Editing Atlanta Falcons

{{Short description|National Football League franchise in Atlanta, Georgia}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL team
| name = Atlanta Falcons
| current = 2025 Atlanta Falcons season
| logo = Atlanta Falcons logo.svg
| wordmark = Atlanta Falcons wordmark.svg
| founded = {{Start date and age|1965|06|30}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Falcons Team History|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/atlanta-falcons/team-history/|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002220514/http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/atlanta-falcons/team-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| first_season = [[1966 Atlanta Falcons season|1966]]
| stadium = [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]],<br />[[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]]
| headquartered = [[Flowery Branch, Georgia]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/about/faq|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|access-date=October 10, 2022}}</ref>
| uniform = [[File:Atlanta Falcons Uniforms 2023-Present.png|250px]]
| colors = Black, red, silver, white<!-- Please DO NOT change the HTML color code for red. It is officially #A71930, per https://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/wildcat/assets/img/logos/teams/ATL.svg. Thank you. --><ref>{{cite news|title=Atlanta Falcons go back to black, unveil new uniforms|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-go-back-to-black-unveil-new-uniforms|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410004928/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-go-back-to-black-unveil-new-uniforms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Falcons unveil new uniforms, helmet ahead of 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020-0ap3000001108685 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409071826/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108685/article/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020 |archive-date=2020-04-09 |url-status=live |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=Atlanta Falcons Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf#page=147|title=2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=July 20, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#A71930}} {{color box|#A5ACAF}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| coach = [[Raheem Morris]]
| owner = [[Arthur Blank]]
| ceo = [[Rich McKay]]
| president = Greg Beadles
| general manager = [[Terry Fontenot]]
| mascot = [[Freddie Falcon]]
| website = {{URL|atlantafalcons.com}}
| nicknames =
* The Dirty Birds
* Grits Blitz (1977 defense)
| hist_yr = 1966
| NFL_start_yr = 1966
| division_hist =
* Eastern Conference (1966)
* Western Conference (1967–1969)
** Coastal Division (1967–1969)
* '''[[National Football Conference]] (1970–present)'''
** [[NFC West]] (1970–2001)
** '''[[NFC South]] (2002–present)'''
| conf_champs =
* '''NFC:''' [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|1998]], [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|2016]]
| div_champs =
* '''NFC West:''' [[1980 Atlanta Falcons season|1980]], <!--1982 was a strike season, THERE WERE NO OFFICIAL CROWNED DIVISION CHAMPIONS THIS SEASON-->[[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|1998]]
* '''NFC South:''' [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|2004]], [[2010 Atlanta Falcons season|2010]], [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|2012]], [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|2016]]
| no_league_champs = 0
| no_sb_champs = 0
| no_conf_champs = 2
| no_div_champs = 6
| championships =
| playoff_appearances =
* '''NFL:''' [[1978–79 NFL playoffs|1978]], [[1980–81 NFL playoffs|1980]], [[1982–83 NFL playoffs|1982]], [[1991–92 NFL playoffs|1991]], [[1995–96 NFL playoffs|1995]], [[1998–99 NFL playoffs|1998]], [[2002–03 NFL playoffs|2002]], [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|2004]], [[2008–09 NFL playoffs|2008]], [[2010–11 NFL playoffs|2010]], [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011]], [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|2012]], [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|2016]], [[2017–18 NFL playoffs|2017]]
| no_playoff_appearances = 14
| stadium_years =
* [[Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium]] (1966–1991)
* [[Georgia Dome]] (1992–2016)
* '''[[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] ({{nfly|2017}}–present)'''
| team_owners = 
* [[Rankin M. Smith Sr.]] (1965–1989)
* Taylor Smith (1989–2002)
* '''[[Arthur Blank]] (2002–present)'''
}}
The '''Atlanta Falcons''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Atlanta]]. The Falcons compete in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) as a member of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) [[NFC South|South]] division. The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1">{{cite web|title=Team History|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/ATL.pdf#page=350|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|work=2022 Atlanta Falcons Media Guide|access-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> 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 Atlanta Falcons season|1980]], [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|1998]], [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|2004]], [[2010 Atlanta Falcons season|2010]], [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|2012]], and [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|2016]]. The Falcons have appeared in two [[Super Bowl]]s, the first during the 1998 season in [[Super Bowl XXXIII]], where they lost to the [[1998 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] {{nowrap|34–19,<ref name="atlantafalcons2">{{cite news|last=Hubbuch|first=Bart|title=Queens-born owner models Falcons after hometown team|url=https://nypost.com/2012/01/07/queens-born-owner-models-falcons-after-hometown-team|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|date=January 7, 2012|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704000038/http://nypost.com/2012/01/07/queens-born-owner-models-falcons-after-hometown-team/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} and the second 18 years later, a {{nowrap|34–28}} overtime loss to the [[2016 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in [[Super Bowl LI]]. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nivison |first=Austin |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Falcons are oldest major sports franchise without a league championship after Rangers' World Series win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/falcons-are-oldest-major-sports-franchise-without-a-league-championship-after-rangers-world-series-win/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref>

The Falcons' current home field is [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]], which opened for the [[2017 Atlanta Falcons season|2017 season]]; the team's headquarters and practice facilities are located at a {{convert|50|acre|adj=on}} site in [[Flowery Branch, Georgia|Flowery Branch]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility|url=http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/|website=claycorp.com|access-date=May 12, 2016|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324000403/http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/|url-status=live}}</ref> northeast of Atlanta in [[Hall County, Georgia|Hall County]].

==History==
{{Further|History of the Atlanta Falcons}}

===Professional football comes to Atlanta (1962)===
Professional football first came to Atlanta in [[1962 American Football League season|1962]], when the [[American Football League]] (AFL) staged two preseason contests, with one featuring the [[1962 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] vs. the [[1962 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]] and the second pitting the [[1962 Dallas Texans season|Dallas Texans]] against the [[1962 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]. Two years later, the [[American Football League|AFL]] held another exhibition, this time with the [[1964 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] taking on the [[1964 San Diego Chargers season|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.<ref name=sivmsur>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1965/07/12/606341/the-mayor-surrenders-atlanta |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Minter |first=Jim |title=The mayor surrenders Atlanta |date=July 12, 1965 |page=14 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235423/https://www.si.com/vault/1965/07/12/606341/the-mayor-surrenders-atlanta |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Team History |url=http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/atlanta_falcons/team_history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517201016/http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/atlanta_falcons/team_history.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=September 3, 2012 |website=NFL Team History}}</ref>

With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen ([[Cox Communications|Cox Broadcasting]]) worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on {{nowrap|June 8, <!--1965,-->}} contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city {{nowrap|officials.<ref name="atlgeta">{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1965 |title=Atlanta gets AFL berth |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=32pQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5649%2C1275283 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=3, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="nhodsbr">{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1965 |title=No-holds-barred war set by grid leagues |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OOhMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7296%2C4341116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013051/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OOhMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7296%2C4341116 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Rome News-Tribune |location=(Georgia) |page=11 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} NFL [[History of the NFL Commissioner|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.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/><ref name=sivmsur/><ref name=nhodsbr/> He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues;<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1965 |title=NFL stakes Dixie claim, Atlanta, '66 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xyhQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0AwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7221%2C1859727 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=10 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref> by June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.<ref name=sivmsur/><ref name="nwwfst">{{Cite news |date=July 1, 1965 |title=NFL wins 'war' for Atlanta stadium |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2MMVAAAAIBAJ&pg=1613%2C78312 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=2, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>

The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams {{nowrap|in [[1966 American Football League season|1966]],<ref name="msafltadd">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=AFL to add 2 teams in '66 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3mpQAAAAIBAJ&pg=7400%2C1110883 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=3, part 2 |agency=UPI|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="sr">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=American Football League will expand in 1966 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013057/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=16 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} in Atlanta and {{nowrap|Philadelphia.<ref name="pfldojap">{{Cite news |last=Hackleman |first=Jim |date=June 20, 1965 |title=Pro football leagues duel over juicy Atlanta plum |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013036/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=4, sports |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} It later evolved into the [[1966 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in 1966 and the [[1968 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in [[1968 American Football League season|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 [[1967 New Orleans Saints season|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 1965 |title=NFL Votes Franchise To Atlanta |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%252C6219289 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240918005219/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%2C6219289&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ |archive-date=2024-09-18 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=The Morning Record|via=Google News|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> 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.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/> 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.<ref name=HOF1966>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=1998|title=1966 NFL Draft|access-date=September 27, 2008|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|archive-date=December 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208234646/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=1998|url-status=live}}</ref> They selected consensus [[1965 College Football All-America Team|All-American]] [[linebacker]] [[Tommy Nobis]] from the [[1965 Texas Longhorns football season|University of Texas]], making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the [[1966 NFL Expansion Draft|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.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/>

