2016 Atlanta Falcons season

The 2016 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Quinn. It also marked the team's 25th and final season playing their home games at the Georgia Dome, as the Falcons moved into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons won the NFC South for the first time since 2012 and improved on their 8–8 record from 2015, going 11–5 and earning the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the 2016 NFL MVP. The Falcons scored 540 points, the most in the NFL for 2016 and 8th all-time. The team scored fewer than 23 points only once all season: a 24–15 loss to the Eagles.

2016 Atlanta Falcons season
Owner	Arthur Blank
General manager	Thomas Dimitroff
Head coach	Dan Quinn
Home field	Georgia Dome
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	1st NFC South
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Seahawks) 36–20 Won NFC Championship (vs. Packers) 44–21 Lost Super Bowl LI (vs. Patriots) 28–34 (OT)
Pro Bowlers	6 Selected but did not participate due to participation in Super Bowl LI: QB Matt Ryan RB Devonta Freeman WR Julio Jones C Alex Mack OLB Vic Beasley K Matt Bryant
AP All-Pros	4 QB Matt Ryan (1st team) WR Julio Jones (1st team) OLB Vic Beasley (1st team) C Alex Mack (2nd team)
Uniform
← 2015 Falcons seasons 2017 →

The Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks 36–20 in the Divisional Round to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2012. In the NFC Championship game, they defeated the Green Bay Packers, 44–21, to advance to their second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history; they had competed in Super Bowl XXXIII 18 years earlier. In Super Bowl LI, the Falcons faced the New England Patriots, and built up a 28–3 lead midway through the third quarter. However, the Patriots subsequently scored 25 unanswered points, forcing overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history, where they went on to win 34–28.

Free agents

Position	Player	Tag	2016 Team	Notes
S	Ricardo Allen		Atlanta Falcons
DE	Kroy Biermann	UFA	Buffalo Bills
G	Chris Chester	UFA	Atlanta Falcons
DE	Adrian Clayborn		Atlanta Falcons
S	Charles Godfrey		Atlanta Falcons
PK	Shayne Graham	UFA	None	Retired
C	Gino Gradkowski		Carolina Panthers
T	Bryce Harris	UFA	Atlanta Falcons
T	Jake Long		Minnesota Vikings
TE	Tony Moeaki	UFA	Chicago Bears
T	Ryan Schraeder		Atlanta Falcons
LB	Nathan Stupar		New Orleans Saints
TE	D.J. Tialavea		Atlanta Falcons
LB	Philip Wheeler	UFA	Atlanta Falcons
LB	Paul Worrilow		Atlanta Falcons

Draft

Main article: 2016 NFL Draft

2016 Atlanta Falcons draft
Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	17	Keanu Neal *	SS	Florida
2	50	Deion Jones *	OLB	LSU
3	81	Austin Hooper *	TE	Stanford
4	115	De'Vondre Campbell	OLB	Minnesota
6	195	Wes Schweitzer	G	San Jose State
7	238	Devin Fuller	WR	UCLA
Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

• The Falcons did not select a player in the fifth round:
  • The team forfeited their fifth-round selection as the punishment for piping artificial crowd noise into the Georgia Dome during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. If the Falcons receive multiple fifth-round selections, the team will forfeit its first fifth-round selection;
  • The Falcons traded their sixth-round selection (No. 193) to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for guard Andy Levitre and a future undisclosed selection. They subsequently acquired Pick No. 195 from the New York Jets.

Staff

2016 Atlanta Falcons staff

Front office Owner/Chairman – Arthur M. Blank President/CEO – Rich McKay general manager – Thomas Dimitroff Assistant general manager – Scott Pioli Director of pro personnel – Joel Collier Director, Football Operations – Nick Polk Director of college scouting – Steve Sabo National Scout – Ruston Webster National Scout – Phil Emery Head coaches Head coach – Dan Quinn Assistant head coach/wide receivers – Raheem Morris Assistant to the head coach – Steve Scarnecchia Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Kyle Shanahan Quarterbacks – Matt LaFleur Running backs – Bobby Turner Tight ends – Wade Harman Offensive line – Chris Morgan Assistant offensive line – Keith Carter Offensive assistant – Mike LaFleur Offensive assistant – Mike McDaniel

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Richard Smith Defensive line – Bryan Cox Linebackers – Jeff Ulbrich Passing game coordinator – Jerome Henderson Senior defensive assistant/secondary – Marquand Manuel Defensive assistant/linebackers – Doug Mallory Defensive assistant/defensive backs – Chad Walker Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Keith Armstrong Assistant special teams – Eric Sutulovich Strength and conditioning Athletic performance manager – A.J. Neibel Head strength and conditioning – Jesse Ackerman Assistant strength and conditioning – Jonas Beauchemin

Final roster

2016 Atlanta Falcons roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  2 Matt Ryan  8 Matt Schaub Running backs (RB) 26 Tevin Coleman 42 Patrick DiMarco 24 Devonta Freeman 28 Terron Ward Wide receivers (WR) 18 Taylor Gabriel 16 Justin Hardy 11 Julio Jones 19 Aldrick Robinson 12 Mohamed Sanu 14 Eric Weems 15 Nick Williams Tight ends (TE) 81 Austin Hooper 82 Joshua Perkins 86 D. J. Tialavea 80 Levine Toilolo

