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Atlanta Falcons
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{{Short description|National Football League franchise in Atlanta, Georgia}}{{pp|small=yes}}{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}







factoids
1966 Atlanta Falcons season>1966Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlanta>Atlanta, GeorgiaHeadquartered in Flowery Branch, GeorgiaFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSPUBLISHER=NFL ENTERPRISES, LLCACCESS-DATE=OCTOBER 10, 2022, 250px)PUBLISHER=NFL ENTERPRISES, LLCDATE=APRIL 8, 2020ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 10, 2020URL-STATUS=LIVE, BERGMAN>FIRST=JEREMYURL=HTTP://WWW.NFL.COM/NEWS/STORY/0AP3000001108685/ARTICLE/FALCONS-UNVEIL-NEW-UNIFORMS-HELMET-AHEAD-OF-2020WEBSITE=NFL.COMACCESS-DATE=APRIL 8, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200409071826/HTTP://WWW.NFL.COM/NEWS/STORY/0AP3000001108685/ARTICLE/FALCONS-UNVEIL-NEW-UNIFORMS-HELMET-AHEAD-OF-2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://GHOSTARCHIVE.ORG/ARCHIVE/20221009/HTTPS://STATIC.WWW.NFL.COM/LEAGUE/APPS/LEAGUE-SITE/MEDIA-GUIDES/2021/2021_NFL_RECORD_AND_FACT_BOOK.PDF#PAGE=143 PUBLISHER=NFL ENTERPRISES, LLCURL=HTTPS://STATIC.WWW.NFL.COM/LEAGUE/APPS/LEAGUE-SITE/MEDIA-GUIDES/2021/2021_NFL_RECORD_AND_FACT_BOOK.PDFACCESS-DATE=SEPTEMBER 16, 2021#000000}} {{color box#A5ACAF}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}| coach = Raheem Morris| owner = Arthur Blank| ceo = Rich McKay| president = Rich McKay| general manager = Terry Fontenot| mascot = Freddie Falconweblink|atlantafalcons.com}}| nicknames = }}The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966WEB, Team History,weblink NFL Enterprises, LLC, 2022 Atlanta Falcons Media Guide, March 27, 2023, as an expansion team, after the NFL offered then-owner Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining the rival American Football League (AFL).In their 57 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 390–503–6 ({{nowrap|380–489–6}} in the regular season and {{nowrap|10–14}} in the playoffs), winning division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls, the first during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos {{nowrap|34–19,NEWS, Hubbuch, Bart, Queens-born owner models Falcons after hometown team,weblink New York Post, January 7, 2012, January 22, 2017, July 4, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170704000038weblink">weblink live, }} and the second 18 years later, a {{nowrap|34–28}} overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.WEB, Falcons are oldest major sports franchise without a league championship after Rangers' World Series win,weblink cbssports.com, November 2, 2023, November 2, 2023, The Falcons' current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season; the team's headquarters and practice facilities are located at a {{convert|50|acre|adj=on}} site in Flowery Branch,WEB, Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility,weblink claycorp.com, May 12, 2016, March 24, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160324000403weblink">weblink live, northeast of Atlanta in Hall County.

Franchise history

{{Further|History of the Atlanta Falcons}}

Professional football comes to Atlanta (1962)

Professional football first came to Atlanta in 1962, when the American Football League (AFL) staged two preseason contests, with one featuring the Denver Broncos vs. the Houston Oilers and the second pitting the Dallas Texans against the Oakland Raiders. Two years later, the AFL held another exhibition, this time with the New York Jets taking on the San Diego Chargers.In 1965, after the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (then known simply as Atlanta Stadium) was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football.MAGAZINE,weblink Sports Illustrated, Minter, Jim, The mayor surrenders Atlanta, July 12, 1965, 14, August 10, 2018, August 10, 2018,weblink live, One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the AFL and NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.WEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons Team History, Nflteamhistory.com, September 3, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080517201016weblink">weblink May 17, 2008, dead, With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen (Cox Broadcasting) worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on {{nowrap|June 8, }} contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city {{nowrap|officials.NEWS,weblink Milwaukee Sentinel, Associated Press, Atlanta gets AFL berth, June 9, 1965, 3, part 2, NEWS,weblink Rome News-Tribune, (Georgia), Associated Press, No-holds-barred war set by grid leagues, June 9, 1965, 11, December 21, 2020, May 5, 2021,weblink live, }} NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta. He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues;NEWS,weblink Spokesman-Review, (Spokane, Washington), Associated Press, NFL stakes Dixie claim, Atlanta, '66, June 22, 1965, 10, by June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.NEWS,weblink Milwaukee Sentinel, Associated Press, NFL wins 'war' for Atlanta stadium, July 1, 1965, 2, part 2, The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams {{nowrap|in 1966,NEWS,weblink Milwaukee Sentinel, UPI, AFL to add 2 teams in '66, June 8, 1965, 3, part 2, NEWS,weblink Spokesman-Review, (Spokane, Washington), Associated Press, American Football League will expand in 1966, June 8, 1965, 16, December 21, 2020, May 5, 2021,weblink live, }} in Atlanta and {{nowrap|Philadelphia.NEWS,weblink Spokesman-Review, (Spokane, Washington), Associated Press, Hackleman, Jim, Pro football leagues duel over juicy Atlanta plum, June 20, 1965, 4, sports, December 21, 2020, May 5, 2021,weblink live, }} It later evolved into the Miami Dolphins in 1966 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. The NFL had planned to add two teams in {{nfly|1967}}; the competition with the AFL for Atlanta forced the first to be added a year early in {{nfly|1966}}. The odd number of teams (15) resulted in one idle team (bye) each week, with each team playing 14 games over 15 weeks (similar to {{nfly|1960}}: 12 games over 13 weeks). The second expansion team, the New Orleans Saints, joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise.The Atlanta Falcons franchise began when it was approved to begin play in 1966 by a unanimous vote of the NFL club owners on June 21, 1965."NFL Votes Franchise To Atlanta," The Associated Press (AP), Tuesday, June 22, 1965. Retrieved February 24, 2023. Rozelle granted ownership nine days later on June 30 to 40-year-old Rankin Smith Sr., an executive vice president of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise. Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta. The Atlanta expansion team became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.WEB,weblink 1966 NFL Draft, September 27, 2008, Pro Football Hall of Fame, December 8, 2007,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071208234646weblink">weblink live, They selected consensus All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the expansion draft six weeks later in which Atlanta selected unprotected players from the 14 existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.The Atlanta team received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the nickname for the new franchise. She wrote: "the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition."WEB, Frequently Asked Questions,weblink Atlanta Falcons, August 5, 2016, August 10, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160810215914weblink">weblink live, WEB, Franchise nicknames,weblink Pro Football Hall of Fame, January 1, 2005, August 5, 2016, October 17, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151017054446weblink">weblink live,

