NFL team season
The 2016 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Quinn . It also marked the team's 25th and final season playing their home games at the Georgia Dome , as the Falcons moved into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons won the NFC South for the first time since 2012 and improved on their 8–8 record from 2015 , going 11–5 and earning the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the 2016 NFL MVP . The Falcons scored 540 points, the most in the NFL for 2016 and 8th all-time. The team scored fewer than 23 points only once all season: a 24–15 loss to the Eagles.
The Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks 36–20 in the Divisional Round to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2012 . In the NFC Championship game, they defeated the Green Bay Packers , 44–21, to advance to their second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history; they had competed in Super Bowl XXXIII 18 years earlier. In Super Bowl LI , the Falcons faced the New England Patriots , and built up a 28–3 lead midway through the third quarter. However, the Patriots subsequently scored 25 unanswered points, forcing overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history, where they went on to win 34–28.
Preseason
Schedule
Falcons players at training camp, July 2016. The Falcons preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.
Regular season
Schedule
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers 3
14
14 0 31
Falcons
10
3
8 3 24
at Georgia Dome , Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
TB – Roberto Aguayo 43-yard field goal, 9:57. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:02.
ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 7:13. Tied 3–3. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 2:44.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:16. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 2:20. Second quarter
TB – Brandon Myers 4-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 10:31. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:46.
ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 1:50. Falcons 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:14.
TB – Charles Sims 23-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 0:24. Buccaneers 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 1:31. Third quarter
TB – Austin Seferian-Jenkins 30-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 13:02. Buccaneers 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:06.
TB – Mike Evans 45-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Robert Aguayo kick), 5:21. Buccaneers 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 3:16.
ATL – Julio Jones 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan–Mohamed Sanu pass), 1:42. Buccaneers 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:37. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 4:59. Buccaneers 31–24. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 4:54.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 23/32, 281 yards, 4 TD, INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/39, 334 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 99 yards, TD
ATL – Tevin Coleman – 5 receptions, 95 yards
With the loss, the Falcons started their season 0–1 for the first time since 2013.
Week 2: at Oakland Raiders
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 11:58. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:55.
OAK – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 7:51. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 4:07.
ATL – Julio Jones 21-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:46. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:05.
ATL – Matt Bryant 20-yard field goal, 0:38. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:55. Third quarter
OAK – Clive Walford 31-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:17. Raiders 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:43.
ATL – Jacob Tamme 14-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan run), 3:42. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:54. Fourth quarter
OAK – Michael Crabtree 2-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 12:00. Tied 21–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:42.
ATL – Justin Hardy 13-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:29. Falcons 28–21. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:31.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 13-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:35. Falcons 35–21. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:37.
OAK – Andre Holmes 6-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:12. Falcons 35–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:23.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Falcons improved to 1–1.
Week 3: at New Orleans Saints
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 13-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:53. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 74, yards, 5:08.
NO – Michael Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:55. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 75, yards, 4:58.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 5:31. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:24.
ATL – Justin Hardy 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:28. Falcons 28–14. Drive: 8 plays, 94, yards, 1:23.
NO – Wil Lutz 57-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 28–17. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 0:28. Third quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:03. Falcons 35–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:57.
NO – John Kuhn 3-yard run (Mark Ingram II run), 7:38. Falcons 35–25. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 2:58. Falcons 38–25. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 4:40. Fourth quarter
ATL – Deion Jones 90-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 13:37. Falcons 45–25. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:21.
NO – Mark Ingram II 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 10:00. Falcons 45–32. Drive: 7 plays, 75, yards, 3:37.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD
NO – Coby Fleener – 7 receptions, 109 yards, TD
With the win, the Falcons improved to 2–1.
Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Four: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Panthers
0
10
0 23 33
Falcons 14
3
14 17 48
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
CAR – Kurt Coleman 8-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 11:31. Falcons 14–7.
