2008 Atlanta Falcons season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Atlanta Falcons
season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League
. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick
's dog fighting scandal
and head coach Bobby Petrino
's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding phase, completed the regular season with a surprising 11-5 record and earned the #5 seed in the NFC Playoffs under first-year head coach Mike Smith; however, the team would fall to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year, and quarterback Matt Ryan
earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
2008 NFL Draft
On February 22, prior the start of the NFL Combine
, the Falcons won a coin toss that gave them the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft
in a gathering with the Oakland Raiders
and the Kansas City Chiefs
to break a three-way-tie. Each team finished 2007 with a 4-12 record. Some experts said that the Falcons should have used this selection to pick LSU Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey
, but the Falcons used their 1st round pick to draft Boston College
quarterback Matt Ryan
. The Falcons also traded two of their second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth round pick (No. 103) with Washington Redskins
to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker.
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
and defensive end Chauncey Davis
.
on August 22 . The Falcons concluded the 2008 preseason schedule with a meeting against the Baltimore Ravens on August 28 at M&T Bank Stadium
. In 2007, Russell Athletic and the Atlanta Falcons announced an agreement that includes title sponsorship of the team’s three-week preseason training camp at its in-season training facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. The four-year agreement designates Russell Athletic as an official sponsor of the Falcons.
was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
on February 2 during Super Bowl
festivities in Phoenix. He was formally inducted into the Hall on August 2. Thomas was selected as a finalist for enshrinement by the Seniors Committee. He was selected to the Hall's Class of 2008 off a list of 17 players. He thus becomes the first Falcons player or coach to be placed in the Hall of Fame.
. In the first quarter, Atlanta immediately took flight at rookie QB Matt Ryan
throws his first career NFL pass to WR Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard TD pass. Afterwards, RB Michael Turner (acquired from the Chargers) made an immediate impact as he got a 66-yard TD run and a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions would respond with RB Kevin Smith
getting a 5-yard TD run, while QB Jon Kitna
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
.
In the third quarter, the Falcons went back to work as kicker Jason Elam
got a 50-yard field goal, while RB Jerious Norwood
got a 10-yard TD run. Detroit would try to rally as Kitna completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Casey FitzSimmons
. Fortunately, Atlanta closed out their rout in the fourth quarter with Elam nailing a 25-yard field goal.
With the impressive win, the Falcons began their season at 1-0.
QB Matt Ryan would have a good rookie debut completing 9 of 13 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. RB Michael Turner had an outstanding Falcon debut, setting a single-game franchise record with 220 rushing yards. Ryan, who became the first rookie to start a season for the Falcons since Steve Bartkowski
in 1975, finished with a solid 161 passing yards and 137.0 quarterback rating. Turner led a ground game that picked up a franchise-record 318 rushing yards 7.6 yards per carry.
Game Notes.
The Lions would eventually finish the season 0-16
for a Week 2 NFC South duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed as Bucs QB Brian Griese
completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE John Gilmore. In the second quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as former Falcons RB Warrick Dunn
gave Tampa Bay a 17-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Bryant
getting a 33-yard field goal. Atlanta would close out the half with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Falcons crept closer as Elam kicked a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta tried to rally as Elam nailed a 24-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers pulled away as RB Earnest Graham
got a 68-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 1-1. With Michael Turner running for a franchise-record 220 yards in his Falcons debut, Ryan only threw the ball 13 times against Detroit. Sunday, he had more attempts than that in the first half alone. The Bucs limited Turner to 42 yards on 14 carries. WR Joey Galloway
, who did not play in the preseason because of a sore groin, sprained an ankle in the fourth quarter. Falcons rookie LT Sam Baker was hit in the head in the first half and did not return. A week after beating Detroit in his pro debut, Matt Ryan
threw incompletions on his first nine passes before settling down to keep Atlanta in the game with three field goal drives that trimmed a 17-point deficit to eight with five minutes to go.
scored the first 24 points to beat Kansas City 38-14, giving the Chiefs their 12th straight loss.
Turner had scoring runs of 4, 1 and 2 yards, his first career game with three rushing touchdowns, while leading the Falcons with 104 yards rushing. Jerious Norwood
added 75 yards rushing.
Turner dragged Chiefs linebacker Pat Thomas
for a few steps before breaking free and running through other defenders for a 38-yard run from the Falcons 8. A 30-yard pass from Ryan to Norwood helped set up Turner first touchdown run. Turner 1-yard scoring run in the second quarter gave Atlanta a 24-0 lead. Turner determined run helped to soften the Kansas City defense. Ryan found Roddy White
for a 70-yard touchdown pass on Atlanta's next possession, and the Falcons were on their way to a big early lead, ( Ryan 70-yard touchdown pass to White is the longest pass completion for the Falcons since 12/23/07 when wide receiver Laurent Robinson
caught a 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Redman
against the Arizona Cardinals
in a Week 16 meeting) .
On Kansas City first offensive possession of the game, defensive end John Abraham logged his fifth sack of the season, which led to a Chiefs punt. Abraham tallied his second sack of the game at the end of the third quarter, which included a forced fumble. The two sacks gave Abraham eight in his last four games, 16 in his last 18 games and 73.5 for his career. Entering the Kansas City game, he led the NFL with four sacks after three games, the forced fumble was the 29th of his career, which ranks fourth in the NFL from 2000-2008. Turner sparked an Atlanta scoring drive when he posted a 38-yard rush in the first quarter, he capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown, his third of the season. The Falcons drove 92 yards in six plays and also received help from running back Jerious Norwood
on the drive who contributed with 45 combined yards (two rushes for 15 yards and one 30-yard reception).
Atlanta 92-yard scoring drive, the first of the game, is the longest scoring drive since 12/3/06 at Washington when the Falcons drove 98 yards on six plays capped by a Norwood touchdown run. Kicker
Jason Elam
was successful on his long field goal attempt of 27 yards against Kansas City, improving his streak of consecutive field goals to 27. Elam also added five extra points for an eight-point day.
Tyler Thigpen
, the third starting quarterback in three weeks for Kansas City, threw three interceptions in his first career start. The third interception, by cornerback Chris Houston
, was returned 10 yards for a touchdown with 1:01 left in the game.
Chiefs coach Herman Edwards
said during the week he would turn to veteran Damon Huard
if Thigpen struggled. Thigpen played the full game and was 14-for-36 passing for 128 yards with one touchdown. Down 24-0, Thigpen led a 13-play scoring drive capped by his 15-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe
with three seconds left in the first half.
The Chiefs' 12th straight loss came 11 months to the day after their last win. They lost their last nine games in 2007 after a 12-10 win at Oakland on Oct. 21, 2007. The Chiefs comeback continued when Larry Johnson's 48-yard run set up his 1-yard scoring plunge to open the second half, cutting Atlanta lead to 24-14. It was Johnson first rushing touchdown of the season.Johnson, who had 96 yards rushing in his first two games, had 24 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown. Johnson has 4,981 yards rushing for his career to pass Christian Okoye
(4,897) for second place on the Chiefs all-time list.
The Falcons had a quick answer to Johnson touchdown. Ryan, making his third start, had a 15-yard run and a 17-yard pass to White to set up Turner third touchdown, a 2-yard run. The Chiefs were forced to punt on their first five possessions. Their next two drives ended with interceptions by Erik Coleman
and Brent Grimes
, Coleman intercepted his first career pass in a Falcons uniform, which also gave him the eighth of his career, it was Coleman first interception since 11/12/06 against the New England Patriots
. Coleman pieced together a stellar performance against the Chiefs which included 10 tackles to lead the team and one forced fumble, and Grimes intercepted his first career pass when he stepped in front of a Tyler Thigpen pass in the second quarter. Grimes returned the interception 25 yards, which led to a Falcons touchdown. The Falcons defense allowed only 14 rushing yards in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, continuing their trend of holding opponents to under 15 rushing yards over the first three contests of the season. Against Tampa Bay in Week 2, Atlanta held the Bucs to two rushing yards in the opening 15 minutes of play, which was the lowest total in the first quarter of a game since for a Falcons opponent since 12/14/03 (vs. Colts, two rushing yards). Below is a look at Atlanta opponent rushing totals in the first quarter of each game this season.
The Falcons moved to 2-0 at the Georgia Dome
on the season and gave Head Coach Mike Smith his second career win as a head coach.
Michael Turner became only the fifth Falcons running back in team history to register three or more touchdowns in a game, with the win over the Chiefs improved its record to 5-1 in its last six meetings against AFC West opponents.
for a Week 4 NFC South duel with the Carolina Panthers
. The Falcons found a way to stick around for three quarters in Sunday game at Bank of America Stadium
but injuries, dropped passes and untimely penalties filled the afternoon. Atlanta lost starting strong safety Lawyer Milloy
in the first half after he took a shot to the ribs and played the entire game without starting left tackle Sam Baker. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart
getting an 8-yard TD run. The Falcons responded with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons crept closer as Elam kicked a 44-yard field goal.
However, Carolina answered with QB Jake Delhomme
completing a 56-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Atlanta closed out the half with Elam getting a 44-yard field goal. The Panthers (3-1, 1-0) lost starting offensive tackles Jordan Gross
and Jeff Otah
in the game to injury and also went several series without starting cornerback Ken Lucas. But that didn't stop the NFC South
leaders from imposing their will on both sides of the ball and put up more than 400 yards of total offense. For the fourth consecutive game this season, the Falcons defense held their opponent to 16 rushing yards or less in the first quarter of play after the Panthers managed only 16 yards on six carries. John Abraham blocked his first career punt in the second quarter, which led to Elam second field goal of the day. The blocked punt was the first for Atlanta since the 2004 season finale when Demorrio Williams
blocked Seattle first kick of the game at Qwest Field
. Running back
Jerious Norwood
posted his second longest rush of the season with a 40-yard scamper in the second quarter. The rush was four yards shy of his season high (44), which he set against Kansas City in Week 3.
Norwood has now posted five rushes of 40 yards or more in this three-year career, punter Michael Koenen
booted his longest punt of the season with a 60-yard kick in the second quarter. The punt is the longest for Koenen since December 16, 2007 when he nailed a 63-yard punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
, running back Jason Snelling
earned his first career start while tight end
Justin Peelle
started his first game in a Falcons uniform. Brian Finneran
caught his first pass of the 2008 campaign on a five-yard reception in the second quarter. The catch was the first for Finneran since the 2005 season finale when he caught four passes for 45 yards against the Carolina Panthers
. Roddy White led the Falcons in receiving with seven catches for 90 yards. He continues to remain on pace for a 1,000-yard season. In his fourth career start, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
completed passes to eight different receivers, a season-high for the Boston College
graduate, Ryan finished the game having completed 21 of 41 passes for 158 yards and a 60.8 passer rating
In the third quarter, the Panthers increased their lead with kicker John Kasay
nailing a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Delhomme completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
. The first-year head coach Mike Smith made a concise list in explaining the problems that plagued his offense in Charlotte.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 2-2.
for a Week 5 duel with the Green Bay Packers
. Entering Week 5, the Falcons led the league in first quarter scoring with 38 points. Atlanta added to that total with 10 points on a touchdown and field goal. The Falcons have also outscored their opponents in the first quarter by a 48-14 margin. Michael Turner posted his third 100-yard game of the season after finishing with 26 carries for 121 yards and one touchdown. Turner score came at the 3:35 mark in the fourth quarter to give Atlanta a two-possession lead (27-17) which sealed the victory.
In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
, along with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Packers responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
. The Falcons closed out the half with Ryan completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
to give the Falcons a 17-7 advantage. The catch was his sixth of the day giving White 115 yards in the first half at that point.White contributed with 67 first quarter receiving yards, falling three yards short of his career-high in the first 15 minutes of play (70), which he set on September 21, 2008 against Kansas City. White also finished the first half with 132 yards, which is the most in two quarters of play for the four-year veteran in his career and the second highest total since Terance Mathis
posted 136 on November 19, 1995.
On Atlanta first play of the game, Quarterback Matt Ryan completed a 37-yard pass to White crossing into Packers territory. Ryan completed two more receptions to White on the drive for a total of 64 yards,the three completions led to an Atlanta touchdown, which marked the second occasion this season the Falcons scored on their first drive of the game (Week 1 vs. Detroit) and the first time they scored on their first possession of the game on the road, Ryan started the game having completed six of six passes for 72 yards and one touchdown pass, also compiled the best half of football in his rookie career thus far when he completed 13 of 18 passes for 154 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 135.0 passer rating. Ryan finished the game with a season-high 194 passing yards. The Falcons posted a touchdown on their first offensive possession of the game when Ryan led the team 81 yards on 10 plays and completed a one-yard touchdown strike to tight end Justin Peelle, his first as an Atlanta Falcon and the eighth of his career. Center Ben Wilkerson
saw his first action of the season at the center position when he briefly replaced Todd McClure
on Atlanta first offensive drive of the game. Wilkerson was at center when the Falcons scored their first touchdown in the first quarter. Defensive tackle Grady Jackson
logged his first sack of the season and the 34.5th of his career when he dropped Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
on Green Bay first offensive play of the game, the sack led to a Green Bay punt. Following the first quarter of play the Falcons recorded eight first downs opposed to the Packers who finished the opening 15 minutes of play with zero. Atlanta also racked-up 147 net yards to Green Bay’s 10 in the quarter.