Offensive linemen (OL) 65 Chris Chester G 76 Tom Compton T 63 Ben Garland C 67 Andy Levitre G 51 Alex Mack C 70 Jake Matthews T 73 Ryan Schraeder T 71 Wes Schweitzer G Defensive linemen (DL) 95 Jonathan Babineaux DT 99 Adrian Clayborn DE 93 Dwight Freeney DE 77 Ra'Shede Hageman DT 94 Tyson Jackson DE 97 Grady Jarrett DT 50 Brooks Reed DE 91 Courtney Upshaw DE

Linebackers (LB) 44 Vic Beasley OLB 59 De'Vondre Campbell OLB 45 Deion Jones MLB 52 Josh Keyes OLB 53 LaRoy Reynolds MLB 41 Philip Wheeler OLB 55 Paul Worrilow OLB Defensive backs (DB) 23 Robert Alford CB 37 Ricardo Allen FS 32 Jalen Collins CB 38 Dashon Goldson SS 29 C. J. Goodwin CB 22 Keanu Neal SS 20 Sharrod Neasman FS 30 Deji Olatoye CB 34 Brian Poole CB 33 Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB Special teams  5 Matt Bosher P  3 Matt Bryant K 47 Josh Harris LS

Practice squad 61 Carter Bykowski T 13 B. J. Daniels WR 66 Kevin Graf T 49 Darion Griswold TE 98 Martin Ifedi DE 64 Blake Muir G 35 Jhurell Pressley RB  4 Matt Simms QB 92 Joe Vellano DT 38 Ryan White CB Reserve 87 Devin Fuller WR (IR) 36 Kemal Ishmael SS (IR) 25 Akeem King CB (IR) 74 Chris Mayes DT (IR) 90 Derrick Shelby DE (IR) -- Tyler Starr OLB (IR) 83 Jacob Tamme TE (IR) 21 Desmond Trufant CB (IR) 56 Sean Weatherspoon OLB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 9 reserve, 10 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Falcons players at training camp, July 2016.

The Falcons preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 11	Washington Redskins	W 23–17	1–0	Georgia Dome	Recap
2	August 18	at Cleveland Browns	W 24–13	2–0	FirstEnergy Stadium	Recap
3	August 25	at Miami Dolphins	L 6–17	2–1	Camping World Stadium (Orlando)	Recap
4	September 1	Jacksonville Jaguars	W 17–15	3–1	Georgia Dome	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 11	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 24–31	0–1	Georgia Dome	Recap
2	September 18	at Oakland Raiders	W 35–28	1–1	Oakland Alameda Coliseum	Recap
3	September 26	at New Orleans Saints	W 45–32	2–1	Mercedes-Benz Superdome	Recap
4	October 2	Carolina Panthers	W 48–33	3–1	Georgia Dome	Recap
5	October 9	at Denver Broncos	W 23–16	4–1	Sports Authority Field at Mile High	Recap
6	October 16	at Seattle Seahawks	L 24–26	4–2	CenturyLink Field	Recap
7	October 23	San Diego Chargers	L 30–33 (OT)	4–3	Georgia Dome	Recap
8	October 30	Green Bay Packers	W 33–32	5–3	Georgia Dome	Recap
9	November 3	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 43–28	6–3	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
10	November 13	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 15–24	6–4	Lincoln Financial Field	Recap
11	Bye
12	November 27	Arizona Cardinals	W 38–19	7–4	Georgia Dome	Recap
13	December 4	Kansas City Chiefs	L 28–29	7–5	Georgia Dome	Recap
14	December 11	at Los Angeles Rams	W 42–14	8–5	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	Recap
15	December 18	San Francisco 49ers	W 41–13	9–5	Georgia Dome	Recap
16	December 24	at Carolina Panthers	W 33–16	10–5	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
17	January 1	New Orleans Saints	W 38–32	11–5	Georgia Dome	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	14	14	0	31
Falcons	10	3	8	3	24

Game information

First quarter TB – Roberto Aguayo 43-yard field goal, 9:57. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:02. ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 7:13. Tied 3–3. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 2:44. ATL – Mohamed Sanu 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:16. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 2:20. Second quarter TB – Brandon Myers 4-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 10:31. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:46. ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 1:50. Falcons 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:14. TB – Charles Sims 23-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 0:24. Buccaneers 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 1:31. Third quarter TB – Austin Seferian-Jenkins 30-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 13:02. Buccaneers 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:06. TB – Mike Evans 45-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Robert Aguayo kick), 5:21. Buccaneers 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 3:16. ATL – Julio Jones 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan–Mohamed Sanu pass), 1:42. Buccaneers 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:37. Fourth quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 4:59. Buccaneers 31–24. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 4:54. Top passers TB – Jameis Winston – 23/32, 281 yards, 4 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/39, 334 yards, 2 TD Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 18 rushes, 62 yards ATL – Tevin Coleman – 8 rushes, 22 yards Top receivers TB – Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 99 yards, TD ATL – Tevin Coleman – 5 receptions, 95 yards

Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,382
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, David Diehl and Holly Sonders
• Recap, Gamebook

With the loss, the Falcons started their season 0–1 for the first time since 2013.

