Editing Atlanta Falcons (section)

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

===Professional football comes to Atlanta (1962)===
Professional football first came to Atlanta in [[1962 American Football League season|1962]], when the [[American Football League]] (AFL) staged two preseason contests, with one featuring the [[1962 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] vs. the [[1962 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]] and the second pitting the [[1962 Dallas Texans season|Dallas Texans]] against the [[1962 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]. Two years later, the [[American Football League|AFL]] held another exhibition, this time with the [[1964 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] taking on the [[1964 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]].

In 1965, after the [[Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium]] (then known simply as Atlanta Stadium) was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football.<ref name=sivmsur>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1965/07/12/606341/the-mayor-surrenders-atlanta |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Minter |first=Jim |title=The mayor surrenders Atlanta |date=July 12, 1965 |page=14 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235423/https://www.si.com/vault/1965/07/12/606341/the-mayor-surrenders-atlanta |url-status=live }}</ref> One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the AFL and NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Team History |url=http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/atlanta_falcons/team_history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517201016/http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/atlanta_falcons/team_history.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=September 3, 2012 |website=NFL Team History}}</ref>

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

The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams {{nowrap|in [[1966 American Football League season|1966]],<ref name="msafltadd">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=AFL to add 2 teams in '66 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3mpQAAAAIBAJ&pg=7400%2C1110883 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=3, part 2 |agency=UPI|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="sr">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=American Football League will expand in 1966 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013057/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=16 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} in Atlanta and {{nowrap|Philadelphia.<ref name="pfldojap">{{Cite news |last=Hackleman |first=Jim |date=June 20, 1965 |title=Pro football leagues duel over juicy Atlanta plum |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013036/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=4, sports |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} It later evolved into the [[1966 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in 1966 and the [[1968 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in [[1968 American Football League season|1968]]. The NFL had planned to add two teams in {{nfly|1967}}; the competition with the AFL for Atlanta forced the first to be added a year early in {{nfly|1966}}. The odd number of teams (15) resulted in one idle team (bye) each week, with each team playing 14 games over 15 weeks (similar to {{nfly|1960}}: 12 games over 13 weeks). The second expansion team, the [[1967 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise.

The Atlanta Falcons franchise began when it was approved to begin play in 1966 by a unanimous vote of the NFL club owners on June 21, 1965.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 1965 |title=NFL Votes Franchise To Atlanta |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%252C6219289 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240918005219/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%2C6219289&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ |archive-date=2024-09-18 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=The Morning Record|via=Google News|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Rozelle granted ownership nine days later on June 30 to 40-year-old [[Rankin Smith Sr.]], an executive vice president of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/> Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta.

The Atlanta expansion team became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first overall pick in the [[1966 NFL draft]] as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.<ref name=HOF1966>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=1998|title=1966 NFL Draft|access-date=September 27, 2008|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|archive-date=December 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208234646/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=1998|url-status=live}}</ref> They selected consensus [[1965 College Football All-America Team|All-American]] [[linebacker]] [[Tommy Nobis]] from the [[1965 Texas Longhorns football season|University of Texas]], making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the [[1966 NFL Expansion Draft|expansion draft]] six weeks later in which Atlanta selected unprotected players from the 14 existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/>

The Atlanta team received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from [[Griffin, Georgia|Griffin]], was singled out from many people who suggested "[[Falcon]]s" as the nickname for the new franchise.<ref name="l481">{{cite web | last=Holden | first=Sarah | title=Bryan resident reflects on late relative who gave Atlanta Falcons their name | website=KBTX | date=2017-02-03 | url=https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Bryan-resident-takes-pride-reflecting-on-late-relative-who-named-the-Atlanta-Falcons-412739493.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> She wrote: "the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition."<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/footer/faq.html|publisher=Atlanta Falcons|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=August 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810215914/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/footer/faq.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Franchise nicknames|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|date=January 1, 2005|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017054446/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