The Atlanta team received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from [[Griffin, Georgia|Griffin]], was singled out from many people who suggested "[[Falcon]]s" as the nickname for the new franchise.<ref name="l481">{{cite web | last=Holden | first=Sarah | title=Bryan resident reflects on late relative who gave Atlanta Falcons their name | website=KBTX | date=2017-02-03 | url=https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Bryan-resident-takes-pride-reflecting-on-late-relative-who-named-the-Atlanta-Falcons-412739493.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/footer/faq.html|publisher=Atlanta Falcons|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=August 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810215914/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/footer/faq.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Franchise nicknames|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|date=January 1, 2005|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017054446/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Smith family era (1966–2001)===
The Falcons' inaugural season was in [[1966 Atlanta Falcons season|1966]], and their first preseason game was on August 1, a loss to the [[1966 Philadelphia Eagles season|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 [[1966 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] on November 20 in [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]]. Two weeks later, Atlanta won at [[1966 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota]], and beat [[1966 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) season|St. Louis]] in Atlanta the next week for their first home win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1966 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1966.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team finished with a 1–12–1 record the next year, with the only win coming in Week 7 in a 21–20 win over the Minnesota Vikings in 1967.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1967 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1967.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After a 0–3 start to the 1968 season, Hecker was dismissed.<ref name="w020">{{Cite web |last=Broady |first=Arlinda Smith |date=2016-08-29 |title=Looking back at Falcons first coach |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/photo-vault-falcons-under-first-coach-set-unwanted-record/k6GysmSudlcllPYKjw2pYM/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> Norm Van Brocklin finished out the season as head coach with a 2–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1968 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1968.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Van Brocklin continued to coach the team the next season. The team improved to a 6–8 record in 1969.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1969 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1969.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Falcons had their first [[Monday Night Football]] game in Atlanta during the [[1970 Atlanta Falcons season|1970 season]], a 20–7 loss to the [[1970 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]. The team went 4–8–2 in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1970 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1970.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The only two winning seasons in their first 12 years were {{nowrap|[[1971 Atlanta Falcons season|1971]] (7–6–1)}} and {{nowrap|[[1973 Atlanta Falcons season|1973]] (9–5).}}[[File:1987 Atlanta Falcons Pocket Schedule.jpg|thumb|right|The Falcons' defense taking on [[1985 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] quarterback [[John Elway]] during a [[1985 Atlanta Falcons season|1985]] game.]]
In the [[1978 Atlanta Falcons season|1978 season]], the 9–7 Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the [[1978 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]] 14–13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1978 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1978.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons - December 24th, 1978 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812240atl.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The following week, they lost to the [[1978 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] 27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys - December 30th, 1978 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812300dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The 1979 team regressed to a 6–10 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1979 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1979.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[1980 Atlanta Falcons season|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 Atlanta Falcons season|1982 season]], the 5–4 Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the [[1982 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], 30–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1982 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1982.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Falcons coach [[Leeman Bennett]] was fired after the loss.<ref name="u989">{{cite web | last=Hullinger | first=Jeff | title=The oldest living former Falcons head coach is leaving Atlanta | website=Georgia Public Broadcasting | date=2024-01-18 | url=https://www.gpb.org/blogs/hullingers-musings/2024/01/18/the-oldest-living-former-falcons-head-coach-leaving-atlanta-not#:~:text=(Falcons%20owner)%20said%20firing%20me,by%20the%20forgettable%20Dan%20Henning. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> The team then had losing seasons for the next eight years. Dan Henning was hired prior to the 1983 season.<ref name="n719">{{cite web | last=Moffit | first=David | title=Henning Named Falcons Coach | website=UPI | date=1983-02-01 | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/02/01/Henning-Named-Falcons-Coach/2134020966602/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

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.<ref name="b377">{{cite web | last=Capers | first=Joshua | title=Deion Sanders opens up about his feelings on draft day in 1989 | website=The Clarion-Ledger | date=2021-04-28 | url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/04/28/deion-sanders-opens-up-his-feelings-draft-day-1989/4861830001/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> "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 Rams]] during a 1991 away game.]]

After defeating the [[1991 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] in the NFC Wild Card game, the Falcons' [[1991 Atlanta Falcons season|1991 season]] ended in a divisional playoff loss to the [[1991 Washington Redskins season|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 [[1992 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]].<ref name="n048">{{cite web | last=Hendricks | first=Andy | title=25 years later, justifying the Falcons' trade of Brett Favre | website=Falcons Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2017-03-23 | url=https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2017/03/23/25-years-later-justifying-the-brett-favre-trade-by-falcons/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

In [[1992 Atlanta Falcons season|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.<ref name="f128">{{cite web | last=Tucker | first=Tim | title=Countdown to implosion: Georgia Dome made a mark in many sports | website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution| date=2017-11-20 | url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/countdown-implosion-georgia-dome-made-mark-many-sports/gyG2NohKl8VOgnWQ34B26K/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

==== Dan Reeves years (1997–2003) ====
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach [[Dan Reeves]], quarterback [[Chris Chandler (American football)|Chris Chandler]] and running back [[Jamal Anderson]] the "Dirty Bird" Falcons had their greatest season to date.<ref name="g435">{{cite web | title=10 moments that defined the '98 Atlanta Falcons | website=Atlanta Magazine | date=2019-01-24 | url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/10-moments-that-defined-the-98-atlanta-falcons/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref><ref name="q170">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=As Super Bowl nears, Falcons remember 'Dirty Birds' of 1998 | website=Gainesville Times | date=2017-08-27 | url=https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/pros/as-super-bowl-nears-falcons-remember-dirty-birds-of-1998/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1999.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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]]).<ref name="d282">{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Lindsay | title=The 2001 NFL Draft trade that changed the Falcons, Chargers and QB play forever | website=The Athletic | date=2021-04-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2535152/2021/04/27/the-2001-nfl-draft-trade-that-changed-the-falcons-chargers-and-qb-play-forever/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

The Falcons finished the [[2001 Atlanta Falcons season|2001 season]] with a record of 7–9 and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Jessie Tuggle]] retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta.<ref name="a120">{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2001 |title=Tuggle, out of plans for Atlanta, retires |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/08/29/tuggle-out-of-plans-for-atlanta-retires/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref>

=== Arthur Blank era (2002–present) ===
On December 6, 2001, billionaire [[Home Depot]] co-founder [[Arthur M. Blank]] reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons' Taylor Smith to purchase the team for a reported $545 million.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-arthur-m-blank/151291380/ "Blank Buys Falcons,"] ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution,'' Dec. 7, 2001, p. A1.</ref> In a special meeting prior to [[Super Bowl XXXVI]] in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the deal.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2001/12/17/weekinbiz.html | title=Arthur Blank buys Falcons from Smith family | date=December 17, 2001 | access-date=January 9, 2012 | archive-date=February 3, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203033114/http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2001/12/17/weekinbiz.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2002 season saw the Falcons return to the playoffs with a regular-season record of 9–6–1, tying the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2002.htm |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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 with a 27–7 result in the Wild Card Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers - January 4th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301040gnb.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> A 20–6 loss to the [[Donovan McNabb]]-led Philadelphia Eagles the following week, however, ended the Falcons' season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles - January 11th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301110phi.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo.<ref name="NewFalconsLogo2003">{{cite press release|title=Falcons unveil new logo|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=171010|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=March 19, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030623173517/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=171010 |archive-date=June 23, 2003|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="AtlantaFalcons1" /> 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 fire head coach Dan Reeves.<ref name="t276">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=Falcons fire Reeves | website=Gadsden Times | date=2003-12-11 | url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2003/12/11/falcons-fire-reeves/32328838007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> [[Wade Phillips]] acted as interim coach for the final three games.<ref name="n808">{{cite web | title=Falcons fire coach Reeves | website=The Brunswick News | date=2024-08-12 | url=https://thebrunswicknews.com/sports/local_sports/falcons-fire-coach-reeves/article_8b3b527c-0910-507b-a877-560073454d61.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Jim Mora years (2004–2006)====
In 2004, a new head coach, [[Jim L. Mora]], was hired and Vick returned for the [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|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 [[2004 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], 47–17, in the [[Georgia Dome]], advancing to the [[NFC Championship Game]], which they lost to the [[2004 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]], 27–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2004.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons - January 15th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501150atl.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles - January 23rd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501230phi.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2005 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]] again fell short of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in {{nfly|2005}}, going 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="z575">{{cite magazine | last=Brown | first=Malik | title=Vick rushes for 1,000 yards in 2006 | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2020-07-21 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-michael-vick-1000-yard-season-2006-highlights-2020-nfl-news-updates | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-01 |title=Grounded: Falcons fire Mora after disappointing season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2716540 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

====Bobby Petrino====
[[Bobby Petrino]], the [[University of Louisville]]'s football coach, replaced Mora.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-08 |title=Falcons hire Louisville's Petrino as new coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2723700 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Before the [[2007 NFL season|2007 season]] began, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia.<ref name="x199">{{cite web  | title=Vick suspended indefinitely | website=The Denver Post | date=2007-08-25 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/24/vick-suspended-indefinitely/#:~:text=Commissioner%20Roger%20Goodell%20suspended%20the,judgment%20for%20associating%20with%20them. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster.<ref name="b006">{{cite web | last=Macur | first=Juliet | title=Vick Receives 23 Months and a Lecture | website=The New York Times | date=2007-12-11 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/sports/football/11vick.html#:~:text=Hudson%20then%20sentenced%20Vick%20to,which%20had%20lasted%20six%20years. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

For the 2007 season, the [[2007 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]] were forced to start [[Joey Harrington]] at quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-09 |title=Falcons add QB Harrington as backup for Vick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2830712 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino resigned without notice to coach at the [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|University of Arkansas]], leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room.<ref name="u444">{{cite web | last=Battista | first=Judy | title=Petrino Quits the Falcons to Coach the Razorbacks | website=The New York Times | date=2007-12-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/sports/football/12falcons.html#:~:text=A%20miserable%20year%20for%20the,best%20job%20in%20the%20N.F.L. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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.