Smith family era (1966–2001)

The Falcons' inaugural season was in 1966, and their first preseason game was on August 1, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Under head coach Norb Hecker, Atlanta lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966; their first victory came on the road against the struggling New York Giants on November 20 in Yankee Stadium. Two weeks later, Atlanta won at Minnesota, and beat St. Louis in Atlanta the next week for their first home win. The team finished the 1960s with 12 wins in four seasons.The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football game in Atlanta during the 1970 season, a 20–7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The only two winning seasons in their first 12 years were {{nowrap|1971 (7–6–1)}} and {{nowrap|1973 (9–5).}}File:1987 Atlanta Falcons Pocket Schedule.jpg|thumb|right|The Falcons' defense taking on Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway during a 1985 game.]]In the 1978 season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Eagles 14–13. The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.In the 1980 season, after a nine-game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett was fired after the loss. The team then had losing seasons for the next eight years.In the 1989 NFL draft, the Falcons selected cornerback Deion Sanders in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise. "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams (New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.File:Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams 1991-12-08 - 01 (Atlanta Falcons crop).jpg|thumb|right|The Falcons playing against the Los Angeles RamsLos Angeles RamsAfter defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card game, the Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins. In the 1991 NFL draft, the Falcons selected quarterback Brett Favre as the 33rd overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of four passing attempts with no receptions and two interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers.In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome, where the team has defeated all 31 other NFL teams at least once during its time there.

Dan Reeves years (1997–2003)

In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves, quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson the "Dirty Bird" Falcons had their greatest season to date. On November 8, they beat the New England Patriots 41–10, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise-best 14–2 regular-season record and the NFC West division championship. On January 17, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in the NFC Championship Game 30–27, in an exciting overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they lost 34–19 to the defending champion Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.In the second game of the Falcons 1999 season, running back Jamal Anderson, who had been a key player in the Falcons' 1998 success, suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons finished the season with a very disappointing 5–11 regular-season record. In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.In the 2001 NFL draft, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers, acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback Michael Vick) in exchange for wide receiver-return specialist Tim Dwight and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson).The Falcons finished the 2001 season with a record of 7–9 and missed the playoffs. Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta.

Arthur Blank era (2002–present)

On December 6, 2001, Arthur M. Blank reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons' Taylor Smith to purchase the team. In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase.NEWS,weblink Arthur Blank buys Falcons from Smith family, December 17, 2001, January 9, 2012, February 3, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140203033114weblink">weblink live, The 2002 season saw the Falcons return to the playoffs with a regular-season record of 9–6–1, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was Vick's first year as the starter, and the team, with newly acquired running back Warrick Dunn, delivered the Green Bay Packers their first home playoff loss ever. A 20–6 loss to the Donovan McNabb-led Philadelphia Eagles the following week, however, ended the Falcons' season.On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo.PRESS RELEASE, Falcons unveil new logo,weblink NFL Enterprises, LLC, AtlantaFalcons.com, March 19, 2003,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20030623173517weblink">weblink June 23, 2003, August 4, 2016, During the 2003 preseason Vick broke his leg and missed the first 12 games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to release head coach Dan Reeves. Wade Phillips acted as interim coach for the final 3 games. Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Vick, they ended up with a 5–11 record that year. In 2004, a new head coach, Jim L. Mora, was hired and Vick returned for the full season. The Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earning a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the St. Louis Rams, 47–17, in the Georgia Dome, advancing to the NFC Championship Game, which they lost to the Eagles, 27–10.The Falcons again fell short of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in {{nfly|2005}}, going 8–8. In {{nfly|2006}}, Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039. After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed and Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced him. Before the 2007 season began, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia. On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster.For the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback. On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino resigned without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas, leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room. Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas was named interim coach for the final three games of the season on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.After the tumultuous and disappointing 2007 season, the Falcons made a number of moves, hiring a new general manager and head coach, drafting a new starting quarterback, and signing a starting running back.On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff General Manager.WEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons: Thomas Dimitroff, atlantafalcons.com, September 29, 2014, October 9, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141009185506weblink">weblink dead, On January 23, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens Mike Smith was named the Falcons' new head coach.WEB,weblink Coaches, AtlantaFalcons.com, September 29, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130313170557weblink">weblink March 13, 2013, dead, Chargers back-up running back Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year, $30 million deal on March 2.WEB,weblink Recent news on Michael Turner – Unsigned Free Agent, Rotoworld.com, September 29, 2014, October 26, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141026205132weblink">weblink live, On April 26, Matt Ryan (quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Falcons.WEB,weblink 2008 NFL Draft Listing, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, December 16, 2017, November 3, 2018,weblink live, The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seed in the playoffs.WEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons Stats at NFL.com, nfl.com, March 13, 2009, March 7, 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090307161519weblink">weblink live, On December 21, 2008, Atlanta beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals, 30–24.Matt Ryan started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.WEB,weblink Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons – 2015 Player Profile, Rotoworld.com, September 29, 2014, September 29, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140929004354weblink">weblink live, First-year head coach Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year.Although they failed to make the playoffs in 2009 the team rallied to win their final three regular-season games to record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7.In 2010, with a regular-season record of 13–3, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21. The Falcons scored 414 points – the fifth-most in franchise history. The team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the 2011 Pro Bowl.NEWS, Cox, Daniel, Pro Bowl Breakdown: ST,weblink AtlantaFalcons.com, January 30, 2011, June 30, 2019, June 30, 2019,weblink live, The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the 2011 NFL draft to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones sixth overall. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first-, second- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012. Jones, along with teammates Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, have since been dubbed Atlanta's "Big Three" (based on their total number of reception yards).WEB,weblink Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers emerging as Falcons top back, Singer, Mike, November 28, 2012, CBS Sports, January 3, 2013, On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions for the 2011 season and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.NEWS,weblink CNN, Galleries, September 5, 2011, The Falcons finished the season at 10–6, securing the fifth seed after a Week 17 beatdown of Tampa Bay in which the Falcons pulled their starters after leading 42–0 just 23 minutes into the game.The Falcons then went on to play the New York Giants in a 2011 NFC Wild Card Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The first half was a defensive struggle, with the first points coming off of a safety by the Falcons, giving Atlanta a 2–0 lead. In the second quarter, though, Eli Manning connected with Hakeem Nicks for a short touchdown pass to make it 7–2 Giants heading into the second half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more touchdown passes to Mario Manningham and Nicks and the defense completed its shutout of the Falcons to give the New York Giants the win, 24–2, and the Falcons their third straight playoff loss with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith.WEB,weblink Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants – January 8th, 2012, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, December 28, 2017, August 14, 2017,weblink live, After the season, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder accepted a coaching job at Auburn University, and the offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey took the head coaching job in Jacksonville.Atlanta exploded out of the gate, going a franchise-best 8–0 and remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year. Their hopes to get an undefeated season came to an end with a 27–31 loss to the division rival Saints. Julio Jones had a remarkable second year, grabbing 10 touchdowns and 1,198 yards. The Falcons finished the season 13–3, and clinched the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.The Falcons played the Seattle Seahawks in their first playoff game. Although they went down 28–27 with only 31 seconds left on the clock, Matt Ryan led the team to their first playoff victory, 30–28. It was the only playoff victory in the Mike Smith era.The Atlanta Falcons then advanced to face the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons seized control of the game early with a Matt Bryant field goal, a trio of Matt Ryan touchdown passes caught by Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez coupled with outstanding defensive play. By the end of the half, the score was 24–14. The tides of the game began to shift in the second half as the 49ers rallied back with a pair of Frank Gore touchdown runs. Atlanta's offense attempted to reply but were ultimately shut down by the 49er defense. A few series later, late in the 4th quarter with little time remaining, Atlanta found themselves in a 4th and 4 situation at the 10-yard line. The Falcons needed just 10 more yards to secure victory and advance to their first Super Bowl berth in 14 years. Matt Ryan fired a pass to Roddy White which was ultimately broken up by inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, resulting in a 28–24 defeat.Following the success of the previous season, the Falcons were an expected Super Bowl contender. However, injuries hampered the team's performance and the team finished the season 4–12. With that, the streak of consecutive winning seasons came to an end and Mike Smith had his first losing season as a head coach. Tony Gonzalez, in his final season in the NFL, was selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl as a starter representing Team Rice. Following the conclusion of the 2012 season, director of player personnel Les Snead departed the team to join the St. Louis Rams and Dave Caldwell, assistant to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, left the team to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scott Pioli, former GM of the Kansas City Chiefs, was announced as the Falcons' new assistant GM. Mike Smith was given a one-year extension on his contract as head coach. The Falcons had the 6th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft with which they selected Jake Matthews, who played as offensive tackle for Texas A&M.Despite having another rough season, the Falcons still had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs at the end of the regular season. The Falcons hosted the Carolina Panthers in their regular season finale, with the winners clinching the NFC South division. Unfortunately, the Falcons lost in a 34–3 blowout as Matt Ryan threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and got sacked six times. The Falcons finished the season 6–10, marking the second consecutive losing season for the team.WEB, Panthers use opportunistic defense to crush Falcons, win NFC South,weblink ESPN.com, ESPN Internet Ventures, March 21, 2015, March 21, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150321085908weblink">weblink live, The following day, Mike Smith was fired after seven seasons as head coach.WEB, Patra, Kevin, Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith,weblink NFL.com, NFL Enterprises LLC, March 21, 2015, March 17, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150317094252weblink">weblink live, The Falcons would soon hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the team's 16th head coach.WEB, Stites, Adam, Dan Quinn named Atlanta Falcons head coach,weblink SB Nation, January 25, 2015, Vox Media, Inc., March 21, 2015, March 12, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150312012710weblink">weblink live, The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft with which they selected Vic Beasley, a defensive end from Clemson University.WEB, Fitzgerald, Matt, 2015 NFL Draft Results: Complete List of Picks, Analysis of Major Storylines,weblink Bleacher Report, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., May 24, 2015, May 24, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150524222537weblink">weblink live,

