Editing Atlanta Falcons (section)

====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>