ATL – Matt Bryant 28-yard field goal, 5:56. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:35.
CAR – Graham Gano 54-yard field goal, 3:07. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:49. Third quarter
ATL – Austin Hooper 42-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 9:13. Falcons 24–10. Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 5:47.
ATL – Aldrick Robinson 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:57. Falcons 31–10. Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 3:19. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 53-yard field goal, 13:19. Falcons 34–10. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 5:17.
CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Cam Newton run), 11:42. Falcons 34–18. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 1:37.
CAR – Greg Olsen 14-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Derek Anderson–Greg Olsen pass), 3:58. Falcons 34–26. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 5:23.
ATL – Julio Jones 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:45. Falcons 41–26. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:13.
CAR – Corey Brown 16-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 1:53. Falcons 41–33. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 1:52.
ATL – Robert Alford 30-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 1:14. Falcons 48–33.
Top passers
CAR – Derek Anderson – 17/23, 172 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 28/37, 503 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers
CAR – Cam Newton – 5 rushes, 30 yards
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 13 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers
CAR – Fozzy Whittaker – 9 receptions, 86 yards
ATL – Julio Jones – 12 receptions, 300 yards, TD
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones made Falcons team history as Ryan exploded to 503 passing yards and Jones caught twelve passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first quarterback-receiver duo to break 500 passing yards and 300 receiving yards in club history and the first such tandem in the NFL's Super Bowl era.[1] Cam Newton was knocked out of the game with a concussion incurred on a two-point conversion run.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 3–1.
Week 5: at Denver Broncos
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 11:18. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:42.
ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, 4:23. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:23. Second quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 35-yard field goal, 11:39. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 3:54.
ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 1:48. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 7:00. Third quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 31-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:53. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 2:01. Fourth quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 46-yard field goal, 11:01. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 8 plays, 22 yards, 3:59.
ATL – Matt Bryant 25-yard field goal, 8:20. Falcons 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:41.
DEN – Demaryius Thomas 3-yard pass from Paxton Lynch (Brandon McManus kick), 2:38. Falcons 23–13. Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 5:42.
DEN – Brandon McManus 45-yard field goal, 0:14. Falcons 23–16. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 1:42.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 15/28, 267 yards, TD
DEN – Paxton Lynch – 23/35, 223 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 23 rushes, 88 yards, TD
DEN – C. J. Anderson – 11 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers
ATL – Tevin Coleman – 4 receptions, 132 yards, TD
DEN – Emmanuel Sanders – 7 receptions, 80 yards
With the win, the Falcons improved to 4–1 for the first time since 2010.
Week 6: at Seattle Seahawks
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 8:38. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 4:37.
SEA – Alex Collins 2-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:32. Seahawks 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 42-yard field goal, 0:42. Seahawks 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:16. Third quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 36-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:01. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:59.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:11. Tied 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:23.
ATL – Levine Toilolo 46-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:17. Falcons 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 97 yards, 3:27. Fourth quarter
SEA – Christine Michael 1-yard run (kick blocked), 4:43. Falcons 24–23. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:51.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 44-yard field goal, 1:57. Seahawks 26–24. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 1:51.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 4–2.
Week 7: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Chargers 7
10
3 10 3 33
Falcons
6
21
0 3 0 30
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
SD – Melvin Gordon 2-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 10:55. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
ATL – Matt Bryant 42-yard field goal, 6:26. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:29.
ATL – Matt Bryant 27-yard field goal, 2:34. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:56. Second quarter
SD – Josh Lambo 40-yard field goal, 13:29. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 4:05.
ATL – Jacob Tamme 17-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 9:06. Falcons 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 30-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 6:07. Falcons 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 1:49.
ATL – Adrian Clayborn 5-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 4:31. Falcons 27–10.
SD – Melvin Gordon 3-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 1:02. Falcons 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:29. Third quarter
SD – Josh Lambo 37-yard field goal, 4:50. Falcons 27–20. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:15. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 31-yard field goal, 13:23. Falcons 30–20. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:27.
