2009 Atlanta Falcons season
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Atlanta Falcons
season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League
. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008
and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15. Despite not making the playoffs, the team, with a record of 9–7, posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The only Falcon this year to play in the Pro Bowl was Roddy White. He finished the game with 8 catches and 84 yards.
was held on April 25 and 26, 2009, at Radio City Music Hall
in New York City.The Falcons selected eight players which included seven players on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons also made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys
, giving the Cowboys their fifth round (143rd overall) pick in exchange for Dallas’ fifth (156th overall) and seventh round (210th overall) selections. With the 24th selection in the first round, the Falcons selected defensive tackle and All-SEC performer Peria Jerry
from Ole Miss to continue to beef up the line. Highly-regarded, hard hitting safety William Moore
from Missouri was chosen in the second round and speedy corner Christopher Owens of San Jose State was the Falcons’ third round choice. Rounding out the draft were defensive end Lawrence Sidbury
of Richmond(fourth round), cornerback William Middleton
from Furman (fifth round), tackle Garrett Reynolds
of North Carolina(fifth round), linebacker Spencer Adkins
from Miami (sixth round), and local product defensive tackle Vance Walker
from Georgia Tech (seventh round).
The Falcons began their season at home in an inter-conference battle with the Miami Dolphins
. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta took off in the second quarter as quarterback Matt Ryan
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to fullback Ovie Mughelli
, followed by kicker Jason Elam
making a 36-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Falcons continued their stellar play as Ryan completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez (with a failed PAT). Atlanta would conclude its well-performed game in the fourth quarter as Elam nailed a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Dolphins would get their only score of the game as quarterback Chad Pennington
completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams
.
With the win, the Falcons began their season at 1–0.
Tony Gonzalez (5 receptions, 73 yards, and a TD) would become the 21st player in NFL history to collect 11,000 career receiving yards.
. Atlanta would trail early in the first quarter as Panthers kicker John Kasay
got a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Falcons would answer with quarterback Matt Ryan
completing a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez. In the second quarter, Carolina would reply with running back DeAngelo Williams
getting a 3-yard touchdown run. Atlanta would strike back as Ryan completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jason Snelling
. The Panthers would creep close as Kasay nailed a 50-yard field goal, yet the Falcons would increase their lead prior to halftime as Ryan completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
. After a scoreless third quarter, Atlanta would get some necessary distance from Carolina as running back Michael Turner got a 1-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Carolina mustered an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme
to tight end Dante Rosario
. On another Panthers possession, Delhomme threw an interception to cornerback Chris Houston
. After yet another possession, with time running out, the Panthers tried to rally as Delhomme threw a deep desperation pass, but it resulted incomplete as cornerback Brent Grimes
batted it down.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 2–0.
for a Week 3 inter-conference battle with the New England Patriots
. Atlanta would take flight with a 26-yard field goal from Jason Elam
, but the Patriots would tie the game with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Stephen Gostkowski
. New England would take the lead in the second quarter with running back Fred Taylor's 8-yard touchdown run, yet the Falcons answered with running back Michael Turner's 2-yard touchdown run. New England would close out the half with Gostkowski's 33-yard field goal.
The entire second half was completely dominated by the Patriots. Gostkowski would nail a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, while quarterback Tom Brady
closed out the game with a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Baker.
With the loss, the Falcons went into their bye week at 2–1.
. Atlanta took off in the first quarter with running back Michael Turner's 7-yard touchdown run, followed by quarterback Matt Ryan
hooking up with wide receiver Roddy White
on a 31-yard touchdown pass. The 49ers would answer with running back Glen Coffee
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. San Francisco would start off the second quarter with kicker Joe Nedney
making a 39-yard field goal, but the Falcons would begin to soar. It started with Ryan's 90-yard touchdown pass to White and concluded with Turner's 3-yard and 1-yard touchdown runs. Atlanta would then close out the game with kicker Jason Elam
's 40-yard field goal in the third quarter and Ryan's 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 3–1.
Atlanta's 35 first-half points would become the best opening half performance in franchise history.
. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta would trail early in the second quarter as Bears quarterback Jay Cutler
found wide receiver Johnny Knox
on a 23-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Falcons took the lead as quarterback Matt Ryan
completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
and a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez.
After a scoreless third quarter, Chicago would tie the game in the fourth quarter with Cutler hooking up with tight end Greg Olsen
on a 2-yard touchdown. Atlanta would regain the lead as running back Michael Turner got a 5-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the defense would fend off a last-second Bears drive to lock up the victory.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 4–1.
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as quarterback Matt Ryan
hooked up with wide receiver Roddy White
on a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would take the lead in the second quarter with kicker Nick Folk
nailing a 38-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo
completing a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin
and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton
.