Week 2: at Oakland Raiders

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	13	8	14	35
Raiders	0	7	7	14	28

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 11:58. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:55. OAK – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 7:51. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 4:07. ATL – Julio Jones 21-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:46. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:05. ATL – Matt Bryant 20-yard field goal, 0:38. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:55. Third quarter OAK – Clive Walford 31-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:17. Raiders 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:43. ATL – Jacob Tamme 14-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan run), 3:42. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:54. Fourth quarter OAK – Michael Crabtree 2-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 12:00. Tied 21–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:42. ATL – Justin Hardy 13-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:29. Falcons 28–21. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:31. ATL – Tevin Coleman 13-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:35. Falcons 35–21. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:37. OAK – Andre Holmes 6-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:12. Falcons 35–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:23. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/34, 396 yards, 3 TD, INT OAK – Derek Carr – 34/45, 299 yards, 3 TD Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 17 rushes, 93 yards OAK – Latavius Murray – 8 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 5 receptions, 106 yards, TD OAK – Amari Cooper – 5 receptions, 71 yards

Week Two: Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

at Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 4:25 pm. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 54,081
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 1–1.

Week 3: at New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	7	21	10	7	45
Saints	7	10	8	7	32

Game information

First quarter NO – Coby Fleener 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 8:25. Saints 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75, yards, 6:35. ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 5:21. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:52. Second quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 13-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:53. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 74, yards, 5:08. NO – Michael Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:55. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 75, yards, 4:58. ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 5:31. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:24. ATL – Justin Hardy 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:28. Falcons 28–14. Drive: 8 plays, 94, yards, 1:23. NO – Wil Lutz 57-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 28–17. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 0:28. Third quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:03. Falcons 35–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:57. NO – John Kuhn 3-yard run (Mark Ingram II run), 7:38. Falcons 35–25. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:25. ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 2:58. Falcons 38–25. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 4:40. Fourth quarter ATL – Deion Jones 90-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 13:37. Falcons 45–25. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:21. NO – Mark Ingram II 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 10:00. Falcons 45–32. Drive: 7 plays, 75, yards, 3:37. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 20/30, 240 yards, 2 TD NO – Drew Brees – 36/54, 376 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 14 rushes, 152 yards NO – Mark Ingram II – 15 rushes, 77 yards Top receivers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD NO – Coby Fleener – 7 receptions, 109 yards, TD

Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: September 26
• Game time: 8:30 pm. EDT/7:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 73,003
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	10	0	23	33
Falcons	14	3	14	17	48

Game information

First quarter ATL – Jacob Tamme 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:14. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:19. ATL – Devonta Freeman 13-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 0:17. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 3:33. Second quarter CAR – Kurt Coleman 8-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 11:31. Falcons 14–7. ATL – Matt Bryant 28-yard field goal, 5:56. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:35. CAR – Graham Gano 54-yard field goal, 3:07. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:49. Third quarter ATL – Austin Hooper 42-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 9:13. Falcons 24–10. Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 5:47. ATL – Aldrick Robinson 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:57. Falcons 31–10. Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 3:19. Fourth quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 53-yard field goal, 13:19. Falcons 34–10. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 5:17. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Cam Newton run), 11:42. Falcons 34–18. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 1:37. CAR – Greg Olsen 14-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Derek Anderson–Greg Olsen pass), 3:58. Falcons 34–26. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 5:23. ATL – Julio Jones 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:45. Falcons 41–26. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:13. CAR – Corey Brown 16-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 1:53. Falcons 41–33. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 1:52. ATL – Robert Alford 30-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 1:14. Falcons 48–33. Top passers CAR – Derek Anderson – 17/23, 172 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 28/37, 503 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Cam Newton – 5 rushes, 30 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 13 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Fozzy Whittaker – 9 receptions, 86 yards ATL – Julio Jones – 12 receptions, 300 yards, TD

Week Four: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,508
• Referee: John Hussey
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
• Recap, Gamebook

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones made Falcons team history as Ryan exploded to 503 passing yards and Jones caught twelve passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first quarterback-receiver duo to break 500 passing yards and 300 receiving yards in club history and the first such tandem in the NFL's Super Bowl era.^[1] Cam Newton was knocked out of the game with a concussion incurred on a two-point conversion run. With the win, the Falcons improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	10	3	7	3	23
Broncos	0	3	0	13	16

Game information

First quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 11:18. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:42. ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, 4:23. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:23. Second quarter DEN – Brandon McManus 35-yard field goal, 11:39. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 3:54. ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 1:48. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 7:00. Third quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 31-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:53. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 2:01. Fourth quarter DEN – Brandon McManus 46-yard field goal, 11:01. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 8 plays, 22 yards, 3:59. ATL – Matt Bryant 25-yard field goal, 8:20. Falcons 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:41. DEN – Demaryius Thomas 3-yard pass from Paxton Lynch (Brandon McManus kick), 2:38. Falcons 23–13. Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 5:42. DEN – Brandon McManus 45-yard field goal, 0:14. Falcons 23–16. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 1:42. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 15/28, 267 yards, TD DEN – Paxton Lynch – 23/35, 223 yards, TD, INT Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 23 rushes, 88 yards, TD DEN – C. J. Anderson – 11 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers ATL – Tevin Coleman – 4 receptions, 132 yards, TD DEN – Emmanuel Sanders – 7 receptions, 80 yards

Week Five: Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos – Game summary

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 4:05 pm. EDT/2:05 p.m. MDT
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), mostly cloudy
• Game attendance: 76,802
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 4–1 for the first time since 2010.