SD – Melvin Gordon 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 5:59. Falcons 30–27. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 7:24.
SD – Josh Lambo 33-yard field goal, 0:18. Tied 30–30. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 3:14. Overtime
SD – Josh Lambo 42-yard field goal, 9:01. Chargers 33–30. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:11.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
The Falcons blew a 17-point lead and lost to the Chargers, 33-30. They wore their black throwback uniforms for this game. With the game tied at 30–30, a missed 58-yarder by Matt Bryant forced the game into overtime. The Falcons received the ball first in overtime but turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert a fourth down. Josh Lambo kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime to seal a 33–30 victory for the Chargers.
With the brutal loss, the Falcons dropped to 4–3 for the first time since 2009. This is the final game the Falcons played against the San Diego-based Chargers.
Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Eight: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Packers
7
17
0 8 32
Falcons 10
9
7 7 33
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
GB – Geronimo Allison 14-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:58. Packers 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:35.
ATL – Matt Bryant 40-yard field goal, 8:55. Packers 14–13. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:01.
GB – Trevor Davis 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:31. Packers 21–13. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:24.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan, 0:32. Packers 21–19. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:55.
GB – Mason Crosby 29-yard field goal, 0:04. Packers 24–19. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 0:27. Third quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:35. Falcons 26–24. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:31. Fourth quarter
GB – Jeff Janis 7-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Aaron Rodgers run), 4:04. Packers 32–26. Drive: 13 plays, 86 yards, 8:33.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:36. Falcons 33–32. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:27.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Falcons improved to 5–3.
Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 41-yard field goal, 13:42. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:02.
TB – Mike Evans 24-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 8:43. Buccaneers 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:23.
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 9-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:01. Falcons 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:39. Third quarter
ATL – Patrick DiMarco 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 8:59. Falcons 26–14. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:06.
ATL – Julio Jones 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:07. Falcons 33–14. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 4:52. Fourth quarter
ATL – Austin Hooper 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 10:00. Falcons 40–14. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:43.
TB – Adam Humphries 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (run failed), 6:53. Falcons 40–20. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:09.
ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 3:47. Falcons 43–20. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 3:05.
TB – Cameron Brate 2-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Mike Glennon–Brandon Myers pass), 1:01. Falcons 43–28. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 2:43.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/34, 344 yards, 4 TD
TB – Jameis Winston – 23/37, 261 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
Top receivers
ATL – Julio Jones – 8 receptions, 111 yards, TD
TB – Mike Evans – 11 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TD
Despite Mike Evans finishing the game with 11 receptions for 150 yards and two scores, the Falcons still managed to beat Tampa Bay on the road, 43–28. With the win, the Falcons improved to 6–3.
Week 10: at Philadelphia Eagles
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 38-yard field goal, 9:36. Eagles 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:04.
ATL – Matt Bryant 43-yard field goal, 2:59. Eagles 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:36. Third quarter
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 29-yard field goal, 8:16. Eagles 10–6. Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:44.
ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, 4:46. Eagles 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:30. Fourth quarter
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 25-yard field goal, 13:50. Eagles 13–9. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:56.
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 76-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed, hit left upright), 13:15. Falcons 15–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:35.
PHI – Ryan Mathews 5-yard run (Ryan Mathews run), 6:49. Eagles 21–15. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:36.
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 48-yard field goal, 1:57. Eagles 24–15. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:22.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 18/31, 267 yards, TD, INT
PHI – Carson Wentz – 25/36, 231 yards Top rushers
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 49 yards
PHI – Ryan Mathews: 18 rushes, 108 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 6–4.
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Cardinals
7
6
0 6 19
Falcons 7
10
7 14 38
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : November 27Game time : 1:00 pm. ESTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 69,233Referee : John Parry TV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt , John Lynch and Pam OliverRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 25-yard field goal, 12:52. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:46.
ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 8:30. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 4:22.
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:19. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:51.
ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 0:25. Third quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:56. Falcons 24–13. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:05. Fourth quarter
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:48. Falcons 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:29.
ARI – David Johnson 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (pass failed), 4:44. Falcons 31–19. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:07. Falcons 38–19. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:37.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
ARI – David Johnson – 8 receptions, 103 yards, TD
ATL – Taylor Gabriel – 4 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TD
With the impressive win, the Falcons improved to 7–4.
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week Thirteen: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Chiefs 6
14
7 2 29
Falcons
10
6
0 12 28
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 10:02. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:58.
KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (kick blocked), 8:00. Falcons 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 2:02.
ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 5:11. Falcons 10–6. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:49. Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 13:25. Falcons 13–6. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:26.
KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:05. Tied 13–13. Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 6:20.
KC – Eric Berry 37-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 0:37. Chiefs 20–13.
ATL – Matt Bryant 59-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 20–16. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 0:37. Third quarter
KC – Albert Wilson 55-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 12:52. Chiefs 27–16. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 2:08. Fourth quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (pass failed), 11:57. Chiefs 27–22. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:12.
ATL – Aldrick Robinson 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan , 4:32. Falcons 28–27. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:53.
KC – Eric Berry defensive two-point conversion, 4:32. Chiefs 29–28.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
The Falcons trailed 27–16 going into the fourth quarter, and took the lead through a 1-yard touchdown run by Devonta Freeman , followed by a 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Aldrick Robinson . Having failed on the two-point conversion following Freeman's touchdown, they tried for two points again after Robinson's catch with the aim of securing a three-point lead going into the last four minutes of the game; however, Chiefs safety Eric Berry intercepted Ryan's attempted pass and returned it all the way to the Atlanta end zone for a defensive two-point conversion that gave Kansas City a 29–28 lead that they were able to defend for the remainder of the game. With the loss, the Falcons dropped to 7–5 for the first time since 2011 .
Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams
Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons 7
14
21 0 42
Rams
0
0
0 14 14
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , Los Angeles, California
Date : December 11Game time : 4:25 pm. EST/1:25 pm. PSTGame weather : 65 °F (18 °C), cloudyGame attendance : 82,495Referee : Clete BlakemanTV announcers (Fox) : Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina PinkRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:53. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 3:05.
ATL – Deion Jones 33-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 8:54. Falcons 21–0. Third quarter
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 64-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:18. Falcons 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:42.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:56. Falcons 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:29.
ATL – Vic Beasley 21-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 2:50. Falcons 42–0. Fourth quarter
LA – Todd Gurley 3-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 14:57. Falcons 42–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:53.
LA – Jared Goff 2-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 2:44. Falcons 42–14. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:59.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Falcons improved to 8–5.
Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week Fifteen: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
13
0 0 13
Falcons 21
7
10 3 41
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 10:31. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:57.
ATL – Taylor Gabriel 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:40. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 1:58.
ATL – Austin Hooper 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:40. Falcons 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:51. Second quarter
SF – Garrett Celek 16-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 12:45. Falcons 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:55.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 9-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 4:28. Falcons 28–7. Drive: 6 plays, 94 yards, 3:32.
SF – Rod Streater 5-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (kick failed, wide left), 0:13. Falcons 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:15. Third quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 6:29. Falcons 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:50.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 34-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 1:42. Falcons 38–13. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:16. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 41-yard field goal, 1:09. Falcons 41–13. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:06.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Falcons improved to 9–5.
Week 16: at Carolina Panthers
Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons 13
7
3 10 33
Panthers
0
3
10 3 16
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : Game time : 1:00 pm. ESTGame weather : 56 °F (13 °C), cloudyGame attendance : 73,549Referee : Bill VinovichTV announcers (Fox) : Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter SchragerRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Joshua Perkins 26-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 10:57. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:03.