Dan Quinn years (2015–2020)

File:Dan Quinn 2015 intro press conference.jpg|thumb|Dan Quinn ]]In February 2015, the team was investigated by the NFL for alleged use of artificial crowd noise in the Georgia Dome.NEWS, Schefter, Adam, NFL investigating Atlanta Falcons for fake crowd noise at Georgia Dome,weblink ESPN, February 1, 2015, August 5, 2016, April 29, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160429100321weblink">weblink live, The Falcons lost a 2016 NFL draft selection as a result of the league's investigation.WEB, Patra, Kevin, Atlanta Falcons lose 2016 pick for pumping fake noise,weblink National Football League, March 30, 2015, August 5, 2016, August 12, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160812220806weblink">weblink live, Dan Quinn's first season saw a 5–0 start, the team's best start in four years. They would then struggle throughout the rest of the season by losing 8 of their last 11 games, resulting in an 8–8 record. They did, however, give the Panthers their only regular-season loss. The Falcons used their first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft on safety Keanu Neal from the University of Florida.In the Falcons' 25th and final season in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta lost their week 1 game to the Buccaneers 24–31. The Falcons would then win their next four including one over the Panthers, when the franchise set new records: Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards, and Julio Jones caught 12 passes for 300 yards. Beating the San Francisco 49ers 41–13 in Week 15, the Falcons improved to 9–5 and secured their first winning season since 2012. One week later, the Falcons defeated the Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, and clinched their first NFC South division title since 2012. In their last regular-season game at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints, and secured an 11–5 record and a first-round bye.In the divisional round of the playoffs, Atlanta defeated the Seahawks 36–20 in the Georgia Dome, and hosted their last game at the Dome against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game on January 22, 2017. The Falcons defeated the Packers 44–21 to advance to Super Bowl LI as the NFC champions. Atlanta was up 28–3 late in the third quarter, and the New England Patriots scored 31 unanswered points, with the last 6 in the first-ever overtime in the Super Bowl. The Patriots' 25-point comeback was the largest in Super Bowl history.WEB, Patriots' Tom Brady earns 4th Super Bowl MVP trophy with epic comeback,weblink NBC Sports, February 6, 2017, February 6, 2017, February 6, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170206185538weblink">weblink live, In 2016, the Falcons scored 540 points in the regular season, the seventh-most in NFL history, tied with the Greatest Show on Turf (the 2000 St. Louis Rams).WEB, Falcons tied Greatest Show on Turf for record 7th most points scored ever,weblink The Falcoholic, January 2, 2017, January 15, 2017, January 18, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170118065859weblink">weblink live, However, the Falcons defense gave up 406 points, 27th in the league.WEB, 2016 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players,weblink Pro-Football-Reference.com, January 15, 2017, August 7, 2017,weblink live, The Falcons moved into their new home, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this season. Their first game ever played at the new stadium was a preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The first regular-season game at the new stadium was a rematch of the 2016–17 NFC Championship, with Atlanta defeating Green Bay 34–23. Their first loss of the season was a 23–17 home defeat to the Buffalo Bills in week 4.WEB,weblink 2017 Atlanta Falcons Schedule & Game Results, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, December 10, 2017, December 10, 2017,weblink live, The team returned to the playoffs with a 10–6 record (albeit with a third-place finish in the NFC South). The Falcons defeated the Los Angeles Rams 26–13 in the Wild Card round, but their 2017 season came to an end a week later in the Divisional Playoff round at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 15–10.In their first game with new uniforms, the Falcons lost to the Seattle SeahNEWS, April 25, 2024, Michael Penix Jr. taken by Falcons in NFL draft surprise,weblink awks at home 38–25. The Falcons then suffered comebacks made by both the Cowboys on the road (39–40) and then back in Atlanta against the Bears (26–30). On October 11, after the team suffered a 23–16 loss at home against the Carolina Panthers and fell to 0–5, the Falcons announced the firings of Quinn and Dimitroff.WEB, Report: Atlanta Falcons to move on from Dan Quinn,weblink Touchdown Wire, October 11, 2020, October 11, 2020, October 27, 2020,weblink live, Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris took over for the rest of the season, leading the team to a 4–12 record. Morris was not retained after the season, and soon joined the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive coordinator.