====MIke Smith years (2008–2014)====

On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named former Patriots director of college football scouting [[Thomas Dimitroff]] General Manager.<ref name="f140">{{cite web | last1=Mortensen | first1=Chris | last2=Pasquarelli | first2=Len | title=Patriots exec Dimitroff hired as Falcons' new GM | website=ESPN.com | date=2008-01-12 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3193496 | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> On January 23, [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] was named the Falcons' new head coach.<ref name="b093">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=Falcons end search, hire Jags' Smith as new coach | website=Deseret News | date=2024-01-09 | url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/1/24/20066267/falcons-end-search-hire-jags-smith-as-new-coach/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Chargers back-up running back [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] agreed to a 6-year, $30 million deal on March 2.<ref name="p494">{{cite web | title=Free-agent running back Turner agrees to 6-year deal with Falcons | website=Savannah Morning News | date=2008-03-03 | url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2008/03/03/free-agent-running-back-turner-agrees-6-year-deal-falcons/13773498007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> On April 26, [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (quarterback from [[Boston College]]) was drafted third overall in the [[2008 NFL draft]] by the Falcons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |access-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103014038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seed in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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 [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], 30–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals - January 3rd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901030crd.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Matt Ryan started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-12-30 |title=Falcons' Ryan named AP's top offensive rookie |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800047 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> First-year head coach Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-01-04 |title=Falcons' Smith selected as AP's coach of year |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3809378 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="j469">{{cite web | last=Tierney | first=Mike | title=Packers Oust the Falcons | website=The New York Times | date=2011-01-16 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/sports/football/16falcons.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> The Falcons scored 414 points – the fifth-most in franchise history.<ref name="atlantafalcons2"/> The team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the [[2011 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Daniel|title=Pro Bowl Breakdown: ST|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/pro-bowl-breakdown-st-4968948|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=January 30, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630215933/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/pro-bowl-breakdown-st-4968948|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the [[Cleveland Browns]] in the [[2011 NFL draft]] to select [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|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.<ref name="g659">{{cite web |title=Falcons make blockbuster deal with Browns, move up for Jones |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-make-blockbuster-deal-with-browns-move-up-for-jones-09000d5d81f8c399 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2011-04-28 |access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21177209/atlantas-jacquizz-rodgers-emerging-as-falcons-top-back|title=Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers emerging as Falcons top back|last=Singer|first=Mike|date=November 28, 2012|work=CBS Sports|access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> On August 30, 2011, [[Sports Illustrated]] senior writer [[Peter King (sportswriter)|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.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190002/index.htm?eref=mySI&eref=sisf | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203010004/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190002/index.htm?eref=mySI&eref=sisf | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 3, 2012 | work=CNN | title=Galleries | date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201080nyg.htm |title=Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants – January 8th, 2012 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814020930/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201080nyg.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="o068">{{cite web |title=Blank says Falcons 'not where we need to be' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/blank-says-falcons-not-where-we-need-to-be-09000d5d825ea186 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2012-01-11 |access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

Atlanta exploded out of the gate, going a franchise-best 8–0 and remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year.<ref name="y604">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=The 8-0 Atlanta Falcons try to play down talk of perfection | website=Savannah Morning News | date=2012-11-08 | url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2012/11/08/8-0-atlanta-falcons-try-play-down-talk-perfection/13449479007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name="f580">{{cite web | last=Borden | first=Sam | title=Falcons Escape Against Seahawks | website=The New York Times | date=2013-01-13 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/sports/football/falcons-escape-against-seahawks.html | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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.<ref name="a921">{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=2013-01-21 |title=49ers head to Super Bowl, beating Falcons 28-24 |url=https://apnews.com/67471eeb1a2646e997589db86214b486 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=AP News}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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 [[David Caldwell (American football executive)|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 (American football)|Jake Matthews]], who played as offensive tackle for [[Texas A&M]].<ref name="b563">{{Cite web |last=Ledbetter |first=D. Orlando |date=2014-05-08 |title=2014 NFL Draft: Falcons select OT Jake Matthews |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/2014-nfl-draft-falcons-select-jake-matthews/XNeLyMquLPTDIRMVCm2TVO/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2014 |title=Panthers use opportunistic defense to crush Falcons, win NFC South |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321085908/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> The following day, Mike Smith was fired after seven seasons as head coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith-0ap3000000451246 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2014-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317094252/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451246/article/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith |archive-date=2015-03-17 |url-status=live |last1=Patra |first1=Kevin |access-date=March 21, 2015}}</ref> The Falcons would soon hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator [[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] as the team's 16th head coach.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stites|first1=Adam|title=Dan Quinn named Atlanta Falcons head coach|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|website=SB Nation|date=January 25, 2015|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]|access-date=March 21, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312012710/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the [[2015 NFL draft]] with which they selected [[Vic Beasley]], a defensive end from Clemson University.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitzgerald|first1=Matt|title=2015 NFL Draft Results: Complete List of Picks, Analysis of Major Storylines|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.|access-date=May 24, 2015|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524222537/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Dan Quinn years (2015–2020) ====

[[File:Dan Quinn 2015 intro press conference.jpg|thumb|[[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]]]]

In February 2015, the team was investigated by the NFL for alleged use of [[artificial crowd noise]] in the Georgia Dome.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schefter|first=Adam|title=NFL investigating Atlanta Falcons for fake crowd noise at Georgia Dome|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12262464/nfl-investigating-atlanta-falcons-fake-crowd-noise-georgia-dome|work=ESPN|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429100321/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12262464/nfl-investigating-atlanta-falcons-fake-crowd-noise-georgia-dome|url-status=live}}</ref> The Falcons lost a [[2016 NFL draft]] selection as a result of the league's investigation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Atlanta Falcons lose 2016 pick for pumping fake noise|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-lose-2016-pick-for-pumping-fake-noise-0ap3000000482500|website=National Football League|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812220806/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000482500/article/atlanta-falcons-lose-2016-pick-for-pumping-fake-noise|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 in the 2015 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons 2015 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2015/gamelog/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name="c681">{{cite web | last=McClure | first=Vaughn | title=Inside the record-setting numbers of Julio Jones, Matt Ryan | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-10-03 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/22849/inside-the-record-setting-numbers-of-julio-jones-matt-ryan#:~:text=And%20Ryan%20threw%20for%20a,same%20game%20in%20NFL%20history. | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the divisional round of the playoffs, Atlanta defeated the Seahawks 36–20 in the Georgia Dome, and hosted their last game at the Georgia Dome against the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the [[NFC Championship Game]] on January 22, 2017.<ref name="i265">{{cite web | title=Ryan leads Falcons to NFC title game, beating Seattle 36-20 | website=AP News | date=2017-01-15 | url=https://apnews.com/article/625572920a5f439b84aa202b07a5678b | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> The Falcons defeated the Packers 44–21 to advance to [[Super Bowl LI]] as the NFC champions.<ref name="p063">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=Falcons head to Super Bowl after blowing out Packers 44-21 | website=AP News | date=2017-01-23 | url=https://apnews.com/falcons-head-to-super-bowl-after-blowing-out-packers-44-21-9a1e4bc98191411e850d7178ae83afc3 | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Tom Brady earns 4th Super Bowl MVP trophy with epic comeback|url=http://sports.nbcsports.com/2017/02/05/patriots-tom-brady-earns-4th-super-bowl-mvp-trophy-with-epic-comeback/|website=NBC Sports|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185538/http://sports.nbcsports.com/2017/02/05/patriots-tom-brady-earns-4th-super-bowl-mvp-trophy-with-epic-comeback/|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 season|2000 St. Louis Rams]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcons tied Greatest Show on Turf for record 7th most points scored ever|url=http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/1/2/14144812/falcons-greatest-show-on-turf-rams-7th-most-points-scored-ever-break-record-thats-a-lot-of-points|website=The Falcoholic|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118065859/http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/1/2/14144812/falcons-greatest-show-on-turf-rams-7th-most-points-scored-ever-break-record-thats-a-lot-of-points|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Falcons defense gave up 406 points, 27th in the league.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807022126/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Falcons moved into their new home, the [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]], this season.<ref name="m391">{{cite web | last=Moriarty | first=Morgan | title=Meet Atlanta's amazing new stadium, 2017's biggest college football stage | website=SBNation.com | date=2017-08-24 | url=http://www.sbnation.com/a/cfb-preview-2017/new-atlanta-stadium | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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.<ref name="v944">{{cite web | last=Choate | first=Dave | title=Packers 23 final score: Atlanta bounces back behind Steve Sarkisian's explosive offense | website=The Falcoholic | date=2017-09-17 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/9/17/16320938/falcons-34-packers-23-final-score-atlanta-bounces-back-behind-steve-sarkisians-explosive-offense | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> Their first loss of the season was a 23–17 home defeat to the [[Buffalo Bills]] in week 4.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017_games.htm |title=2017 Atlanta Falcons Schedule & Game Results |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |access-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072049/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017_games.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="t115">{{cite web | last=Klein | first=Gary | title=Rams' season ends with a 26-13 loss to the playoff-tested Falcons in NFC wild-card game | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2018-01-07 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-falcons-20180106-story.html | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Santoliquito | first=Joseph | title=Eagles Survive Atlanta, 15-10, To Advance To NFC Championship | website=CBS News - Philadelphia | date=2018-01-13 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/eagles-beat-atlanta-15-10/ | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref> The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw the Falcons go 7–9 and miss the postseason both years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2019.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In their first game with new uniforms, the Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home 38–25.<ref name="q087">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Falcons lose to Seahawks, Russell Wilson throws 4 touchdown passes | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=2020-09-13 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/13/falcons-lose-to-seahawks-wilson-throws-4-touchdown-passes/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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).<ref name="i971">{{cite web | last=Dixon | first=Schuyler | title=Cowboys' rally stuns Falcons 40-39 in McCarthy's home debut | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2020-09-20 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/09/20/cowboys-rally-stuns-falcons-40-39-in-mccarthys-home-debut/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref><ref name="u259">{{cite web | title=Another Falcons collapse: Foles' 3 TDs lead 30-26 Bears win | website=CBSSports.com|agency=Associated Press | date=2020-09-28 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/another-falcons-collapse-foles-3-tds-lead-30-26-bears-win/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schofield |first=Mark |date=October 11, 2020 |title=Report: Atlanta Falcons to move on from Dan Quinn |url=https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/10/11/report-atlanta-falcons-to-move-on-from-dan-quinn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027180711/https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/10/11/report-atlanta-falcons-to-move-on-from-dan-quinn/ |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Touchdown Wire|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> Defensive coordinator [[Raheem Morris]] took over for the rest of the season, leading the team to a 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Morris was not retained after the season, and soon joined the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web | title=Rams' defensive coordinator Raheem Morris hired as next head coach of Atlanta Falcons | website=CBS News - Los Angeles | date=2024-01-25 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/raheem-morris-hired-as-head-coach-by-atlanta-falcons-who-pass-on-bill-belichick/#:~:text=After%20being%20passed%20over%20for,Bowl%20championship%20his%20first%20year. | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref>