In the third quarter, the Falcons answered with running back Michael Turner got a 2-yard touchdown. However, Dallas came right back with Romo finding Austin again on a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would increase their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk booting a 46-yard field goal, followed by Crayton returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. Atlanta tried to come back as Ryan completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Weems
, but the Cowboys closed out the game with Folk's 34-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4–2.
for a Week 8 NFC South showdown against the undefeated New Orleans Saints
on Monday night. Atlanta took flight in the first quarter as running back Michael Turner capped off the game's opening drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. The Saints would respond by capping off their opening drive with a 22-yard touchdown run from running back Pierre Thomas
. Afterwards, the Falcons would regain the lead with free safety Thomas DeCoud
sacking quarterback Drew Brees
, which caused Brees to fumble the ball, allowing defensive end Kroy Biermann
to pick the ball up and run 4 yards for a touchdown. However, New Orleans would explode with points in the second quarter as Brees hooked up with wide receiver Marques Colston
on an 18-yard touchdown pass, running back Reggie Bush
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, and cornerback Jabari Greer
returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown.
Atlanta would start to rally in the third quarter as quarterback Matt Ryan
completed a 68-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White
, followed by a 25-yard field goal from kicker Jason Elam
. However, the Saints would answer with Brees connecting with Thomas on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Falcons tried to come back as Elam booted a 40-yard field goal, but an interception from free safety Darren Sharper
ended any hope of a rally.
With the tough loss, Atlanta fell to 4–3.
This marked the first time in the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era that the Falcons suffered consecutive losses.
. Atlanta would take flight in the first quarter as quarterback Matt Ryan
completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez, followed by cornerback Tye Hill
returning an interception 62 yards for a touchdown. The Redskins would answer in the second quarter as kicker Shaun Suisham
nailed a 48-yard field goal, yet the Falcons kept their attack on as running back Michael Turner got a 30-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Jason Elam
booting a 33-yard field goal.
Washington began to rally in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Ladell Betts
. The Redskins would come closer in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jason Campbell
hooked up with tight end Todd Yoder
on a 3-yard touchdown pass, yet Atlanta closed out the game with Turner's 58-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 5–3.
for a Week 10 NFC South rematch against the Carolina Panthers
. Atlanta would begin to fly in the first quarter as kicker Jason Elam
nailed a 35-yard field goal, but the Panthers would reply with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Jonathan Stewart
. Carolina would extend their lead in the second quarter with quarterback Jake Delhomme
completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith, yet the Falcons would answer as fullback Jason Snelling
got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Panthers would close out the half with Delhomme hooking up with Smith again on a 4-yard touchdown pass.
In the second half, Atlanta would work their way back into the game as Elam booted a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter, followed by quarerback Matt Ryan
finding tight end Justin Peelle
on a 3-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter (with a failed 2-point conversion). However, Carolina would close out the win with Stewart's 45-yard touchdown run, getting their revenge.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 5–4.
for a Week 11 duel with the New York Giants.
In the first quarter, the Falcons trailed early with kicker Lawrence Tynes
making a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter the Falcons came on top with fullback Jason Snelling
getting a 7-yard touchdown run, until they fell behind with quarterback Eli Manning
hooking up with tight end Kevin Boss
on a 4 and a 28-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, fullback Jason Snelling
got a 1-yard touchdown run for the Falcons. The Giants made it a 2-possession game with running back Brandon Jacobs
getting a 2-yard touchdown run, until the Falcons replied with kicker Jason Elam
making a 25-yard field goal. The Giants tried to pull away in the fourth quarter with Manning passing to fullback Madison Hedgecock
3 yards for a touchdown, until the Falcons stepped up to tie the game with quarterback Matt Ryan
completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Weems
, then found tight end Tony Gonzalez on an 11-yard touchdown pass. At overtime, the Falcons lost the game with kicker Lawrence Tynes
getting the game winning field goal from 36 yards away.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 5–5.
. In the first quarter, things looked bad as Matt Ryan
was sacked, injured his toe, and got taken out of the game as his back-up Chris Redman
got on the field. In the second quarter, the Falcons drew first blood as kicker Jason Elam
nailed a 45-yard field goal. Atlanta extended their lead as Redman threw a shovel pass to Jerious Norwood
for a 22-yard touchdown. Tampa Bay responded with Josh Freeman
's 42-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant
and tied the game at halftime with Connor Barth
's 39-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Bucs safety Corey Lynch
blocked a Falcons punt, which set Freeman up for an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Carnell Williams
to take the lead. The Falcons striked back as Elam nailed a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Bucs punter Dirk Johnson
faked a play which was backfired. Several plays later, Elam attempted a 43-yard field goal, but he missed as it went too much to the left. The same happened with Bucs kicker Barth as he missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. Atlanta was facing fourth and goal with 26 seconds remaining and no timeouts left, as Redman connected with Roddy White
for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 6-5. It was later revealed that Matt Ryan would miss out several weeks.
