Jump to content

Atlanta Falcons: Difference between revisions

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Undid revision 761428941 by Lionden777 (talk) wait until game is officially over
No edit summary
Line 28: Line 28:
** '''[[NFC South]] (2002–present)'''
** '''[[NFC South]] (2002–present)'''
| conf_champs =
| conf_champs =
* '''NFC:''' {{nfly|1998}}
* '''NFL:''' {{nfly|2016}}
* '''NFC:''' {{nfly|1998}}, {{nfly|2016}}
| div_champs =
| div_champs =
* '''NFC West:''' {{nfly|1980}}, {{nfly|1998}}
* '''NFC West:''' {{nfly|1980}}, {{nfly|1998}}
Line 34: Line 35:
| no_league_champs = 0
| no_league_champs = 0
| no_sb_champs = 0
| no_sb_champs = 0
| no_conf_champs = 1
| no_conf_champs = 2
| no_div_champs = 6
| no_div_champs = 6
| championships=
| championships=

Revision as of 23:30, 22 January 2017

Atlanta Falcons
Current season
Atlanta Falcons logo
Atlanta Falcons logo
Atlanta Falcons wordmark
Atlanta Falcons wordmark
LogoWordmark
Established June 30, 1965; 59 years ago (June 30, 1965)
First season: 1966
Play in Georgia Dome
Atlanta, Georgia
Headquartered in Flowery Branch, Georgia
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1966–present)
Uniforms
Team colorsBlack, Red, Silver, White[1][2]        
MascotFreddie Falcon
Personnel
Owner(s)Arthur Blank
CEORich McKay
General managerThomas Dimitroff
Head coachDan Quinn
Team history
  • Atlanta Falcons (1966–present)
Team nicknames
The Dirty Birds, Grits Blitz (1977 defense)
Championships
League championships (0)
Conference championships (2)
Division championships (6)
Playoff appearances (13)
Home fields

The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 joined the NFL in 1965[2] 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). The AFL instead granted a franchise to Miami (the Miami Dolphins). The Falcons are tied with the Dolphins (who also began play in 1966) for being the oldest NFL franchise in the Deep South, and are the oldest NFC team in that region.

In their 51 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 349–449–6 (341–437–6 in the regular season and 8–12 in the playoffs), winning division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. Their only Super Bowl appearance was during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII, when they lost to the Denver Broncos 34–19.[3]

The Falcons play their home games at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Construction began on Mercedes-Benz Stadium in May 2014, with play projected to begin there during the 2017 season. Their headquarters and practice facilities are located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Georgia.[4]

Franchise history

Further information: History of the Atlanta Falcons

Professional football first came to Atlanta in 1962, when the American Football League 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 was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the American Football League and the National Football League, 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.[5]

With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. 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.[2] He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. By June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965, when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle granted ownership to 41-year-old Rankin Smith Sr.. Smith an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia at the time, paid $8.5 million the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise.[2] Former commissioner Pete 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 franchise became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first pick in the 1966 NFL draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.[6] The Falcons drafted All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas with the first pick of the draft, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the 1966 NFL Expansion Draft six weeks later in which the Falcons selected unprotected players from existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.[2]

The Atlanta Falcons Football Club received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, Georgia, was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the nickname for the new franchise. Elliott 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."[7][8]

1966–1977: Early struggles

The Falcons had their first season in 1966, and their first preseason game on August 1, 1966, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Under Head Coach Norb Hecker they lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966 and secured their first victory on the road against the New York Giants. The team finished the 1960s with only 12 wins. The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football game in Atlanta during the 1970 season. The only two winning seasons in this twelve-year period were 1971 and 1973.

1978–1989

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 would then have losing seasons for the next eight years.

1989–1996

In 1989, the Falcons drafted 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 (the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.

The Falcons playing against the Los Angeles Rams during a 1991 away game.

After 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 1991, the Falcons drafted Brett Favre as the thirty-third overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of 4 passing attempts with 0 receptions and 2 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 since its opening.

1997–2000: The Dan Reeves era

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 Minnesota 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.[2] In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.

2001–2006: The Michael Vick era

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. 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.[9]

The 2002 season saw the Falcons return to the playoffs with a regular season record of 9–6–1, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers in a heated contest. It was Michael 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.[10][2] During the 2003 preseason Michael Vick broke his leg and missed the first twelve 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 Michael Vick, they ended up with a dismal 5–11 record that year. In 2004, a new head coach, Jim L. Mora, was hired and Michael 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 2005, going 8–8. In 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.

2007

Main article: 2007 Atlanta Falcons season

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.