At the 6:02 mark in the second quarter, Ryan tallied his second touchdown pass of the day when he found White in the end zone for a 22-yard strike to give the Falcons a 17-7 advantage. The catch was his sixth of the day giving White 115 yards in the first half at that point. White pieced together his second 100-yard receiving game of the season and the ninth of his career after catching eight passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. Following the two-minute mark in the second quarter, defensive end John Abraham notched his seventh sack of the season, dropping Rodgers. The sack is the ninth in his last six games, the 17th in his last 20 contests and the 74.5th of his career. The sack forced a Packers field goal attempt and following an offensive holding call on a converted attempt, Green Bay missed a re-kick.
In the third quarter, Green Bay answered with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Packers tied the game with Rodgers completing a 25-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
, Michael Boley
intercepted his first pass of the season and the fifth of his career when he stepped in from of an Aaron Rodgers pass late in the fourth quarter. The INT led to the game-sealing touchdown by Turner, yet Atlanta replied with Elam nailing a 41-yard field goal and RB Michael Turner getting a 2-yard TD run. Fullback Ovie Mughelli
carried the ball nine yards on his first rush of the season in the fourth quarter. Following a Packers touchdown to tie the game at 17, running back/kick returner Jerious Norwood
returned the ensuing kickoff 54 yards into Green Bay territory, marking the second-longest kickoff return of his career, Norwood return set up a Falcons game-sealing touchdown. Green Bay tried to rally as Rodgers completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee, yet the Falcons' defense stiffened for the win.
With the win, Atlanta improved to 3-2.
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as kicker Jason Elam
got a 29-yard and a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as Elam kicked a 32-yard field goal. The Bears would respond with kicker Robbie Gould
getting a 36-yard field goal.
Entering Sunday game with the Bears, the Falcons led the NFL in first quarter scoring with 48 points. After posting two field goals for a 6-0 lead following the first 15 minutes of play against Chicago, Atlanta has now outscored its opponent in the first quarter by a 54-14 margin.
A chance at a touchdown came with 9:16 remaining in the first half after a curious turn of events near the goal line. A third-down run by Jerious Norwood
came up short and ended with a fumble. Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris
recovered but lost the ball before he was touched down. Jason Snelling
recovered the ball for the Falcons, who got a fresh set of downs. Following the first half of play, the Falcons defense held the Bears to 20 first half rushing yards. The 20 yards are the fewest given up in the first half of a game by Atlanta’s defense since October 1, 2006 against Arizona (two yards).
In the third quarter, the Falcons continued to add on to their lead as Elam got a 41-yard field goal, yet Chicago answered with RB Matt Forté
getting a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta replied with rookie QB Matt Ryan
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson
paced a defense that fed off the crowd's energy. He finished with four tackles (two for loss) and the first sack of his two-year career. Anderson also had two pass deflections on the Bears' first drive of the second quarter.
The Falcons offense started the second half with a no-huddle offense and added another Elam field goal to take a 12-3 lead. Chicago stuck with the running game and added a touchdown from Forte with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter. Chicago drove within inches of the end zone, but Matt Forte
was stuffed on fourth down as he attempted to leap across the line. Michael Boley
came in low to trip up the runner, then Lawyer Milloy
and Keith Brooking
finished him off.
The Bears took the lead with Gould getting a 32-yard field goal, along with QB Kyle Orton
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
. Fortunately, the Falcons got the last laugh as Elam nailed the game-winning 48-yard field goal.The 16-year veteran's celebration was interrupted by a swarm of teammates near midfield. It was his fifth successful kick of the day but just moments before he missed a kick that could have iced the game. Chicago came off the miscue with a 77-yard touchdown drive to take a 20-19 lead with 11 seconds to play. But a 9-yard return off a short kickoff by Harry Douglas
and a 26-yard strike from rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
to Michael Jenkins set Elam up for the game-winner with 1 second left.
"I'm really happy that one went through," Elam said. "Our guys have been fighting so hard for so long. I hate to even mention what happened last year but to hear some of the stories I know the guys are really hungry to get some wins on the board and show our fans what we're all about." With time to throw Ryan thrived. The rookie found five different receivers and performed regular Houdini-like acts to find open players down the field for third-down conversions. Fellow rookie Douglas caught five passes for 96 yards including a 47-yard strike on third down that set up a 3-yard scoring toss to White with 13:25 remaining.
Ryan opened the game 8-of-8 for 107 yards and captained nearly identical scoring drives in the first quarter, leading the team on 48- and 49-yard marches that ended with field goals.
“I think everybody is excited with the win," Ryan said. "I thought we played a very good Chicago Bears team today. They played an entire 60 minutes and we did the same thing. We just had the last punch. We were able to make a couple big plays at the end of the game with Elam clutch kick being the biggest one. This win is a great story heading into the bye week.”
Bears CB Nathan Vasher
(wrist) missed his second straight game, and the other starting corner, Charles Tillman
, went out in the first half with a shoulder injury. Backup FS Danieal Manning
left, too, with an injured hamstring., White went over 100 yards receiving for the second week in a row, Forte led the Bears with 76 yards rushing.
With the win, Atlanta entered their bye week at 4-2.
Not only did Matt Ryan (22/30 for 301 yards and a touchdown) pick up his first-ever 300-yard day, but he acquired the best record for a rookie quarterback in his first six games as a starter since 1998 (4-2), besting Kyle Orton in '05 and Kyle Boller
in '03 (both with 3-3).
for a Week 8 duel with the Philadelphia Eagles
, as rookie QB Matt Ryan
(a native of the Philly suburb of Exton, Pennsylvania
) took on his hometown team. Ryan threw for 277 yards in his seventh career start but also had a pair of interceptions. The defense held the Eagles after the first turnover but Ryan's second mistake came in the end zone, eliminating a red-zone scoring chance.
After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta finally took flight in the second quarter as Ryan completed a 55-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
with 8:56 remaining in the first half when he threaded a pass between two Eagles defenders . White scampered toward the end zone for a 55-yard score and a 7-0 lead.“We had worked on that fade pass all week in practice and Matt threw it up there and really I should have batted the ball down," said White, who had 113 receiving yards. "I think on that play, I had the responsibility to help him out. We thought we were going to put some points on the board and we let it get away from us. I put that play on myself, because I really should have knocked that down.” White tallied his third consecutive 100-yard game after catching eight passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. White has now posted four 100-yard games this season and 11 for his career, the 55-yard strike is the third longest pass for the rookie quarterback this season. The second score came on an eight-yard pass in the fourth quarter, Ryan returned to the sight of first collegiate touchdown pass at Lincoln Financial Field
against the Temple Owls
on November 20, 2004 .
But Philadelphia responded with 20 unanswered points, including scoring drives of 60, 70 and 69 yards. Twice McNabb scrambled for key first downs. The Falcons did not record a sack in the second half. The Falcons run game sputtered and suffered from untimely penalties. Starting left tackle Sam Baker missed the game with a hip injury and was replaced by Todd Weiner
. Weiner would leave with an injury and was replaced by Quinn Ojinnaka
. Michael Turner rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries. The Eagles took the lead with QB Donovan McNabb
getting a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker David Akers
getting a 36-yard field goal. McNabb turned from prolific passer to game-manager as the afternoon progressed, finding openings in the Falcons zone defense for short to medium gains and handing the ball off to Westbrook, the All-Pro rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries in the first half and finished with 22 carries for 167 yards. He also had six catches for 42 yards, one of six Eagles receivers with two or more catches. The Falcons spent much of the first half keeping McNabb and the Eagles high-flying offense on the ground. Atlanta didn't allow a first-quarter point for the fifth time this season and picked up two sacks, a forced fumble and a turnover in the first 30 minutes In the third quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as RB Brian Westbrook
got a 16-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia increased its lead with Akers nailing an 18-yard field goal.Brian Finneran
tied his season-high in receptions (three) and contributed with two catches on third down to convert a new set a downs for the Falcons on both occasions in the first half. Jerious Norwood
posted his second-highest receiving total when he caught five passes for 55 yards, he set his career-high of 57 yards against the Saints last season Atlanta tried to rally as Ryan hooked up with White again on an 8-yard TD pass, but the Eagles flew away as Westbrook got a 39-yard TD run. A late goal-line stand held the Eagles to a field goal and kept it a two-possession game with 7:57 remaining. Ryan led a no-huddle offense into the red zone on the next series and found White with a second touchdown with less than four minutes to play. Trailing 20-14, the Falcons defense stepped up with a key three-and-out but an odd turn of events kept the Birds offense from getting a shot at the win. Return man Adam Jennings decided at the last second not to field the punt after the Eagles' three-and-out drive. Officials ruled Jennings touched the ball and the muffed punt was recovered by the Eagles. The Falcons did not have a timeout left and, by rule, could not challenge the play. Replays in the press box showed Jennings did not touch the ball. Three plays later Westbrook rushed over the left side for a 39-yard, game-clinching touchdown. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson
posted his second sack of the season when he dropped Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb
for a six-yard loss in the first quarter, the sack stalled an Eagles drive, forcing a punt. Anderson has now totaled one sack in two consecutive games. Rookie Curtis Lofton
earned his first career sack when he dropped McNabb for an eight-yard loss in the second quarter while forcing a fumble. The ball was recovered by defensive end Chauncey Davis
.
"It never felt like we were out of the game, even when we didn’t get that touchdown when we needed it, it still felt like we stopped them to get a chance to put some more points on the board and that’s what we did," defensive end John Abraham said. "Like I said, it’s part of the game and everybody played well, it was a tough fought game. I think everybody got a lot of bumps and bruises from the game, but it definitely was a good game.”
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-3.
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Eagles, the Falcons flew to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Oakland Raiders
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Jerious Norwood
got a 12-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Falcons added onto their lead with Ryan hooking up with Jenkins again on a 27-yard TD pass, along with kicker Jason Elam
nailing a 48-yard field goal. From there on out, Atlanta cruised towards its easy win, as they greatly outgained the Raiders in time of possession (45:15 to 14:45) and total offensive yards (453 to 77).
With the easy win, the Falcons improved to 5-3.
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
. The Saints would respond with kicker Garrett Hartley
getting a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as RB Michael Turner got a 2-yard TD run. New Orleans would answer with Hartley making a 44-yard field goal. Atlanta would close out the half as kicker Jason Elam
got a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Falcons got the period's only points as Elam nailed a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta continued to soar as Ryan completed a 67-yard TD pass to RB Jerious Norwood
. The Saints tried to rally as QB Drew Brees
completed a 15-yard TD pass to RB Deuce McAllister
, yet the Falcons flew away as rookie CB Chevis Jackson
returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would close out the game with Brees completing a 32-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
.
With the win, Atlanta improved to 6-3.
. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Broncos FB Peyton Hillis
got a 7-yard TD run. The Falcons would answer with kicker Jason Elam
(a former Bronco) getting a 46-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta took the lead as Elam made a 36-yard field goal, while RB Michael Turner got a 9-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Denver retook the lead as Hillis got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead as kicker Matt Prater
nailed a 20-yard field goal. The Falcons tried to rally as Turner got a 28-yard field goal, yet Denver replied with QB Jay Cutler
competing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
. From there on out, the Broncos' defense stopped any other possible comeback attempt.
With their first home loss of the year, Atlanta fell to 6-4. This was the first of only two home losses suffered by Matt Ryan
in the NFL through 12/27/2010. The second was to the New Orleans Saints on December 27, 2010, the final Monday Night Football game of the 2010 season.
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Broncos, the Falcons stayed at home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 12 NFC South rematch with the Carolina Panthers
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as kicker Jason Elam
got a 23-yard field goal, while rookie WR Harry Douglas
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as RB Michael Turner got a 1-yard TD run. The Panthers closed out the half as kicker John Kasay
got a 23-yard field goal. On his third carry of the game, Turner rushed for a six-yard gain and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing plateau this season. He became the first Falcons running back to reach 1,000 yards in a campaign since 2006 when Warrick Dunn
had 1,140 and the 20th running back in franchise history to reach 1,000 yards in a season. Turner's career day continued after he tied a team record with four rushing touchdowns of T.J. Duckett posted on December 12, 2004. It was also the second career three-score game and the fourth multiple-touchdown game of his career. Turner first found the end zone on a one-yard rush in the second quarter, scored for the second occasion on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, logged his third TD on a one-yard run with 7:13 remaining and tallied his last on a 16-yard scamper in the fourth quarter to seal a Falcons 45–28 victory. With four scores, Turner became the third player in Falcons history to post 13 or more rushing touchdowns in a season. Turner finished the game with 24 carries for 117 yards and four touchdowns, which marked his eighth career 100-yard game. He currently has rushed for 1,088 yards this season and is on a pace for 1,583 yards, which would rank third in a season in Falcons annals; following the first half of play, Turner tallied 12 carries for 56 yards. This season, when the fifth-year running back rushes for 50 yards or more in the first half, the Falcons are 5–0. Matt Ryan
and the offense faced a quick third down on the next possession, but the quarterback found rookie wide receiver Harry Douglas
on a 69-yard pass play to the Panthers 6. Four plays later Turner got his key, fourth-down touchdown.