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

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

In the [[1980 Atlanta Falcons season|1980 season]], after a nine-game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened [[1982 Atlanta Falcons season|1982 season]], the 5–4 Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the [[1982 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], 30–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1982 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1982.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Falcons coach [[Leeman Bennett]] was fired after the loss.<ref name="u989">{{cite web | last=Hullinger | first=Jeff | title=The oldest living former Falcons head coach is leaving Atlanta | website=Georgia Public Broadcasting | date=2024-01-18 | url=https://www.gpb.org/blogs/hullingers-musings/2024/01/18/the-oldest-living-former-falcons-head-coach-leaving-atlanta-not#:~:text=(Falcons%20owner)%20said%20firing%20me,by%20the%20forgettable%20Dan%20Henning. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> The team then had losing seasons for the next eight years. Dan Henning was hired prior to the 1983 season.<ref name="n719">{{cite web | last=Moffit | first=David | title=Henning Named Falcons Coach | website=UPI | date=1983-02-01 | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/02/01/Henning-Named-Falcons-Coach/2134020966602/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

In the [[1989 NFL draft]], the Falcons selected cornerback [[Deion Sanders]] in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise.<ref name="b377">{{cite web | last=Capers | first=Joshua | title=Deion Sanders opens up about his feelings on draft day in 1989 | website=The Clarion-Ledger | date=2021-04-28 | url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/04/28/deion-sanders-opens-up-his-feelings-draft-day-1989/4861830001/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams ([[New York Yankees]] and the [[Atlanta Braves]]) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.

[[File:Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams 1991-12-08 - 01 (Atlanta Falcons crop).jpg|thumb|right|The Falcons playing against the [[Los Angeles Rams]] during a 1991 away game.]]

After defeating the [[1991 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] in the NFC Wild Card game, the Falcons' [[1991 Atlanta Falcons season|1991 season]] ended in a divisional playoff loss to the [[1991 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]]. In the [[1991 NFL draft]], the Falcons selected quarterback [[Brett Favre]] as the 33rd overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of four passing attempts with no receptions and two interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the [[1992 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]].<ref name="n048">{{cite web | last=Hendricks | first=Andy | title=25 years later, justifying the Falcons' trade of Brett Favre | website=Falcons Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2017-03-23 | url=https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2017/03/23/25-years-later-justifying-the-brett-favre-trade-by-falcons/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

In [[1992 Atlanta Falcons season|1992]], the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome, where the team has defeated all 31 other NFL teams at least once during its time there.<ref name="f128">{{cite web | last=Tucker | first=Tim | title=Countdown to implosion: Georgia Dome made a mark in many sports | website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution| date=2017-11-20 | url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/countdown-implosion-georgia-dome-made-mark-many-sports/gyG2NohKl8VOgnWQ34B26K/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

==== Dan Reeves years (1997–2003) ====
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach [[Dan Reeves]], quarterback [[Chris Chandler (American football)|Chris Chandler]] and running back [[Jamal Anderson]] the "Dirty Bird" Falcons had their greatest season to date.<ref name="g435">{{cite web | title=10 moments that defined the '98 Atlanta Falcons | website=Atlanta Magazine | date=2019-01-24 | url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/10-moments-that-defined-the-98-atlanta-falcons/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref><ref name="q170">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=As Super Bowl nears, Falcons remember 'Dirty Birds' of 1998 | website=Gainesville Times | date=2017-08-27 | url=https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/pros/as-super-bowl-nears-falcons-remember-dirty-birds-of-1998/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> On November 8, they beat the [[New England Patriots]] 41–10, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise-best 14–2 regular-season record and the NFC West division championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On January 17, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded Vikings at the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] in the [[NFC Championship Game]] 30–27, in an exciting overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they lost 34–19 to the defending champion [[Denver Broncos]] in [[Super Bowl XXXIII]].