2008–2014: The Mike Smith era

Mike Smith

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.[11] 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.[12] Chargers back-up RB Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year deal, $30 million deal on March 2.[13] On April 26, Matt Ryan (quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Falcons.

2008

Main article: 2008 Atlanta Falcons season

The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seat in the playoffs.[14] 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.[15] First-year head coach Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year.

2009

Main article: 2009 Atlanta Falcons season

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.[3]

2010

Main article: 2010 Atlanta Falcons season

In 2010, with a regular season record of 13–3, their best regular season record since the 1998 Super Bowl season, 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 – third-most in franchise history in 2010.[3] The Falcons 2010–2011 team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.

2011

Main article: 2011 Atlanta Falcons season

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).[16] 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.[17] 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 2nd quarter, though, Eli Manning connected with Hakeem Nicks for a short touchdown pass to make it 7–2 Giants heading into the 2nd half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more TD 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. After the season Defense Coordinator Brian VanGorder accepted a coaching job at Auburn University, and the offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey took the head coaching job in Jacksonville.

2012

Main article: 2012 Atlanta Falcons season

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 New Orleans 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 nearly 15 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.

2013

Main article: 2013 Atlanta Falcons season

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 New England Patriots, 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.

2014

Main article: 2014 Atlanta Falcons season

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.[18] The following day, Mike Smith was fired after seven seasons as head coach.[19] The Falcons would soon hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the team's 16th head coach.[20] The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft with which they selected Vic Beasley, a defensive end from Clemson University.[21]

2015–present: The Dan Quinn era

2015

Main article: 2015 Atlanta Falcons season
Dan Quinn

In February 2015, the team was investigated by the NFL for alleged use of artificial crowd noise in the Georgia Dome.[22] The Falcons lost a 2016 NFL Draft selection as a result of the league's investigation.[23]

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 Carolina 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.

2016

Main article: 2016 Atlanta Falcons season

In the Falcons' 25th and final season in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta lost their Week 1 game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24–31. The Falcons would then win their next four including one over the Carolina Panthers, when the franchise set new records. Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards, and Julio Jones caught twelve passes for 300 yards. With a 41–13 thrashing of the San Francisco 49ers 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 Seattle Seahawks 36–20 in the Georgia Dome, and will host their last game at the Dome against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game on January 22, 2017.

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).[24] However, the Falcons defense gave up 406 points, 27th in the league.[25]

Stadiums

Main article: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Falcons have called only two stadiums home in their 51 years of existence, and will have a third home in their history 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 have played there since its opening. 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,[26] the total cost is now projected to be $1.5 billion according to Blank.[27] In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium.[28] The retractable roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground in May 2014, and will begin hosting the Falcons' and Atlanta United's (MLS) games in 2017.

Logo and uniforms

Atlanta Falcons uniform: 1971–1989
Atlanta Falcons uniform: 1997–2002

When the team debuted 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 later taken out, 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.

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.[10]

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.[29]

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 2004 and 36–17 in 2005), but losing 31–13 in 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).

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.

Statistics

Season-by-season records

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons seasons

Record vs. opponents

Includes postseason records[30]

Source:[31]