The Panthers faced an energized defense and a raucous crowd on the next possession. Chauncey Davis
recorded his second sack of the day and back-to-back false start penalties backed Carolina into the shadow of its own goal line. The Panthers punted from the end zone, giving Douglas a chance for a big return. The rookie brought the kick back up the middle 61 yards for a touchdown. Delhomme found Muhsin Muhammad
for a touchdown on the next series but the Falcons had already done plenty of damage. Still, Turner found the end zone for a final time with just 54 seconds to play. Eric Weems
caught his first career pass in the first quarter for a four-yard gain. The reception led to a Falcons touchdown. Douglas scored his first two career touchdowns; he first found the end zone on a seven-yard end around in the first quarter to give the Falcons a 10–0 lead; Douglas then became the 10th player in Falcons history to return a punt for a touchdown and the first since 2004 when Allen Rossum
returned a kick 61 yards in the fourth quarter. Douglas's return was the longest in his career, topping the previous mark of 33 yards against New Orleans in Week 10; along with a 61-yard punt return, Douglas totaled career-highs in offensive touches with six (two rushing, four receiving and all purpose yards 188, which included 3 rushing, 92 receiving and 93 yards on punt returns), he also became the Falcons' third rookie this season to account for a touchdown; along with Douglas's run and punt return, quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown 11 touchdown passes and cornerback Chevis Jackson
returned an interception 95 yards for a score against New Orleans in Week 10, Douglas posted a career-long reception with a 69-yard catch in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 92 receiving yards, which led the team and fell four yards short of his career high ( 96 yards vs. Chicago, October 12 ). Roddy White caught Ryan first pass of the game for a 30-yard gain, marking the 11th reception of 20-plus yards, White finished the game with four receptions for 70 yards and is 27 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. Atlanta outscored Carolina in the first quarter by a 10-0 margin, marking the seventh time this season a Falcons opponent was held scoreless in the opening 15 minutes of play. Atlanta has now outscored its opponents in the first quarter by a 88-24 mark and led the NFL in first quarter scoring entering Sunday's game. Following the first quarter of play, the Falcons offense posted 162 net yards of offense compared to zero by the Panthers . Brian Finneran
caught one pass for nine yards on a third down in the second quarter, giving the Falcons a new set of downs. In his career, the nine-year veteran has caught 127 of 187 receptions that have gone for a first down or touchdown (67.9 percent).
John Abraham logged his 12th sack of the season and stalled a Carolina two-minute drive at the end of the second quarter; the sack is the 14th in his last 12 games, his 22nd in his last 26 contests and has now recorded 79.5 for his career. In his tenure with the Falcons, Abraham has posted 26 sacks in 34 games played. Abraham’s 12 sacks through 11 games this season already ranks tied for the fifth most in a single season in Falcons history. Atlanta defense held Carolina to three-consecutive three and outs to start the game while allowing only eight net yards; entering Sunday’s game, the Falcons ranked fourth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in opponent three and out drives. Jason Snelling
caught a 27-yard pass in the first quarter and broke a tackle to take the ball into Carolina territory, the reception is a career-long for the second-year running back, topping his old mark of 18 yards, which he set earlier in the season at Philadelphia.
In the third quarter, Carolina began to claw their way back into the game as RB DeAngelo Williams
got a 5-yard TD run, while Kasay nailed a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta answered with Turner getting a 4-yard TD run. The Panthers would reply with QB Jake Delhomme
getting a 12-yard TD run (along with Williams' 2-point conversion run), yet the Falcons struck right back with Turner getting a 1-yard TD run, while Douglas returned a punt 61-yard field goal. Carolina tried to rally as Delhomme completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
, yet Atlanta flew away as Turner got a 16-yard TD run. “It was great to get off to a good start and score 17 points," said Ryan, who managed the game with 259 passing yards on a 94.5 passer rating. "For the most part, we were able to maintain our ebb and flow on the offensive side of the ball. Our defense stepped up and did a heck of a job keeping Carolina from making big plays. I didn’t think we would score 45 points, but I’ll take that any day.”
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–4.
for a Week 13 interconference duel with the San Diego Chargers
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took off as kicker Jason Elam
got a 35-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
getting a 3-yard TD run, yet the Falcons stayed close with Elam getting a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta regained the lead as rookie QB Matt Ryan
completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
, along with their defense forcing opposing QB Philip Rivers
to commit intentional grounding from his own endzone, giving Atlanta a safety.
In the third quarter, San Diego answered with safety Eric Weddle
returning a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion). In the fourth quarter, the Falcons replied with Ryan completing a 5-yard TD pass to rookie WR Harry Douglas
. The Chargers tried to come back, as kicker Nate Kaeding
nailed a 28-yard field goal. Atlanta's defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 8–4.
for a Week 14 NFC South rematch with the New Orleans Saints
. Atlanta trailed fairly early in the first quarter as Saints QB Drew Brees
completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to RB Reggie Bush
. In the second quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as kicker Garrett Hartley
got a 26-yard field goal. Atlanta would respond RB Michael Turner getting a 5-yard TD run, yet Hartley gave New Orleans a 46-yard field goal. The Falcons struck back with rookie QB Matt Ryan
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brian Finneran
, but the Saints closed out the half with Hartley's 25-yard field goal.
Atlanta would get the third quarter's only points as kicker Jason Elam
nailed a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to pull away as Brees completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to RB Pierre Thomas
, yet their 2-point conversion attempt failed. The Falcons would then take the lead as Ryan got a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a 2-point pass to wide receiver Michael Jenkins. However, the Saints got the last laugh as Thomas got a 5-yard TD run.
With the loss, Atlanta fell to 8-5.
, and Jason Elam
kicked the winning 34-yard field goad at 10:56 of overtime
to give the Falcons (9-5-0) a much-needed division victory. The Falcons overcame two Matt Ryan
interceptions and some sloppy play. The victory over the Buccaneers
(9-5-0) kept them in the hunt for a playoff spot, and guaranteed the Falcons first winning season since 2004. Also with the win, the Falcons managed to knock the Saints out of playoff contention. Turner's touchdown was his 15th for the Falcons this season, breaking the record of 14 set in 1998 by Jamal Anderson
.
for a Week 16 battle with the Minnesota Vikings
. Atlanta would get an early first quarter lead with running back Michael Turner getting a 1-yard touchdown run. The Vikings would respond with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson
completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe
. In the second quarter, the Falcons would regain the lead as rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jerious Norwood
, followed by kicker Jason Elam
getting a 22-yard field goal.
Atlanta would add onto their lead in the third quarter as Ryan tried to run into the endzone for a touchdown, fumbled the ball into the endzone, and offensive guard Justin Blalock
would recover it in the endzone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to come back as kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed a 29-yard field goal, along with Jackson hooking up with Shiancoe again on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Fortunately, the Falcon defense would stiffen for the win.
With the win, not only did Atlanta improve to 10-5, but they also clinched a playoff berth for the first since 2004
.
. Atlanta took off in the first quarter with kicker Jason Elam
making a 39-yard field goal, but the Rams would respond with running back Steven Jackson
getting a 4-yard touchdown run. The Falcons would answer in the second quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run from running back Michael Turner. St. Louis would answer with quarterback Marc Bulger
completing a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donnie Avery
, yet Atlanta would take the halftime lead with running back Jerious Norwood
's 8-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Falcons would add onto their lead with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
. The Rams would close out the period with kicker Josh Brown making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis would get the lead again as Jackson got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Brown nailing a 27-yard field goal. Fortunately, Atlanta would get the lead for good as Norwood got a 45-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Falcons closed out the regular season at 11-5 and due to Carolina's victory over New Orleans, earned the NFC's #5 seed.
against the #4 Arizona Cardinals
. Atlanta would trail early in the first quarter as Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner
completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
. The Falcons would respond in the second quarter as kicker Jason Elam
got a 30-yard field goal, but Arizona answered with Warner completing a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin
. Afterwards, Atlanta would end take a halftime lead as running back Michael Turner got a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Justin Peelle
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals retook the lead as safety Antrel Rolle
returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, followed by running back Tim Hightower
's 4-yard touchdown run. The Falcons' postseason run was fading in the fourth quarter as Ryan was sacked in his endzone by defensive end Antonio Smith for a safety. Afterwards, Atlanta tried to rally as Ryan completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
, but Arizona's offense ran out the clock for the win.
With the loss, the Falcons' season ended with an overall record of 11-6.
Michael Turner and Roddy White
were named to the 2009 Pro Bowl
NFC squad as reserves. It will be his first trip to Hawaii. White and Turner are the 112th and 113th Pro Bowl selections in team history, they are the second Falcons RB and WR duo to be voted to the Pro Bowl in the same year (first since 1980). White is the fourth Falcons wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl accolades and the first since Terrance Mathis in 1995. Turner is the eighth different Falcons runningback to earn Pro Bowl honors. Matt Ryan finished second amongst rookies in fan Pro Bowl voting, Ryan (416,468 votes) was the top rookie quarterback in the category but ranks behind Titans running back Chris Johnson
(534,170 votes).
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick
Michael Vick
Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
's dog fighting scandal
Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation
The Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation began in April 2007 with a search of property in Surry County, Virginia, owned by Michael Vick, who was at the time quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons football team, and the subsequent discovery of evidence of a dog fighting ring...
and head coach Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arkansas, a position he has held since the 2008 season...
's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding phase, completed the regular season with a surprising 11-5 record and earned the #5 seed in the NFC Playoffs under first-year head coach Mike Smith; however, the team would fall to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year, and quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL DraftThe 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
NFL Combine
The National Invitational Camp or NFL Scouting Combine, as it is more widely known, is a week-long showcase, occurring every February in Indianapolis, Indiana's Lucas Oil Stadium , where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general...
, the Falcons won a coin toss that gave them the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
in a gathering with the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
to break a three-way-tie. Each team finished 2007 with a 4-12 record. Some experts said that the Falcons should have used this selection to pick LSU Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey
Glenn Dorsey
-Kansas City Chiefs:Dorsey was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs fifth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. On July 26, 2008, he signed a five-year, $51 million contract with $23 million guaranteed....
, but the Falcons used their 1st round pick to draft Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
. The Falcons also traded two of their second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth round pick (No. 103) with Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker.
Draft results
- 1st round(3)- Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, QuarterbackQuarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
, Boston CollegeBoston CollegeBoston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early... - 1st round(21)- Sam Baker, offensive tackle, University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
- 2nd round(37)- Curtis LoftonCurtis LoftonCurtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
, linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
, University of OklahomaUniversity of OklahomaThe University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its... - 3rd round(68)- Chevis JacksonChevis JacksonChevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
, Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLouisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name... - 3rd round(84)- Harry DouglasHarry DouglasHarry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
, wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
, University of LouisvilleUniversity of LouisvilleThe University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General... - 3rd round(98)- Thomas DeCoudThomas DeCoudThomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears...
, safety, University of CaliforniaUniversity of CaliforniaThe University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University... - 5th round(138)- Robert JamesRobert James (linebacker)Robert William James is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State....
, linebacker, Arizona State UniversityArizona State UniversityArizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
(IR) - 5th round(154)- Kroy BiermannKroy BiermannKroy Biermann is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Montana...
, linebacker, University of Montana - 6th round(172)- Thomas BrownThomas Brown (American football)Thomas Brown is an American football running back that is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
, University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
(IR) - 7th round(212)- Wilrey FontenotWilrey FontenotWilrey Fontenot, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, cornerback, University of ArizonaUniversity of ArizonaThe University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
(no longer with the team) - 7th round(232)- Keith ZingerKeith ZingerKeith Jackson Zinger is an American football tight end currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
, tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
, Louisiana State University (practice squad) - Falcons draft central
2008 offseason
January- 8 Signed DE Willie Evans to reserve/futures contract
- 13 Announced a 17-month extension of contract of team president Rich McKayRich McKayRich McKay is the president, CEO, and former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII.-Early years:...
- 13 Named former Patriots director of college scouting Thomas DimitroffThomas DimitroffThomas George Dimitroff, Jr. is the current general manager for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Before joining the Falcons in 2008, Dimitroff was with the New England Patriots for six years...
as new general manager - 16 Defensive coordinator Mike ZimmerMike ZimmerMike Zimmer is the Defensive Coordinator for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. He is the son of former NFL player Bill Zimmer and the father of Adam Zimmer, the Defensive Assistant/Linebackers for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.-Playing career:In high school, Zimmer was a successful...
signed to same position with Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... - 23 Named Mike Smith head coach
- 24 Named Emmitt ThomasEmmitt ThomasEmmitt Earl Thomas is currently the secondary coach of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. He is a former college and professional football player who played for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs from 1966 to 1969, and then for the Chiefs in the NFL from 1970 to 1978...
assistant head coach, Bill MusgraveBill MusgraveWilliam Scott Musgrave is an American football coach and former quarterback. He is currently the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-Playing career:...
quarterbacks coach and Brian VanGorderBrian VanGorderBrian VanGorder is the current Defensive Coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. He previously was the head coach of Wayne State University, Georgia Southern University and has been as assistant coach under many other universities, most notably the University of Georgia.-Early coaching...
defensive coordinator - 25 Named Mike MularkeyMike MularkeyMichael Rene Mularkey is an American professional football coach and a former college and professional football player. He played college football for the...
offensive coordinator - 26 Named Terry RobiskieTerry RobiskieTerry Robiskie is a former American football player and current wide receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons.-Playing career:...
offensive coordinator, Ray HamiltonRay HamiltonRay "Sugar Bear" Hamilton is a former American football player from 1973 through 1981 for the New England Patriots, and the current defensive line coach for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons...
defensive line coach, Gerald BrownGerald Brown (American football)Gerald Brown is an American football coach who is the Atlanta Falcons Running Backs Coach. Brown has logged 22 years in the coaching job which includes the last six seasons at Indiana University Hoosiers....
running backs coach and Glenn Thomas offensive quality control coach - 29 Named Keith ArmstrongKeith ArmstrongKeith Thomas Armstrong is a former footballer who played in the Football League for Sunderland, Newport County and Scunthorpe United, and in Finland for a number of clubs...
special teams coordinator, Jeff Fish strength and conditioning coach, Bill Hughan assistant strength and conditioning coach and retrained Tom McMahonTom McMahonTom McMahon is the mayor of Reading, Pennsylvania. His term began on January 5, 2004.McMahon was born in Rochester, New York and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and Pennsylvania State University with degrees in engineering...
as assistant special teams coach - 30 Named Chris ScelfoChris ScelfoChris Scelfo is an American football coach, currently serving as the tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons. He served as head coach at Tulane from 1998 to 2006, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and amassed a 37–57 record. Scelfo is the only Tulane head coach to have won two...
tight ends coach and Paul Dunn assistant offensive line coach - 31 Named Paul Boudreau offensive line coach
February
- 4 Named Joe Danna defensive quality control coach
- 5 Re-signed free agent TE George CooperGeorge Cooper (American football)George Fitzgerald Cooper is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- 6 Named Alvin Reynolds defensive backs coach
- 9 Assistant General Manager Billy DevaneyBilly DevaneyWilliam Joseph Peter Francis "Billy" Devaney is a professional American football executive. He is currently the general manager for the St. Louis Rams NFL team. He was formerly an assistant to the general manager with the Atlanta Falcons...
named Executive Vice President of Player Personnel for the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... - 11 Waived WR Todd WatkinsTodd WatkinsTodd Watkins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
- 15 Released TE Alge CrumplerAlge Crumpler-Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the...