In the second game of the Falcons 1999 season, running back [[Jamal Anderson]], who had been a key player in the Falcons' 1998 success, suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons finished the season with a very disappointing 5–11 regular-season record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/1999.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2001 NFL draft]], the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the [[San Diego Chargers]], acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback [[Michael Vick]]) in exchange for wide receiver-return specialist [[Tim Dwight]] and the fifth overall pick (used on running back [[LaDainian Tomlinson]]).<ref name="d282">{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Lindsay | title=The 2001 NFL Draft trade that changed the Falcons, Chargers and QB play forever | website=The Athletic | date=2021-04-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2535152/2021/04/27/the-2001-nfl-draft-trade-that-changed-the-falcons-chargers-and-qb-play-forever/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

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

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

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

On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo.<ref name="NewFalconsLogo2003">{{cite press release|title=Falcons unveil new logo|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=171010|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=March 19, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030623173517/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/press_releases.cfm?cont_id=171010 |archive-date=June 23, 2003|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="AtlantaFalcons1" /> During the 2003 preseason Vick broke his leg and missed the first 12 games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to fire head coach Dan Reeves.<ref name="t276">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=Falcons fire Reeves | website=Gadsden Times | date=2003-12-11 | url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2003/12/11/falcons-fire-reeves/32328838007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> [[Wade Phillips]] acted as interim coach for the final three games.<ref name="n808">{{cite web | title=Falcons fire coach Reeves | website=The Brunswick News | date=2024-08-12 | url=https://thebrunswicknews.com/sports/local_sports/falcons-fire-coach-reeves/article_8b3b527c-0910-507b-a877-560073454d61.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Vick, they ended up with a 5–11 record that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Jim Mora years (2004–2006)====
In 2004, a new head coach, [[Jim L. Mora]], was hired and Vick returned for the [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|full season]]. The Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earning a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the [[2004 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], 47–17, in the [[Georgia Dome]], advancing to the [[NFC Championship Game]], which they lost to the [[2004 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]], 27–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2004.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons - January 15th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501150atl.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles - January 23rd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501230phi.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2005 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]] again fell short of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in {{nfly|2005}}, going 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In {{nfly|2006}}, Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039.<ref name="z575">{{cite magazine | last=Brown | first=Malik | title=Vick rushes for 1,000 yards in 2006 | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2020-07-21 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-michael-vick-1000-yard-season-2006-highlights-2020-nfl-news-updates | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-01 |title=Grounded: Falcons fire Mora after disappointing season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2716540 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

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

For the 2007 season, the [[2007 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]] were forced to start [[Joey Harrington]] at quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-09 |title=Falcons add QB Harrington as backup for Vick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2830712 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, [[Bobby Petrino]] resigned without notice to coach at the [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|University of Arkansas]], leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room.<ref name="u444">{{cite web | last=Battista | first=Judy | title=Petrino Quits the Falcons to Coach the Razorbacks | website=The New York Times | date=2007-12-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/sports/football/12falcons.html#:~:text=A%20miserable%20year%20for%20the,best%20job%20in%20the%20N.F.L. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Secondary Coach [[Emmitt Thomas]] was named interim coach for the final three games of the season on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

After the tumultuous and disappointing 2007 season, the Falcons made a number of moves, hiring a new general manager and head coach, drafting a new starting quarterback, and signing a starting running back.

====MIke Smith years (2008–2014)====

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

The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seed in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On December 21, 2008, Atlanta beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], 30–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals - January 3rd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901030crd.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