Arthur Smith years (2021–2024)

On January 15, 2021, the Falcons announced that Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had been named the 18th head coach in franchise history.WEB, It's official: Falcons name Arthur Smith head coach,weblink 2021-12-23, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, Four days later, New Orleans Saints executive Terry Fontenot was named the Falcons' new general manager.WEB, Falcons name Terry Fontenot general manager,weblink 2021-12-23, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, Tight end Kyle Pitts was selected with the 4th pick of the 2021 draft, and longtime star receiver Julio Jones was traded to the Titans, after publicly requesting a trade from Atlanta.WEB, Falcons draft tight end Kyle Pitts with No. 4 overall pick,weblink 2021-12-23, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, WEB, 2021-06-06, Titans GM: Adding WR Jones 'big day' for team,weblink 2021-12-23, ESPN, en, The Falcons improved on their record from the prior year, finishing the season with a 7–10 record.On March 21, 2022, the Falcons traded longtime star quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.WEB, Falcons trade Matt Ryan to Indianapolis Colts,weblink 2022-03-21, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, During the 2022 season, the team finished last place in the NFC South with a 7–10 record.The Falcons entered the 2023 seasons with heightened expectations after drafting Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick of the 2023 draft and making significant improvements in free agency, including signing Jessie Bates and Calais Campbell to improve their defense.WEB, Flick, Daniel, 2023-03-31, Calais OFFICIALLY Signs With Falcons to 'Surprise Some People!',weblink 2024-01-08, Sports Illustrated Atlanta Falcons News, Analysis and More, en, However, the team finished with a 7–10 record for the third consecutive season, although they had been in contention for a playoff spot until the final day of the season before a 48–17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on January 7, 2024.WEB, Saints 48-17 Falcons (Jan 7, 2024) Game Recap,weblink 2024-01-09, ESPN, en, The following day, Smith was fired after three years as head coach.WEB, Atlanta Falcons part ways with head coach Arthur Smith,weblink 2024-01-09, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US,

Raheem Morris years (2024-present)

On January 25, 2024, the Falcons announced Raheem Morris's return to the organization, this time as the 19th head coach in Falcons history.WEB, Raheem Morris named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons,weblink 2024-01-26, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, During the early months of his tenure, Morris faced scrutiny and criticism for his questionable player selection decisions.NEWS, April 29, 2024, Falcons coach Raheem Morris compares himself to Taylor Swift after NFL Draft pick scrutiny,weblink

Stadiums

The Falcons have called three stadiums home in their 51 years of existence, and its third home in their history opened in the late summer of 2017. The first was the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, sharing with the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team until 1991. In 1992, the Georgia Dome was built, and the Falcons played there from its opening to the 2016 season. The Dome has been frequently used for college football, including Georgia State football and college bowl games such as the Peach Bowl.In an effort to replace the aging Georgia Dome and potentially host a future Super Bowl, team owner Arthur Blank proposed a deal with the city of Atlanta to build a new state-of-the-art stadium not far from where the Georgia Dome is located. Blank will contribute $800 million and the city of Atlanta will contribute an additional $200 million via bonds backed by the city's hotel/motel tax towards the construction of a retractable roof stadium. Blank will contribute additional money for cost overruns if it is needed. The team will provide up to $50 million towards infrastructure costs that weren't included in the construction budget and to retire the remaining debt on the Georgia Dome. In addition, Blank's foundation and the city will each provide $15 million for development in surrounding neighborhoods. Though the total cost of the stadium was initially estimated to be around $1 billion,WEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons, city officials agree on financing terms for new $1 billion stadium, ESPN, March 7, 2013, February 17, 2014, April 8, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140408214042weblink">weblink live, the total cost was revised to $1.5 billion according to Blank.WEB, Saporta, Maria, New Falcons stadium cost 'rises up' – again – another $100 million,weblink Atlanta Business Chronicle, May 24, 2015, April 17, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150417165642weblink">weblink live, In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium.WEB,weblink Atlanta City Council approves Falcons stadium funding, myfoxatlanta.com, March 18, 2013, February 17, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140222100730weblink">weblink February 22, 2014, dead, The retractable roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground in May 2014, and became the third home stadium for the Falcons and the first for the new Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer club upon opening in 2017.