Week 6: at Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	3	21	0	24
Seahawks	7	10	0	9	26

Game information

First quarter SEA – Christine Michael 9-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 2:02. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 9 yards, 0:05. Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 8:38. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 4:37. SEA – Alex Collins 2-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:32. Seahawks 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:06. SEA – Steven Hauschka 42-yard field goal, 0:42. Seahawks 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:16. Third quarter ATL – Julio Jones 36-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:01. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:59. ATL – Mohamed Sanu 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:11. Tied 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:23. ATL – Levine Toilolo 46-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:17. Falcons 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 97 yards, 3:27. Fourth quarter SEA – Christine Michael 1-yard run (kick blocked), 4:43. Falcons 24–23. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:51. SEA – Steven Hauschka 44-yard field goal, 1:57. Seahawks 26–24. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 1:51. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/42, 335 yards, 3 TD, INT SEA – Russell Wilson – 25/37, 270 yards Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 40 yards SEA – Christine Michael – 18 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TD Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 7 receptions, 139 yards, TD SEA – Jimmy Graham – 6 receptions, 89 yards

Week Six: Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 4:25 pm. EDT/1:25 pm. PDT
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), rain
• Game attendance: 69,071
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
• Recap, Gamebook

With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 4–2.

Week 7: vs. San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Chargers	7	10	3	10	3	33
Falcons	6	21	0	3	0	30

Game information

First quarter SD – Melvin Gordon 2-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 10:55. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:05. ATL – Matt Bryant 42-yard field goal, 6:26. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:29. ATL – Matt Bryant 27-yard field goal, 2:34. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:56. Second quarter SD – Josh Lambo 40-yard field goal, 13:29. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 4:05. ATL – Jacob Tamme 17-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 9:06. Falcons 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:23. ATL – Tevin Coleman 30-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 6:07. Falcons 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 1:49. ATL – Adrian Clayborn 5-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 4:31. Falcons 27–10. SD – Melvin Gordon 3-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 1:02. Falcons 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:29. Third quarter SD – Josh Lambo 37-yard field goal, 4:50. Falcons 27–20. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:15. Fourth quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 31-yard field goal, 13:23. Falcons 30–20. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:27. SD – Melvin Gordon 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 5:59. Falcons 30–27. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 7:24. SD – Josh Lambo 33-yard field goal, 0:18. Tied 30–30. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 3:14. Overtime SD – Josh Lambo 42-yard field goal, 9:01. Chargers 33–30. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:11. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 27/44, 371 yards, TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 22/34, 273 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SD – Melvin Gordon – 22 rushes, 68 yards, 2 TD ATL – Tevin Coleman – 8 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers SD – Tyrell Williams – 7 receptions, 140 yards ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 174 yards

Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 23
• Game time: 4:05 pm. EDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,832
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Gamebook

The Falcons blew a 17-point lead and lost to the Chargers, 33-30. They wore their black throwback uniforms for this game. With the game tied at 30–30, a missed 58-yarder by Matt Bryant forced the game into overtime. The Falcons received the ball first in overtime but turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert a fourth down. Josh Lambo kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime to seal a 33–30 victory for the Chargers. With the brutal loss, the Falcons dropped to 4–3 for the first time since 2009. This is the final game the Falcons played against the San Diego-based Chargers. It also foreshadowed a more calamitous loss in which the Falcons blew a larger lead.

Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	7	17	0	8	32
Falcons	10	9	7	7	33

Game information

First quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 36-yard field goal, 9:46. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:19. GB – Jordy Nelson 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:14. Packers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:33. ATL – Taylor Gabriel 47-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 5:19. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:40. Second quarter GB – Geronimo Allison 14-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:58. Packers 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:35. ATL – Matt Bryant 40-yard field goal, 8:55. Packers 14–13. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:01. GB – Trevor Davis 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:31. Packers 21–13. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:24. ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan, 0:32. Packers 21–19. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:55. GB – Mason Crosby 29-yard field goal, 0:04. Packers 24–19. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 0:27. Third quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:35. Falcons 26–24. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:31. Fourth quarter GB – Jeff Janis 7-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Aaron Rodgers run), 4:04. Packers 32–26. Drive: 13 plays, 86 yards, 8:33. ATL – Mohamed Sanu 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:36. Falcons 33–32. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:27. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 28/38, 246 yards, 4 TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 28/35, 288 yards, 3 TD Top rushers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 6 rushes, 60 yards ATL – Terron Ward – 6 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers GB – Jordy Nelson – 4 receptions, 94 yards, TD ATL – Mohamed Sanu – 9 receptions, 84 yards, TD

Week Eight: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 4:25 pm. EDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,165
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 5–3.

Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	10	10	13	10	43
Buccaneers	7	7	0	14	28

Game information

First quarter TB – Mike Evans 3-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 9:37. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:32. ATL – Levine Toilolo 32-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:49. ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 6:12. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:56. Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 41-yard field goal, 13:42. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:02. TB – Mike Evans 24-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 8:43. Buccaneers 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:23. ATL – Taylor Gabriel 9-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:01. Falcons 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:39. Third quarter ATL – Patrick DiMarco 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 8:59. Falcons 26–14. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:06. ATL – Julio Jones 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:07. Falcons 33–14. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 4:52. Fourth quarter ATL – Austin Hooper 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 10:00. Falcons 40–14. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:43. TB – Adam Humphries 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (run failed), 6:53. Falcons 40–20. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:09. ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 3:47. Falcons 43–20. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 3:05. TB – Cameron Brate 2-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Mike Glennon–Brandon Myers pass), 1:01. Falcons 43–28. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 2:43. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/34, 344 yards, 4 TD TB – Jameis Winston – 23/37, 261 yards, 3 TD Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 17 rushes, 77 yards TB – Peyton Barber – 11 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 8 receptions, 111 yards, TD TB – Mike Evans – 11 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TD

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: November 3
• Game time: 8:25 pm. EDT
• Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C), clear
• Game attendance: 57,797
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (NFLN): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Heather Cox
• Recap, Gamebook

Despite Mike Evans finishing the game with 11 receptions for 150 yards and two scores, the Falcons still managed to beat Tampa Bay on the road, 43–28. With the win, the Falcons improved to 6–3.

Week 10: at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	6	3	6	15
Eagles	7	0	3	14	24

Game information

First quarter PHI – Ryan Mathews 4-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:17. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 7:14. Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 38-yard field goal, 9:36. Eagles 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:04. ATL – Matt Bryant 43-yard field goal, 2:59. Eagles 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:36. Third quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 29-yard field goal, 8:16. Eagles 10–6. Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:44. ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, 4:46. Eagles 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:30. Fourth quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 25-yard field goal, 13:50. Eagles 13–9. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:56. ATL – Taylor Gabriel 76-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed, hit left upright), 13:15. Falcons 15–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:35. PHI – Ryan Mathews 5-yard run (Ryan Mathews run), 6:49. Eagles 21–15. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:36. PHI – Caleb Sturgis 48-yard field goal, 1:57. Eagles 24–15. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:22. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 18/31, 267 yards, TD, INT PHI – Carson Wentz – 25/36, 231 yards Top rushers ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 49 yards PHI – Ryan Mathews: 18 rushes, 108 yards, 2 TD Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 10 receptions, 134 yards PHI – Jordan Matthews – 6 receptions, 73 yards

Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: November 13
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 69,596
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Gamebook

With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 6–4.

Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	7	6	0	6	19
Falcons	7	10	7	14	38

Game information

First quarter ARI – Jermaine Gresham 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 9:39. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:21. ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:38. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:01. Second quarter ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 25-yard field goal, 12:52. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:46. ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 8:30. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 4:22. ATL – Taylor Gabriel 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:19. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:51. ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 0:25. Third quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:56. Falcons 24–13. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:05. Fourth quarter ATL – Taylor Gabriel 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:48. Falcons 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:29. ARI – David Johnson 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (pass failed), 4:44. Falcons 31–19. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:04. ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:07. Falcons 38–19. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:37. Top passers ARI – Carson Palmer – 25/45, 289 yards, 2 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/34, 269 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers ARI – David Johnson – 13 rushes, 58 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 16 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD Top receivers ARI – David Johnson – 8 receptions, 103 yards, TD ATL – Taylor Gabriel – 4 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TD

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: November 27
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,233
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Gamebook

With the impressive win, the Falcons improved to 7–4.

Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	6	14	7	2	29
Falcons	10	6	0	12	28

Game information

First quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 10:02. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:58. KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (kick blocked), 8:00. Falcons 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 2:02. ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 5:11. Falcons 10–6. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:49. Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 13:25. Falcons 13–6. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:26. KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:05. Tied 13–13. Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 6:20. KC – Eric Berry 37-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 0:37. Chiefs 20–13. ATL – Matt Bryant 59-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 20–16. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 0:37. Third quarter KC – Albert Wilson 55-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 12:52. Chiefs 27–16. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 2:08. Fourth quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (pass failed), 11:57. Chiefs 27–22. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:12. ATL – Aldrick Robinson 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan, 4:32. Falcons 28–27. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:53. KC – Eric Berry defensive two-point conversion, 4:32. Chiefs 29–28. Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 21/25, 270 yards, TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 22/34, 297 yards, TD, INT Top rushers KC – Albert Wilson – 1 rush, 55 yards, TD ATL – Devonta Freeman – 15 rushes, 56 yards, 2 TD Top receivers KC – Travis Kelce – 8 receptions, 140 yards ATL – Julio Jones – 7 receptions, 113 yards