ATL – Matt Bryant 51-yard field goal, 6:09. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 2:18.
ATL – Matt Bryant 48-yard field goal, 0:35. Falcons 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:03. Second quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 10:17. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:32.
ATL – D. J. Tialavea 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 5:34. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:43. Third quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 9:23. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 13 plays, 53 yards, 5:37.
ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 3:34. Falcons 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:49.
CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:00. Falcons 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:34. Fourth quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 55-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 13:19. Falcons 30–13. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:41.
CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 9:43. Falcons 30–16. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 3:36.
ATL – Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, 1:55. Falcons 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:45.
Top passers
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Top receivers
With the win, the Falcons improved to 10–5.
Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Seventeen: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
10
3
0 19 32
Falcons 14
21
3 0 38
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : January 1, 2017Game time : 4:25 pm. ESTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 70,835Referee : Ronald TorbertTV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert , Daryl Johnston and Laura OkminRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:55. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:11.
NO – Wil Lutz 19-yard field goal, 3:53. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 8:02.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 75-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:42. Falcons 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11.
NO – Tim Hightower 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:52. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:50. Second quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:17. Falcons 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:35.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:51. Falcons 28–10. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:41.
NO – Wil Lutz 40-yard field goal, 3:40. Falcons 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:11.
ATL – Justin Hardy 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:32. Falcons 35–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:08. Third quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 5:17. Falcons 38–13. Drive: 14 plays, 95 yards, 5:06. Fourth quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (run failed), 12:41. Falcons 38–19. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 2:11.
NO – Mark Ingram II 1-yard run (pass failed), 2:47. Falcons 38–25. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:18.
NO – Travaris Cadet 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:39. Falcons 38–32. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 2:08.
Top passers
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This was the Falcons' final regular season game at the Georgia Dome. With the win, the Falcons finished their season at 11–5.
Postseason
Schedule
Game summaries
NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (3) Seattle Seahawks
NFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Seattle Seahawks at (2) Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Seahawks
7
3
3 7 20
Falcons 0
19
7 10 36
at Georgia Dome , Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:12.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 33-yard field goal, 11:20. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:54.
ATL – Russell Wilson sacked in endzone by Ben Garland for a safety, 9:22. Seahawks 10–9.
ATL – Matt Bryant 35-yard field goal, 6:06. Falcons 12–10. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 3:16.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 14-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:53. Falcons 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 99 yards, 2:55. Third quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:12. Falcons 26–10. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:48.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 26-yard field goal, 3:03. Falcons 26–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:09. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 31-yard field goal, 14:57. Falcons 29–13. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:06.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:40. Falcons 36–13. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:36.
SEA – Doug Baldwin 31-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 3:21. Falcons 36–20. Drive: 1 plays, 31 yards, 0:19.
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Top receivers
After coming off a first round bye, the Falcons hosted the Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons trailed midway through the first quarter when the Seahawks went up 7–0 from a 7-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Jimmy Graham . In the second quarter, Atlanta tied the game 7–7 on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones . On the next Seattle drive, the Seahawks took a 10–7 lead with a 33-yard field goal from Steven Hauschka .[2] [3]
The next Falcons drive ended in a three and out. On the ensuing punt, Seattle's Devin Hester returned the punt 80-yards to Atlanta's 7-yard line. However, that punt return was called back on a penalty, forcing Seattle to start at its own 7-yard line. After Thomas Rawls was tackled for a 3-yard loss, Wilson attempted to drop back to pass. However, while doing so, Wilson tripped over Rees Odhiambo 's foot and was tackled in the end zone, leading to a safety for Atlanta. Receiving the ball following the safety, Atlanta took its first lead of the game on a 35-yard field goal from Matt Bryant . After forcing Seattle to Punt, the Falcons took a 19–10 lead going into halftime on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tevin Coleman .[2] [3]
Atlanta remained ahead for the rest of the game, eventually beating Seattle 36–20. With the win, the Falcons improved their record to 12–5. Matt Ryan threw for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns and improved his playoff record to 2–4, with both of his playoff wins (up to that point) coming against the Seahawks.[3] Georgia Dome , but when the fourth-seeded Green Bay Packers upset the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the other Divisional Playoff the next day, Atlanta was named the host of the NFC Championship Game , the last ever game in the Dome.