. Due to Matt Ryan
's toe injury against the Bucs, Chris Redman
was set to start. The Falcons trailed early as Eagles kicker David Akers
made a 33-yard field goal. After that, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb
connected with Leonard Weaver for a 4-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, the Eagles extended their lead with another 33-yard field goal from David Akers. In the third quarter, things got uglier for the Falcons as their former quarterback Michael Vick
rushed 5 yards for a touchdown.
The Falcons got the ball back, only for Redman to throw an interception to Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown, which he took 83 yards for a defensive touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Vick was put on the field once again and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Eagles tight end Brent Celek
. With time already running out, Redman threw a last second 3-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
, only to avoid a shutout.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6-6.
, with Matt Ryan
still injured. In the first quarter, the Falcons drew first blood as kicker Matt Bryant
nailed a 36-yard field goal. The Saints would tie the game with kicker Garrett Hartley
nailing a 33-yard field goal. The Falcons closed the first quarter with Bryant nailing a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Saints quarterback Drew Brees
connected with running back Reggie Bush
for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The Saints extended their lead as Brees connected with Marques Colston
for a 3-yard touchdown pass (with a failed PAT). The Falcons would close out the first half as Bryant nailed a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Reggie Bush took a 21-yard touchdown pass from Brees to extend the Saints' lead even more. The Falcons got their first touchdown of the game as Redman connected with Michael Jenkins for a 50-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, Jason Snelling
got 4-yard touchdown run to tie the game, giving Atlanta some hope. Hartley gave the Saints the lead as he made a 38-yard field goal. After Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma intercepted Redman's pass, the Saints attempted yet another field goal, which was a fake that resulted in an incomplete pass. The Falcons faced fourth and 2 at the 49-yard line with less than 2 minutes, where Redman completed a pass to Snelling, but Vilma stopped him at the line of scrimmage.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6-7.
once again, this time for a Week 15 inter-conference battle with the New York Jets
. Thankfully for the Falcons, Matt Ryan
returned from his toe injury. In the first quarter, Atlanta drew first score with Matt Bryant
kicking a 24-yard field goal. The Jets took the lead with Mark Sanchez
launching a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Braylon Edwards
. The second quarter remained scoreless as the Jets attempted a 19-yard field goal, but Kellen Clemens
fumbled the ball, causing him to get tackled by Brent Grimes
. After yet another scoreless quarter (third), the Jets attempted a 37-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Chauncey Davis
. The Falcons, with one last chance, made a late fourth and goal play, where Ryan hooked up with Tony Gonzalez for a 6-yard touchdown pass. New York got the ball back, but Brent Grimes' interception sealed the win for Atlanta.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–7. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention due to the Cowboys' 24–17 win against the Saints the previous day.
. In the first quarter, the Falcons got straight to work as Matt Ryan
completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
. In the second quarter, Matt Bryant
's 51-yard field goal extended the lead for Atlanta. As the first half was closing, Buffalo blocked Atlanta's field goal and things got crazy as a couple of Bills possessed the ball, but they could not manage to get it in to the end zone. In the third quarter, Atlanta extended their lead even more as Marty Booker
caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ryan. Things got better for the Falcons as Buffalo running back Fred Jackson fumbled the ball, which led Lawrence Sidbury
to return it for an 11-yard defensive touchdown as he dragged a few Buffalo players. The Bills finally got on the board as kicker Rian Lindell
nailed a 42-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Ryan connected with White once again for a 5-yard touchdown pass, as it was too late for the Bills to catch up.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 8-7.
for a Week 17 NFC South rematch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the opening kickoff, Falcon Eric Weems
fumbled the football, causing the Bucs to recover, which set up Connor Barth
for a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons responded by taking the lead with Matt Bryant
's 36-yard field goal, followed by Matt Ryan
's 2-yard touchdown pass to Justin Peele. After a scoreless third quarter, Tampa Bay tied the game with Josh Freeman
's 8-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant
. Atlanta answered back as Ryan threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
. After another possession, the Falcons sealed the deal with Bryant's second 36-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did the Falcons improve to 9-7, but they also posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history under head coach Mike Smith.
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 44th 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...
. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
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...
and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15. Despite not making the playoffs, the team, with a record of 9–7, posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The only Falcon this year to play in the Pro Bowl was Roddy White. He finished the game with 8 catches and 84 yards.