, QB Byron LeftwichByron LeftwichByron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
, T Wayne GandyWayne GandyWayne Gandy is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams 15th overall in the 1994 NFL Draft...
, CB Lewis SandersLewis SandersLewis Sanders is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
, WR Jamin ElliottJamin ElliottA native of Portsmouth, Va., Elliott enjoyed an outstanding four-year football career as a big-play receiver and capped the season by being selected in the sixth round of the National Football League draft in April by the Chicago Bears...
, LB Marcus WilkinsMarcus WilkinsMarcus Wesley Wilkins is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Texas....
and DT Rod ColemanRod ColemanRoderick Dwayne Coleman is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
. - 29 Re-signed QB Chris RedmanChris RedmanChris James Redman is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Louisville.Redman earned a Super Bowl ring with the...
March
- 1 Agreed to terms with free agent S Erik ColemanErik ColemanErik Coleman is an American football safety currently playing for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Went to high school at Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, Washington...
and CB Von HutchinsVon HutchinsTahaya De'Von Hutchins is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the Mississippi.Hutchins has also played for the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons in his... - 2 Agreed to terms with free agent TE Ben HartsockBen HartsockBenjamin Richard Hartsock is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
and RB Michael Turner - 3 Released RB Warrick DunnWarrick DunnWarrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
- 5 Released QB Joey Harrington
- 7 Signed free agents DT Rashad MooreRashad MooreGlenn Rashad Moore is an American football defensive tackle who's currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, DT Kindal MooreheadKindal MooreheadKindal Jerome Moorehead is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.Moorehead has also played for the Atlanta Falcons.-External links:*...
and DE Simon FraserSimon Fraser (American football)Simon Fraser is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005... - 10 Signed free agent DT Tim Anderson
- 10 Signed free agent C Alex StepanovichAlex StepanovichAleksandar Stepanovich is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
- 12 Re-signed QB Joey HarringtonJoey HarringtonJohn Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...
- 14 Signed free agent TE Jason RaderJason RaderJason Rader is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Atlanta Falcons. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Marshall....
- 19 Retained exclusive rights to T Tyson ClaboTyson ClaboTyson Clabo is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was originally signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wake Forest.-Early years:...
- 20 Traded CB DeAngelo HallDeAngelo HallDeAngelo Eugene Hall is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
to Oakland for a second-round pick in 2008 and a fifth-round pick in 2009 - 21 Signed free agent K Jason ElamJason ElamJason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
- 24 Retained exclusive rights to DT Montavious StanleyMontavious StanleyMontavious Stanley is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
April
- 24 Signed free agent K Kevin LovellKevin LovellKevin Lovell is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- 26 Drafted QB Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(R1-3 overall), OT Sam Baker (R1-21 overall) and LB Curtis LoftonCurtis LoftonCurtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
(R2-37 overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft - 26 Traded two second round choices (#34 and #48 overall) and a fourth round choice (#103) to the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
for a first round choice (#21 overall/T Sam Baker), a third round choice (#84 overall) and a fifth round choice (#154 overall) - 27 Drafted CB Chevis JacksonChevis JacksonChevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
(R3-68 overall), WR Harry DouglasHarry DouglasHarry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
(R3-84 overall), S Thomas DeCoudThomas DeCoudThomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears...
(R3-98 overall) LB Robert JamesRobert James (linebacker)Robert William James is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State....
(R5-138), LB Kroy BiermannKroy BiermannKroy Biermann is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Montana...
(R5-154 overall), RB Thomas BrownThomas Brown (American football)Thomas Brown is an American football running back that is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
(R6-172 overall), CB Wilrey FontenotWilrey FontenotWilrey Fontenot, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
(R7-212 overall) and TE Keith ZingerKeith ZingerKeith Jackson Zinger is an American football tight end currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
(R7-232 overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL DraftThe 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so... - 28 Signed undrafted free agents LB Isaac Brown (Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...
), P Jimmie Kaylor (Colorado State UniversityColorado State UniversityColorado State University is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is the state's land grant university, and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System.The enrollment is approximately 29,932 students, including resident and...
), CB Glenn SharpeGlenn SharpeGlenn Sharpe is a free agent American football cornerback who last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
(Miami, Fla.), FS D.J. Wolfe (Oklahoma University), DE Brandon MillerBrandon Miller (American football)Brandon Gerrod Miller is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
(University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
), RB Jamar BrittinghamJamar BrittinghamJamar Brittingham is an American football running back who currently plays for the Reading Express of the Indoor Football League.-Early years:...
(Bloomsburg University) and T Michael ButterworthMichael ButterworthMichael Butterworth is a British author and publisher who has written many novels and short stories, particularly in the genre of science fiction...
(Slippery Rock University) - 29 Signed free agents WR Chandler WilliamsChandler WilliamsChandler Williams, III is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
and DB Nick TurnbullNick TurnbullNick Turnbull is an American football safety for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
May
- 19 Released LB Earl EverettEarl EverettEarl Everett is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Florida....
and DB Nick TurnbullNick TurnbullNick Turnbull is an American football safety for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
and signed WR Tony Gonzalez (wide receiver)Tony Gonzalez (wide receiver)Antonio X. Gonzalez, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
,S Eric BrockEric BrockEric Brock is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Auburn.-Atlanta Falcons:...
and S Jamal Lewis - 20 Agreed to contract terms with QB Matt Ryan (first-round draft choice)
- 21 Signed free agent TE Brad ListortiBrad ListortiBradley R. Listorti is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Massachusetts....
- 22 Waived P Jimmie Kaylor
- 23 Waived SS D.J. Wolfe
June
- 7 Signed Draft pick, TE Keith ZingerKeith ZingerKeith Jackson Zinger is an American football tight end currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
to a four-year contract - 10 Waived TE George CooperGeorge Cooper (American football)George Fitzgerald Cooper is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- 10 Signed Draft picks CB Chevis JacksonChevis JacksonChevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
and S Thomas DeCoudThomas DeCoudThomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears... - 17 Released DB Jimmy Williams and signed Draft pick Wilrey FontenotWilrey FontenotWilrey Fontenot, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- 18 Signed Draft pick RB Thomas BrownThomas Brown (American football)Thomas Brown is an American football running back that is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- 20 Agreed to contract terms with veteran free agent S Deke CooperDeke CooperDeke Cooper is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
- 20 Agreed to contract terms with Draft pick WR Harry DouglasHarry DouglasHarry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
- 20 - Released OT Michael ButterworthMichael ButterworthMichael Butterworth is a British author and publisher who has written many novels and short stories, particularly in the genre of science fiction...
, DE Derrick JonesDerrick JonesDerrick Brandon Jones is an American football defensive end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, S Jamal Lewis and OL Kurt QuartermanKurt QuartermanKurt Quarterman is an American football guard for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Louisville.... - 23 Released C Doug DatishDoug DatishDoug Datish is a former American football center of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
- 26 Signed Draft pick DE Kroy BiermannKroy BiermannKroy Biermann is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Montana...
July
- 18 Released WR Tony Gonzalez (wide receiver)Tony Gonzalez (wide receiver)Antonio X. Gonzalez, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
- 15 Signed Draft pick LB Robert JamesRobert James (linebacker)Robert William James is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State....
- 23 Named Georgia ForceGeorgia ForceThe Georgia Force are an Arena Football League team based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States that plays in the South Division of the American Conference. The team is owned by Doug MacGregor and Donn Jennings...
Head Coach Doug PlankDoug PlankDouglas Walter Plank is a former American-football safety and coach in the National Football League. Currently, he is the head coach of the Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League.- Early life :...
Falcons coaching assistant - 25 Signed Draft pick LB Curtis LoftonCurtis LoftonCurtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
- 25 Signed CB Blue AdamsBlue AdamsDanny L. "Blue" Adams is a professional American football cornerback free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, LB Coy WireCoy WireCoy Michael Wire is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.-Atlanta Falcons:...
and OL Michael ButterworthMichael ButterworthMichael Butterworth is a British author and publisher who has written many novels and short stories, particularly in the genre of science fiction...
, waived CB Glenn SharpeGlenn SharpeGlenn Sharpe is a free agent American football cornerback who last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
and OL Pat McCoyPat McCoyPatrick Anthony McCoy is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at West Texas A&M.-External links:***...
, reached an injury settlement with LB Travis WilliamsTravis Williams (linebacker)Travis Stephon Williams is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, placed DT Trey LewisTrey LewisTrey Lewis is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
on the active/non-football injury list and placed T Renardo FosterRenardo FosterRenardo Foster is an American football offensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Ramon Foster. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
and the physically unable to perform list - 26 Signed Draft pick T Sam Baker
August
- 4 Released RB Jamar BrittinghamJamar BrittinghamJamar Brittingham is an American football running back who currently plays for the Reading Express of the Indoor Football League.-Early years:...
and signed TE George CooperGeorge Cooper (American football)George Fitzgerald Cooper is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007... - 6 Signed LB Mickey PimentelMickey PimentelMickey Pimentel is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
and placed LB Robert JamesRobert James (linebacker)Robert William James is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State....
on injured reserve - 7 Signed C Doug DatishDoug DatishDoug Datish is a former American football center of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
and waived K Kevin LovellKevin LovellKevin Lovell is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2007... - 11 Waived/injured TE Brad ListortiBrad ListortiBradley R. Listorti is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Massachusetts....
- 19 Released WR Joe HornJoe HornJoseph Horn is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft, and also played for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons...
and waived/injured LB Isaac Brown - 24 Released TE George CooperGeorge Cooper (American football)George Fitzgerald Cooper is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
and signed TE Marcus PollardMarcus PollardMarcus LaJuan Pollard is a former American football tight end.-College career:Pollard attended Bradley University, where he played basketball. Bradley did not have a football program at the time he matriculated there... - 26 Placed DT Trey LewisTrey LewisTrey Lewis is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
on the reserve-non football injury list and T Renardo Foster on the reserve-physically unable to perform list - 30 Waived OL D'Anthony BatisteD'Anthony BatisteD'Anthony Batiste is an American football offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings in 2006...
, S Eric BrockEric BrockEric Brock is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Auburn.-Atlanta Falcons:...
, OL Michael ButterworthMichael ButterworthMichael Butterworth is a British author and publisher who has written many novels and short stories, particularly in the genre of science fiction...
, S Deke CooperDeke CooperDeke Cooper is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
, C Doug DatishDoug DatishDoug Datish is a former American football center of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, DE Willie Evans, QB Joey HarringtonJoey HarringtonJohn Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...
, CB Wilrey FontenotWilrey FontenotWilrey Fontenot, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, OL Kynan ForneyKynan ForneyKynan Lerrol Forney is an American football player. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii. Forney has also played for the San Diego Chargers....
, DE Brandon MillerBrandon Miller (American football)Brandon Gerrod Miller is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
, DT Rashad MooreRashad MooreGlenn Rashad Moore is an American football defensive tackle who's currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, OL Terrance PenningtonTerrance PenningtonTerrance Pennington is an American football guard and offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, LB Mickey PimentelMickey PimentelMickey Pimentel is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, TE Marcus PollardMarcus PollardMarcus LaJuan Pollard is a former American football tight end.-College career:Pollard attended Bradley University, where he played basketball. Bradley did not have a football program at the time he matriculated there...
, CB Glenn SharpeGlenn SharpeGlenn Sharpe is a free agent American football cornerback who last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
, DT Montavious StanleyMontavious StanleyMontavious Stanley is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
, S Daren StoneDaren StoneDaren Stone is an Canadian football Linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders. Stone is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, LB Cameron VaughnCameron VaughnCameron Vaughn is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2006. He played college football at Louisiana State....
, WR Eric WeemsEric WeemsEric Weems is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.-Early years:Weems attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and...
, WR Chandler WilliamsChandler WilliamsChandler Williams, III is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, TE Keith ZingerKeith ZingerKeith Jackson Zinger is an American football tight end currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
and placed RB Thomas BrownThomas Brown (American football)Thomas Brown is an American football running back that is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
on injured reserve - 31 Claimed DT Jason JeffersonJason JeffersonJason Jefferson is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
off waivers, released DT Tim Anderson and signed TE Keith ZingerKeith ZingerKeith Jackson Zinger is an American football tight end currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
, WR Eric WeemsEric WeemsEric Weems is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.-Early years:Weems attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and...
