Falcons Can’t Take Giant Step to Playoffs

ATLANTA —  The Atlanta Falcons did all they could to clinch a playoff spot.

The New York Giants wouldn’t cooperate.

Led by Quentin McCord, Jay Feely and -- of course -- Michael Vick, the Falcons moved a step closer to their first postseason berth since 1998 with a 36-15 victory over the woeful Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Atlanta (9-5-1) was hoping to make the playoffs with a week to spare, but the Giants (9-6) stayed alive with a 44-27 victory at Indianapolis. Now, it comes down to the final weekend of the regular season.

“It’s very disappointing,” said McCord, who had a career day with seven catches for 182 yards and a touchdown. “We wanted to clinch it this week, but it will be nice to clinch it next week.”

The Falcons did move ahead of New Orleans (9-6) in the NFC wild-card race after the Saints were shocked by Cincinnati

Atlanta will be assured of getting in with a victory at Cleveland, or if the Giants or Saints lose.

“We kept our eyes on the scoreboard,” Vick said. “We were hoping the Giants would fall a little bit. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Now, we’ve got to take care of our business.”

McCord’s big day boosted Vick to a career-high 338 yards passing, even though the left-hander didn’t look especially sharp much of the game.

Vick completed 20 of 38 passes, including a 20-yard touchdown to McCord and a late 44-yard scoring play to Brian Finneran that helped Atlanta end a two-game losing streak.