==== Arthur Smith years (2021–2024) ====
On January 15, 2021, the Falcons announced that [[Tennessee Titans]] offensive coordinator [[Arthur Smith (American football, born 1982)|Arthur Smith]] had been named the 18th head coach in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tabeek |first1=Matthew |last2=Haley |first2=Matt |date=January 16, 2021 |title=It's official: Falcons name Arthur Smith head coach |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-arthur-smith-agree-to-terms-to-be-head-coach |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Four days later, New Orleans Saints executive Terry Fontenot was named the Falcons' new general manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tabeek |first=Matthew |date=January 19, 2021 |title=Falcons name Terry Fontenot general manager |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-name-terry-fontenot-general-manager |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Kelsey |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Falcons draft tight end Kyle Pitts with No. 4 overall pick |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-draft-tight-end-kyle-pitts-with-no-4-overall-pick |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2021 |title=Atlanta Falcons trade Julio Jones to Tennessee Titans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31577241/atlanta-falcons-expected-trade-julio-jones-tennessee-titans-next-24-48-hours-sources-say |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The Falcons improved on their record from the prior year, finishing the season with a 7–10 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2021.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On March 21, 2022, the Falcons traded longtime star quarterback Matt Ryan to the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bair |first=Scott |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Falcons trade Matt Ryan to Indianapolis Colts |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-trade-matt-ryan-to-indianapolis-colts |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the 2022 season, the team finished last place in the NFC South with a 7–10 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2022.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Falcons entered the 2023 seasons with heightened expectations after drafting [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] running back [[Bijan Robinson]] with the eighth overall pick of the [[2023 NFL draft|2023 draft]] and making significant improvements in free agency, including signing [[Jessie Bates]] and [[Calais Campbell]] to improve their defense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flick |first=Daniel |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Calais OFFICIALLY Signs With Falcons to 'Surprise Some People!' |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-official-sign-calais-campbell-free-agency-baltimore-ravens-surprise |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated Atlanta Falcons News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="z604">{{Cite web |last=Vivlamore |first=Chris |date=2024-01-07 |title=How the day unfolded: Falcons eliminated from playoffs after drama-less day |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/how-the-day-unfolded-falcons-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-drama-less-day/UOVUPHSYEBENTAUB2ICCLGHXCQ/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> The following day, Smith was fired after three years as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Atlanta Falcons part ways with head coach Arthur Smith |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-part-ways-with-head-coach-arthur-smith |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref>

==== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waack |first=Terrin |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Raheem Morris named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/raheem-morris-hired-head-coach-announcement-arthur-blank |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the early months of his tenure, Morris faced scrutiny and criticism for his questionable player selection decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Falcons coach Raheem Morris compares himself to Taylor Swift after NFL Draft pick scrutiny |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/falcons-coach-raheem-morris-compares-himself-taylor-swift-nfl-draft-pick-scrutiny |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=FOX News}}</ref>

==Stadiums==
{{main|Mercedes-Benz Stadium}}
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 Panthers football|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,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2013 |title=Atlanta Falcons, city officials agree on financing terms for new $1 billion stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9028345/atlanta-falcons-city-officials-agree-financing-terms-new-1-billion-stadium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408214042/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9028345/atlanta-falcons-city-officials-agree-financing-terms-new-1-billion-stadium |archive-date=April 8, 2014 |access-date=February 17, 2014 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> the total cost was revised to $1.5 billion according to Blank.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saporta |first=Maria |date=April 13, 2015 |title=New Falcons stadium cost 'rises up' – again – another $100 million |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2015/04/13/new-falcons-stadium-cost-rises-up-again-another.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417165642/http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2015/04/13/new-falcons-stadium-cost-rises-up-again-another.html |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2015 |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle}}</ref> In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2013 |title=Atlanta City Council approves Falcons stadium funding |url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/21667196/atlanta-city-council-could-vote-on-new-falcons-stadium#axzz2tZQLx7YR |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222100730/http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/21667196/atlanta-city-council-could-vote-on-new-falcons-stadium#axzz2tZQLx7YR |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=February 17, 2014 |website=My Fox Atlanta}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Josh |date=2019-01-31 |title=Five years after Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground, is Atlanta's Westside revival working? |url=https://atlanta.curbed.com/atlanta-photo-essays/2019/1/31/18201601/super-bowl-liii-atlanta-gentrification-poverty-blank |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Curbed Atlanta |language=en}}</ref>

==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.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=February 13, 2013|title=Evolution of the Falcons' colors|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/video/evolution-of-the-falcons-colors-9571993|access-date=March 30, 2017|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref> When the team began play in [[1966 Atlanta Falcons season|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 Atlanta Falcons season|1974 season]], but was never worn.

In [[1990 Atlanta Falcons season|1990]], the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Myrydd |date=2020-04-14 |title=Back in black: A brief look at Atlanta Falcons uniforms throughout the decades |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/back-in-black-a-brief-look-at-atlanta-falcons-uniforms-throughout-the-decades/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Atlanta Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in [[1997 Atlanta Falcons season|1997]]. (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)

Both the logo and uniforms changed in [[2003 Atlanta Falcons season|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''.<ref name="NewFalconsLogo2003" /><ref>{{cite book|chapter=Uniform History|chapter-url=http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/pdf/media-guides/ATL-Media-Guide.pdf#page=377|publisher=NFL Enterprises|title=2019 Atlanta Falcons Media Guide|url=http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/pdf/media-guides/ATL-Media-Guide.pdf|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=July 29, 2020|archive-date=September 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902001856/http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/pdf/media-guides/ATL-Media-Guide.pdf#page=377|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Falcons unveil new uniforms at fan rally|url=http://atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=177215|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=April 24, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030705011150/http://atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=177215|archive-date=July 5, 2003|access-date=August 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|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 [[NFL Color Rush|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.<ref>{{cite news|title=NFL AND NIKE REVEAL COLOR RUSH UNIFORMS|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/nfl-and-nike-reveal-color-rush-uniforms-17676181|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630215933/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/nfl-and-nike-reveal-color-rush-uniforms-17676181|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tabeek|first=Matthew|title=LOOK: THREE STRAIGHT HOME GAMES WITH THREE DIFFERENT UNIFORM COMBINATIONS FOR FALCONS|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/look-three-straight-home-games-with-three-different-uniform-combination-19907987|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=December 4, 2017|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426032443/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/look-three-straight-home-games-with-three-different-uniform-combination-19907987|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Haley|first1=Matt|last2=Bair|first2=Scott|title=What you need to know about Falcons classic red helmet, how it fits into 2022|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-falcons-classic-red-helmet-how-it-fits-into-2022|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=June 1, 2022|access-date=June 2, 2022}}</ref>