NFC Championship Game: vs. (4) Green Bay Packers
NFC Championship Game: (4) Green Bay Packers at (2) Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Packers
0
0
15 6 21
Falcons 10
14
13 7 44
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : January 22, 2017Game time : 3:05 pm. ESTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 71,127Referee : Bill Vinovich TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris MyersRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter ATL – Mohamed Sanu 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:24. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:36.
ATL – Matt Bryant 28-yard field goal, 0:14. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:21. Second quarter ATL – Matt Ryan 14-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:24. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:35.
ATL – Julio Jones 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:03. Falcons 24–0. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 1:47. Third quarter ATL – Julio Jones 73-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:51. Falcons 31–0. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:51.
GB – Davante Adams 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:19. Falcons 31–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:32.
ATL – Devonta Freeman 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed, wide right), 4:11. Falcons 37–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
GB – Jordy Nelson 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Aaron Ripkowski run), 0:38. Falcons 37–15. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 3-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:07. Falcons 44–15. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:31.
GB – Jared Cook 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (run failed), 6:43. Falcons 44–21. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:24.
Top passers Top rushers Top receivers
This was the Falcons' final game ever in the Georgia Dome after 25 seasons, as the team moved into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017 . The Falcons never trailed in the game, scoring 31 unanswered points until Rodgers threw a touchdown pass halfway through the third quarter to give Green Bay its first points. The Falcons won 44–21 to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since their 1998 season, as well as the second time in franchise history. Matt Ryan had a big game, throwing 4 touchdown passes and running for another score. His 392 yards were the second-most ever thrown in a Championship Game, only behind his 396 yards in the 2012 NFC Championship Games versus the San Francisco 49ers. Julio Jones was another huge part of the Falcons win, with 9 catches, 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of the scores came on a 73-yard tackle-breaking catch. The Falcons' defense held fellow MVP-candidate Rodgers and his offense in check most of the game, forcing several hurries and drops. They also forced 2 turnovers, one was a fumble that was forced and then recovered by Jalen Collins on Packers Aaron Ripkowski , and the other one of them coming on a 3rd and 21 pass by Rodgers, that Ricardo Allen intercepted.
Super Bowl LI: vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Patriots 0
3
6 19 6 34
Falcons
0
21
7 0 0 28
at NRG Stadium , Houston, Texas
Date : February 5, 2017Game time : 6:30 pm. EST/5:30 p.m. CST Game weather : Played indoors (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 70,807Referee : Carl Cheffers TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris MyersRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter Second quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:15. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:53.
ATL – Austin Hooper 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:48. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:49.
ATL – Robert Alford 82-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 2:21. Falcons 21–0.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 41-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 21–3. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 2:19. Third quarter ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:31. Falcons 28–3. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 4:14.
NE – James White 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, wide right), 2:06. Falcons 28–9. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:25. Fourth quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 9:44. Falcons 28–12. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:07.
NE – Danny Amendola 6-yard pass from Tom Brady (James White run), 5:56. Falcons 28–20. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:28.
NE – James White 1-yard run (Tom Brady-Danny Amendola pass), 0:57. Tied 28–28. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 2:33. Overtime NE – James White 2-yard run, 11:02. Patriots 34–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:58.
Top passers Top rushers Top receivers
The Falcons led the game 28-3 into the third quarter before the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to tie at 28 all, and create the first Super Bowl game to go into overtime. The Patriots won the coin-toss and won the game via a James White touchdown. This ended the Falcons' season record at 13–6.[4]