2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
was held on April 25 and 26, 2009, at Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue located in New York City's Rockefeller Center. Its nickname is the Showplace of the Nation, and it was for a time the leading tourist destination in the city...
in New York City.The Falcons selected eight players which included seven players on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons also made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, giving the Cowboys their fifth round (143rd overall) pick in exchange for Dallas’ fifth (156th overall) and seventh round (210th overall) selections. With the 24th selection in the first round, the Falcons selected defensive tackle and All-SEC performer Peria Jerry
Peria Jerry
-Atlanta Falcons:Jerry was signed to a five-year contract by the Falcons on July 30, 2009. Jerry competed with Trey Lewis to replace Grady Jackson, who was not re-signed by the Falcons, at defensive tackle....
from Ole Miss to continue to beef up the line. Highly-regarded, hard hitting safety William Moore
William Moore (American football)
William Moore is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.-Early years:...
from Missouri was chosen in the second round and speedy corner Christopher Owens of San Jose State was the Falcons’ third round choice. Rounding out the draft were defensive end Lawrence Sidbury
Lawrence Sidbury
-Atlanta Falcons:Sidbury was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft . He become the second Spider to be taken by Atlanta, joining Ray Easterling in 1972....
of Richmond(fourth round), cornerback William Middleton
William Middleton (American football)
William Middleton is an American football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Furman.Middleton has also been a member of the Tampa Bay...
from Furman (fifth round), tackle Garrett Reynolds
Garrett Reynolds (American football)
Garrett Reynolds is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Garret is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.Reynolds played high school football at Carter High School....
of North Carolina(fifth round), linebacker Spencer Adkins
Spencer Adkins
Spencer Adkins is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. Adkins played his college football career for the University of Miami and was selected by the Falcons in the 6th round of 2009 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
from Miami (sixth round), and local product defensive tackle Vance Walker
Vance Walker
Vance Jack Walker is an American football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was regarded as a top prospect at his position in the 2009 NFL Draft and he was drafted with the 1st pick in the 7th round by the Atlanta Falcons...
from Georgia Tech (seventh round).
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | Peria Jerry Peria Jerry -Atlanta Falcons:Jerry was signed to a five-year contract by the Falcons on July 30, 2009. Jerry competed with Trey Lewis to replace Grady Jackson, who was not re-signed by the Falcons, at defensive tackle.... |
DT | Ole Miss University of Mississippi The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public, coeducational research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1844, the school is composed of the main campus in Oxford, four branch campuses located in Booneville, Grenada, Tupelo, and Southaven as well as the... |
| 2 | 55 | William Moore William Moore (American football) William Moore is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.-Early years:... |
S | Missouri University of Missouri The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses... |
| 3 | 90 | Christopher Owens | CB | San Jose State San José State University San Jose State University is a public university located in San Jose, California, United States... |
| 4 | 125 | Lawrence Sidbury Lawrence Sidbury -Atlanta Falcons:Sidbury was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft . He become the second Spider to be taken by Atlanta, joining Ray Easterling in 1972.... |
DE | Richmond |
| 5 | 138 | William Middleton William Middleton (American football) William Middleton is an American football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Furman.Middleton has also been a member of the Tampa Bay... |
CB | Furman Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina... |
| 5 | 156 | Garrett Reynolds Garrett Reynolds (American football) Garrett Reynolds is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Garret is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.Reynolds played high school football at Carter High School.... |
T | North Carolina University of North Carolina Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century... |
| 6 | 176 | Spencer Adkins Spencer Adkins Spencer Adkins is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. Adkins played his college football career for the University of Miami and was selected by the Falcons in the 6th round of 2009 NFL Draft.-Early years:... |
LB | Miami (FL) University of Miami The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12... |
| 7 | 210 | Vance Walker Vance Walker Vance Jack Walker is an American football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was regarded as a top prospect at his position in the 2009 NFL Draft and he was drafted with the 1st pick in the 7th round by the Atlanta Falcons... |
DT | Georgia Tech Georgia Institute of Technology The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States... |
Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | Saturday, Aug. 15 | 4pm EDT | at Detroit Lions 2009 Detroit Lions season The 2009 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz, and most of his new... |
L 26–27 | 0–1 | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Local | Recap |
| 2 | Friday, Aug. 21 | 8pm EDT | at St. Louis Rams 2009 St. Louis Rams season The 2009 St. Louis Rams season is the 72nd season for the St. Louis Rams, and the 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season... |
W 20–13 | 1–1 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
Local | Recap |
| 3 | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 8pm EDT | San Diego Chargers 2009 San Diego Chargers season The 2009 San Diego Chargers season was the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008 and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons... |
W 27–24 | 2–1 | 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... |
Away | Recap |
| 4 | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:30pm EDT | Baltimore Ravens 2009 Baltimore Ravens season The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super... |
L 20–3 | 2–2 | Georgia Dome | Local | Recap |
Regular season
The Falcons' regular season schedule was released on April 14, 2009.| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||||
| 1 | September 13 | 1pm EDT | Miami Dolphins 2009 Miami Dolphins season The 2009 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008... |
W 19–7 | 1–0 | 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... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap | |
| 2 | September 20 | 1pm EDT | Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