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

Although they failed to make the playoffs in 2009 the team rallied to win their final three regular-season games to record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defeated the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2010, with a regular-season record of 13–3, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual [[Super Bowl XLV]] champion [[Green Bay Packers]] in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="j469">{{cite web | last=Tierney | first=Mike | title=Packers Oust the Falcons | website=The New York Times | date=2011-01-16 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/sports/football/16falcons.html | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> The Falcons scored 414 points – the fifth-most in franchise history.<ref name="atlantafalcons2"/> The team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the [[2011 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Daniel|title=Pro Bowl Breakdown: ST|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/pro-bowl-breakdown-st-4968948|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=January 30, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630215933/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/pro-bowl-breakdown-st-4968948|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the [[Cleveland Browns]] in the [[2011 NFL draft]] to select [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] wide receiver [[Julio Jones]] sixth overall. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first-, second- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012.<ref name="g659">{{cite web |title=Falcons make blockbuster deal with Browns, move up for Jones |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-make-blockbuster-deal-with-browns-move-up-for-jones-09000d5d81f8c399 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2011-04-28 |access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Jones, along with teammates [[Tony Gonzalez]] and [[Roddy White]], have since been dubbed Atlanta's "Big Three" (based on their total number of reception yards).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21177209/atlantas-jacquizz-rodgers-emerging-as-falcons-top-back|title=Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers emerging as Falcons top back|last=Singer|first=Mike|date=November 28, 2012|work=CBS Sports|access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> On August 30, 2011, [[Sports Illustrated]] senior writer [[Peter King (sportswriter)|Peter King]], who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions for the 2011 season and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190002/index.htm?eref=mySI&eref=sisf | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203010004/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190002/index.htm?eref=mySI&eref=sisf | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 3, 2012 | work=CNN | title=Galleries | date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> The Falcons finished the season at 10–6, securing the fifth seed after a Week 17 beatdown of Tampa Bay in which the Falcons pulled their starters after leading 42–0 just 23 minutes into the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Falcons then went on to play the [[New York Giants]] in a 2011 NFC Wild Card Game at [[MetLife Stadium]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]]. The first half was a defensive struggle, with the first points coming off of a safety by the Falcons, giving Atlanta a 2–0 lead. In the second quarter, though, [[Eli Manning]] connected with [[Hakeem Nicks]] for a short touchdown pass to make it 7–2 Giants heading into the second half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more touchdown passes to [[Mario Manningham]] and Nicks and the defense completed its shutout of the Falcons to give the [[New York Giants]] the win, 24–2, and the Falcons their third straight playoff loss with [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] and [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201080nyg.htm |title=Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants – January 8th, 2012 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814020930/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201080nyg.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> After the season, defensive coordinator [[Brian VanGorder]] accepted a coaching job at [[Auburn University]], and the offensive coordinator [[Mike Mularkey]] took the head coaching job in Jacksonville.<ref name="o068">{{cite web |title=Blank says Falcons 'not where we need to be' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/blank-says-falcons-not-where-we-need-to-be-09000d5d825ea186 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2012-01-11 |access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

Atlanta exploded out of the gate, going a franchise-best 8–0 and remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year.<ref name="y604">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=The 8-0 Atlanta Falcons try to play down talk of perfection | website=Savannah Morning News | date=2012-11-08 | url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2012/11/08/8-0-atlanta-falcons-try-play-down-talk-perfection/13449479007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Their hopes to get an undefeated season came to an end with a 27–31 loss to the division rival Saints. Julio Jones had a remarkable second year, grabbing 10 touchdowns and 1,198 yards. The Falcons finished the season 13–3, and clinched the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Falcons played the [[Seattle Seahawks]] in their first playoff game. Although they went down 28–27 with only 31 seconds left on the clock, [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] led the team to their first playoff victory, 30–28.<ref name="f580">{{cite web | last=Borden | first=Sam | title=Falcons Escape Against Seahawks | website=The New York Times | date=2013-01-13 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/sports/football/falcons-escape-against-seahawks.html | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> It was the only playoff victory in the Mike Smith era.

The Atlanta Falcons then advanced to face the [[San Francisco 49ers]]. The Falcons seized control of the game early with a [[Matt Bryant]] field goal, a trio of Matt Ryan touchdown passes caught by [[Julio Jones]] and [[Tony Gonzalez]] coupled with outstanding defensive play. By the end of the half, the score was 24–14. The tides of the game began to shift in the second half as the 49ers rallied back with a pair of [[Frank Gore]] touchdown runs. Atlanta's offense attempted to reply but were ultimately shut down by the 49er defense. A few series later, late in the 4th quarter with little time remaining, Atlanta found themselves in a 4th and 4 situation at the 10-yard line. The Falcons needed just 10 more yards to secure victory and advance to their first Super Bowl berth in 14 years. Matt Ryan fired a pass to [[Roddy White]] which was ultimately broken up by inside linebacker [[NaVorro Bowman]], resulting in a 28–24 defeat.<ref name="a921">{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=2013-01-21 |title=49ers head to Super Bowl, beating Falcons 28-24 |url=https://apnews.com/67471eeb1a2646e997589db86214b486 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=AP News}}</ref>