Logo and uniforms

(File:NFC-Throwback2-Uniform-ATL.PNG|thumb|150px|Falcons uniform: 1971–1989)(File:NFC-Throwback-Uniform-ATL.PNG|thumb|150px|Falcons uniform: 1997–2002)(File:Atlanta falcons unif 16.png|thumb|220px|Falcons uniform: 2016–19, including the throwback edition)The Atlanta Falcons' colors are black, red, silver and white.AV MEDIA, February 13, 2013, Evolution of the Falcons' colors,weblink March 30, 2017, NFL Enterprises, AtlantaFalcons.com, When the team began play in 1966, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by two gold stripes and two white stripes. These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (white and gold) and the Georgia Bulldogs (red and black). Although the gold was removed after several seasons, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978. The facemasks on the helmets were initially gray, becoming white in 1978, and then black in 1984; the team wore black face masks until its 2020 redesign.A prototype white helmet was developed for the team prior to the 1974 season, but was never worn.In 1990, the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys. The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997. (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)Both the logo and uniforms changed in 2003. The logo was redesigned with red and silver accents to depict a more powerful, aggressive falcon, which now more closely resembles the capital letter F.BOOK, Uniform History,weblink NFL Enterprises, 2019 Atlanta Falcons Media Guide,weblink August 13, 2019, July 29, 2020, September 2, 2020,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20200902001856weblink">weblink live, Although the Falcons still wore black helmets, the new uniforms featured jerseys and pants with red trim down the sides. The uniform design consisted of either black or white jerseys, and either black or white pants. During that same year, a red alternate jersey with black trim was also introduced. The Falcons also started wearing black cleats with these uniforms.PRESS RELEASE, Falcons unveil new uniforms at fan rally,weblink NFL Enterprises, AtlantaFalcons.com, April 24, 2003,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20030705011150weblink">weblink July 5, 2003, August 4, 2016, dead, In 2004, the red jerseys became the primary jerseys, and the black ones became the alternate, both worn with white pants. In select road games, the Falcons wear black pants with white jerseys. The Falcons wore an all-black combination for home games against their archrivals, the New Orleans Saints, winning the first two contests (24–21 in {{nfly|2004}} and 36–17 in {{nfly|2005}}), but losing 31–13 in {{nfly|2006}}. The Falcons wore the all-black combination against the New Orleans Saints for four straight seasons starting in 2004, With the last time being in 2007, losing 34–14. They wore the combination again in 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The Falcons won that game, 14–3. The Falcons also wore their all-black uniform in 2007 against the New York Giants, and in 2008 against the Carolina Panthers and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (for the second time). After that, the black pants and uniforms were retired and the white pants were now used full-time with the regular uniforms.In the 1980s, the Falcons wore their white uniforms at home most of the time because of the heat. When the Falcons started playing in a dome, the team switched to their dark uniforms for home games but have worn their white uniforms at home a few times since switching to the dome. It was announced at the 2009 state of the franchise meeting that the Falcons would wear 1966 throwback uniforms for a couple games during the 2009 season. The Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback jerseys for two home games in 2009 – against the Carolina Panthers on September 20 and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29. The Falcons won both of those games. They donned the throwbacks again for 2 games in 2010, against Baltimore and San Francisco, winning both of those games as well. The throwbacks were used twice in 2011 and 2012; both times were against the Panthers and Saints. However, the throwbacks were retired following a 2013 NFL rule requiring only one helmet shell per team.The Falcons unveiled an all-red Color Rush uniform on September 13, 2016; however, due to the fact that the Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had similar all-red Color Rush uniforms, the Falcons were unable to wear their Color Rush uniform until the 2017 season.NEWS, NFL AND NIKE REVEAL COLOR RUSH UNIFORMS,weblink NFL Enterprises, AtlantaFalcons.com, September 13, 2016, June 30, 2019, June 30, 2019,weblink live, NEWS, Tabeek, Matthew, LOOK: THREE STRAIGHT HOME GAMES WITH THREE DIFFERENT UNIFORM COMBINATIONS FOR FALCONS,weblink NFL Enterprises, AtlantaFalcons.com, December 4, 2017, June 30, 2019, April 26, 2019,weblink live, Also in 2016, the Falcons unveiled a mixed throwback uniform set. The uniform tops, pants and socks closely resembled their 1960s kits. From 2016 to 2021, due to the NFL's one-shell rule, the Falcons wore the black helmets with the original logo decal similar to the design they wore in the 1990s. However, starting in 2022, with the NFL now reinstating the use of alternate helmets, the Falcons brought back the original red helmets to pair with their throwback uniforms.NEWS, Haley, Matt, Bair, Scott, What you need to know about Falcons classic red helmet, how it fits into 2022,weblink NFL Enterprises, AtlantaFalcons.com, June 1, 2022, June 2, 2022, It was revealed in January 2020 that the Falcons will change uniforms for the 2020 NFL season.NEWS, Shook, Nick, Atlanta Falcons to have new uniforms for 2020 season,weblink NFL Enterprises, NFL.com, January 14, 2020, January 22, 2020, January 24, 2020,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20200124013434weblink">weblink live, The ensuing design featured the return to black as the primary home uniform color for the first time since 2003. Both the primary home and road uniforms featured the "ATL" abbreviation in red above either white or black numbers with red drop shadows. The white and black tops are usually paired with either white or black pants. The alternate uniform featured a red/black gradient design and also featured the "ATL" abbreviation in white above white numbers with black drop shadows. Black pants are only used with this uniform. All three uniforms feature red side stripes. The current throwback uniform was also retained. In addition, the Falcons switched to matte helmets with the enlarged falcon logo and gray facemasks.NEWS, Bergman, Jeremy, Falcons unveil new uniforms, helmet ahead of 2020,weblink NFL Enterprises, NFL.com, April 8, 2020, October 9, 2020,

Rivalries

Divisional

New Orleans Saints

The Falcons have shared a heated divisional rivalry with the New Orleans Saints (first the NFC West, and now the NFC South). The two teams were often basement-dwellers in the division; but the rivalry grew as a means of pride between the two cities, as they were the only two NFL teams in the Deep South for multiple decades. The series is the oldest and most iconic rivalry in the NFC South as the two teams have long harbored bad blood against one another.WEB,weblink Tomlinson: Falcons-Saints rivalry runs deep, Tomlinson, Tommy, 2014-09-02, ESPN, en, 2019-07-12, July 12, 2019,weblink live, The series is currently tied at 55–55, including the most recent loss to the Saints on January 7, 2024, when the Falcons lost 48–17.