It was revealed in January 2020 that the Falcons will change uniforms for the [[2020 NFL season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons to have new uniforms for 2020 season |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096746/article/atlanta-falcons-to-have-new-uniforms-for-2020-season |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124013434/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096746/article/atlanta-falcons-to-have-new-uniforms-for-2020-season |archive-date=2020-01-24 |url-status=dead |last1=Shook |first1=Nick |access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Falcons unveil new uniforms, helmet ahead of 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-04-08 |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> The red/black gradient alternates only lasted three seasons before it was removed from the uniform rotation in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hecken|first=Phil|title=Uni Watch 2024 NFL Uniform Preview — NFC South|url=https://uni-watch.com/2024/09/05/uni-watch-2024-nfl-uniform-preview-nfc-south/|publisher=Uni Watch|website=UniWatch.com|date=September 5, 2024|access-date=September 6, 2024}}</ref>

==Rivalries==
===Divisional===
====New Orleans Saints====
{{Main|Falcons–Saints rivalry}}
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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140903 |title=Tomlinson: Falcons-Saints rivalry runs deep |last=Tomlinson |first=Tommy |date=September 2, 2014 |website=ESPN |language=en |access-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712161939/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140903 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints: Head-to-Head Reg Season and Playoffs Stats Comparison |url=https://stathead.com//football/vs/atlanta-falcons-vs-new-orleans-saints |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Stathead.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Carolina Panthers====
{{Main|Falcons–Panthers rivalry}}
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'''"<ref name = "Falcons POV">{{Cite web |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/the-i-85-divide-when-the-falcons-and-panthers-first-met-in-1995-everything-chang?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |title=The I-85 Divide: When the Falcons and Panthers first met in 1995, everything changed |last=McFadden |first=Will |date=September 13, 2018 |website=www.atlantafalcons.com |language=en-US |access-date=July 7, 2019}}</ref> due to [[Atlanta]] and [[Charlotte, NC|Charlotte]] being only four hours apart on [[Interstate 85]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jussim |first=Matthew |date=October 17, 2022 |title=10 most intense NFL rivalries |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/top-10-most-intense-nfl-rivalries-all-time/ |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=Men's Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Penny |first=Austin |date=September 23, 2008 |title=Panthers-Falcons Rivalry Sees Renewed Importance |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/60907-panthers-falcons-rivalry-sees-renewed-importance |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> The Falcons lead the series 36–22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: Head-to-Head Reg Season and Playoffs Stats Comparison |url=https://stathead.com//football/vs/atlanta-falcons-vs-carolina-panthers |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Stathead.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Tampa Bay Buccaneers====
{{Main|Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry}}
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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2010 |title=SI.com – Photo Gallery – Top 10 New NFL Rivalries |url=http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.6.html |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817012329/http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.6.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ikic |first=Adnan |date=September 18, 2021 |title=Falcons vs. Buccaneers: a look at the series history |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/9/18/22672493/falcons-vs-buccaneers-a-look-at-the-series-history-week-2-2021 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Series History: Buccaneers-Falcons |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/series-history-buccaneers-falcons-17997318 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=www.buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=George |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Falcons hire McKay as GM |url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2003/12/16/falcons-hire-mckay-as-gm/32328445007/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Gadsden Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> McKay's ties with Tampa extend into his family as his father [[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]] was head coach of the Buccaneers for nine seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Falcons Lead Bucs in All-Time Series |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/falcons-lead-bucs-in-all-time-series-16177808 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Beheler |first=Christopher |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A History of Violence |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417342-atlanta-falcons-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-a-history-of-violence |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Pete |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/865093417 |title=The draft : a year inside the nfl's search for talent|via=WorldCat |date=2013 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-1-4299-1001-9 |oclc=865093417}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Choate |first=Dave |date=September 15, 2021 |title=What is the defining moment of the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry? |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/9/15/22673546/what-is-the-defining-moment-of-the-falcons-buccaneers-rivalry |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}}</ref>

===Conference===
====Philadelphia Eagles====
{{Main|Eagles–Falcons rivalry}}
The Eagles lead the Falcons 21–15–1, with a 3–1 lead in playoff games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=atl&tm2=phi&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The rivalry first emerged after the Falcons upset the Eagles 14–13 in the [[1978–79 NFL playoffs#NFC: Atlanta Falcons 14, Philadelphia Eagles 13|1978 Wild Card Round]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons - December 24th, 1978 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812240atl.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> and only intensified further in the 2000s thanks to the rivalry between prominent [[dual-threat quarterback]]s [[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]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Dave Choate|title=Falcons-Eagles rivalry history: Bitterness and bitter defeats abound over 31 games|url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/13/9312305/falcons-eagles-rivalry-history-bitterness-and-bitter-defeats-abound|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=September 13, 2015|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Ed Kracz|title=Eagles Open Season in Atlanta, Where There is Plenty of History with Falcons|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/eagles-open-season-in-atlanta-where-there-is-plenty-of-history-with-falcons|publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles - January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130phi.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Falcons managed a win against [[2024 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philly]] in week 2 en route to Philly's eventual [[Super Bowl LIX]] victory.

====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.<ref name="traded">{{Cite web |last=Glazer |first=Jay |author-link=Jay Glazer |date=August 6, 2008 |title=Packers trade Favre to Jets |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8381934/Packers-trade-Favre-to-Jets |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819213402/http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8381934/Packers-trade-Favre-to-Jets |archive-date=August 19, 2008 |access-date=August 6, 2008 |website=Fox Sports on MSN |quote=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.}}</ref><ref name="starts">{{cite web |title=Favre's consecutive start streak comes to an end at 297 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/favre-s-consecutive-start-streak-comes-to-an-end-at-297-09000d5d81ce178f |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2010-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010082450/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81ce178f/article/favres-consecutive-start-streak-comes-to-an-end-at-297 |archive-date=2015-10-10 |url-status=live |access-date=October 28, 2011}}</ref> The two teams have met four times in the postseason, most recently during the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|2016–17 NFC Championship]] as it would also be the final game played at the [[Georgia Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bad blood simmering in emerging Packers-Falcons rivalry |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bad-blood-simmering-in-emerging-packers-falcons-rivalry-09000d5d822daecb |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2011-10-05 |access-date=2024-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-14 |title=Budding rivalry: Packers-Falcons meet again in Atlanta |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=20703988 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2017 |title=Rivalry grows between Packers and Falcons as Sunday showdown awaits |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/rivalry-grows-between-packers-and-falcons-as-sunday-showdown-awaits |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> The Packers lead the all-time series 19–16, while both teams are tied in the postseason 2–2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=atl&tm2=gnb&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Statistics==