W 28–20 | 2–0 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 3 | September 27 | 1pm EDT | at New England Patriots 2009 New England Patriots season The 2009 New England Patriots season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and 50th season overall. They finished with a 10–6 record and a division title before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.... |
L 26–10 | 2–1 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 4 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
||||||||
| 5 | October 11 | 4:05pm EDT | at San Francisco 49ers 2009 San Francisco 49ers season The 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator... |
W 45–10 | 3–1 | Candlestick Park | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 6 | October 18 | 8:20pm EDT | Chicago Bears 2009 Chicago Bears season The 2009 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team... |
W 21–14 | 4–1 | 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... |
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
Recap | |
| 7 | October 25 | 4:15pm EDT | at Dallas Cowboys 2009 Dallas Cowboys season The 2009 Dallas Cowboys season is the 50th season for the team in the National Football League. It is the team's first season playing at Cowboys Stadium. Their victory over the Oakland Raiders on November 26 extended their Thanksgiving winning streak to four in a row and also ended a three game... |
L 37–21 | 4–2 | Cowboys Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
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| 8 | Nov. 2 (Monday) | 8:30pm EST | at New Orleans Saints 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
L 35–27 | 4–3 | 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... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
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| 9 | November 8 | 1pm EST | Washington Redskins 2009 Washington Redskins season The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:... |
W 31–17 | 5–3 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
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| 10 | November 15 | 1pm EST | at Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
L 28–19 | 5–4 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
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| 11 | November 22 | 1pm EST | at New York Giants 2009 New York Giants season The 2009 New York Giants season was the 85th season for the team in the National Football League. It was the team's final season in Giants Stadium; In 2010, the Giants moved into New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants hoped to improve upon their 12–4 record, avenge their divisional round loss to the... |
L 34–31 OT | 5–5 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
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| 12 | November 29 | 1pm EST | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
W 20–17 | 6–5 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 13 | December 6 | 1pm EST | Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. After advancing to their fifth NFC Championship game in eight years, the Eagles improved upon their 9–6–1 record and second-place finish in the NFC East in their 2008 campaign... |
L 34–7 | 6–6 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 14 | December 13 | 1pm EST | New Orleans Saints 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
L 26–23 | 6–7 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 15 | December 20 | 1pm EST | at New York Jets 2009 New York Jets season The 2009 New York Jets season was the 50th season for the club and the 40th season in the National Football League and the last season at Giants Stadium. While they did not improve their 9–7 record from 2008, this time the team headed to the playoffs. The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on... |
W 10–7 | 7–7 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 16 | December 27 | 1pm EST | Buffalo Bills 2009 Buffalo Bills season The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL... |
W 31–3 | 8–7 | 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... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap | |
| 17 | January 3, 2010 | 1pm EST | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
W 20–10 | 9–7 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| NOTES: Division games are in bold text. All games occurred on Sunday, for the exception of the November 2 game at New Orleans, which occurred on Monday Night Football |
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Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta took off in the second quarter as quarterback 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...
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to 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...
, 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....
making a 36-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Falcons continued their stellar play as Ryan completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez (with a failed PAT). Atlanta would conclude its well-performed game in the fourth quarter as Elam nailed a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Dolphins would get their only score of the game as quarterback Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, the Falcons began their season at 1–0.
Tony Gonzalez (5 receptions, 73 yards, and a TD) would become the 21st player in NFL history to collect 11,000 career receiving yards.
Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
Coming off their win over the Dolphins, the Falcons stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms, and prepared for a Week 2 NFC South showdown against the Carolina PanthersCarolina 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...
. Atlanta would trail early in the first quarter as Panthers 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 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Falcons would answer with quarterback 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 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez. In the second quarter, Carolina would reply with running back 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...
getting a 3-yard touchdown run. Atlanta would strike back as Ryan completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to fullback 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....
. The Panthers would creep close as Kasay nailed a 50-yard field goal, yet the Falcons would increase their lead prior to halftime as Ryan completed a 7-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...
. After a scoreless third quarter, Atlanta would get some necessary distance from Carolina as running back Michael Turner got a 1-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Carolina mustered an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback 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...
to tight end Dante Rosario
Dante Rosario
Dante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. On another Panthers possession, Delhomme threw an interception to 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...