Carolina Panthers

In addition, the Falcons share a similar, rivalry with the Carolina Panthers, with both teams having been in the NFC West from the Panthers' founding in 1995 to the NFL realignment in 2002. Similar to their rivalry with the Saints, the Falcons have often endured several competitive divisional battles with the Panthers for lead of the NFC South, though the two have yet to meet in the postseason. The series is also known as the "I-85 Rivalry"WEB,weblink The I-85 Divide: When the Falcons and Panthers first met in 1995, everything changed, McFadden, Will, 2018-09-13, www.atlantafalcons.com, en-US, 2019-07-07, due to Atlanta and Charlotte being only four hours apart on Interstate 85.WEB, Jussim, Matthew, 10 most intense NFL rivalries,weblink 2022-08-10, Men's Journal, en-US, WEB, Penny, Austin, September 23, 2008, Panthers-Falcons Rivalry Sees Renewed Importance,weblink 2022-08-10, Bleacher Report, en, The Falcons lead the series 27–17.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Falcons share a less-intense divisional rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since the NFL realignment in 2002. The two had been regional opponents but very little had linked any further animosity towards the two as the Buccaneers played in the former NFC Central before the realignment.WEB, 2010-08-17, SI.com – Photo Gallery – Top 10 New NFL Rivalries,weblink 2022-12-27, August 17, 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100817012329weblink">weblink bot: unknown, WEB, Ikic, Adnan, 2021-09-18, Falcons vs. Buccaneers: a look at the series history,weblink 2022-12-27, The Falcoholic, en, WEB, Series History: Buccaneers-Falcons,weblink 2022-12-27, www.buccaneers.com, en-US, The two teams would find themselves competing over staff and players alike, particularly during the 2000s after the Falcons had lured general manager Rich McKay after winning Super Bowl XXXVII the season prior. McKay's ties with Tampa extend into his family as his father John McKay was head coach of the Buccaneers for nine seasons.WEB, Falcons Lead Bucs in All-Time Series,weblink 2022-12-27, www.buccaneers.com, en-US, WEB, Beheler, Christopher, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A History of Violence,weblink 2022-12-27, Bleacher Report, en, BOOK, Pete, Williams,weblink The draft : a year inside the nfl's search for talent, 2013, St. Martin's Press, 978-1-4299-1001-9, 865093417, WEB, Choate, Dave, 2021-09-15, What is the defining moment of the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry?,weblink 2022-12-27, The Falcoholic, en,

Conference

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles lead the Falcons 21–15–1, with a 3–1 lead in playoff games. The rivalry first emerged after the Falcons upset the Eagles in the (1978–79 NFL playoffs#NFC: Atlanta Falcons 14, Philadelphia Eagles 13|1978 Wild Card Round), and only intensified further in the 2000s thanks to the rivalry between prominent dual-threat quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick. Recently, the Falcons lost to the Eagles in the (2017–18 NFL playoffs#NFC: Philadelphia Eagles 15, Atlanta Falcons 10|2017 divisional round).NEWS, Dave Choate, Falcons-Eagles rivalry history: Bitterness and bitter defeats abound over 31 games,weblink SB Nation, September 13, 2015, December 8, 2021, NEWS, Ed Kracz, Eagles Open Season in Atlanta, Where There is Plenty of History with Falcons,weblink Sports Illustrated, May 12, 2021, December 8, 2021,

Green Bay Packers

The Falcons have also shared a playoff rivalry with the Green Bay Packers as much of the connections between the two teams stems from Atlanta trading future hall-of-fame quarterback Brett Favre to the Green Bay on February 11, 1992, in exchange for a first-round pick.WEB, Glazer, Jay, Jay Glazer, August 6, 2008, Packers trade Favre to Jets,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080819213402weblink">weblink August 19, 2008, August 6, 2008, Fox Sports on MSN, The month-long saga has finally come to an end, with the Packers agreeing to trade their future Hall-of-Fame quarterback to the New York Jets, FOXSports.com has learned., WEB, December 13, 2010, Favre's consecutive start streak comes to an end at 297,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151010082450weblink">weblink October 10, 2015, October 28, 2011, NFL.com, The two teams have met four times in the postseason, most recently during the 2016–17 NFC Championship as it would also be the final game played at the Georgia Dome.WEB,weblink Bad blood simmering in emerging Packers-Falcons rivalry, NFL.com, WEB,weblink Budding rivalry: Packers-Falcons meet again in Atlanta, September 14, 2017, WEB,weblink Rivalry grows between Packers and Falcons as Sunday showdown awaits, The Packers lead the all-time series 19–16, while both teams are tied in the postseason 2–2.

Statistics

Season-by-season records

Record vs. opponents

Includes postseason recordsWEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons Team Encyclopedia, August 17, 2008, 2008, Pro Football Reference, April 10, 2008,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080410215704weblink">weblink live, Source:WEB,weblink Atlanta Falcons Head-to-Head Records, Pro-Football-Reference.com, March 31, 2018, November 10, 2017,weblink live,
Arizona Cardinals>St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals 16 16 0 {{winpct16Mercedes-Benz Stadium >| 0–1 postseasonBaltimore Ravens >20}} L 16–26 December 2, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Buffalo Bills >70}} L 15–29 January 2, 2022 Highmark Stadium (New York) >|Carolina Panthers >370}} W 24–10 September 10, 2023 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Chicago Bears >140}} W 27–24 November 20, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cincinnati Bengals >50}} L 36–37 September 30, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cleveland Browns >40}} W 23–20 November 11, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dallas Cowboys >110}} L 3–43 November 14, 2021 AT&T Stadium 0–2 postseasonDenver Broncos >70}} W 34–27 November 8, 2020 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseasonDetroit Lions >140}} W 20–16 December 26, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Green Bay Packers >150}} W 25–24 September 17, 2023 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 2–2 postseasonHouston Texans >20}} L 32–53 October 6, 2019 NRG Stadium Indianapolis Colts>Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts 2 15 0 {{winpct15Lucas Oil Stadium >|Jacksonville Jaguars >50}} W 21–14 November 28, 2021 TIAA Bank Field Kansas City Chiefs >30}} L 14–17 December 27, 2020 Arrowhead Stadium Los Angeles Chargers>San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers 8 3 0 {{winpct3SoFi Stadium >|Los Angeles Rams>St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams 28 48 2 {{winpct48| 2–0 postseasonMiami Dolphins >50}} W 30–28 October 24, 2021 Hard Rock Stadium Minnesota Vikings >110}} W 40–23 October 18, 2020 U.S. Bank Stadium >| 1–1 postseasonNew England Patriots >60}} L 0–25 November 18, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
|-
New Orleans Saints >540}} W 24–15 November 26, 2023 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1–0 postseasonNew York Giants >140}} W 17–14 September 26, 2021 MetLife Stadium 0–1 postseasonNew York Jets >90}} W 13–8 December 3, 2023 MetLife Stadium Las Vegas Raiders>Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 8 7 0 {{winpct7|Philadelphia Eagles >141}} L 6–32 September 12, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1–3 postseasonPittsburgh Steelers >21}} L 17–41 October 7, 2018 Heinz Field San Francisco 49ers >321}} W 28–14 October 16, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1–1 postseasonSeattle Seahawks >70}} W 25–38 September 25, 2022 Lumen Field 2–0 postseasonTampa Bay Buccaneers >280}} L 17–30 December 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tennessee Titans>Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers 7 8 0 {{winpct8|Washington Commanders >101}} L 30–34 October 3, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason! Total || 385|| 455 || 6 || {{winpct|385|455|6}} || || || || 10–14 ({{winpct|10|14|0}})
    • Notes International Series