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

Team W L T Percent Last result Last date Last locale Postseason
St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals 14 15 0 .483 W 38–19 November 27, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia 0–1 postseason
Baltimore Ravens 2 3 0 .400 L 7–29 October 19, 2014 Baltimore, Maryland
Buffalo Bills 7 4 0 .636 W 34–31 (OT) December 1, 2013 Toronto, Ontario* (Falcons as away team)
Carolina Panthers 27 17 0 .614 W 33–16 December 24, 2016 Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago Bears 12 14 0 .462 L 13–22 October 12, 2014 Atlanta, Georgia
Cincinnati Bengals 5 8 0 .385 L 10–24 September 14, 2014 Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland Browns 3 11 0 .214 L 24–26 November 23, 2014 Atlanta, Georgia
Dallas Cowboys 10 14 0 .417 W 39–28 September 27, 2015 Arlington, Texas 0–2 postseason
Denver Broncos 6 8 0 .429 W 23–16 October 9, 2016 Denver, Colorado 0–1 postseason
Detroit Lions 12 24 0 .333 L 21–22 October 26, 2014 London, England* (Falcons as home team)
Green Bay Packers 13 15 0 .464 W 33–32 October 30, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia 1–2 postseason
Houston Texans 2 2 0 .500 W 48–21 October 4, 2015 Atlanta, Georgia
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts 2 14 0 .125 L 21–24 November 22, 2015 Atlanta, Georgia
Jacksonville Jaguars 3 3 0 .500 W 23–17 December 20, 2015 Jacksonville, Florida
Kansas City Chiefs 3 6 0 .333 L 28–29 December 4, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers 8 2 0 .800 L 30–33 (OT) October 23, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams 28 47 2 .377 W 42–14 December 11, 2016 Los Angeles, California 1–0 postseason
Miami Dolphins 4 8 0 .333 L 23–27 September 22, 2013 Miami Gardens, Florida
Minnesota Vikings 10 17 0 .370 L 10–20 November 29, 2015 Atlanta, Georgia 1–1 postseason
New England Patriots 6 7 0 .462 L 23–30 September 29, 2013 Atlanta, Georgia
New Orleans Saints 49 45 0 .526 W 38–32 January 1, 2017 Atlanta, Georgia 1–0 postseason
New York Giants 12 11 0 .522 W 24–20 September 20, 2015 East Rutherford, New Jersey 0–1 postseason
New York Jets 6 5 0 .545 L 28–30 October 7, 2013 Atlanta, Georgia
Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders 7 7 0 .500 W 35–28 September 18, 2016 Oakland, California
Philadelphia Eagles 13 16 1 .450 L 15–24 November 13, 2016 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1–2 postseason
Pittsburgh Steelers 2 13 1 .156 L 20–27 December 14, 2014 Atlanta, Georgia
San Francisco 49ers 30 46 1 .396 W 41–13 December 18, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia 1–1 postseason
Seattle Seahawks 6 10 0 .375 W 36–20 January 14, 2017 Atlanta, Georgia 2–0 postseason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23 24 0 .489 W 43–28 November 3, 2016 Tampa, Florida
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans 7 7 0 .500 W 10–7 October 25, 2015 Nashville, Tennessee
Washington Redskins 9 14 1 .396 W 25–19 (OT) October 11, 2015 Atlanta, Georgia 0–1 postseason
Total 349 449 6 .438 8–12 (.400)
  • *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)
  • Receptions: William Andrews, 15 (September 15, 1981)
  • Receiving yards: Julio Jones, 300 (October 2, 2016)
  • Interceptions: Several Falcons, 2, most recently Robert Alford, 2 (October 2, 2016)
  • 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: Chuck Smith, 5 (October 12, 1997)

Single season records

Career records

Players

Current roster

Atlanta Falcons roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve


As of November 2, 2024. Rookies in italics.

53 active, 8 reserve, 15 practice squad (+1 exempt)

Pro Football Hall of Famers

Atlanta Falcons Hall of Famers
No. Player Position Tenure Year inducted
— Norm Van Brocklin Head Coach 1968–1974 1971
25 Tommy McDonald WR 1967 1998
29 Eric Dickerson RB 1993 1999
21 Deion Sanders CB 1989–1993 2011
56 Chris Doleman DE 1994–1995 2012
87 Claude Humphrey DE 1968–1978 2014
4 Brett Favre QB 1991 2016

Sanders and Humphrey are the only two players in the Hall of Fame that have been inducted based substantially on their service with the Falcons.

Retired numbers

Atlanta Falcons Retired Numbers
No. Player Position Tenure
10 Steve Bartkowski QB 1975–1985
31 William Andrews RB 1979–1983, 1986
57 Jeff Van Note C 1969–1986
60 Tommy Nobis LB 1966–1976

Ring of Honor

The Atlanta Falcons organization does not officially retire jersey numbers, but considers certain players' jerseys worthy of being honored. The Falcons Ring of Honor, which is featured in the rafters of the Georgia Dome, honors individual players.[33]

Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor
No. Player Position Tenure Inducted
10 Steve Bartkowski QB 1975–1985 2004
21 Deion Sanders CB 1989–1993 2010
31 William Andrews RB 1979–1983, 1986 2004
42 Gerald Riggs RB 1982–1988 2013
57 Jeff Van Note C 1969–1986 2006
58 Jessie Tuggle LB 1987–2000 2004
60 Tommy Nobis LB 1966–1976 2004
78 Mike Kenn T 1978–1994 2008
87 Claude Humphrey DE 1968–1978 2008

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Main article: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Starting quarterbacks

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons starting quarterbacks

Draft history

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons first-round draft picks
Main article: Atlanta Falcons draft history
Main article: 1966 NFL expansion draft

Coaching staff

Head coaches

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons head coaches

In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 15 head coaches.[34]