Following the success of the previous season, the Falcons were an expected Super Bowl contender. However, injuries hampered the team's performance and the team finished the season 4–12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With that, the streak of consecutive winning seasons came to an end and [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] had his first losing season as a head coach. [[Tony Gonzalez]], in his final season in the NFL, was selected to the [[2014 Pro Bowl]] as a starter representing Team Rice. Following the conclusion of the 2012 season, director of player personnel [[Les Snead]] departed the team to join the [[St. Louis Rams]] and [[David Caldwell (American football executive)|Dave Caldwell]], assistant to general manager [[Thomas Dimitroff]], left the team to join the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]]. [[Scott Pioli]], former GM of the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], was announced as the Falcons' new assistant GM. Mike Smith was given a one-year extension on his contract as head coach. The Falcons had the 6th overall pick in the [[2014 NFL draft]] with which they selected [[Jake Matthews (American football)|Jake Matthews]], who played as offensive tackle for [[Texas A&M]].<ref name="b563">{{Cite web |last=Ledbetter |first=D. Orlando |date=2014-05-08 |title=2014 NFL Draft: Falcons select OT Jake Matthews |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/2014-nfl-draft-falcons-select-jake-matthews/XNeLyMquLPTDIRMVCm2TVO/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref>

Despite having another rough season, the Falcons still had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs at the end of the regular season. The Falcons hosted the [[Carolina Panthers]] in their regular season finale, with the winners clinching the [[NFC South]] division. Unfortunately, the Falcons lost in a 34–3 blowout as [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and got sacked six times. The Falcons finished the season 6–10, marking the second consecutive losing season for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2014 |title=Panthers use opportunistic defense to crush Falcons, win NFC South |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321085908/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> The following day, [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] was fired after seven seasons as head coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith-0ap3000000451246 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2014-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317094252/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451246/article/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith |archive-date=2015-03-17 |url-status=live |last1=Patra |first1=Kevin |access-date=March 21, 2015}}</ref> The Falcons would soon hire [[Seattle Seahawks]] defensive coordinator [[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] as the team's 16th head coach.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stites|first1=Adam|title=Dan Quinn named Atlanta Falcons head coach|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|website=SB Nation|date=January 25, 2015|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]|access-date=March 21, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312012710/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the [[2015 NFL draft]] with which they selected [[Vic Beasley]], a defensive end from Clemson University.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitzgerald|first1=Matt|title=2015 NFL Draft Results: Complete List of Picks, Analysis of Major Storylines|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.|access-date=May 24, 2015|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524222537/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Dan Quinn years (2015–2020) ====
[[File:Dan Quinn 2015 intro press conference.jpg|thumb|[[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]]]]
In February 2015, the team was investigated by the NFL for alleged use of [[artificial crowd noise]] in the Georgia Dome.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schefter|first=Adam|title=NFL investigating Atlanta Falcons for fake crowd noise at Georgia Dome|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12262464/nfl-investigating-atlanta-falcons-fake-crowd-noise-georgia-dome|work=ESPN|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429100321/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12262464/nfl-investigating-atlanta-falcons-fake-crowd-noise-georgia-dome|url-status=live}}</ref> The Falcons lost a [[2016 NFL draft]] selection as a result of the league's investigation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Atlanta Falcons lose 2016 pick for pumping fake noise|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-lose-2016-pick-for-pumping-fake-noise-0ap3000000482500|website=National Football League|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812220806/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000482500/article/atlanta-falcons-lose-2016-pick-for-pumping-fake-noise|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dan Quinn's first season saw a 5–0 start, the team's best start in four years. They would then struggle throughout the rest of the season by losing 8 of their last 11 games, resulting in an 8–8 record in the 2015 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons 2015 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2015/gamelog/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They did, however, give the Panthers their only regular-season loss. The Falcons used their first-round pick in the [[2016 NFL draft]] on safety [[Keanu Neal]] from the [[University of Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the Falcons' 25th and final season in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta lost their week 1 game to the Buccaneers 24–31. The Falcons would then win their next four including one over the Panthers, when the franchise set new records: Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards, and Julio Jones caught 12 passes for 300 yards.<ref name="c681">{{cite web | last=McClure | first=Vaughn | title=Inside the record-setting numbers of Julio Jones, Matt Ryan | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-10-03 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/22849/inside-the-record-setting-numbers-of-julio-jones-matt-ryan#:~:text=And%20Ryan%20threw%20for%20a,same%20game%20in%20NFL%20history. | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> Beating the [[San Francisco 49ers]] 41–13 in Week 15, the Falcons improved to 9–5 and secured their first winning season since 2012. One week later, the Falcons defeated the Panthers in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], and clinched their first NFC South division title since 2012. In their last regular-season game at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons defeated the [[New Orleans Saints]], and secured an 11–5 record and a first-round bye.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the divisional round of the playoffs, Atlanta defeated the Seahawks 36–20 in the Georgia Dome, and hosted their last game at the Georgia Dome against the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the [[NFC Championship Game]] on January 22, 2017.