Single game records

  • Rushing: Michael Turner, 220 (September 7, 2008)
  • Passing: Matt Ryan, 503 (October 2, 2016)
  • Passing touchdowns: Wade Wilson, 5 (December 13, 1992) and Matt Ryan, 5 (September 23, 2018)
  • Receptions: William Andrews, 15 (September 15, 1981)
  • Receiving yards: Julio Jones, 300 (October 2, 2016)
  • Interceptions: Several Falcons, 2, most recently Jessie Bates, 2 (September 10, 2023)
  • Field goals: Norm Johnson, 6 (November 13, 1994)
  • Total touchdowns: T. J. Duckett, 4 (December 12, 2004) and Michael Turner, 4 (November 23, 2008)
  • Points scored: T. J. Duckett, 24 (December 12, 2004) and Michael Turner, 24 (November 23, 2008)
  • Sacks: Adrian Clayborn, 6 (November 13, 2017)

Single season records

Career records

  • Passing attempts: 6,817 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Passing completions: 4,460 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Passing yards: 51,186 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Passing touchdowns: 321 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Passing interceptions: 147 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Passing rating: 94.6 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)
  • Rushing attempts: 1,587 Gerald Riggs (1982–1988)
  • Rushing yards: 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–1988)
  • Rushing yards by a QB: 3,859 Michael Vick (2001–2006)WEB,weblink Michael Vick: Career Stats at NFL.com, nfl.com, December 26, 2008, January 6, 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090106182140weblink">weblink live,
  • Rushing touchdowns: 60 Michael Turner (2008–2012)
  • Receiving catches: 808 Roddy White (2005–2015)
  • Receiving yards: 12,125 Julio Jones (2011–2020)
  • Receiving touchdowns: 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)
  • Quarterback sacks: 68.5 John Abraham (2006–2012)
  • Pass interceptions: 39 Rolland Lawrence (1973–1980)
  • Field goal attempts: 296 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)
  • Field goals made: 224 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)
  • Points: 1,163 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)
  • Total touchdowns: 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)
  • Pass interception return yards: 658 Rolland Lawrence (1973–1980)
  • Pass interception returned for touchdowns: 4 Deion Jones (2016–2022)
  • Punt return yards: 1,723 Allen Rossum (2002–2006)
  • Kickoff return yards: 5,489 Allen Rossum (2002–2006)
  • Longest punt: 75 John James (1972–1981) and Harold Alexander (1993–1994)
  • Longest field goal: 59 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007) and Matt Bryant (2009–2019)

Players

{{See also|List of Atlanta Falcons players}}

Current roster

{{Atlanta Falcons roster}}">

Pro Football Hall of Famers{| class"wikitable" style"text-align:center"

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};"|Atlanta Falcons Hall of Famers! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Players! style="width:40px;"|No.! style="width:150px;"|Name! style="width:80px;"|Position! style="width:100px;"|Tenure! style="width:100px;"|Year inducted8 >Tommy McDonald (American football)>Tommy McDonald Wide receiver >| 199829 >Eric Dickerson >Running back>RB 1993 199921 >Deion Sanders >Cornerback>CB 1989–1993 201156 >Chris Doleman >Defensive end>DE 1994–1995 201287 >Claude Humphrey >Defensive end>DE 1968–1978 20144 >Brett Favre >Quarterback>QB 1991 20165 >Morten Andersen >Placekicker>K 1995–20002006–2007 201788 >Tony Gonzalez >Tight end>TE 2009–2013 201993 >Dwight Freeney >Defensive end>DE 2016 202417 >Devin Hester >Kick returner>KR/Wide receiver >| 2024Humphrey is the only player in the Hall of Fame who spent the majority of his career with the Falcons.

Ring of Honor

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|No.! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Player! style="width:80px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Position! style="width:120px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Tenure! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Inducted10 >Steve Bartkowski >Quarterback>QB 1975–1985 2004HTTP://WWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM/HISTORY/RING-OF-HONOR/>TITLE=ATLANTA FALCONS – RING OF HONORACCESS-DATE=NOVEMBER 20, 2010ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20101119130234/HTTP://ATLANTAFALCONS.COM/HISTORY/RING-OF-HONOR/WEBSITE=ATLANTA FALCONS DATE=NOV 9, 2010, TABEEK >FIRST1=MATTHEW URL=HTTPS://WWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM/NEWS/FALCONS-FANS-ASK-ABOUT-GREG-KNAPP-DRAFTING-A-QB-TEVIN-COLEMAN-DEION-SAN-20293810 ATLANTA FALCONS >ACCESS-DATE=27 FEBRUARY 2024 TITLE=WHY BIJAN ROBINSON CHOSE TO WEAR NO. 7 WITH FALCONS WEBSITE=ATLANTA FALCONS DATE=MAY 12, 2023, 21 >Deion Sanders >Cornerback>CB 1989–1993 201028 >Warrick Dunn >Running back>RB 2002–2007 201731 >William Andrews (American football)>William Andrews Running back >| 200442 >Gerald Riggs >Running back>RB 1982–1988 201357 >Jeff Van Note >Center (gridiron football)>C 1969–1986 200658 >Jessie Tuggle >Linebacker>LB 1987–2000 200460 >Tommy Nobis >Linebacker>LB 1966–1976 2004|62|Todd McClureCenter (gridiron football)>C|1999–2012|202278 >Mike Kenn >Tackle (American football)>T 1978–1994 200884>Roddy White>Wide receiver>WR 2005–2015 2019HTTPS://WWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM/NEWS/RODDY-WHITE-TO-BE-INDUCTED-INTO-FALCONS-RING-OF-HONOR >TITLE=RODDY WHITE TO BE INDUCTED INTO FALCONS RING OF HONOR ARCHIVE-DATE=NOVEMBER 3, 2019 URL-STATUS=LIVE, 87 >Claude Humphrey >Defensive end>DE 1968–1978 2008