. After yet another possession, with time running out, the Panthers tried to rally as Delhomme threw a deep desperation pass, but it resulted incomplete as cornerback 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...
batted it down.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 2–0.
Week 3: at New England Patriots
Coming off a successful two-game homestand, the Falcons flew to Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
for a Week 3 inter-conference battle with 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...
. Atlanta would take flight with a 26-yard field goal from 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....
, but the Patriots would tie the game with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
. New England would take the lead in the second quarter with running back Fred Taylor's 8-yard touchdown run, yet the Falcons answered with running back Michael Turner's 2-yard touchdown run. New England would close out the half with Gostkowski's 33-yard field goal.
The entire second half was completely dominated by the Patriots. Gostkowski would nail a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, while quarterback Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
closed out the game with a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Baker.
With the loss, the Falcons went into their bye week at 2–1.
Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers
Coming off their bye week, the Falcons flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 5 duel with the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. Atlanta took off in the first quarter with running back Michael Turner's 7-yard touchdown run, followed by 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:...
hooking up with 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...
on a 31-yard touchdown pass. The 49ers would answer with running back Glen Coffee
Glen Coffee
Glenwood Razeem Coffee, Jr is a former American football running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft and played one season before retiring in 2010. He played college football at Alabama.-Freshman:In...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. San Francisco would start off the second quarter with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
making a 39-yard field goal, but the Falcons would begin to soar. It started with Ryan's 90-yard touchdown pass to White and concluded with Turner's 3-yard and 1-yard touchdown runs. Atlanta would then close out the game 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....
's 40-yard field goal in the third quarter and Ryan's 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 3–1.
Atlanta's 35 first-half points would become the best opening half performance in franchise history.
Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears
Coming off their impressive road win over the 49ers, the Falcons went home for a Week 6 Sunday night 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...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta would trail early in the second quarter as Bears quarterback 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...
found wide receiver Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He was selected by the Bears as the 140th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, through a they acquired in the Kyle Orton-Jay Cutler trade....
on a 23-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Falcons took the lead as 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 a 40-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...
and a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez.
After a scoreless third quarter, Chicago would tie the game in the fourth quarter with Cutler hooking up with tight end Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
on a 2-yard touchdown. Atlanta would regain the lead as running back Michael Turner got a 5-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the defense would fend off a last-second Bears drive to lock up the victory.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 4–1.
Week 7: at Dallas Cowboys
Coming off their Sunday night home win over the Bears, the Falcons flew to Cowboys Stadium for a Week 7 duel with the Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as 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:...
hooked up with 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...
on a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would take the lead in the second quarter with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
nailing a 38-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin
Miles Austin
Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
.
In the third quarter, the Falcons answered with running back Michael Turner got a 2-yard touchdown. However, Dallas came right back with Romo finding Austin again on a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would increase their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk booting a 46-yard field goal, followed by Crayton returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. Atlanta tried to come back as Ryan completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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...
, but the Cowboys closed out the game with Folk's 34-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4–2.
Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Cowboys, 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 8 NFC South showdown against the undefeated 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 ....
on Monday night. Atlanta took flight in the first quarter as running back Michael Turner capped off the game's opening drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. The Saints would respond by capping off their opening drive with a 22-yard touchdown run from running back 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 :...
. Afterwards, the Falcons would regain the lead with free safety Thomas DeCoud
Thomas DeCoud
Thomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears...
sacking quarterback 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....
, which caused Brees to fumble the ball, allowing defensive end Kroy Biermann
Kroy Biermann
Kroy 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...
to pick the ball up and run 4 yards for a touchdown. However, New Orleans would explode with points in the second quarter as Brees hooked up with wide receiver Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
on an 18-yard touchdown pass, running back 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...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, and cornerback Jabari Greer
Jabari Greer
Jabari Amin Greer is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Tennessee....
returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown.
Atlanta would start to rally in the third quarter as 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 a 68-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...
, followed by a 25-yard field goal from 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....
. However, the Saints would answer with Brees connecting with Thomas on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Falcons tried to come back as Elam booted a 40-yard field goal, but an interception from free safety Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
ended any hope of a rally.
With the tough loss, Atlanta fell to 4–3.
This marked the first time in the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era that the Falcons suffered consecutive losses.
Week 9: vs. Washington Redskins
Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Falcons went home for a Week 9 duel with the Washington RedskinsWashington 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,...
. Atlanta would take flight in the first quarter as 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 a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez, followed by cornerback Tye Hill
Tye Hill
-St. Louis Rams:Hill was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Rams in the 2006 NFL Draft. On July 31, 2006, Hill signed five-year $10.2 million contract with the Rams. In his rookie season he started in ten out of 16 games and finished the year with 50 tackles and three interceptions...
returning an interception 62 yards for a touchdown. The Redskins would answer in the second quarter as kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
nailed a 48-yard field goal, yet the Falcons kept their attack on as running back Michael Turner got a 30-yard touchdown run, 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....
booting a 33-yard field goal.