===Season-by-season records===
{{Main|List of Atlanta Falcons seasons}}

===Record vs. opponents===
Includes postseason records<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410215704/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/?redir |archive-date=April 10, 2008 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Source:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/head-to-head.htm|title=Atlanta Falcons Head-to-Head Records|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110140019/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/head-to-head.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Start NFL RVO}} <!-- Stats from http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories/falcons as well as http://pro-football-reference.com/teams/atlindex.htm -->
|-
| [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals]] || 16 || 16 || 0 || {{winpct|16|16|0}} || W 20-19 || January 1, 2023 || [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[Baltimore Ravens]] || 2 || 4 || 0 || {{winpct|2|4|0}} || L 16–26 || December 2, 2018 || [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Buffalo Bills]] || 7 || 6 || 0 || {{winpct|7|6|0}} || L 15–29 || January 2, 2022 || [[Highmark Stadium (New York)|Highmark Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Carolina Panthers]] || 38 || 20 || 0 || {{winpct|38|20|0}} || W 38–20 || October 14, 2024 || [[Bank of America Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Chicago Bears]] || 14 || 15 || 0 || {{winpct|14|15|0}} || W 27–24 || November 20, 2022 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium ||
|-
| [[Cincinnati Bengals]] || 5 || 9 || 0 || {{winpct|5|9|0}} || L 36–37 || September 30, 2018 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium ||
|-
| [[Cleveland Browns]] || 4 || 12 || 0 || {{winpct|4|12|0}} || W 23–20 || November 11, 2022 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium ||
|-
| [[Dallas Cowboys]] || 12 || 17 || 0 || {{winpct|12|17|0}} || W 27-21 || November 3, 2024 || [[AT&T Stadium]] || 0–2 postseason
|-
| [[Denver Broncos]] || 7 || 8 || 0 || {{winpct|7|8|0}} || W 34–27 || November 8, 2020 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[Detroit Lions]] || 14 || 25 || 0 || {{winpct|14|25|0}} || W 20–16 || December 26, 2021 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium ||
|-
| [[Green Bay Packers]] || 15 || 17 || 0 || {{winpct|15|17|0}} || W 25–24 || September 17, 2023 || [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] || 2–2 postseason
|-
| [[Houston Texans]] || 2 || 3 || 0 || {{winpct|2|3|0}} || L 32–53 || October 6, 2019 || [[NRG Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts]] || 2 || 15 || 0 || {{winpct|2|15|0}} || L 24–27 || September 22, 2019 || [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] || 5 || 3 || 0 || {{winpct|5|3|0}} || W 21–14 || November 28, 2021 || [[TIAA Bank Field]] ||
|-
| [[Kansas City Chiefs]] || 3 || 7 || 0 || {{winpct|3|7|0}} || L 14–17 || December 27, 2020 || [[Arrowhead Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Los Angeles Chargers|San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers]] || 8 || 3 || 0 || {{winpct|8|3|0}} || L 17–20 || December 13, 2020 || [[SoFi Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Los Angeles Rams|St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams]] || 28 || 48 || 2 || {{winpct|28|48|2}} || L 10–37 || October 20, 2019 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 2–0 postseason
|-
| [[Miami Dolphins]] || 5 || 9 || 0 || {{winpct|5|9|0}} || W 30–28 || October 24, 2021 || Hard Rock Stadium ||
|-
| [[Minnesota Vikings]] || 11 || 19 || 0 || {{winpct|11|19|0}} || W 40–23 || October 18, 2020 || [[U.S. Bank Stadium|US Bank Stadium]] || 1–1 postseason
|-
| [[New England Patriots]] || 6 || 9 || 0 || {{winpct|6|9|0}} || L 0–25 || November 18, 2021 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 0–1 postseason
 |-
| [[New Orleans Saints]] || 55 || 52 || 0 || {{winpct|55|52|0}} || W 26–24 || September 29, 2024 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 1–0 postseason
|-
| [[New York Giants]] || 15 || 11 || 0 || {{winpct|15|11|0}} || W 17–14 || December 22, 2024 || [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[New York Jets]] || 9 || 5 || 0 || {{winpct|9|5|0}} || W 13–8 || December 3, 2023 || [[MetLife Stadium]] ||
|-
| [[Las Vegas Raiders|Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders]] || 9 || 7 || 0 || {{winpct|9|7|0}} || W 15–9 || December 16, 2024 || Allegiant Stadium ||
|-
| [[Philadelphia Eagles]] || 15 || 18 || 1 || {{winpct|15|18|1}} || w 22-21 || September 16, 2024 || Lincoln Financial Field || 1–3 postseason
|-
| [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] || 2 || 14 || 1 || {{winpct|2|14|1}} || L 17–41 || October 7, 2018 || [[Heinz Field]] ||
|-
| [[San Francisco 49ers]] || 32 || 47 || 1 || {{winpct|32|47|1}} || W 28–14 || October 16, 2022 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 1–1 postseason
|-
| [[Seattle Seahawks]] || 7 || 12 || 0 || {{winpct|7|12|0}} || W 25–38 || September 25, 2022 || Lumen Field || 2–0 postseason
|-
| [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] || 30 || 29 || 0 || {{winpct|30|29|0}} || W 31-26 || October 27, 2024 || Raymond James Stadium ||
|-
| [[Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers]] || 7 || 8 || 0 || {{winpct|7|8|0}} || L 10–24 || September 29, 2019 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium ||
|-
| [[Washington Commanders]] || 10 || 15 || 1 || {{winpct|10|15|1}} || L 30–34 ||October 3, 2021 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 0–1 postseason
|-
! Total || 393|| 455 || 6 || {{winpct|393|455|6}} || || || || 10–14 ({{winpct|10|14|0}})

{{S-end}}
** Notes International Series

===Single game records===
* '''Rushing''': [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]], 220 (September 7, 2008)<ref name="v140">{{cite web | title=Finally starter, Turner's debut is smoking hot | website=The Augusta Chronicle | date=2008-09-09 | url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/nfl/2008/09/09/pro-472535-shtml/14659804007/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>
* '''Passing''': [[Kirk Cousins]], 509 (October 3, 2024)<ref name="e750">{{cite web |title=QB Kirk Cousins throws for franchise-record 509 yards, 4 TDs to lead Falcons past Bucs in OT thriller |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/qb-kirk-cousins-throws-for-franchise-record-509-yards-4-tds-to-lead-falcons-past-bucs-in-ot-thriller |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2024-10-04 |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |access-date=2024-10-28}}</ref>
* '''Passing touchdowns''': [[Wade Wilson (American football)|Wade Wilson]], 5 (December 13, 1992) and [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]], 5 (September 23, 2018)<ref name="h398">{{cite web | last=Ledbetter | first=D. Orlando | title=Five things we learned from Saints' 43-37 win over Falcons | website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution| date=2018-09-24 | url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/five-things-learned-from-saints-win-over-the-falcons/878qodzJwv8BCyi9ViBitK/ | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
* '''Receptions''': [[William Andrews (American football)|William Andrews]], 15 (September 15, 1981)<ref name="e525">{{cite web | title=Most catches in one game, Atlanta Falcons | website=StatMuse | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/atlanta-falcons-player-most-catches-in-a-game | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
* '''Receiving yards''': [[Julio Jones]], 300 (October 2, 2016)<ref name="x169">{{cite web | last=McClure | first=Vaughn | title=Julio Jones sets team mark with 300-yard game | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-10-02 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17696419/julio-jones-sets-atlanta-falcons-mark-300-yard-game#:~:text=ATLANTA%20%2D%2D%20Atlanta%20Falcons%20wide,the%20Carolina%20Panthers%20on%20Sunday. | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>
* '''Interceptions''': Several Falcons, 2, most recently [[Jessie Bates]], 2 (September 10, 2023)
* '''Field goals''': [[Norm Johnson]], 6 (November 13, 1994)<ref name="c718">{{Cite web |title=Most field goals made in one game, Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/atlanta-falcons-player-most-field-goals-made-in-a-game |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=StatMuse}}</ref>
* '''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)<ref name="u799">{{cite web | title=Most points scored in one game, Atlanta Falcons| website=StatMuse | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/atlanta-falcons-player-most-points-scored-in-a-game | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
* '''Sacks''': [[Adrian Clayborn]], 6 (November 13, 2017)<ref name="f970">{{cite web | last=Butt | first=Jason | title='Coach, I can beat this guy': An oral history of Adrian Clayborn's historic six-sack game | website=New York Times | date=2019-08-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1165931/2019/08/27/coach-i-can-beat-this-guy-an-oral-history-of-adrian-clayborns-historic-six-sack-game/#:~:text=But%20with%20Clayborn%20barrelling%20down,franchise%20record%20with%20the%20performance. | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>