Week Thirteen: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,879
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
• Recap, Gamebook

The Falcons trailed 27–16 going into the fourth quarter, and took the lead through a 1-yard touchdown run by Devonta Freeman, followed by a 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Aldrick Robinson. Having failed on the two-point conversion following Freeman's touchdown, they tried for two points again after Robinson's catch with the aim of securing a three-point lead going into the last four minutes of the game; however, Chiefs safety Eric Berry intercepted Ryan's attempted pass and returned it all the way to the Atlanta end zone for a defensive two-point conversion that gave Kansas City a 29–28 lead that they were able to defend for the remainder of the game. With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 7–5 for the first time since 2011.

Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	7	14	21	0	42
Rams	0	0	0	14	14

Game information

First quarter ATL – Justin Hardy 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:50. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:10. Second quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:53. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 3:05. ATL – Deion Jones 33-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 8:54. Falcons 21–0. Third quarter ATL – Taylor Gabriel 64-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:18. Falcons 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:42. ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:56. Falcons 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:29. ATL – Vic Beasley 21-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 2:50. Falcons 42–0. Fourth quarter LA – Todd Gurley 3-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 14:57. Falcons 42–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:53. LA – Jared Goff 2-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 2:44. Falcons 42–14. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:59. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 18/28, 237 yards, 3 TD LA – Jared Goff – 24/41, 235 yards, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Tevin Coleman – 8 rushes, 36 yards, TD LA – Todd Gurley – 16 rushes, 61 yards, TD Top receivers ATL – Taylor Gabriel – 3 receptions, 82 yards, TD LA – Kenny Britt – 7 receptions, 82 yards

Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 4:25 pm. EST/1:25 pm. PST
• Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 82,495
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 8–5.

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	13	0	0	13
Falcons	21	7	10	3	41

Game information

First quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 10:31. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:57. ATL – Taylor Gabriel 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:40. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 1:58. ATL – Austin Hooper 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:40. Falcons 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:51. Second quarter SF – Garrett Celek 16-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 12:45. Falcons 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:55. ATL – Devonta Freeman 9-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:28. Falcons 28–7. Drive: 6 plays, 94 yards, 3:32. SF – Rod Streater 5-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (kick failed, wide left), 0:13. Falcons 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:15. Third quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 6:29. Falcons 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:50. ATL – Devonta Freeman 34-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 1:42. Falcons 38–13. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:16. Fourth quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 41-yard field goal, 1:09. Falcons 41–13. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:06. Top passers SF – Colin Kaepernick – 20/33, 183 yards, 2 TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 17/23, 286 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SF – Carlos Hyde – 13 rushes, 71 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 20 rushes, 139 yards, 3 TD Top receivers SF – Blake Bell – 1 reception, 45 yards ATL – Aldrick Robinson – 4 receptions, 111 yards

Week Fifteen: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: December 18
• Game time: 4:05 pm. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,164
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 9–5.

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	13	7	3	10	33
Panthers	0	3	10	3	16

Game information

First quarter ATL – Joshua Perkins 26-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 10:57. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:03. ATL – Matt Bryant 51-yard field goal, 6:09. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 2:18. ATL – Matt Bryant 48-yard field goal, 0:35. Falcons 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:03. Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 10:17. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:32. ATL – D. J. Tialavea 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 5:34. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:43. Third quarter CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 9:23. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 13 plays, 53 yards, 5:37. ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 3:34. Falcons 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:49. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:00. Falcons 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:34. Fourth quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 55-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 13:19. Falcons 30–13. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:41. CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 9:43. Falcons 30–16. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 3:36. ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 1:55. Falcons 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:45. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/33, 277 yards, 2 TD CAR – Cam Newton – 18/43, 198 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Tevin Coleman – 9 rushes, 90 yards, TD CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 11 rushes, 50 yards Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 4 receptions, 60 yards CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 4 receptions, 63 yards

Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 73,549
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Gamebook

With the win, the Falcons improved to 10–5.

Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	10	3	0	19	32
Falcons	14	21	3	0	38

Game information

First quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:55. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:11. NO – Wil Lutz 19-yard field goal, 3:53. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 8:02. ATL – Devonta Freeman 75-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:42. Falcons 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11. NO – Tim Hightower 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:52. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:50. Second quarter ATL – Julio Jones 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:17. Falcons 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:35. ATL – Mohamed Sanu 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:51. Falcons 28–10. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:41. NO – Wil Lutz 40-yard field goal, 3:40. Falcons 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:11. ATL – Justin Hardy 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:32. Falcons 35–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:08. Third quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 5:17. Falcons 38–13. Drive: 14 plays, 95 yards, 5:06. Fourth quarter NO – Michael Thomas 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (run failed), 12:41. Falcons 38–19. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 2:11. NO – Mark Ingram II 1-yard run (pass failed), 2:47. Falcons 38–25. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:18. NO – Travaris Cadet 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:39. Falcons 38–32. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 2:08. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 29/50, 350 yards, 2 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/36, 331 yards, 4 TD Top rushers NO – Mark Ingram II – 20 rushes, 103 yards, TD ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 96 yards, TD Top receivers NO – Michael Thomas – 10 receptions, 156 yards, TD ATL – Julio Jones – 7 receptions, 96 yards, TD

Week Seventeen: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: January 1, 2017
• Game time: 4:25 pm. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,835
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Gamebook

This was the Falcons' final regular season game at the Georgia Dome. With the win, the Falcons finished their season at 11–5.

