crossing route toward the middle of the field to draw Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney inside and away from his route. When the linebacker turned his body, Gonzalez tilted the body back and moved right past him toward the back of the end zone on a seam route. Perfect tight end technique for a quick end zone strike if thrown perfectly.
Ryan didn't the throw ball perfect, but Gonzalez happens to be the greatest tight end ever, so he made some adjustments. Video after the jump!