===Single season records===
* '''Passing attempts''': 651 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2013)<ref name="atlsslp">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Passing completions''': 439 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2013)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Passing yards''': 4,944 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2016)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Passing touchdowns''': 38 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2016)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Passing interceptions''': 25 [[Bobby Hebert]] (1996)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Completion percentage''': 69.9 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2016)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Passing rating''': 117.1 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2016)<ref name="atlsslp" />
* '''Rushing attempts''': 410 [[Jamal Anderson]] (1998)<ref name="atlsslrush">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Single-Season Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/single-season-rushing.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Rushing yards''': 1,846 [[Jamal Anderson]] (1998)<ref name="atlsslrush" />
* '''Rushing touchdowns''': 17 [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] (2008)<ref name="atlsslrush" />
* '''Receiving catches''': 136 [[Julio Jones]] (2015)<ref name="atlsslrec">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/single-season-receiving.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Receiving yards''': 1,871 [[Julio Jones]] (2015)<ref name="atlsslrec" />
* '''Receiving touchdowns''': 15 [[Andre Rison]] (1993)<ref name="atlsslrec" />
* '''Quarterback sacks''': 16.5 [[John Abraham (American football)|John Abraham]] (2008)<ref name="i226">{{cite web | last=Birchfield | first=Evan | title=Falcons Throwback Thursday: Remembering former DE John Abraham | website=The Falcoholic | date=2019-05-09 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2019/5/9/18534980/falcons-throwback-thursday-remembering-former-de-john-abraham-hall-of-famer-should-be | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
* '''Pass interceptions''': 10 [[Scott Case (American football)|Scott Case]] (1988)<ref name="t305">{{cite web | last=Choate | first=Dave | title=Falcons records that are unlikely to be broken: Scott Case's bushel of interceptions | website=The Falcoholic | date=2020-07-15 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2020/7/15/21325029/falcons-records-that-are-unlikely-to-be-broken-scott-cases-bushel-of-interceptions | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
* '''Field goal attempts''': 40 [[Jay Feely]] (2002)<ref name="sslkickatl">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Single-Season Kicking Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/single-season-kicking.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Field goals made''': 34 [[Matt Bryant]] (2016 and 2017)<ref name="sslkickatl" />
* '''Points''': 158 [[Matt Bryant]] (2016)<ref name="atlscoringssl" />
* '''Total touchdowns''': 17 [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] (2008)<ref name="atlscoringssl">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Single-Season Scoring Summary Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/single-season-scoring.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Career records===
* '''Passing attempts''': 6,817 [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Passing completions''': 4,460 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl" />
* '''Passing yards''': 51,186 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl" />
* '''Passing touchdowns''': 321 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl" />
* '''Passing interceptions''': 147 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl" />
* '''Passing rating''': 94.6 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)<ref name="atlcpl" />
* '''Rushing attempts''': 1,587 [[Gerald Riggs]] (1982–1988)<ref name="atlcrl">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-rushing.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Rushing yards''': 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–1988)<ref name="atlcrl" />
* '''Rushing yards by a QB''': 3,859 [[Michael Vick]] (2001–2006)<ref name="atlcrl" />
* '''Rushing touchdowns''': 60 [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] (2008–2012)<ref name="atlcrl" />
* '''Receiving catches''': 808 [[Roddy White]] (2005–2015)<ref name="atlreclead">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-receiving.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Receiving yards''': 12,125 [[Julio Jones]] (2011–2020)<ref name="atlreclead" />
* '''Receiving touchdowns''': 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)<ref name="atlreclead" />
* '''Quarterback sacks''': 68.5 [[John Abraham (American football)|John Abraham]] (2006–2012)<ref name="atldefc">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Defense Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-defense.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Pass interceptions''': 39 [[Rolland Lawrence]] (1973–1980)<ref name="atldefc" />
* '''Field goal attempts''': 296 [[Matt Bryant]] (2009–2019)<ref name="atlkick1" />
* '''Field goals made''': 224 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)<ref name="atlkick1" />
* '''Points''': 1,163 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Scoring Summary Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-scoring.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Total touchdowns''': 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)
* '''Pass interception return yards''': 658 Rolland Lawrence (1973–1980)<ref name="atldefc" />
* '''Pass interception returned for touchdowns''': 4 [[Deion Jones]] (2016–2022)<ref name="atldefc" />
* '''Punt return yards''': 1,723 [[Allen Rossum]] (2002–2006)<ref name="pr3k">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Kick & Punt Returns Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-returns.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Kickoff return yards''': 5,489 Allen Rossum (2002–2006)<ref name="pr3k" />
* '''Longest punt''': 75 [[John James (American football)|John James]] (1972–1981) and [[Harold Alexander (American football)|Harold Alexander]] (1993–1994)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-punting.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Longest field goal''': 59 [[Morten Andersen]] (1995–2000, 2006–2007) and Matt Bryant (2009–2019)<ref name="atlkick1">{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Career Kicking Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/career-kicking.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==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 inducted
|-
| '''8''' || [[Tommy McDonald (American football)|Tommy McDonald]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 1967 || 1998
|-
| '''29''' || [[Eric Dickerson]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1993 || 1999
|-
| '''21''' || [[Deion Sanders]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1989–1993 || 2011
|-
| '''56''' || [[Chris Doleman]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1994–1995 || 2012
|-
| '''87''' || [[Claude Humphrey]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1968–1978 || 2014<ref name="k347">{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame Class of 2014: Claude Humphrey blazed a trail |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/hall-of-fame-class-of-2014-claude-humphrey-blazed-a-trail-0ap2000000370466 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2014-07-28 |last1=Harrison |first1=Elliot |access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
|-
| '''4''' || [[Brett Favre]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1991 || 2016
|-
| '''5''' || [[Morten Andersen]] || [[Placekicker|K]] || 1995–2000<br />2006–2007 || 2017
|-
| '''88''' || [[Tony Gonzalez]] || [[Tight end|TE]] || 2009–2013 || 2019
|-
| '''93''' || [[Dwight Freeney]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 2016 || 2024
|-
| '''17''' || [[Devin Hester]] || [[Kick returner|KR]]/[[Wide receiver|WR]] || 2014–2015 || 2024
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons}};"|Coaches & Contributors
|-
! style="width:130px;" colspan=2|Name
! style="width:210px;"|Position(s)
! style="width:160px;"|Tenure
! style="width:50px;"|Inducted
|-
| colspan=2| [[Bobby Beathard]] || Scout || 1968–1971 || 2018<ref name="e360">{{cite web | last=Belson | first=Ken | title=Bobby Beathard, Mastermind of N.F.L. Dynasties, Dies at 86 | website=The New York Times | date=2023-02-01 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/sports/football/bobby-beathard-dead.html | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>
|}

Humphrey is the only person in the Hall of Fame who spent the majority of his career with the Falcons.

===Ring of Honor===
Fourteen members are included in the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons – Ring of Honor |url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/history/ring-of-honor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119130234/http://atlantafalcons.com/history/ring-of-honor/ |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2010 |title=Ring of Honor |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/ring-of-honor-4968667 |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tabeek |first1=Matthew |title=Falcons fans ask about Greg Knapp, drafting a QB, Tevin Coleman, Deion Sanders' No. 21, more |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-fans-ask-about-greg-knapp-drafting-a-qb-tevin-coleman-deion-san-20293810 |website=Atlanta Falcons |access-date=February 27, 2024 |date=January 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Scales |first1=Kobe |title=Why Bijan Robinson chose to wear No. 7 with Falcons |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/why-bijan-robinson-chose-to-wear-no-7-with-falcons |website=Atlanta Falcons |access-date=February 27, 2024 |date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons |border=2}};"|'''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}};"|Inducted
|-
|—
|[[Arthur Blank|Arthur M. Blank]]
|Owner
|2002–present
|2024
|-
|'''2'''
|[[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]]
|[[Quarterback|QB]]
|2008–2021
|2024
|-
| '''10''' || [[Steve Bartkowski]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1975–1985 || 2004

|-
| '''21''' || [[Deion Sanders]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1989–1993 || 2010
|-
| '''28''' || [[Warrick Dunn]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 2002–2007 || 2017
|-
| '''31''' || [[William Andrews (American football)|William Andrews]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1979–1983, 1986 || 2004
|-
| '''42''' || [[Gerald Riggs]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1982–1988 || 2013
|-
| '''57''' || [[Jeff Van Note]] || [[Center (gridiron football)|C]]|| 1969–1986 || 2006
|-
| '''58''' || [[Jessie Tuggle]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1987–2000 || 2004
|-
| '''60''' || [[Tommy Nobis]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1966–1976 || 2004
|-
|'''62'''
|[[Todd McClure]]
|[[Center (gridiron football)|C]]
|1999–2012
|2022
|-
| '''78''' || [[Mike Kenn]] || [[Tackle (American football)|T]] || 1978–1994 || 2008
|-
|'''84'''||[[Roddy White]]||[[Wide receiver|WR]]|| 2005–2015 || 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Will |date=July 11, 2019 |title=Roddy White to be inducted into Falcons Ring of Honor |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/roddy-white-to-be-inducted-into-falcons-ring-of-honor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103001414/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/roddy-white-to-be-inducted-into-falcons-ring-of-honor |archive-date=November 3, 2019 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref>
|-
| '''87''' || [[Claude Humphrey]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1968–1978 || 2008
|}

===Georgia Sports Hall of Fame===
{{Main|Georgia Sports Hall of Fame}}

===Starting quarterbacks===
{{Main|List of Atlanta Falcons starting quarterbacks}}

===Draft history===
{{Main|List of Atlanta Falcons first-round draft picks|Atlanta Falcons draft history|1966 NFL expansion draft}}

In the team's history, the Falcons have had the number one overall pick four times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons All-Time Draft History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Coaching staff==

===Head coaches===
[[File:2024 Atlanta Falcons Raheem Morris OTA Press Conference (cropped).png|thumb|250px|[[Raheem Morris]] is the current Atlanta Falcons head coach.]]