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Starting quarterbacks

Draft history

Coaching staff

Head coaches

File:Arthur Smith 2019 12-22.jpg|thumb|250px|Arthur Smith (pictured in 2019), is the most recent Atlanta Falcons head coach.]]{{see also|History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches}}In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 18 head coaches.WEB, History of Atlanta Falcons Head Coaches,weblink NFL Enterprises, LLC, AtlantaFalcons.com, August 4, 2016,weblink May 21, 2018, dead, {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};"|Coach!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};"|Years!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};"|Record!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};"|NotesNorb Hecker >({{winpct26|1}})}}Fired after three games in 1968.}}Norm Van Brocklin >({{winpct48|3}})}}Fired after eight games in 1974.}}Marion Campbell >({{winpct19}})}}Fired after five games in 1976.}} style="background:silver;"Pat Peppler >({{winpct6}})}} {{Small|Interim head coach.}}Leeman Bennett >({{winpct41}})}} Dan Henning >({{winpct41|({{winpct36}})}}Retired after 12 games in 1989.}} style="background:silver;"Jim Hanifan >({{winpct4}})}} {{Small|Interim head coach.}}Jerry Glanville >({{winpct37}})}} June Jones >({{winpct29}})}} Dan Reeves >({{winpct59| style="background:silver;"Wade Phillips >({{winpct1}})}} {{Small|Interim head coach.}}Jim L. Mora>Jim Mora 2004–2006 26–22 {{Small26|Bobby Petrino >({{winpct10}})}} {{SmallArkansas Razorbacks football>Arkansas.}} style="background:silver;"Emmitt Thomas >({{winpct2}})}} {{Small|Interim head coach.}}Mike Smith (American football coach)>Mike Smith 2008–2014 66–46 {{Small66|Dan Quinn (American football)>Dan Quinn 2015–2020 43–42 {{Small43Fired after 5 games in 2020.}} style="background:silver;"Raheem Morris >({{winpct7}})}} {{Small|Interim head coach.}}Arthur Smith (American football coach)>Arthur Smith 2021–2023 21–30 {{Small21}})}} ({{winpct0}})}}

Current staff

{{Atlanta Falcons staff}}

Radio and television

The Falcons' flagship radio station is WZGC 92.9 The Game.WEB, Ho, Rodney, 92.9/The Game becomes a Falcons affiliate,weblink Radio & TV Talk with Rodney Ho, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 19, 2014, August 27, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170827090937weblink">weblink dead, Wes Durham, son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels voice Woody Durham, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer, with former Atlanta Falcons QB and pro football veteran, Dave Archer serving as color commentator.In 2014, The CW affiliate WUPA became the official television station of the Falcons, gaining rights to its preseason games, which are produced by CBS Sports.WEB, Falcons Announce New Local TV Partner,weblink NFL Enterprises, LLC, AtlantaFalcons.com, February 27, 2014, June 30, 2019, June 30, 2019,weblink live, In the regular season, the team's games are seen on Fox's O&O affiliate WAGA. When the Falcons challenge an AFC team, CBS affiliate WANF will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on WXIA, the local NBC affiliate.

Radio affiliates

(File:Atlanta Falcons radio affiliates.png|thumb|300px|right|Map of radio affiliates.)Source:WEB, Atlanta Falcons – Radio Affiliate Stations,weblink NFL Enterprises, LLC, AtlantaFalcons.com, September 29, 2014,weblink May 1, 2018, dead, ">

Georgia{| class"wikitable"

!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | FrequencyAlbany, Georgia>Albany WSRA-AM 1250 AMAthens, Georgia>Athens WRFC (AM)-AM >| 960 AMAtlanta >WZGC (FM)>WZGC-FM (Flagship) 92.9 FMBrunswick, Georgia>Brunswick WSFN-AM 790 AMClarkesville, Georgia>Clarkesville WDUN-FM 102.9 FMColumbus, Georgia >WDAK-AM >| 540 AMWBOJ >| 1270 AMDalton, Georgia>Dalton WBLJ (AM)-AM >| 1230 AMDouglas, Georgia>Douglas WDMG (AM)-AM >| 860 AMGainesville, Georgia>Gainesville WDUN (AM) >| 550 AMGriffin, Georgia >WKEU (AM)>WKEU-AM 1450 AMWKEU-FM >| 88.9 FMHogansville, Georgia>Hogansville WGST (AM)-AM >| 720 AMJesup, Georgia >WLOP-AM >| 1370 AMWIFO-FM >| 105.5 FMLaGrange, Georgia>LaGrange WMGP-FM 98.1 FMLouisville, Georgia >WPEH (AM)>WPEH-AM 1420 AMWPEH (AM)>WPEH-FM 92.1 FMMacon, Georgia>Macon WXKO-AM 1150 AMMilledgeville, Georgia>Milledgeville WMVG-AM 1450 AMNewnan, Georgia>Newnan WRZX (AM) >| 1400 AMSandersville, Georgia>Sandersville WJFL-FM 101.9 FMSavannah, Georgia >WSEG-AM >| 1400 AMWSEG-FM >| 104.3 FMStatesboro, Georgia>Statesboro WPTB-AM 850 AMSwainsboro, Georgia>Swainsboro WJAT-AM 800 AMThomaston, Georgia>Thomaston WTGA-FM 101.1 FMToccoa, Georgia>Toccoa WNEG (AM)-AM >| 630 AMValdosta, Georgia>Valdosta WVGA (FM) >| 105.9 FMVidalia, Georgia>Vidalia WVOP-AM 970 AMWaycross, Georgia>Waycross WFNS (AM)-AM >| 1350 AM">

Alabama{| class"wikitable"

!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | FrequencyFoley, Alabama>Foley WHEP-AM 1310 AM">

Mississippi{| class"wikitable"

!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | FrequencyJackson, Mississippi>Jackson WYAB-FM 103.9 FM">

South Carolina{| class"wikitable"

!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | FrequencyClemson, South Carolina>Clemson WCCP-FM 104.9 FM">

Tennessee{| class"wikitable"

!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | FrequencyChattanooga, Tennessee>Chattanooga WALV-FM 95.3 FMHTTP://WWW.CHATTANOOGAN.COM/2016/11/3/335344/BRAVES-NEW-HOME-IN-CHATTANOOGA-IS.ASPX>TITLE=BRAVES NEW HOME IN CHATTANOOGA IS BREWER MEDIA'S ESPN 105.1 THE ZONEARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20170923050747/HTTP://WWW.CHATTANOOGAN.COM/2016/11/3/335344/BRAVES-NEW-HOME-IN-CHATTANOOGA-IS.ASPXURL-STATUS=DEAD,

Notes and references

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

{{Commons category}} {{Atlanta Falcons}}{{NavboxesAtlanta Falcons|border=2}}|list ={{Atlanta Falcons roster navbox}}{{NFL}}{{Georgia Sports}}{{Atlanta Sports}}{{Atlanta}}}}{{Authority control}}

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