<ref name="i265">{{cite web | title=Ryan leads Falcons to NFC title game, beating Seattle 36-20 | website=AP News | date=2017-01-15 | url=https://apnews.com/article/625572920a5f439b84aa202b07a5678b | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> The Falcons defeated the Packers 44–21 to advance to [[Super Bowl LI]] as the NFC champions.<ref name="p063">{{cite web | last=Newberry | first=Paul | title=Falcons head to Super Bowl after blowing out Packers 44-21 | website=AP News | date=2017-01-23 | url=https://apnews.com/falcons-head-to-super-bowl-after-blowing-out-packers-44-21-9a1e4bc98191411e850d7178ae83afc3 | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> Atlanta was up 28–3 late in the third quarter, and the [[New England Patriots]] scored 31 unanswered points, with the last 6 in the first-ever overtime in the Super Bowl. The Patriots' 25-point comeback was the largest in Super Bowl history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Tom Brady earns 4th Super Bowl MVP trophy with epic comeback|url=http://sports.nbcsports.com/2017/02/05/patriots-tom-brady-earns-4th-super-bowl-mvp-trophy-with-epic-comeback/|website=NBC Sports|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185538/http://sports.nbcsports.com/2017/02/05/patriots-tom-brady-earns-4th-super-bowl-mvp-trophy-with-epic-comeback/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, the Falcons scored 540 points in the regular season, the seventh-most in NFL history, tied with the [[Greatest Show on Turf]] (the [[2000 St. Louis Rams season|2000 St. Louis Rams]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcons tied Greatest Show on Turf for record 7th most points scored ever|url=http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/1/2/14144812/falcons-greatest-show-on-turf-rams-7th-most-points-scored-ever-break-record-thats-a-lot-of-points|website=The Falcoholic|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118065859/http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/1/2/14144812/falcons-greatest-show-on-turf-rams-7th-most-points-scored-ever-break-record-thats-a-lot-of-points|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Falcons defense gave up 406 points, 27th in the league.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807022126/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Falcons moved into their new home, the [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]], this season.<ref name="m391">{{cite web | last=Moriarty | first=Morgan | title=Meet Atlanta's amazing new stadium, 2017's biggest college football stage | website=SBNation.com | date=2017-08-24 | url=http://www.sbnation.com/a/cfb-preview-2017/new-atlanta-stadium | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> Their first game ever played at the new stadium was a preseason loss to the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. The first regular-season game at the new stadium was a rematch of the 2016–17 NFC Championship, with Atlanta defeating Green Bay 34–23.<ref name="v944">{{cite web | last=Choate | first=Dave | title=Packers 23 final score: Atlanta bounces back behind Steve Sarkisian's explosive offense | website=The Falcoholic | date=2017-09-17 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/9/17/16320938/falcons-34-packers-23-final-score-atlanta-bounces-back-behind-steve-sarkisians-explosive-offense | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> Their first loss of the season was a 23–17 home defeat to the [[Buffalo Bills]] in week 4.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017_games.htm |title=2017 Atlanta Falcons Schedule & Game Results |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |access-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072049/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017_games.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The team returned to the playoffs with a 10–6 record (albeit with a third-place finish in the NFC South). The Falcons defeated the Los Angeles Rams 26–13 in the Wild Card round, but their 2017 season came to an end a week later in the Divisional Playoff round at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 15–10.<ref name="t115">{{cite web | last=Klein | first=Gary | title=Rams' season ends with a 26-13 loss to the playoff-tested Falcons in NFC wild-card game | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2018-01-07 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-falcons-20180106-story.html | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Santoliquito | first=Joseph | title=Eagles Survive Atlanta, 15-10, To Advance To NFC Championship | website=CBS News - Philadelphia | date=2018-01-13 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/eagles-beat-atlanta-15-10/ | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref> The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw the Falcons go 7–9 and miss the postseason both years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2019.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In their first game with new uniforms, the Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home 38–25.<ref name="q087">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Falcons lose to Seahawks, Russell Wilson throws 4 touchdown passes | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=2020-09-13 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/13/falcons-lose-to-seahawks-wilson-throws-4-touchdown-passes/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> The Falcons then suffered comebacks made by both the Cowboys on the road (39–40) and then back in Atlanta against the Bears (26–30).<ref name="i971">{{cite web | last=Dixon | first=Schuyler | title=Cowboys' rally stuns Falcons 40-39 in McCarthy's home debut | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2020-09-20 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/09/20/cowboys-rally-stuns-falcons-40-39-in-mccarthys-home-debut/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref><ref name="u259">{{cite web | title=Another Falcons collapse: Foles' 3 TDs lead 30-26 Bears win | website=CBSSports.com|agency=Associated Press | date=2020-09-28 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/another-falcons-collapse-foles-3-tds-lead-30-26-bears-win/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> On October 11, after the team suffered a 23–16 loss at home against the Carolina Panthers and fell to 0–5, the Falcons announced the firings of Quinn and Dimitroff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schofield |first=Mark |date=October 11, 2020 |title=Report: Atlanta Falcons to move on from Dan Quinn |url=https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/10/11/report-atlanta-falcons-to-move-on-from-dan-quinn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027180711/https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/10/11/report-atlanta-falcons-to-move-on-from-dan-quinn/ |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Touchdown Wire|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> Defensive coordinator [[Raheem Morris]] took over for the rest of the season, leading the team to a 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Morris was not retained after the season, and soon joined the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web | title=Rams' defensive coordinator Raheem Morris hired as next head coach of Atlanta Falcons | website=CBS News - Los Angeles | date=2024-01-25 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/raheem-morris-hired-as-head-coach-by-atlanta-falcons-who-pass-on-bill-belichick/#:~:text=After%20being%20passed%20over%20for,Bowl%20championship%20his%20first%20year. | access-date=2024-07-24}}</ref>