Washington began to rally in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Ladell Betts
Ladell Betts
Matthew Ladell Betts is an American football running back who is currently a free agent He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa....
. The Redskins would come closer in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
hooked up with tight end Todd Yoder
Todd Yoder
Todd Yoder is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. Yoder was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000. He played college football at...
on a 3-yard touchdown pass, yet Atlanta closed out the game with Turner's 58-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 5–3.
Week 10: at Carolina Panthers
Coming off their home win over the Redskins, 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 10 NFC South rematch 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...
. Atlanta would begin to fly in the first 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....
nailed a 35-yard field goal, but the Panthers would reply with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back 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...
. Carolina would extend their lead in the second quarter with quarterback 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 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith, yet the Falcons would answer as fullback 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....
got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Panthers would close out the half with Delhomme hooking up with Smith again on a 4-yard touchdown pass.
In the second half, Atlanta would work their way back into the game as Elam booted a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter, followed by quarerback 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:...
finding 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...
on a 3-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter (with a failed 2-point conversion). However, Carolina would close out the win with Stewart's 45-yard touchdown run, getting their revenge.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 5–4.
Week 11: at New York Giants
Hoping to rebound from a loss against the rival Panthers, the Falcons flew to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 11 duel with the New York Giants.
In the first quarter, the Falcons trailed early with kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
making a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter the Falcons came on top with fullback 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....
getting a 7-yard touchdown run, until they fell behind with quarterback Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
hooking up with tight end Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...
on a 4 and a 28-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, fullback 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....
got a 1-yard touchdown run for the Falcons. The Giants made it a 2-possession game with running back Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run, until the Falcons replied 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 25-yard field goal. The Giants tried to pull away in the fourth quarter with Manning passing to fullback Madison Hedgecock
Madison Hedgecock
Madison Smith Hedgecock is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina....
3 yards for a touchdown, until the Falcons stepped up to tie the game with 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 a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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...
, then found tight end Tony Gonzalez on an 11-yard touchdown pass. At overtime, the Falcons lost the game with kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
getting the game winning field goal from 36 yards away.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 5–5.
Week 12: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hoping to rebound from their loss against the Giants, the Falcons went home, donned their throwback uniforms once again, and prepared for an NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa 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, things looked bad as 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:...
was sacked, injured his toe, and got taken out of the game as his back-up 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...
got on the field. In the second quarter, the Falcons drew first blood 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 45-yard field goal. Atlanta extended their lead as Redman threw a shovel pass to 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...
for a 22-yard touchdown. Tampa Bay responded with Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
's 42-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and tied the game at halftime with Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
's 39-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Bucs safety Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Appalachian State.-High school:Corey graduated from Evangelical Christian School...
blocked a Falcons punt, which set Freeman up for an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Carnell Williams
Carnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to take the lead. The Falcons striked back as Elam nailed a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Bucs punter Dirk Johnson
Dirk Johnson
Dirk Johnson is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
faked a play which was backfired. Several plays later, Elam attempted a 43-yard field goal, but he missed as it went too much to the left. The same happened with Bucs kicker Barth as he missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. Atlanta was facing fourth and goal with 26 seconds remaining and no timeouts left, as Redman connected with 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 5-yard touchdown pass.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 6-5. It was later revealed that Matt Ryan would miss out several weeks.
Week 13: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off a relief home win against their rival Tampa Bay, the Falcons stayed home and got set for a Week 13 duel with the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia 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...
. Due to 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 toe injury against the Bucs, 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...
was set to start. The Falcons trailed early as Eagles 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....
made a 33-yard field goal. After that, 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...
connected with Leonard Weaver for a 4-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, the Eagles extended their lead with another 33-yard field goal from David Akers. In the third quarter, things got uglier for the Falcons as their former quarterback Michael Vick
Michael Vick
Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
rushed 5 yards for a touchdown.
The Falcons got the ball back, only for Redman to throw an interception to Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown, which he took 83 yards for a defensive touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Vick was put on the field once again and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Eagles tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
. With time already running out, Redman threw a last second 3-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
, only to avoid a shutout.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6-6.
Week 14: vs. New Orleans Saints
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss against the Eagles, the Falcons stayed home once again and prepared for an NFC South rematch against the undefeated 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 ....