Coach Years Record Notes
Norb Hecker 1966–1968 4–26–1 (.129) Fired after three games in 1968.
Norm Van Brocklin 1968–1974 39–48–3 (.433) Fired after eight games in 1974.
Marion Campbell 1974–1976 6–19 (.240) Fired after five games in 1976.
Pat Peppler 1976 3–6 (.333) Interim head coach.
Leeman Bennett 1977–1982 46–41 (.529)
Dan Henning 1983–1986 22–41–1 (.344)
Marion Campbell 1987–1989 11–36 (.234) Retired after 12 games in 1989.
Jim Hanifan 1989 0–4 (.000) Interim head coach.
Jerry Glanville 1990–1993 27–37 (.422)
June Jones 1994–1996 19–29 (.396)
Dan Reeves 1997–2003 49–59–1 (.450)
Wade Phillips 2003 2–1 (.667) Interim head coach.
Jim Mora 2004–2006 26–22 (.542)
Bobby Petrino 2007 3–10 (.231) Resigned after 13 games to take over Arkansas Razorbacks.
Emmitt Thomas 2007 1–2 (.333) Interim head coach.
Mike Smith 2008–2014 66-46 (.589)
Dan Quinn 2015–present 19-13 (.594)

Current staff

Atlanta Falcons staff
Front office
  • Owner/chairman – Arthur Blank
  • CEO – Rich McKay
  • President – Greg Beadles
  • General manager – Terry Fontenot
  • Assistant general manager – Kyle Smith
  • Vice president of football operations/player personnel – Ryan Pace
  • Director of college scouting – Adetokunbo Abanikanda
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Michael Ross
  • Director of coaching operations – Brian Griffin
  • Senior director of football administration – Chris Olsen
  • Senior personnel executive – Ruston Webster
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive coordinator – Zac Robinson
  • Quarterbacks – T. J. Yates
  • Running backs – Michael Pitre
  • Wide receivers – Ike Hilliard
  • Tight ends – Kevin Koger
  • Run game coordinator/offensive line – Dwayne Ledford
  • Assistant offensive line – Shawn Flaherty
  • Assistant offensive line – Nick Jones
  • Senior offensive assistant – Ken Zampese
  • Offensive assistant – K.J. Black
  • Offensive assistant – Patrick Kramer
  • Offensive assistant/assistant quarterbacks – D.J. Williams
  • Pass game specialist/game management – Tim Berbenich
  • Pass game specialist – Chandler Whitmer
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
  • Special teams coordinator – Marquice Williams
  • Assistant special teams – Steven King
Support staff
  • Chief of staff/coaching operations – Steve Scarnecchia
  • Manager of coaching operations – Rob Dadona
  • Coordinator of coaching operations – Madison McDoulett
  • Coaching operations assistant – Donovan Ellison
Strength and conditioning
  • Director of Player Performance – John Griffin
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Paul Constantine
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Erik Jernstrom
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Josh Nelson

→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

Radio and television

As of 2014, the Falcons' flagship radio station is WZGC 92.9 The Game, in partnership with WQXI 790 The Zone.[35] 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 owned-and-operated station WUPA became the official television station of the Falcons, gaining rights to its preseason games, which are produced by CBS Sports.[36]

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 WGCL will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on WXIA, the local NBC affiliate.

Radio affiliates

Map of radio affiliates.

Source:[37]

Georgia

City Call sign Frequency
Albany WSRA-AM 1250 AM
Athens WRFC-AM 960 AM
Atlanta WZGC-FM 92.9 FM
Brunswick WSFN-AM 790 AM
Clarkesville WDUN-FM 102.9 FM
Columbus WDAK-AM 540 AM
Columbus WBOJ 1270 AM
Dalton WBLJ-AM 1230 AM
Douglas WDMG-AM 860 AM
Gainesville WDUN 550 AM
Griffin WKEU-AM 1450 AM
Griffin WKEU-FM 88.9 FM
Hogansville WVCC-AM 720 AM
Jesup WLOP-AM 1370 AM
Jesup WIFO-FM 105.5 FM
LaGrange WMGP-FM 98.1 FM
Louisville WPEH-AM 1420 AM
Louisville WPEH-FM 92.1 FM
Macon WMAC-AM 940 AM
Milledgeville WMVG-AM 1450 AM
Newnan WCOH-AM 1400 AM
Rome WATG-FM 95.7 FM
Sandersville WJFL-FM 101.9 FM
Savannah WSEG-AM 1400 AM
Savannah WSEG-FM 104.3 FM
Statesboro WPTB-AM 850 AM
Swainsboro WJAT-AM 800 AM
Thomaston WTGA-FM 101.1 FM
Toccoa WNEG-AM 630 AM
Valdosta WVGA-FM 105.9 FM
Vidalia WVOP-AM 970 AM
Waycross WFNS-AM 1350 AM