, OL D'Anthony BatisteD'Anthony BatisteD'Anthony Batiste is an American football offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings in 2006...
, DB Glenn SharpeGlenn SharpeGlenn Sharpe is a free agent American football cornerback who last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
, DB Eric BrockEric BrockEric Brock is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Auburn.-Atlanta Falcons:...
and DE Brandon MillerBrandon Miller (American football)Brandon Gerrod Miller is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
to the practice squad.
Minicamp
The Falcons opened the first mini camp of 2008 on Monday, April 14. The team had multiple "mini camp" sessions under new Head Coach Mike Smith before the start of training camp in late July. The team worked for three days before the NFL Draft and came back to Flowery Branch for another workout May 10–12. During the minicamp, the Falcons signed tender offers to punter Michael KoenenMichael Koenen
Michael J. Koenen is an American football punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Western Washington....
and defensive end Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Antoine Davis is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Davis was born in Bartow,Florida,...
.
Training camp
For the fourth consecutive year, the Falcons held Russell Falcons Training Camp at the team’s Flowery Branch headquarters. Atlanta’s 43rd training camp was held from July 25-August 15, with select morning and afternoon practices open to the public. The Falcons held 30 practices, which included 13 two-a-day sessions. Atlanta traveled to Jacksonville on August 9 for its first preseason contest followed by two home preseason games against Indianapolis the day after training camp breaks (August 16) and Tennessee TitansTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
on August 22 . The Falcons concluded the 2008 preseason schedule with a meeting against the Baltimore Ravens on August 28 at M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
. In 2007, Russell Athletic and the Atlanta Falcons announced an agreement that includes title sponsorship of the team’s three-week preseason training camp at its in-season training facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. The four-year agreement designates Russell Athletic as an official sponsor of the Falcons.
Emmitt Thomas Inducted to the Hall Of Fame
Falcons' Assistant Head Coach Emmitt ThomasEmmitt Thomas
Emmitt Earl Thomas is currently the secondary coach of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. He is a former college and professional football player who played for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs from 1966 to 1969, and then for the Chiefs in the NFL from 1970 to 1978...
was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
on February 2 during Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
festivities in Phoenix. He was formally inducted into the Hall on August 2. Thomas was selected as a finalist for enshrinement by the Seniors Committee. He was selected to the Hall's Class of 2008 off a list of 17 players. He thus becomes the first Falcons player or coach to be placed in the Hall of Fame.
Preseason
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Game site | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9, 2008 | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 20-17 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
L 16-9 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
Recap |
| 3 | August 22, 2008 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
W 17-3 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
W 10-9 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
Recap |
Final cuts
On August 30, the Falcons made 22 roster moves to reach the NFL's 53-player limit.
|
Regular season
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. (ET) | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 34-21 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
Fox Fox Broadcasting Company Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 4:05 p.m. | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
L 24-9 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... - Tampa, Florida Tampa, Florida Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709.... |
Fox | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
W 38-14 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
CBS CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... |
Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
L 24-9 | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... - Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009... |
Fox | Recap |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W 27-24 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... - Green Bay, Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,... |
Fox | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 22-20 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
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| 7 | October 19, 2008 | Bye week | |||||
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27-14 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 4:15 p.m. | at Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 24-0 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - Oakland, California Oakland, California Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724... |
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| 10 | November 9, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 34-20 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia |
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| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 24-20 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia |
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| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 4:15 p.m. | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
W 45-28 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia |
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| 13 | November 30, 2008 | 4:05 p.m. | at San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 22–16 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... – San Diego, California |
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| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
L 29-25 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... - New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population... |
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| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
W 13–10 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
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| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 4:15 p.m. | at Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W 24–17 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... - Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 31–27 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... - Atlanta, Georgia |
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Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
The Falcons began their 2008 campaign at home against the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta immediately took flight at rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
throws his first career NFL pass to WR Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard TD pass. Afterwards, RB Michael Turner (acquired from the Chargers) made an immediate impact as he got a 66-yard TD run and a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions would respond with RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
getting a 5-yard TD run, while QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, the Falcons went back to work as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 50-yard field goal, while RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
got a 10-yard TD run. Detroit would try to rally as Kitna completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:...
. Fortunately, Atlanta closed out their rout in the fourth quarter with Elam nailing a 25-yard field goal.
With the impressive win, the Falcons began their season at 1-0.
QB Matt Ryan would have a good rookie debut completing 9 of 13 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. RB Michael Turner had an outstanding Falcon debut, setting a single-game franchise record with 220 rushing yards. Ryan, who became the first rookie to start a season for the Falcons since Steve Bartkowski
Steve Bartkowski
Steven Joseph "Steve" Bartkowski is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams...
in 1975, finished with a solid 161 passing yards and 137.0 quarterback rating. Turner led a ground game that picked up a franchise-record 318 rushing yards 7.6 yards per carry.
Game Notes.
- With a 34-21 victory, Mike Smith earned his first win as a Head Coach in the NFL
- Following a 44-41 victory over the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
in the 2007 season finale, the Falcons opened the 2008 campaign with 34 points en route to a victory, posting back-to-back games with over 30 points. - The win over Detroit gave the Falcons their first season opening win since 2006 (20-6 vs. Carolina), their first season opening win at the Georgia Dome since 2005 (vs. Philadelphia, 14-10) and their first win against the Lions at home since 2002 (36-15).
- By opening the game as a starter, LB Keith BrookingKeith BrookingKeith Howard Brooking is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech...
extended his consecutive games starting streak to 113 games, dating back to 2000, which moves him past long-time C Jeff Van NoteJeff Van NoteJeffrey Aloysius Van Note , is a former American football player who played his entire 18-year NFL career as a center for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 to 1986.-NFL career:...
into second place all-time in Falcons history. Former T Bob WhitfieldBob WhitfieldBob Lectress Whitfield III is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League.-Early career:...
holds the record with 123 consecutive starts (from Wk 1, 1993 – Wk 11, 2000). - Center Todd McClureTodd McClureTodd McClure is an American football center for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State....
also extended his consecutive games starting streak to 97-straight games to move past DE Patrick KerneyPatrick Kerney-Atlanta Falcons:Kerney was drafted as the thirtieth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, wearing the number 97 jersey. The Falcons signed Kerney to a 5-year $5.6 million contract. As a rookie, Kerney started two games and recorded 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks...
and WR Terance MathisTerance MathisTerance Mathis is an American former Pro Bowl wide receiver in the NFL. Drafted in 1990 by the New York Jets, he played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then retired in 2004...
into fifth place all-time in that category. - The Falcons had 10 players earn opening day starts for the first time in their NFL careers. The players lining up as starters for the first time today included: QB Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, LT Sam Baker, RB Michael Turner, TE Ben HartsockBen HartsockBenjamin Richard Hartsock is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, RG Harvey DahlHarvey DahlHarvey Dahl is an American football guard for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, RT Tyson ClaboTyson ClaboTyson Clabo is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was originally signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wake Forest.-Early years:...
, DT Jonathan BabineauxJonathan BabineauxJonathan Joel Babineaux is an NFL defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted with the 59th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.-High school career:...
, MLB Curtis LoftonCurtis LoftonCurtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
, CB Brent GrimesBrent GrimesBrent Omar Grimes is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
and CB Chris HoustonChris Houston (American football)Chris Houston is an American Football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. - Curtis LoftonCurtis LoftonCurtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
became the first rookie to man the middle of the Falcons defense on opening day since linebacker Buddy CurryBuddy CurryGeorge Jessel "Buddy" Curry is a former NFL football player. He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina who played pro football from 1980–1987 for the Atlanta Falcons....
in 1980. Ironically, it was exactly 28 years ago to this date, September 7, 1980, that Curry (the team’s second round draft pick) started in the middle of the Falcons defense (at Minnesota, 8 tackles, 0.5 sack).
- The Falcons broke a team rushing record with 318 yards and 7.4 avg. against Detroit. The previous record was set on September 17, 2006 against Tampa Bay with 306 yards. Atlanta’s 318 yards marked the first game Atlanta totaled over 200 rushing yards since December 3, 2006 against Washington getting 256 yards.
- On Atlanta’s first offensive possession of the 2008 season, the Falcons recorded a three-play 74-yard drive that was capped off by WR Michael Jenkins 62-yard touchdown reception from rookie QB Matt Ryan, his first career NFL pass.
- Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
became the first quarterback to throw a touchdown on his first career NFL pass since October 8, 2000 when Michael BishopMichael Bishop (football player)Michael Paul Bishop is a professional football quarterback who is currently on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Practice Squad. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots....
completed the feat as member of the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. - Michael Jenkins 62-yard touchdown reception was the longest of his career and the longest touchdown pass recorded by the Falcons since December 23, 2007 when Chris RedmanChris RedmanChris James Redman is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Louisville.Redman earned a Super Bowl ring with the...
completed a 74-touchdown against Arizona. - Atlanta’s 62-yard touchdown to WR Michael Jenkins on the first offensive possession of the game was the longest touchdown pass for the Falcons on opening day since September 3, 2000, when Chris ChandlerChris ChandlerChristopher Mark Chandler is a retired American football player, who played as a quarterback in the National Football League for 17 seasons. He is known for leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-2 season in 1998, followed up with an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII.-Early years:Chris Chandler was...
completed a 48-yard touchdown in a 36-28 win. - The last time the Falcons scored a touchdown on their opening offensive possession of a game came against the Carolina PanthersCarolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
on November 11, 2007. Atlanta won the game 20-13. - On Atlanta’s second possession of the game, RB Michael Turner rushed for a 66-yard touchdown to give the Falcons a 14-0 lead. The 66-yard scamper is the fourth-longest rush in Turner’s career and the seventh-longest rush in Falcons history.
- Michael Turner’s 117 rushing yards in the first quarter are the most in an opening quarter of a game for the Falcons in at least two decades.
- Atlanta’s 216 yards of total offense in the first quarter is also the highest total in over two decades. The previous high for the Falcons came on October 13, 1991 with 172 yards against San Francisco.
- Michael Turner ran for 220 yards in his debut with the Falcons. This marks the highest single-game rushing record for the Falcons, formerly held by Gerald RiggsGerald RiggsGerald Antonio Riggs is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons from 1982-1988 and the Washington Redskins from 1989-1991....
, who set the previous record of 202 rushing yards on September 2, 1984.
The Lions would eventually finish the season 0-16
Week 2: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Following their outstanding home win over the Lions, the Falcons flew to Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
for a Week 2 NFC South duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed as Bucs QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE John Gilmore. In the second quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as former Falcons RB Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
gave Tampa Bay a 17-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
getting a 33-yard field goal. Atlanta would close out the half with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Falcons crept closer as Elam kicked a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta tried to rally as Elam nailed a 24-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers pulled away as RB Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham, Jr. is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Florida....
got a 68-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 1-1. With Michael Turner running for a franchise-record 220 yards in his Falcons debut, Ryan only threw the ball 13 times against Detroit. Sunday, he had more attempts than that in the first half alone. The Bucs limited Turner to 42 yards on 14 carries. WR Joey Galloway
Joey Galloway
Joseph Scott Galloway is an American football wide receiver. He most recently played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks eighth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft...
, who did not play in the preseason because of a sore groin, sprained an ankle in the fourth quarter. Falcons rookie LT Sam Baker was hit in the head in the first half and did not return. A week after beating Detroit in his pro debut, Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
threw incompletions on his first nine passes before settling down to keep Atlanta in the game with three field goal drives that trimmed a 17-point deficit to eight with five minutes to go.
- The Falcons defense allowed Tampa Bay to rush for only two yards in the first quarter on six attempts. The Buccaneers two yards is the lowest total for a Falcons opponent in the first quarter of a game since December 14, 2003 when the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
posted two rushing yards on seven carries. At the end of the first half, Tampa’s rushing total was 36 yards, the lowest total for a Falcons opponent in the first half of play since December 31, 2006 when Philadelphia only managed 34 yards in the first two quarters. - Matt Ryan led the Falcons on a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive in the third quarter, which was capped by a Jason Elam 27-yard field goal. Ryan completed six of seven passes on the drive for 62 yards.
- On his second career carry, wide receiver Harry DouglasHarry DouglasHarry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
took an end-around and rushed for 33 yards to give the Falcons their third first down of the game. The 33-yard scamper is the second longest rush for Atlanta in two games this season. - With two minutes remaining in the second quarter, wide receiver/punt returner Adam Jennings set a career-high with a 37-yard punt return topping his old mark of 23 yards set in 2007. The return was also the longest for the Falcons since Allen Rossum returned a punt 37 yards against Cleveland on November 12, 2006. Jennings’ punt return led to a Falcons 32-yard field goal by Elam, the first points of the game for Atlanta.
- Elam notched three field goals of 32, 27 and 25 yards to extend his streak of splitting the uprights to 20 consecutive kicks.