, with 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:...
still injured. In the first quarter, the Falcons drew first blood as 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...
nailed a 36-yard field goal. The Saints would tie the game 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...
nailing a 33-yard field goal. The Falcons closed the first quarter with Bryant nailing a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Saints quarterback 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....
connected with running back 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...
for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The Saints extended their lead as Brees connected with Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
for a 3-yard touchdown pass (with a failed PAT). The Falcons would close out the first half as Bryant nailed a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Reggie Bush took a 21-yard touchdown pass from Brees to extend the Saints' lead even more. The Falcons got their first touchdown of the game as Redman connected with Michael Jenkins for a 50-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, 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....
got 4-yard touchdown run to tie the game, giving Atlanta some hope. Hartley gave the Saints the lead as he made a 38-yard field goal. After Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma intercepted Redman's pass, the Saints attempted yet another field goal, which was a fake that resulted in an incomplete pass. The Falcons faced fourth and 2 at the 49-yard line with less than 2 minutes, where Redman completed a pass to Snelling, but Vilma stopped him at the line of scrimmage.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6-7.
Week 15: at New York Jets
Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Falcons flew to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
once again, this time for a Week 15 inter-conference battle with the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Thankfully for the Falcons, 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:...
returned from his toe injury. In the first quarter, Atlanta drew first score with 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...
kicking a 24-yard field goal. The Jets took the lead with Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
launching a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
. The second quarter remained scoreless as the Jets attempted a 19-yard field goal, but Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
fumbled the ball, causing him to get tackled by 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...
. After yet another scoreless quarter (third), the Jets attempted a 37-yard field goal, but it was blocked by 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,...
. The Falcons, with one last chance, made a late fourth and goal play, where Ryan hooked up with Tony Gonzalez for a 6-yard touchdown pass. New York got the ball back, but Brent Grimes' interception sealed the win for Atlanta.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–7. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention due to the Cowboys' 24–17 win against the Saints the previous day.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
After a close call against the Jets, the Falcons went home for a Week 16 inter-conference battle with the Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Falcons got straight to work as 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 42-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. In the second quarter, 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...
's 51-yard field goal extended the lead for Atlanta. As the first half was closing, Buffalo blocked Atlanta's field goal and things got crazy as a couple of Bills possessed the ball, but they could not manage to get it in to the end zone. In the third quarter, Atlanta extended their lead even more as Marty Booker
Marty Booker
Marty Montez Booker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ryan. Things got better for the Falcons as Buffalo running back Fred Jackson fumbled the ball, which led Lawrence Sidbury
Lawrence Sidbury
-Atlanta Falcons:Sidbury was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft . He become the second Spider to be taken by Atlanta, joining Ray Easterling in 1972....
to return it for an 11-yard defensive touchdown as he dragged a few Buffalo players. The Bills finally got on the board as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
nailed a 42-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Ryan connected with White once again for a 5-yard touchdown pass, as it was too late for the Bills to catch up.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 8-7.
Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off their home win against the Bills, 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 17 NFC South rematch 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...
. In the opening kickoff, Falcon 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...
fumbled the football, causing the Bucs to recover, which set up Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
for a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons responded by taking the lead with 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...
's 36-yard field goal, followed 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:...
's 2-yard touchdown pass to Justin Peele. After a scoreless third quarter, Tampa Bay tied the game with Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
's 8-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. Atlanta answered back as Ryan threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. After another possession, the Falcons sealed the deal with Bryant's second 36-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did the Falcons improve to 9-7, but they also posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history under head coach Mike Smith.
Scores by quarter
Final roster
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
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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 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.... G/T Garrett Reynolds (American football) Garrett Reynolds is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Garret is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.Reynolds played high school football at Carter High School.... T Brett Romberg Brett Christopher Romberg is an American football center for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Miami.... C Will Svitek Will Svitek is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.-College career:He played in 38 games at Stanford University... T Defensive Linemen
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Linebackers
Spencer Adkins Spencer Adkins is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. Adkins played his college football career for the University of Miami and was selected by the Falcons in the 6th round of 2009 NFL Draft.-Early years:... OLB 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 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 Mike Peterson Porter Michael "Mike" Peterson is an American professional football player who has been a linebacker in the National Football League for thirteen seasons... 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
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Reserve Lists
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 (IR)  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.... WR (IR) 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... WR (IR) 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 (IR) 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... FS (IR) 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... CB (IR) Peria Jerry -Atlanta Falcons:Jerry was signed to a five-year contract by the Falcons on July 30, 2009. Jerry competed with Trey Lewis to replace Grady Jackson, who was not re-signed by the Falcons, at defensive tackle.... DT (IR) William Moore (American football) William Moore is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.-Early years:... SS (IR) Mike Schneck Michael Louis Schneck is a retired American football long snapper who most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 1999... LS (IR) Brian Williams (cornerback) Brian Williams is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft... CB (IR) Practice Squad
53 Active, 11 Inactive, 10 PS |
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