Postseason

See also: 2016–17 NFL playoffs

Schedule

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
Wild Card	First-round bye
Divisional	January 14, 2017	Seattle Seahawks (3)	W 36–20	1–0	Georgia Dome	Recap
NFC Championship	January 22, 2017	Green Bay Packers (4)	W 44–21	2–0	Georgia Dome	Recap
Super Bowl LI	February 5, 2017	vs. New England Patriots (A1)	L 28–34 (OT)	2–1	NRG Stadium	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (3) Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	7	3	3	7	20
Falcons	0	19	7	10	36

Game information

First quarter SEA – Jimmy Graham 7-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 6:26. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 8:34. Second quarter ATL – Julio Jones 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:12. SEA – Steven Hauschka 33-yard field goal, 11:20. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:54. ATL – Russell Wilson sacked in endzone by Ben Garland for a safety, 9:22. Seahawks 10–9. ATL – Matt Bryant 35-yard field goal, 6:06. Falcons 12–10. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 3:16. ATL – Tevin Coleman 14-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:53. Falcons 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 99 yards, 2:55. Third quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:12. Falcons 26–10. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:48. SEA – Steven Hauschka 26-yard field goal, 3:03. Falcons 26–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:09. Fourth quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 31-yard field goal, 14:57. Falcons 29–13. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:06. ATL – Mohamed Sanu 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:40. Falcons 36–13. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:36. SEA – Doug Baldwin 31-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 3:21. Falcons 36–20. Drive: 1 plays, 31 yards, 0:19. Top passers SEA – Russell Wilson – 17/30, 225 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/37, 338 yards, 3 TD Top rushers SEA – Russell Wilson – 6 rushes, 49 yards ATL – Tevin Coleman – 11 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers SEA – Doug Baldwin – 5 receptions, 80 yards, TD ATL – Julio Jones – 6 receptions, 67 yards, TD

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Seattle Seahawks at (2) Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: January 14, 2017
• Game time: 4:35 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 71,155
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Gamebook

After coming off a first round bye, the Falcons hosted the Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons trailed midway through the first quarter when the Seahawks went up 7–0 from a 7-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Jimmy Graham. In the second quarter, Atlanta tied the game 7–7 on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones. On the next Seattle drive, the Seahawks took a 10–7 lead with a 33-yard field goal from Steven Hauschka.^[2][3]

The next Falcons drive ended in a three and out. On the ensuing punt, Seattle's Devin Hester returned the punt 80-yards to Atlanta's 7-yard line. However, that punt return was called back on a penalty, forcing Seattle to start at its own 7-yard line. After Thomas Rawls was tackled for a 3-yard loss, Wilson attempted to drop back to pass. However, while doing so, Wilson tripped over Rees Odhiambo's foot and was tackled in the end zone, leading to a safety for Atlanta. Receiving the ball following the safety, Atlanta took its first lead of the game on a 35-yard field goal from Matt Bryant. After forcing Seattle to Punt, the Falcons took a 19–10 lead going into halftime on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tevin Coleman.^[2][3]

Atlanta remained ahead for the rest of the game, eventually beating Seattle 36–20. With the win, the Falcons improved their record to 12–5. Matt Ryan threw for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns and improved his playoff record to 2–4, with both of his playoff wins (up to that point) coming against the Seahawks.^[3] This was speculated to be the last NFL game ever in the Georgia Dome, but when the fourth-seeded Green Bay Packers upset the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the other Divisional Playoff the next day, Atlanta was named the host of the NFC Championship Game, the last ever game in the Dome.

NFC Championship: vs. (4) Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	0	15	6	21
Falcons	10	14	13	7	44

Game information

First quarter ATL – Mohamed Sanu 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:24. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:36. ATL – Matt Bryant 28-yard field goal, 0:14. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:21. Second quarter ATL – Matt Ryan 14-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:24. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:35. ATL – Julio Jones 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:03. Falcons 24–0. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 1:47. Third quarter ATL – Julio Jones 73-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:51. Falcons 31–0. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:51. GB – Davante Adams 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:19. Falcons 31–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:32. ATL – Devonta Freeman 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed, wide right), 4:11. Falcons 37–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:08. GB – Jordy Nelson 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Aaron Ripkowski run), 0:38. Falcons 37–15. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 3-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:07. Falcons 44–15. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:31. GB – Jared Cook 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (run failed), 6:43. Falcons 44–21. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:24. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 27/45, 287 yards, 3 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/38, 392 yards, 4 TD Top rushers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 4 rushes, 46 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 14 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers GB – Jared Cook – 7 receptions, 78 yards, TD ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 180 yards, 2 TD