- Atlanta defensive tackle Jonathan BabineauxJonathan BabineauxJonathan Joel Babineaux is an NFL defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted with the 59th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.-High school career:...
dropped Buccaneers quarterback Brian GrieseBrian GrieseBrian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
in the third quarter for his 5.5th career sack. The sack led to a Tampa Bay punt on its first offensive possession of the second half. Three of Babineaux’s 5.5 career sacks have come in the first two games of a season (2.0 in 2007, 1.0 in 2008). - Falcons defensive end John Abraham posted his fourth sack of the season and his sixth in three consecutive games when he dropped Griese in the fourth quarter to stall a Buccaneers drive in the red zone. On the sack, Abraham forced a fumble which was recovered by defensive tackle Jason JeffersonJason JeffersonJason Jefferson is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The sack was Abraham’s 14th in the last 17 games and the 71.5th of his career. The fumble recovery by Jefferson was the first of his career. - Following Abraham's fourth quarter sack, the Falcons have now recorded three consecutive games with at least two sacks dating back to the 2007 season finale against the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. - Head Coach Mike Smith is one for one in challenges after challenging the spot of the ball on a Roddy WhiteRoddy WhiteSharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
reception in the third quarter. After the review the officials determined White had reached the first down marker, which kept the Atlanta drive alive.
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Turner ran for three touchdowns and the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
scored the first 24 points to beat Kansas City 38-14, giving the Chiefs their 12th straight loss.
Turner had scoring runs of 4, 1 and 2 yards, his first career game with three rushing touchdowns, while leading the Falcons with 104 yards rushing. Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
added 75 yards rushing.
Turner dragged Chiefs linebacker Pat Thomas
Pat Thomas (linebacker)
Patrick Wain Thomas is an American football linebacker for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
for a few steps before breaking free and running through other defenders for a 38-yard run from the Falcons 8. A 30-yard pass from Ryan to Norwood helped set up Turner first touchdown run. Turner 1-yard scoring run in the second quarter gave Atlanta a 24-0 lead. Turner determined run helped to soften the Kansas City defense. Ryan found Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
for a 70-yard touchdown pass on Atlanta's next possession, and the Falcons were on their way to a big early lead, ( Ryan 70-yard touchdown pass to White is the longest pass completion for the Falcons since 12/23/07 when wide receiver Laurent Robinson
Laurent Robinson
Laurent Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois State.He has also been a member of the St...
caught a 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Redman
Chris Redman
Chris James Redman is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Louisville.Redman earned a Super Bowl ring with the...
against the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in a Week 16 meeting) .
On Kansas City first offensive possession of the game, defensive end John Abraham logged his fifth sack of the season, which led to a Chiefs punt. Abraham tallied his second sack of the game at the end of the third quarter, which included a forced fumble. The two sacks gave Abraham eight in his last four games, 16 in his last 18 games and 73.5 for his career. Entering the Kansas City game, he led the NFL with four sacks after three games, the forced fumble was the 29th of his career, which ranks fourth in the NFL from 2000-2008. Turner sparked an Atlanta scoring drive when he posted a 38-yard rush in the first quarter, he capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown, his third of the season. The Falcons drove 92 yards in six plays and also received help from running back Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
on the drive who contributed with 45 combined yards (two rushes for 15 yards and one 30-yard reception).
Atlanta 92-yard scoring drive, the first of the game, is the longest scoring drive since 12/3/06 at Washington when the Falcons drove 98 yards on six plays capped by a Norwood touchdown run. Kicker
Placekicker
Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...
Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
was successful on his long field goal attempt of 27 yards against Kansas City, improving his streak of consecutive field goals to 27. Elam also added five extra points for an eight-point day.
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
, the third starting quarterback in three weeks for Kansas City, threw three interceptions in his first career start. The third interception, by cornerback Chris Houston
Chris Houston (American football)
Chris Houston is an American Football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, was returned 10 yards for a touchdown with 1:01 left in the game.
Chiefs coach Herman Edwards
Herman Edwards
Herman "Herm" Edwards, Jr. is an American football analyst who most recently coached in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was fired from this position on January 23, 2009. Since then, he has been hired as a football analyst for ESPN...
said during the week he would turn to veteran Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
if Thigpen struggled. Thigpen played the full game and was 14-for-36 passing for 128 yards with one touchdown. Down 24-0, Thigpen led a 13-play scoring drive capped by his 15-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
with three seconds left in the first half.
The Chiefs' 12th straight loss came 11 months to the day after their last win. They lost their last nine games in 2007 after a 12-10 win at Oakland on Oct. 21, 2007. The Chiefs comeback continued when Larry Johnson's 48-yard run set up his 1-yard scoring plunge to open the second half, cutting Atlanta lead to 24-14. It was Johnson first rushing touchdown of the season.Johnson, who had 96 yards rushing in his first two games, had 24 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown. Johnson has 4,981 yards rushing for his career to pass Christian Okoye
Christian Okoye
Christian Emeka Okoye , is a Nigerian-American former American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. Nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," Okoye was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. Okoye's six seasons in the NFL saw a league rushing...
(4,897) for second place on the Chiefs all-time list.
The Falcons had a quick answer to Johnson touchdown. Ryan, making his third start, had a 15-yard run and a 17-yard pass to White to set up Turner third touchdown, a 2-yard run. The Chiefs were forced to punt on their first five possessions. Their next two drives ended with interceptions by Erik Coleman
Erik Coleman
Erik Coleman is an American football safety currently playing for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Went to high school at Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, Washington...
and Brent Grimes
Brent Grimes
Brent Omar Grimes is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, Coleman intercepted his first career pass in a Falcons uniform, which also gave him the eighth of his career, it was Coleman first interception since 11/12/06 against the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Coleman pieced together a stellar performance against the Chiefs which included 10 tackles to lead the team and one forced fumble, and Grimes intercepted his first career pass when he stepped in front of a Tyler Thigpen pass in the second quarter. Grimes returned the interception 25 yards, which led to a Falcons touchdown. The Falcons defense allowed only 14 rushing yards in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, continuing their trend of holding opponents to under 15 rushing yards over the first three contests of the season. Against Tampa Bay in Week 2, Atlanta held the Bucs to two rushing yards in the opening 15 minutes of play, which was the lowest total in the first quarter of a game since for a Falcons opponent since 12/14/03 (vs. Colts, two rushing yards). Below is a look at Atlanta opponent rushing totals in the first quarter of each game this season.
The Falcons moved to 2-0 at the Georgia Dome
Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
on the season and gave Head Coach Mike Smith his second career win as a head coach.
Michael Turner became only the fifth Falcons running back in team history to register three or more touchdowns in a game, with the win over the Chiefs improved its record to 5-1 in its last six meetings against AFC West opponents.
| Player | Opponent | Date | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| T.J. Duckett | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12/12/04 | 4 |
| Michael Turner | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
9/21/08 | 3 |
| Jamal Anderson Jamal Anderson Jamal Sharif Anderson is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played high school football at El Camino Real High School, where he was named to the CIF Los Angeles City Section... |
Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
10/6/96 | 3 |
| Lynn Cain Lynn Cain Lynn Dwight Cain is a retired American football running back in the National Football League.-College career:Cain played college football at the University of Southern California after transferring from East Los Angeles College.... |
Los Angeles Rams | 10/7/84 | 3 |
| Gerald Riggs Gerald Riggs Gerald Antonio Riggs is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons from 1982-1988 and the Washington Redskins from 1989-1991.... |
Los Angeles Rams | 11/17/85 | 3 |
Week 4: at Carolina Panthers
Coming off their home win over the Chiefs, the Falcons flew to Bank of America StadiumBank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...
for a Week 4 NFC South duel with the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. The Falcons found a way to stick around for three quarters in Sunday game at Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...
but injuries, dropped passes and untimely penalties filled the afternoon. Atlanta lost starting strong safety Lawyer Milloy
Lawyer Milloy
Lawyer Marzell Milloy is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Washington....
in the first half after he took a shot to the ribs and played the entire game without starting left tackle Sam Baker. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
getting an 8-yard TD run. The Falcons responded with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons crept closer as Elam kicked a 44-yard field goal.
However, Carolina answered with QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
completing a 56-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Atlanta closed out the half with Elam getting a 44-yard field goal. The Panthers (3-1, 1-0) lost starting offensive tackles Jordan Gross
Jordan Gross
Jordan Alan Gross is an American football offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Panthers eighth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah.-Early years:...
and Jeff Otah
Jeff Otah
Jeffrey C. Otah is a Nigerian American football offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Panthers 19th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh....
in the game to injury and also went several series without starting cornerback Ken Lucas. But that didn't stop the NFC South
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
leaders from imposing their will on both sides of the ball and put up more than 400 yards of total offense. For the fourth consecutive game this season, the Falcons defense held their opponent to 16 rushing yards or less in the first quarter of play after the Panthers managed only 16 yards on six carries. John Abraham blocked his first career punt in the second quarter, which led to Elam second field goal of the day. The blocked punt was the first for Atlanta since the 2004 season finale when Demorrio Williams
Demorrio Williams
Demorrio Dwain Williams is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
blocked Seattle first kick of the game at Qwest Field
Qwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
. Running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
posted his second longest rush of the season with a 40-yard scamper in the second quarter. The rush was four yards shy of his season high (44), which he set against Kansas City in Week 3.
Norwood has now posted five rushes of 40 yards or more in this three-year career, punter Michael Koenen
Michael Koenen
Michael J. Koenen is an American football punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Western Washington....
booted his longest punt of the season with a 60-yard kick in the second quarter. The punt is the longest for Koenen since December 16, 2007 when he nailed a 63-yard punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
, running back Jason Snelling
Jason Snelling
Jason Michael Snelling is an American football running back for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia....
earned his first career start while tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Justin Peelle
Justin Peelle
Justin Morris Peelle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
started his first game in a Falcons uniform. Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
caught his first pass of the 2008 campaign on a five-yard reception in the second quarter. The catch was the first for Finneran since the 2005 season finale when he caught four passes for 45 yards against the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. Roddy White led the Falcons in receiving with seven catches for 90 yards. He continues to remain on pace for a 1,000-yard season. In his fourth career start, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed passes to eight different receivers, a season-high for the Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
graduate, Ryan finished the game having completed 21 of 41 passes for 158 yards and a 60.8 passer rating
In the third quarter, the Panthers increased their lead with kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
nailing a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Delhomme completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
. The first-year head coach Mike Smith made a concise list in explaining the problems that plagued his offense in Charlotte.
- Third down conversions (the Falcons were 2-of-13)
- Red zone penalties (two knocked the Birds outside the 10)
- six dropped passes(three on third down)
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 2-2.
Week 5: at Green Bay Packers
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Panthers, to Falcons flew to Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
for a Week 5 duel with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Entering Week 5, the Falcons led the league in first quarter scoring with 38 points. Atlanta added to that total with 10 points on a touchdown and field goal. The Falcons have also outscored their opponents in the first quarter by a 48-14 margin. Michael Turner posted his third 100-yard game of the season after finishing with 26 carries for 121 yards and one touchdown. Turner score came at the 3:35 mark in the fourth quarter to give Atlanta a two-possession lead (27-17) which sealed the victory.
In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
Justin Peelle
Justin Morris Peelle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, along with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Packers responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
. The Falcons closed out the half with Ryan completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
to give the Falcons a 17-7 advantage. The catch was his sixth of the day giving White 115 yards in the first half at that point.White contributed with 67 first quarter receiving yards, falling three yards short of his career-high in the first 15 minutes of play (70), which he set on September 21, 2008 against Kansas City. White also finished the first half with 132 yards, which is the most in two quarters of play for the four-year veteran in his career and the second highest total since Terance Mathis
Terance Mathis
Terance Mathis is an American former Pro Bowl wide receiver in the NFL. Drafted in 1990 by the New York Jets, he played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then retired in 2004...
posted 136 on November 19, 1995.
On Atlanta first play of the game, Quarterback Matt Ryan completed a 37-yard pass to White crossing into Packers territory. Ryan completed two more receptions to White on the drive for a total of 64 yards,the three completions led to an Atlanta touchdown, which marked the second occasion this season the Falcons scored on their first drive of the game (Week 1 vs. Detroit) and the first time they scored on their first possession of the game on the road, Ryan started the game having completed six of six passes for 72 yards and one touchdown pass, also compiled the best half of football in his rookie career thus far when he completed 13 of 18 passes for 154 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 135.0 passer rating. Ryan finished the game with a season-high 194 passing yards. The Falcons posted a touchdown on their first offensive possession of the game when Ryan led the team 81 yards on 10 plays and completed a one-yard touchdown strike to tight end Justin Peelle, his first as an Atlanta Falcon and the eighth of his career. Center Ben Wilkerson
Ben Wilkerson
Ben Wilkerson is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
saw his first action of the season at the center position when he briefly replaced Todd McClure
Todd McClure
Todd McClure is an American football center for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State....
on Atlanta first offensive drive of the game. Wilkerson was at center when the Falcons scored their first touchdown in the first quarter. Defensive tackle Grady Jackson
Grady Jackson
Grady O'Neal Jackson is an American football defensive tackle who most recently played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft...
logged his first sack of the season and the 34.5th of his career when he dropped Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
on Green Bay first offensive play of the game, the sack led to a Green Bay punt. Following the first quarter of play the Falcons recorded eight first downs opposed to the Packers who finished the opening 15 minutes of play with zero. Atlanta also racked-up 147 net yards to Green Bay’s 10 in the quarter.
At the 6:02 mark in the second quarter, Ryan tallied his second touchdown pass of the day when he found White in the end zone for a 22-yard strike to give the Falcons a 17-7 advantage. The catch was his sixth of the day giving White 115 yards in the first half at that point. White pieced together his second 100-yard receiving game of the season and the ninth of his career after catching eight passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. Following the two-minute mark in the second quarter, defensive end John Abraham notched his seventh sack of the season, dropping Rodgers. The sack is the ninth in his last six games, the 17th in his last 20 contests and the 74.5th of his career. The sack forced a Packers field goal attempt and following an offensive holding call on a converted attempt, Green Bay missed a re-kick.