Alabama

City Call sign Frequency
Foley WHEP-AM 1310 AM

Mississippi

City Call sign Frequency
Jackson WYAB-FM 103.9 FM

South Carolina

City Call sign Frequency
Clemson WCCP-FM 104.9 FM

Tennessee

City Call sign Frequency
Chattanooga WALV-FM 105.1 FM[38]

Public interest initiatives

A delegation from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, on January 26, 2009, traveled to the Guantánamo Bay detention camps, in Cuba, to sign autographs, and enhance the troops' morale.[39] While there,[40] the cheerleaders toured the detention camps' hospital, and Camp IV,[41] Camp V,[41] and Camp VI.[41]

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Capsule" (PDF). 2016 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book. National Football League. July 15, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Rise Up: History" (PDF). 2016 Atlanta Falcons Media Guide. Atlanta Falcons. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c Hubbuch, Bart (January 7, 2012). "Queens-born owner models Falcons after hometown team". New York Post. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  4. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility". claycorp.com. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  5. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team History". Nflteamhistory.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
  6. ^ "1966 NFL Draft". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  7. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Atlanta Falcons. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  8. ^ "Franchise nicknames". Pro Football Hall of Fame. January 1, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  9. ^ "Arthur Blank buys Falcons from Smith family". December 17, 2001.
  10. ^ a b "Falcons unveil new logo" (Press release). Atlanta Falcons. March 19, 2003. Archived from the original on June 23, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  11. ^ "Atlanta Falcons: Thomas Dimitroff". atlantafalcons.com.
  12. ^ "Coaches". atlantafalcons.com.
  13. ^ "Recent news on Michael Turner – Unsigned Free Agent – Rotoworld.com". rotoworld.com.
  14. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Stats at NFL.com". nfl.com.
  15. ^ "Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons – 2015 Player Profile – Rotoworld.com". rotoworld.com.
  16. ^ Singer, Mike (November 28, 2012). "Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers emerging as Falcons top back". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  17. ^ "Galleries". CNN. September 5, 2011.
  18. ^ "Panthers use opportunistic defense to crush Falcons, win NFC South". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  19. ^ Patra, Kevin. "Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  20. ^ Stites, Adam. "Dan Quinn named Atlanta Falcons head coach". SB Nation. Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  21. ^ Fitzgerald, Matt. "2015 NFL Draft Results: Complete List of Picks, Analysis of Major Storylines". Bleacher Report. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  22. ^ Schefter, Adam (February 1, 2015). "NFL investigating Atlanta Falcons for fake crowd noise at Georgia Dome". ESPN. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  23. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 30, 2015). "Atlanta Falcons lose 2016 pick for pumping fake noise". National Football League. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  24. ^ "Falcons tied Greatest Show on Turf for record 7th most points scored ever". The Falcoholic. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  25. ^ "2016 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  26. ^ "Atlanta Falcons, city officials agree on financing terms for new $1 billion stadium". ESPN.go.com. March 7, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  27. ^ Saporta, Maria. "New Falcons stadium cost 'rises up' -- again -- another $100 million". Atlanta Business Chronicle. American City Business Journals. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  28. ^ "Atlanta City Council approves Falcons stadium funding". myfoxatlanta.com. March 18, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  29. ^ "Falcons unveil new uniforms at fan rally" (Press release). Atlanta Falcons. April 24, 2003. Archived from the original on July 5, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2016. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Encyclopedia". Pro Football Reference. 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2008. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  31. ^ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/head-to-head.htm
  32. ^ "Michael Vick: Career Stats at NFL.com". nfl.com.
  33. ^ "Atlanta Falcons – Ring of Honor". atlantafalcons.com.
  34. ^ "History of Atlanta Falcons Head Coaches". Atlanta Falcons. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  35. ^ Ho, Rodney. "92.9/The Game becomes a Falcons affiliate". Radio & TV Talk with Rodney Ho. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  36. ^ "Falcons Announce New Local TV Partner". atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  37. ^ http://www.atlantafalcons.com/on-the-air/falcons-radio-network/radio-affiliate-stations.html
  38. ^ Braves New Home In Chattanooga Is Brewer Media's ESPN 105.1 The Zone
  39. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Archived from the original on April 23, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Archived from the original on June 3, 2015. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ a b c Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Archived from the original on June 3, 2015. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Atlanta Falcons.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Atlanta_Falcons&oldid=761429614"