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

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

The Falcons entered the 2023 seasons with heightened expectations after drafting [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] running back [[Bijan Robinson]] with the eighth overall pick of the [[2023 NFL draft|2023 draft]] and making significant improvements in free agency, including signing [[Jessie Bates]] and [[Calais Campbell]] to improve their defense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flick |first=Daniel |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Calais OFFICIALLY Signs With Falcons to 'Surprise Some People!' |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-official-sign-calais-campbell-free-agency-baltimore-ravens-surprise |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated Atlanta Falcons News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> However, the team finished with a 7–10 record for the third consecutive season, although they had been in contention for a playoff spot until the final day of the season before a 48–17 loss to the [[New Orleans Saints]] on January 7, 2024.<ref name="z604">{{Cite web |last=Vivlamore |first=Chris |date=2024-01-07 |title=How the day unfolded: Falcons eliminated from playoffs after drama-less day |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/how-the-day-unfolded-falcons-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-drama-less-day/UOVUPHSYEBENTAUB2ICCLGHXCQ/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> The following day, Smith was fired after three years as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Atlanta Falcons part ways with head coach Arthur Smith |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-part-ways-with-head-coach-arthur-smith |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref>

==== Raheem Morris years (2024-present) ====
On January 25, 2024, the Falcons announced Raheem Morris's return to the organization, this time as the 19th head coach in Falcons history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waack |first=Terrin |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Raheem Morris named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/raheem-morris-hired-head-coach-announcement-arthur-blank |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the early months of his tenure, Morris faced scrutiny and criticism for his questionable player selection decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Falcons coach Raheem Morris compares himself to Taylor Swift after NFL Draft pick scrutiny |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/falcons-coach-raheem-morris-compares-himself-taylor-swift-nfl-draft-pick-scrutiny |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=FOX News}}</ref>