In the third quarter, Green Bay answered with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Packers tied the game with Rodgers completing a 25-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
, Michael Boley
Michael Boley
Michael Boley is an American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern Miss.-Early years:Boley played high school football for Elkmont High...
intercepted his first pass of the season and the fifth of his career when he stepped in from of an Aaron Rodgers pass late in the fourth quarter. The INT led to the game-sealing touchdown by Turner, yet Atlanta replied with Elam nailing a 41-yard field goal and RB Michael Turner getting a 2-yard TD run. Fullback Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Phillip Mughelli is an American football fullback for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He signed a 6-year, $18 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus on March 2, 2007 with the Falcons...
carried the ball nine yards on his first rush of the season in the fourth quarter. Following a Packers touchdown to tie the game at 17, running back/kick returner Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
returned the ensuing kickoff 54 yards into Green Bay territory, marking the second-longest kickoff return of his career, Norwood return set up a Falcons game-sealing touchdown. Green Bay tried to rally as Rodgers completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee, yet the Falcons' defense stiffened for the win.
With the win, Atlanta improved to 3-2.
- An Atlanta 27-24 victory gave the Falcons their first win on the road this season and their first victory at Lambeau FieldLambeau FieldLambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
since the 2002 NFC Wild Card playoff.
Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears
Coming off their road win over the Packers, the Falcons went home for a Week 6 duel with the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 29-yard and a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as Elam kicked a 32-yard field goal. The Bears would respond with kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
getting a 36-yard field goal.
Entering Sunday game with the Bears, the Falcons led the NFL in first quarter scoring with 48 points. After posting two field goals for a 6-0 lead following the first 15 minutes of play against Chicago, Atlanta has now outscored its opponent in the first quarter by a 54-14 margin.
A chance at a touchdown came with 9:16 remaining in the first half after a curious turn of events near the goal line. A third-down run by Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
came up short and ended with a fumble. Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.Harris has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts...
recovered but lost the ball before he was touched down. Jason Snelling
Jason Snelling
Jason Michael Snelling is an American football running back for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia....
recovered the ball for the Falcons, who got a fresh set of downs. Following the first half of play, the Falcons defense held the Bears to 20 first half rushing yards. The 20 yards are the fewest given up in the first half of a game by Atlanta’s defense since October 1, 2006 against Arizona (two yards).
In the third quarter, the Falcons continued to add on to their lead as Elam got a 41-yard field goal, yet Chicago answered with RB Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta replied with rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson
Jamaal Anderson
Jamaal Anderson is an American football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft...
paced a defense that fed off the crowd's energy. He finished with four tackles (two for loss) and the first sack of his two-year career. Anderson also had two pass deflections on the Bears' first drive of the second quarter.
The Falcons offense started the second half with a no-huddle offense and added another Elam field goal to take a 12-3 lead. Chicago stuck with the running game and added a touchdown from Forte with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter. Chicago drove within inches of the end zone, but Matt Forte
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
was stuffed on fourth down as he attempted to leap across the line. Michael Boley
Michael Boley
Michael Boley is an American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern Miss.-Early years:Boley played high school football for Elkmont High...
came in low to trip up the runner, then Lawyer Milloy
Lawyer Milloy
Lawyer Marzell Milloy is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Washington....
and Keith Brooking
Keith Brooking
Keith Howard Brooking is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech...
finished him off.
The Bears took the lead with Gould getting a 32-yard field goal, along with QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
Rashied Davis
Rashied Khalid Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at San José State...
. Fortunately, the Falcons got the last laugh as Elam nailed the game-winning 48-yard field goal.The 16-year veteran's celebration was interrupted by a swarm of teammates near midfield. It was his fifth successful kick of the day but just moments before he missed a kick that could have iced the game. Chicago came off the miscue with a 77-yard touchdown drive to take a 20-19 lead with 11 seconds to play. But a 9-yard return off a short kickoff by Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
and a 26-yard strike from rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
to Michael Jenkins set Elam up for the game-winner with 1 second left.
"I'm really happy that one went through," Elam said. "Our guys have been fighting so hard for so long. I hate to even mention what happened last year but to hear some of the stories I know the guys are really hungry to get some wins on the board and show our fans what we're all about." With time to throw Ryan thrived. The rookie found five different receivers and performed regular Houdini-like acts to find open players down the field for third-down conversions. Fellow rookie Douglas caught five passes for 96 yards including a 47-yard strike on third down that set up a 3-yard scoring toss to White with 13:25 remaining.
Ryan opened the game 8-of-8 for 107 yards and captained nearly identical scoring drives in the first quarter, leading the team on 48- and 49-yard marches that ended with field goals.
“I think everybody is excited with the win," Ryan said. "I thought we played a very good Chicago Bears team today. They played an entire 60 minutes and we did the same thing. We just had the last punch. We were able to make a couple big plays at the end of the game with Elam clutch kick being the biggest one. This win is a great story heading into the bye week.”
Bears CB Nathan Vasher
Nathan Vasher
Nathaniel DeWayne Vasher is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
(wrist) missed his second straight game, and the other starting corner, Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
, went out in the first half with a shoulder injury. Backup FS Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning is a professional American football safety for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 42nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft from Abilene Christian University, which made him the first player from a non-Division I school to be selected that year...
left, too, with an injured hamstring., White went over 100 yards receiving for the second week in a row, Forte led the Bears with 76 yards rushing.
With the win, Atlanta entered their bye week at 4-2.
Not only did Matt Ryan (22/30 for 301 yards and a touchdown) pick up his first-ever 300-yard day, but he acquired the best record for a rookie quarterback in his first six games as a starter since 1998 (4-2), besting Kyle Orton in '05 and Kyle Boller
Kyle Boller
Kyle Bryan Boller is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at The University of California.Boller has also played for the St...
in '03 (both with 3-3).
Week 8: at Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their bye week, the Falcons flew to Lincoln Financial FieldLincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
for a Week 8 duel with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, as rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(a native of the Philly suburb of Exton, Pennsylvania
Exton, Pennsylvania
Exton is a census-designated place in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its population was 4,842 at the 2010 census. The Exton Square Mall is located within Exton along with several other shopping centers, making Exton the major shopping district in Chester...
) took on his hometown team. Ryan threw for 277 yards in his seventh career start but also had a pair of interceptions. The defense held the Eagles after the first turnover but Ryan's second mistake came in the end zone, eliminating a red-zone scoring chance.
After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta finally took flight in the second quarter as Ryan completed a 55-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
with 8:56 remaining in the first half when he threaded a pass between two Eagles defenders . White scampered toward the end zone for a 55-yard score and a 7-0 lead.“We had worked on that fade pass all week in practice and Matt threw it up there and really I should have batted the ball down," said White, who had 113 receiving yards. "I think on that play, I had the responsibility to help him out. We thought we were going to put some points on the board and we let it get away from us. I put that play on myself, because I really should have knocked that down.” White tallied his third consecutive 100-yard game after catching eight passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. White has now posted four 100-yard games this season and 11 for his career, the 55-yard strike is the third longest pass for the rookie quarterback this season. The second score came on an eight-yard pass in the fourth quarter, Ryan returned to the sight of first collegiate touchdown pass at Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
against the Temple Owls
Temple Owls
Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a very long-running athletic program. The school's sports teams are called the Owls, originating from the university's early days as a night school. The current athletic director is Bill Bradshaw....
on November 20, 2004 .
But Philadelphia responded with 20 unanswered points, including scoring drives of 60, 70 and 69 yards. Twice McNabb scrambled for key first downs. The Falcons did not record a sack in the second half. The Falcons run game sputtered and suffered from untimely penalties. Starting left tackle Sam Baker missed the game with a hip injury and was replaced by Todd Weiner
Todd Weiner
Todd Michael Weiner is former American football American football offensive tackle of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State.Weiner also played for the Atlanta Falcons....
. Weiner would leave with an injury and was replaced by Quinn Ojinnaka
Quinn Ojinnaka
Quinn Ojinnaka is an American football offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse....
. Michael Turner rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries. The Eagles took the lead with QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
getting a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
getting a 36-yard field goal. McNabb turned from prolific passer to game-manager as the afternoon progressed, finding openings in the Falcons zone defense for short to medium gains and handing the ball off to Westbrook, the All-Pro rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries in the first half and finished with 22 carries for 167 yards. He also had six catches for 42 yards, one of six Eagles receivers with two or more catches. The Falcons spent much of the first half keeping McNabb and the Eagles high-flying offense on the ground. Atlanta didn't allow a first-quarter point for the fifth time this season and picked up two sacks, a forced fumble and a turnover in the first 30 minutes In the third quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as RB Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
got a 16-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia increased its lead with Akers nailing an 18-yard field goal.Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
tied his season-high in receptions (three) and contributed with two catches on third down to convert a new set a downs for the Falcons on both occasions in the first half. Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
posted his second-highest receiving total when he caught five passes for 55 yards, he set his career-high of 57 yards against the Saints last season Atlanta tried to rally as Ryan hooked up with White again on an 8-yard TD pass, but the Eagles flew away as Westbrook got a 39-yard TD run. A late goal-line stand held the Eagles to a field goal and kept it a two-possession game with 7:57 remaining. Ryan led a no-huddle offense into the red zone on the next series and found White with a second touchdown with less than four minutes to play. Trailing 20-14, the Falcons defense stepped up with a key three-and-out but an odd turn of events kept the Birds offense from getting a shot at the win. Return man Adam Jennings decided at the last second not to field the punt after the Eagles' three-and-out drive. Officials ruled Jennings touched the ball and the muffed punt was recovered by the Eagles. The Falcons did not have a timeout left and, by rule, could not challenge the play. Replays in the press box showed Jennings did not touch the ball. Three plays later Westbrook rushed over the left side for a 39-yard, game-clinching touchdown. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson
Jamaal Anderson
Jamaal Anderson is an American football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft...
posted his second sack of the season when he dropped Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
for a six-yard loss in the first quarter, the sack stalled an Eagles drive, forcing a punt. Anderson has now totaled one sack in two consecutive games. Rookie Curtis Lofton
Curtis Lofton
Curtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself...
earned his first career sack when he dropped McNabb for an eight-yard loss in the second quarter while forcing a fumble. The ball was recovered by defensive end Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Antoine Davis is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Davis was born in Bartow,Florida,...
.
"It never felt like we were out of the game, even when we didn’t get that touchdown when we needed it, it still felt like we stopped them to get a chance to put some more points on the board and that’s what we did," defensive end John Abraham said. "Like I said, it’s part of the game and everybody played well, it was a tough fought game. I think everybody got a lot of bumps and bruises from the game, but it definitely was a good game.”
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-3.
Week 9: at Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
got a 12-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Falcons added onto their lead with Ryan hooking up with Jenkins again on a 27-yard TD pass, along with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
nailing a 48-yard field goal. From there on out, Atlanta cruised towards its easy win, as they greatly outgained the Raiders in time of possession (45:15 to 14:45) and total offensive yards (453 to 77).
With the easy win, the Falcons improved to 5-3.
Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints
Coming off their shutout road win over the Raiders, the Falcons went home for a Week 10 NFC South duel with the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. The Saints would respond with kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
getting a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as RB Michael Turner got a 2-yard TD run. New Orleans would answer with Hartley making a 44-yard field goal. Atlanta would close out the half as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Falcons got the period's only points as Elam nailed a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta continued to soar as Ryan completed a 67-yard TD pass to RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
. The Saints tried to rally as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 15-yard TD pass to RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, yet the Falcons flew away as rookie CB Chevis Jackson
Chevis Jackson
Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would close out the game with Brees completing a 32-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
With the win, Atlanta improved to 6-3.
Week 11: vs. Denver Broncos
Coming off their win over the Saints, the Falcons stayed at home for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Denver BroncosDenver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Broncos FB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
got a 7-yard TD run. The Falcons would answer with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
(a former Bronco) getting a 46-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta took the lead as Elam made a 36-yard field goal, while RB Michael Turner got a 9-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Denver retook the lead as Hillis got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
nailed a 20-yard field goal. The Falcons tried to rally as Turner got a 28-yard field goal, yet Denver replied with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
competing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. From there on out, the Broncos' defense stopped any other possible comeback attempt.
With their first home loss of the year, Atlanta fell to 6-4. This was the first of only two home losses suffered by Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
in the NFL through 12/27/2010. The second was to the New Orleans Saints on December 27, 2010, the final Monday Night Football game of the 2010 season.
Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 23-yard field goal, while rookie WR Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Falcons increased their lead as RB Michael Turner got a 1-yard TD run. The Panthers closed out the half as kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
got a 23-yard field goal. On his third carry of the game, Turner rushed for a six-yard gain and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing plateau this season. He became the first Falcons running back to reach 1,000 yards in a campaign since 2006 when Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
had 1,140 and the 20th running back in franchise history to reach 1,000 yards in a season. Turner's career day continued after he tied a team record with four rushing touchdowns of T.J. Duckett posted on December 12, 2004. It was also the second career three-score game and the fourth multiple-touchdown game of his career. Turner first found the end zone on a one-yard rush in the second quarter, scored for the second occasion on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, logged his third TD on a one-yard run with 7:13 remaining and tallied his last on a 16-yard scamper in the fourth quarter to seal a Falcons 45–28 victory. With four scores, Turner became the third player in Falcons history to post 13 or more rushing touchdowns in a season. Turner finished the game with 24 carries for 117 yards and four touchdowns, which marked his eighth career 100-yard game. He currently has rushed for 1,088 yards this season and is on a pace for 1,583 yards, which would rank third in a season in Falcons annals; following the first half of play, Turner tallied 12 carries for 56 yards. This season, when the fifth-year running back rushes for 50 yards or more in the first half, the Falcons are 5–0. Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
and the offense faced a quick third down on the next possession, but the quarterback found rookie wide receiver Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
on a 69-yard pass play to the Panthers 6. Four plays later Turner got his key, fourth-down touchdown.
