Grand Junction’s Ben Garland to Start For Falcons in NFC Playoffs

Grand Junction's Ben Garland will make his fourth NFL start for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC playoffs this weekend.

The Grand Junction native gets the start at left guard because regular starter Andy Levitre is out with an injury. Saturday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams will be Garlands fourth NFL career start, all of which have come this season. He'll have the challenging task of slowing down the Rams' defensive star Aaron Donald.

Garland's teammates have expressed their confidence in his ability. Falcons offensive lineman, Ryan Schraeder, said Garland can be a starter in this league, and quarterback, Matt Ryan, had high praise for #63 on ESPN.com.

"He's been a guy that we can count on all year. He's always extremely well-prepared, does a great job for us on special teams... We have full confidence in Ben."

Garland, now at 6-5 and 275 pounds, is a Central High School product, playing college ball at Air Force. He spent two years with the Denver Broncos, and the last two with Atlanta, including a Super Bowl appearance last year.

In this video clip, Garland talks about making his first NFL start one month ago against the New Orleans Saints.