{{Main|List of Atlanta Falcons head coaches}}
{{see also|History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches}}

In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 18 head coaches. Five coaches have served in interim roles<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Atlanta Falcons Head Coaches|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/history/head-coaches.html|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521053013/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/history/head-coaches.html|archive-date=May 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/coaches.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
{| 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}};"|Notes
|-
|[[Norb Hecker]] || 1966–1968 || 4–26–1 {{Small|({{winpct|4|26|1}})}}
|{{Small|Fired after three games in 1968.}}
|-
|[[Norm Van Brocklin]] || 1968–1974 || 39–48–3 {{Small|({{winpct|39|48|3}})}}
|{{Small|Fired after eight games in 1974.}}
|-
|[[Marion Campbell]] || 1974–1976 || 6–19 {{Small|({{winpct|6|19}})}}
|{{Small|Fired after five games in 1976.}}
|- style="background:silver;"
|[[Pat Peppler]] || 1976 || 3–6 {{Small|({{winpct|3|6}})}} || {{Small|Interim head coach.}}
|-
|[[Leeman Bennett]] || 1977–1982 || 46–41 {{Small|({{winpct|46|41}})}} ||
|-
|[[Dan Henning]] || 1983–1986 || 22–41–1 {{Small|({{winpct|22|41|1}})}} ||
|-
|Marion Campbell || 1987–1989 || 11–36 {{Small|({{winpct|11|36}})}}
|{{Small|Retired after 12 games in 1989.}}
|- style="background:silver;"
|[[Jim Hanifan]] || 1989 || 0–4 {{Small|({{winpct|0|4}})}} || {{Small|Interim head coach.}}
|-
|[[Jerry Glanville]] || 1990–1993 || 27–37 {{Small|({{winpct|27|37}})}} ||
|-
|[[June Jones]] || 1994–1996 || 19–29 {{Small|({{winpct|19|29}})}} ||
|-
|[[Dan Reeves]] || 1997–2003 || 49–59–1 {{Small|({{winpct|49|59|1}})}} ||
|- style="background:silver;"
|[[Wade Phillips]] || 2003 || 2–1 {{Small|({{winpct|2|1}})}} || {{Small|Interim head coach.}}
|-
|[[Jim L. Mora|Jim Mora]] || 2004–2006 || 26–22 {{Small|({{winpct|26|22}})}} ||
|-
|[[Bobby Petrino]] || 2007 || 3–10 {{Small|({{winpct|3|10}})}} || {{Small|Resigned after 13 games to take over the head coaching job at [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|Arkansas]].}}
|- style="background:silver;"
|[[Emmitt Thomas]] || 2007 || 1–2 {{Small|({{winpct|1|2}})}} || {{Small|Interim head coach.}}
|-
|[[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] || 2008–2014 || 66–46 {{Small|({{winpct|66|46}})}} ||
|-
|[[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] || 2015–2020 || 43–42 {{Small|({{winpct|43|42}})}}|| {{Small|Fired after 5 games in 2020.}}
|- style="background:silver;"
|[[Raheem Morris]] || 2020 || 4–7 {{Small|({{winpct|4|7}})}} || {{Small|Interim head coach.}}
|-
|[[Arthur Smith (American football coach)|Arthur Smith]] || 2021–2023 || 21–30 {{Small|({{winpct|21|30|}})}}||
|- 
|Raheem Morris || 2024–present || 8–9 {{Small|({{winpct|8|9}})}}|| 
|}

===Current staff===
{{Atlanta Falcons staff}}

==Radio and television==
The Falcons' flagship radio station is [[WZGC (FM)|WZGC]] 92.9 The Game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ho |first=Rodney |date=August 26, 2014 |title=92.9/The Game becomes a Falcons affiliate |url=http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/08/26/92-9the-game-becomes-a-falcons-affiliate/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827090937/http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/08/26/92-9the-game-becomes-a-falcons-affiliate/ |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |access-date=October 19, 2014 |website=Radio & TV Talk with Rodney Ho |publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> [[Wes Durham]], son of longtime [[North Carolina Tar Heels]] voice [[Woody Durham]], is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer, with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and pro football veteran, [[David Archer (quarterback)|Dave Archer]] serving as color commentator.<ref name="z104">{{cite web | last=Ufnowski | first=Amy | title=Wes Durham | website=ESPN Press Room U.S. | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/wes-durham/ | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref><ref name="x946">{{cite web | title=Friend of the show and Atlanta Falcons Color Analysts Dave Archer gives his thoughts on the draft | website=Omny.fm | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://omny.fm/shows/crenshaw-clarkson/friend-of-the-show-and-atlanta-falcons-color-analy | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>

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]].<ref name="falcons-wupa">{{cite web|title=Falcons Announce New Local TV Partner|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-announce-new-local-tv-partner-12681760|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=February 27, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630215933/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-announce-new-local-tv-partner-12681760|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the regular season, the team's games are seen on Fox's O&O affiliate [[WAGA-TV|WAGA]]. When the Falcons challenge an AFC team, CBS affiliate [[WANF]] will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on [[WXIA-TV|WXIA]], the local NBC affiliate.

===Radio affiliates===
[[File:Atlanta Falcons radio affiliates.png|thumb|300px|right|Map of radio affiliates.]]
Source:<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Falcons – Radio Affiliate Stations|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/on-the-air/falcons-radio-network/radio-affiliate-stations.html|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|access-date=September 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501132857/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/on-the-air/falcons-radio-network/radio-affiliate-stations.html|archive-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Georgia====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Albany, Georgia|Albany]] || [[WSRA]]-AM || 1250 AM
|-
| [[Athens, Georgia|Athens]] || [[WRFC (AM)|WRFC]]-AM || 960 AM
|-
| [[Atlanta]] || [[WZGC (FM)|'''WZGC''']]-'''FM''' ('''Flagship''')|| 92.9 FM
|-
| [[Brunswick, Georgia|Brunswick]] || [[WSFN]]-AM || 790 AM
|-
| [[Clarkesville, Georgia|Clarkesville]] || [[WDUN-FM]] || 102.9 FM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Columbus, Georgia|Columbus]] || [[WDAK]]-AM || 540 AM
|-
| [[WBOJ]] || 1270 AM
|-
| [[Dalton, Georgia|Dalton]] || [[WBLJ (AM)|WBLJ]]-AM || 1230 AM
|-
| [[Douglas, Georgia|Douglas]] || [[WDMG (AM)|WDMG]]-AM || 860 AM
|-
| [[Gainesville, Georgia|Gainesville]] || [[WDUN (AM)|WDUN]] || 550 AM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Griffin, Georgia|Griffin]] || [[WKEU (AM)|WKEU]]-AM || 1450 AM
|-
| [[WKEU-FM]] || 88.9 FM
|-
| [[Hogansville, Georgia|Hogansville]] || [[WGST (AM)|WGST]]-AM || 720 AM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Jesup, Georgia|Jesup]] || [[WLOP]]-AM || 1370 AM
|-
| [[WIFO-FM]] || 105.5 FM
|-
| [[LaGrange, Georgia|LaGrange]] || [[WMGP]]-FM || 98.1 FM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Louisville, Georgia|Louisville]] || [[WPEH (AM)|WPEH]]-AM || 1420 AM
|-
| [[WPEH (AM)|WPEH]]-FM || 92.1 FM
|-
| [[Macon, Georgia|Macon]] || [[WXKO]]-AM || 1150 AM
|-
| [[Milledgeville, Georgia|Milledgeville]] || [[WMVG]]-AM || 1450 AM
|-
| [[Newnan, Georgia|Newnan]] || [[WRZX (AM)|WRZX]] || 1400 AM
|-
| [[Sandersville, Georgia|Sandersville]] || [[WJFL]]-FM || 101.9 FM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]] || [[WSEG]]-AM || 1400 AM
|-
| [[WSEG]]-FM || 104.3 FM
|-
| [[Statesboro, Georgia|Statesboro]] || [[WPTB]]-AM || 850 AM
|-
| [[Swainsboro, Georgia|Swainsboro]] || [[WJAT]]-AM || 800 AM
|-
| [[Thomaston, Georgia|Thomaston]] || [[WTGA-FM]] || 101.1 FM
|-
| [[Toccoa, Georgia|Toccoa]] || [[WNEG (AM)|WNEG]]-AM || 630 AM
|-
| [[Valdosta, Georgia|Valdosta]] || [[WVGA (FM)|WVGA]] || 105.9 FM
|-
| [[Vidalia, Georgia|Vidalia]] || [[WVOP]]-AM || 970 AM
|-
| [[Waycross, Georgia|Waycross]] || [[WFNS (AM)|WFNS]]-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}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Foley, 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}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]] || [[WYAB]]-FM || 103.9 FM<ref name="e048">{{cite web | title=WYAB 103.9 FM | website=WYAB 103.9 FM | url=http://www.wyab.com/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>
|}

====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}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Clemson, South Carolina|Clemson]] || [[WCCP-FM]] || 104.9 FM<ref name="u075">{{cite web | last=Choate | first=Dave | title=Atlanta Falcons radio network affiliate stations | website=The Falcoholic | date=2022-10-31 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/23431646/atlanta-falcons-radio-network-affiliate-stations | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>
|}

====Tennessee====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Atlanta Falcons|border=2}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Chattanooga, Tennessee|Chattanooga]] || [[WALV-FM]] || 95.3 FM<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Braves New Home In Chattanooga Is Brewer Media's ESPN 105.1 The Zone |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/3/335344/Braves-New-Home-In-Chattanooga-Is.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050747/http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/3/335344/Braves-New-Home-In-Chattanooga-Is.aspx |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |website=Chattanoogan.com}}</ref>
|}

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.nfl.com/teams/atlanta-falcons/ Atlanta Falcons] at the [[National Football League]] official website
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUXSZMIiUfFSzzgEL4N9aYBXPmGVen3zW The History of the Atlanta Falcons], [[Secret Base]], ''YouTube''
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at [[Pro Football Reference]]

{{Atlanta Falcons}}
{{Atlanta Falcons seasons}}
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