The Panthers faced an energized defense and a raucous crowd on the next possession. Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Davis
Chauncey Antoine Davis is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Davis was born in Bartow,Florida,...
recorded his second sack of the day and back-to-back false start penalties backed Carolina into the shadow of its own goal line. The Panthers punted from the end zone, giving Douglas a chance for a big return. The rookie brought the kick back up the middle 61 yards for a touchdown. Delhomme found Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
for a touchdown on the next series but the Falcons had already done plenty of damage. Still, Turner found the end zone for a final time with just 54 seconds to play. Eric Weems
Eric Weems
Eric Weems is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.-Early years:Weems attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and...
caught his first career pass in the first quarter for a four-yard gain. The reception led to a Falcons touchdown. Douglas scored his first two career touchdowns; he first found the end zone on a seven-yard end around in the first quarter to give the Falcons a 10–0 lead; Douglas then became the 10th player in Falcons history to return a punt for a touchdown and the first since 2004 when Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
returned a kick 61 yards in the fourth quarter. Douglas's return was the longest in his career, topping the previous mark of 33 yards against New Orleans in Week 10; along with a 61-yard punt return, Douglas totaled career-highs in offensive touches with six (two rushing, four receiving and all purpose yards 188, which included 3 rushing, 92 receiving and 93 yards on punt returns), he also became the Falcons' third rookie this season to account for a touchdown; along with Douglas's run and punt return, quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown 11 touchdown passes and cornerback Chevis Jackson
Chevis Jackson
Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 95 yards for a score against New Orleans in Week 10, Douglas posted a career-long reception with a 69-yard catch in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 92 receiving yards, which led the team and fell four yards short of his career high ( 96 yards vs. Chicago, October 12 ). Roddy White caught Ryan first pass of the game for a 30-yard gain, marking the 11th reception of 20-plus yards, White finished the game with four receptions for 70 yards and is 27 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. Atlanta outscored Carolina in the first quarter by a 10-0 margin, marking the seventh time this season a Falcons opponent was held scoreless in the opening 15 minutes of play. Atlanta has now outscored its opponents in the first quarter by a 88-24 mark and led the NFL in first quarter scoring entering Sunday's game. Following the first quarter of play, the Falcons offense posted 162 net yards of offense compared to zero by the Panthers . Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
caught one pass for nine yards on a third down in the second quarter, giving the Falcons a new set of downs. In his career, the nine-year veteran has caught 127 of 187 receptions that have gone for a first down or touchdown (67.9 percent).
John Abraham logged his 12th sack of the season and stalled a Carolina two-minute drive at the end of the second quarter; the sack is the 14th in his last 12 games, his 22nd in his last 26 contests and has now recorded 79.5 for his career. In his tenure with the Falcons, Abraham has posted 26 sacks in 34 games played. Abraham’s 12 sacks through 11 games this season already ranks tied for the fifth most in a single season in Falcons history. Atlanta defense held Carolina to three-consecutive three and outs to start the game while allowing only eight net yards; entering Sunday’s game, the Falcons ranked fourth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in opponent three and out drives. Jason Snelling
Jason Snelling
Jason Michael Snelling is an American football running back for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia....
caught a 27-yard pass in the first quarter and broke a tackle to take the ball into Carolina territory, the reception is a career-long for the second-year running back, topping his old mark of 18 yards, which he set earlier in the season at Philadelphia.
In the third quarter, Carolina began to claw their way back into the game as RB DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 5-yard TD run, while Kasay nailed a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta answered with Turner getting a 4-yard TD run. The Panthers would reply with QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
getting a 12-yard TD run (along with Williams' 2-point conversion run), yet the Falcons struck right back with Turner getting a 1-yard TD run, while Douglas returned a punt 61-yard field goal. Carolina tried to rally as Delhomme completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
, yet Atlanta flew away as Turner got a 16-yard TD run. “It was great to get off to a good start and score 17 points," said Ryan, who managed the game with 259 passing yards on a 94.5 passer rating. "For the most part, we were able to maintain our ebb and flow on the offensive side of the ball. Our defense stepped up and did a heck of a job keeping Carolina from making big plays. I didn’t think we would score 45 points, but I’ll take that any day.”
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–4.
Week 13: at San Diego Chargers
Coming off their divisional home win over the Panthers, the Falcons flew to Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
for a Week 13 interconference duel with the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took off as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 35-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
getting a 3-yard TD run, yet the Falcons stayed close with Elam getting a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta regained the lead as rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
Justin Peelle
Justin Morris Peelle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, along with their defense forcing opposing QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
to commit intentional grounding from his own endzone, giving Atlanta a safety.
In the third quarter, San Diego answered with safety Eric Weddle
Eric Weddle
Eric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
returning a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion). In the fourth quarter, the Falcons replied with Ryan completing a 5-yard TD pass to rookie WR Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
. The Chargers tried to come back, as kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
nailed a 28-yard field goal. Atlanta's defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 8–4.
Week 14: at New Orleans Saints
Coming off their west coast win over the Chargers, the Falcons flew to the Louisiana SuperdomeLouisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
for a Week 14 NFC South rematch with the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. Atlanta trailed fairly early in the first quarter as Saints QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Falcons continued to trail as kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
got a 26-yard field goal. Atlanta would respond RB Michael Turner getting a 5-yard TD run, yet Hartley gave New Orleans a 46-yard field goal. The Falcons struck back with rookie QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
, but the Saints closed out the half with Hartley's 25-yard field goal.
Atlanta would get the third quarter's only points as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
nailed a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to pull away as Brees completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
, yet their 2-point conversion attempt failed. The Falcons would then take the lead as Ryan got a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a 2-point pass to wide receiver Michael Jenkins. However, the Saints got the last laugh as Thomas got a 5-yard TD run.
With the loss, Atlanta fell to 8-5.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Turner rushed for 152 yards and a touchdownTouchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
, and Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
kicked the winning 34-yard field goad at 10:56 of overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
to give the Falcons (9-5-0) a much-needed division victory. The Falcons overcame two Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
interceptions and some sloppy play. The victory over the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
(9-5-0) kept them in the hunt for a playoff spot, and guaranteed the Falcons first winning season since 2004. Also with the win, the Falcons managed to knock the Saints out of playoff contention. Turner's touchdown was his 15th for the Falcons this season, breaking the record of 14 set in 1998 by Jamal Anderson
Jamal Anderson
Jamal Sharif Anderson is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played high school football at El Camino Real High School, where he was named to the CIF Los Angeles City Section...
.
Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings
Coming off their divisional home win over the Buccaneers, the Falcons flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 16 battle with the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. Atlanta would get an early first quarter lead with running back Michael Turner getting a 1-yard touchdown run. The Vikings would respond with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. In the second quarter, the Falcons would regain the lead as rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
, followed by kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 22-yard field goal.
Atlanta would add onto their lead in the third quarter as Ryan tried to run into the endzone for a touchdown, fumbled the ball into the endzone, and offensive guard Justin Blalock
Justin Blalock
Justin Christopher Blalock is an American football NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons. He played college ball as the right tackle for the Texas Longhorns under coach Mack Brown. He stands at 6'3.25" and weighs 320 lbs.-High school career:Blalock attended Plano East Senior High School, playing...
would recover it in the endzone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to come back as kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailed a 29-yard field goal, along with Jackson hooking up with Shiancoe again on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Fortunately, the Falcon defense would stiffen for the win.
With the win, not only did Atlanta improve to 10-5, but they also clinched a playoff berth for the first since 2004
2004 NFL season
The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005...
.
Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Falcons closed out the regular season at home in a Week 17 duel with the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. Atlanta took off in the first quarter with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
making a 39-yard field goal, but the Rams would respond with running back Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
getting a 4-yard touchdown run. The Falcons would answer in the second quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run from running back Michael Turner. St. Louis would answer with quarterback Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completing a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donnie Avery
Donnie Avery
Donnie D. Avery is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.-Early years:...
, yet Atlanta would take the halftime lead with running back Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
's 8-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Falcons would add onto their lead with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. The Rams would close out the period with kicker Josh Brown making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis would get the lead again as Jackson got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Brown nailing a 27-yard field goal. Fortunately, Atlanta would get the lead for good as Norwood got a 45-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Falcons closed out the regular season at 11-5 and due to Carolina's victory over New Orleans, earned the NFC's #5 seed.
NFC Wild Card Round: at Arizona Cardinals
Entering the playoffs as the NFC's fifth seed, the Falcons began their playoff run at the University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
against the #4 Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Atlanta would trail early in the first quarter as Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. The Falcons would respond in the second quarter as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 30-yard field goal, but Arizona answered with Warner completing a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. Afterwards, Atlanta would end take a halftime lead as running back Michael Turner got a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Justin Peelle
Justin Peelle
Justin Morris Peelle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals retook the lead as safety Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rocelious Rolle is an American football safety for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami...
returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, followed by running back Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
's 4-yard touchdown run. The Falcons' postseason run was fading in the fourth quarter as Ryan was sacked in his endzone by defensive end Antonio Smith for a safety. Afterwards, Atlanta tried to rally as Ryan completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
, but Arizona's offense ran out the clock for the win.
With the loss, the Falcons' season ended with an overall record of 11-6.
2009 Pro Bowl selections
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
were named to the 2009 Pro Bowl
2009 Pro Bowl
The 2009 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2008 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 8, 2009. This was the last time that a Pro Bowl game was held after the NFL Super Bowl game...
NFC squad as reserves. It will be his first trip to Hawaii. White and Turner are the 112th and 113th Pro Bowl selections in team history, they are the second Falcons RB and WR duo to be voted to the Pro Bowl in the same year (first since 1980). White is the fourth Falcons wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl accolades and the first since Terrance Mathis in 1995. Turner is the eighth different Falcons runningback to earn Pro Bowl honors. Matt Ryan finished second amongst rookies in fan Pro Bowl voting, Ryan (416,468 votes) was the top rookie quarterback in the category but ranks behind Titans running back Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson (running back)
Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
(534,170 votes).
Roster
| Atlanta Falcons 2008 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Justin Blalock Justin Christopher Blalock is an American football NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons. He played college ball as the right tackle for the Texas Longhorns under coach Mack Brown. He stands at 6'3.25" and weighs 320 lbs.-High school career:Blalock attended Plano East Senior High School, playing... G Tyson Clabo Tyson Clabo is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was originally signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wake Forest.-Early years:... T/G Harvey Dahl Harvey Dahl is an American football guard for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005... G Wayne Gandy Wayne Gandy is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams 15th overall in the 1994 NFL Draft... T Todd McClure Todd McClure is an American football center for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State.... C Quinn Ojinnaka Quinn Ojinnaka is an American football offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse.... T Alex Stepanovich Aleksandar Stepanovich is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... C Todd Weiner Todd Michael Weiner is former American football American football offensive tackle of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State.Weiner also played for the Atlanta Falcons.... T Ben Wilkerson Ben Wilkerson is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2005... G/C Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Michael Boley Michael Boley is an American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern Miss.-Early years:Boley played high school football for Elkmont High... OLB Keith Brooking Keith Howard Brooking is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech... OLB Tony Gilbert Antonio C. "Tony" Gilbert is a Free Agent American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia... ILB Curtis Lofton Curtis Tremayne Lofton is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2007 he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and an All-America selection. Lofton opted out of his senior season and declared himself... ILB Stephen Nicholas Stephen Leron Nicholas is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football at South Florida.-Early years:Nicholas played high school football at... OLB Coy Wire Coy Michael Wire is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.-Atlanta Falcons:... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Thomas Brown (American football) Thomas Brown is an American football running back that is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... RB (IR)  Renardo Foster Renardo Foster is an American football offensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Ramon Foster. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007... OT (PUP) Antoine Harris Antoine Glenn Harris is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2005... SS (IR) Ben Hartsock Benjamin Richard Hartsock is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft... TE (IR) Von Hutchins Tahaya De'Von Hutchins is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the Mississippi.Hutchins has also played for the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons in his... CB (IR) David Irons David Irons is a former American football cornerback for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.Irons has also played for the Florida Tuskers... CB (IR) Robert James (linebacker) Robert William James is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.... OLB (IR) Trey Lewis Trey Lewis is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... DT (NF-Inj.) Pat McCoy Patrick Anthony McCoy is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at West Texas A&M.-External links:***... OT (IR) Laurent Robinson Laurent Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois State.He has also been a member of the St... WR (IR) Michael Vick Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League... QB (Susp.) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
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Staff
| Atlanta Falcons 2008 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Brian VanGorder Brian VanGorder is the current Defensive Coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. He previously was the head coach of Wayne State University, Georgia Southern University and has been as assistant coach under many other universities, most notably the University of Georgia.-Early coaching... Ray Hamilton Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton is a former American football player from 1973 through 1981 for the New England Patriots, and the current defensive line coach for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons... Glenn Pires Glenn M. Pires is an American football coach. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League.-Biography:... Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
Coaching Assistants
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