We would like to help you support the Atlanta Falcons in person. The place we would recommend checking out for those hard to get tickets is: Get Tickets Here. Yes, everyone likes to see a winning team, but going to the game is really more about “BEING THERE”. Did your parents ever take you to a football game? Have you ever taken your kids? You know there is nothing better than being there!
Named in a write-in contest by a local schoolteacher with the reason that “the falcon is proud and dignified with great courage and fight,” the Atlanta Falcons soared in their first official game on September 11, 1966, winning a decisive 16-0 game over the Los Angeles Rams. The franchise was born in the mind of founding owner Rankin Smith Sr., who obtained the rights for an Atlanta franchise on June 30, 1965 from the NFL commissioner. With the first pick in the 1966 draft, linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas became the first Falcon in their illustrious franchise history. The team struggled initially and experienced a series of ups and downs in their history, as a new team usually does, until their best season in 1998 capped off a great 14-2 record which resulted in a NFC West Division Championship. In 2001, the Falcons experienced draft success again in acquiring the first overall pick in the draft from the San Diego Chargers, which resulted in their acquisition of superstar quarterback Michael Vick. Michael Vick originally was a backup to Pro-Bowl QB Chris Chandler until taking over at starting quarterback in 2002. Vick led them to several conference championships, still ending their season just shy of a Super Bowl Championship. With Vick’s 23 month sentence in federal penitentiary due to legal misconduct, the Falcons have looked to regain their former glory these past few years. Trying to recover from a disappointing last season, the Atlanta Falcons named former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator, Mike Smith, as the head coach for this 2008 season. Mike Smith was considered to be the brains behind Jacksonville’s incredible defensive success, and the Atlanta Falcons hope to utilize his talents to carry the Falcons into the playoffs and towards the elusive Super Bowl Championship. The Falcons also looked to beef up their offense for this season, acquiring QB Matt Ryan and OT Sam Baker in the first round of the 2008 draft. Fans excited for this new season are buying tickets fast.
2009 Season
Just two years from the collapse of the team with the arrest and jailing of former QB Michael Vick and the sudden resignation of Head Coach Bobby Petrino with three games left in the 2007 season. (Petrino left a note in the locker room explaining to the players).
Fast forward two seasons and the Falcons are no longer pretenders, they are officially contenders. 2nd year coach Mike Smith (who won the NFL Coach of the Year in 2008) has a talented cast surrounding him including the NFL Rookie of the Year QB Matt Ryan (3,440 passing yards, 17 touchdowns Vs 11 interceptions) who is only one of two QB’s to pass over 3,000 yards in a season (The other is Peyton Manning), RB Michael Turner, Pro Bowl WR Roddy White and the most recent acquisition, future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas lining up in the slot position. The best defenses in the league will be hard pressed to stop this offensive force and will have a tough time doubling any of the offensive weapons at Ryan’s disposal.
The weak spots for the Falcons are their defensive backfield and safety positions, their outside linebacker position and cornerback positions and finally the defensive end position which only pressured 34 sacks all season. Coach Smith and his defensive coordinator will have to figure out a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks much better then in 2008.
Their overall franchise accomplishments include a National Football Conference Championship and three division titles. Ticket sales are always high as this historic franchise vies for playoff contention year after year.
2008 Season
After digressing from their 2008 11-5 record, the Falcons posted an admirable 9-7 record, making it the first time in franchise history the team has posted consecutive winning records. Head Coach Mike Smith, in the 3rd year of his contract, is looking to take his team deep into the playoffs.
In the draft, the team selected LB Sean Weatherspoon with the 19th overall pick in the draft. They also feel they landed a steal with the draft of WR Kerry Meier. They also drafted Corey Peters, Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley with the 83rd, 98th and 117th picks overall.