NFC Championship Game: (4) Green Bay Packers at (2) Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: January 22, 2017
• Game time: 3:05 pm. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 71,127
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
• Recap, Gamebook

This was the Falcons' final game ever in the Georgia Dome after 25 seasons, as the team moved into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons never trailed in the game, scoring 31 unanswered points until Rodgers threw a touchdown pass halfway through the third quarter to give Green Bay its first points. The Falcons won 44–21 to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since their 1998 season, as well as the second time in franchise history. Matt Ryan had a big game, throwing 4 touchdown passes and running for another score. His 392 yards were the second-most ever thrown in a Championship Game, only behind his 396 yards in the 2012 NFC Championship Games versus the San Francisco 49ers. Julio Jones was another huge part of the Falcons win, with 9 catches, 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of the scores came on a 73-yard tackle-breaking catch. The Falcons' defense held fellow MVP-candidate Rodgers and his offense in check most of the game, forcing several hurries and drops. They also forced 2 turnovers, one was a fumble that was forced and then recovered by Jalen Collins on Packers Aaron Ripkowski, and the other one of them coming on a 3rd and 21 pass by Rodgers, that Ricardo Allen intercepted.

Super Bowl LI: vs. New England Patriots

See also: Super Bowl LI

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Patriots	0	3	6	19	6	34
Falcons	0	21	7	0	0	28

Game information

First quarter None. Second quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:15. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:53. ATL – Austin Hooper 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:48. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:49. ATL – Robert Alford 82-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 2:21. Falcons 21–0. NE – Stephen Gostkowski 41-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 21–3. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 2:19. Third quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:31. Falcons 28–3. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 4:14. NE – James White 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, wide right), 2:06. Falcons 28–9. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:25. Fourth quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 9:44. Falcons 28–12. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:07. NE – Danny Amendola 6-yard pass from Tom Brady (James White run), 5:56. Falcons 28–20. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:28. NE – James White 1-yard run (Tom Brady-Danny Amendola pass), 0:57. Tied 28–28. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 2:33. Overtime NE – James White 2-yard run, 11:02. Patriots 34–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:58. Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 43/62, 466 yards, 2 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 17/23, 284 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NE – LeGarrette Blount – 11 rushes, 31 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 11 rushes, 75 yards, TD Top receivers NE – James White – 14 receptions, 110 yards, TD ATL – Julio Jones – 4 receptions, 87 yards

Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: February 5, 2017
• Game time: 6:30 pm. EST/5:30 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 70,807
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
• Recap, Gamebook

The Falcons led the game 28-3 into the third quarter before the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to tie at 28 all, and create the first Super Bowl game to go into overtime. The Patriots won the coin-toss and won the game via a James White touchdown. This ended the Falcons' season record at 13–6.^[4]

Standings

Division

NFC South
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) Atlanta Falcons	11	5	0	.688	5–1	9–3	540	406	W4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	9	7	0	.563	4–2	7–5	354	369	W1
New Orleans Saints	7	9	0	.438	2–4	6–6	469	454	L1
Carolina Panthers	6	10	0	.375	1–5	5–7	369	402	L2

Conference

NFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	Dallas Cowboys	East	13	3	0	.813	3–3	9–3	.471	.440	L1
2	Atlanta Falcons	South	11	5	0	.688	5–1	9–3	.480	.452	W4
3	Seattle Seahawks	West	10	5	1	.656	3–2–1	6–5–1	.441	.425	W1
4	Green Bay Packers	North	10	6	0	.625	5–1	8–4	.508	.453	W6
Wild Cards
5	New York Giants	East	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	.486	.455	W1
6[a]	Detroit Lions	North	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	.475	.392	L3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	9	7	0	.563	4–2	7–5	.492	.434	W1
8	Washington Redskins	East	8	7	1	.531	3–3	6–6	.516	.430	L1
9	Minnesota Vikings	North	8	8	0	.500	2–4	5–7	.492	.457	W1
10	Arizona Cardinals	West	7	8	1	.469	4–1–1	6–5–1	.463	.366	W2
11[b]	New Orleans Saints	South	7	9	0	.438	2–4	6–6	.523	.393	L1
12[b]	Philadelphia Eagles	East	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	.559	.518	W2
13	Carolina Panthers	South	6	10	0	.375	1–5	5–7	.518	.354	L2
14	Los Angeles Rams	West	4	12	0	.250	2–4	3–9	.504	.500	L7
15	Chicago Bears	North	3	13	0	.188	2–4	3–9	.521	.396	L4
16	San Francisco 49ers	West	2	14	0	.125	2–4	2–10	.504	.250	L1
Tiebreakers[c]
Detroit finished ahead of Tampa Bay for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents—Detroit's cumulative record against Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New Orleans was 3–2, while Tampa Bay's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3. New Orleans finished ahead of Philadelphia based on better record vs. conference opponents. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

References

1. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones set records in win over Panthers from NFL.com
2. Seahawks vs. Falcons play-by-play. January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
3. Ryan leads Falcons to NFC title game, beating Seattle 36-20. ESPN.com. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
4. "2016 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

External links

• Official website