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The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Kevin Stefanski as the team’s new head coach, marking a major step in the franchise’s rebuild under new leadership.
Stefanski, 43, a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year (2020 and 2023), was hired late Saturday night after an in-person meeting with owner Arthur M. Blank, and Matt Ryan as their new President of Football Operations.
and other Falcons executives in Atlanta.He becomes the 20th head coach in franchise history and will report directly to Ryan, the former Falcons quarterback and Hall of Fame-caliber leader now guiding the football side.
Stefanski succeeds Raheem Morris, who was fired as head coach along with the general manager,who was not retained after the 2025 season ended with an 8-9 record—marking the team’s eighth straight non-winning campaign.
“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski,” Ryan said in a statement. “He brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation.”
Ryan highlighted Stefanski’s emphasis on accountability, a player-driven culture, and tight coordination between coaching, scouting, and personnel—qualities the Falcons believe will help maximize the talent already on the roster.
Stefanski arrives in Atlanta after six seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, where he compiled a 45-56 record.
His standout achievements included guiding Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020 (their first since 2002 and first postseason win since 1994) with an 11-5 mark, and again in 2023 with an 11-6 finish—earning Coach of the Year honors both times.
His Browns teams were consistently strong in the run game, posting multiple top-six rankings in rushing yards per game.
Before Cleveland, Stefanski spent 14 years with the Minnesota Vikings, rising from various assistant roles to offensive coordinator under coaches like Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Zimmer.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said. “I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
He added that he plans to move quickly to assemble a top-tier coaching staff and connect with the organization’s key personnel.
Blank praised the hire, calling Stefanski a coach with “the right vision, focus and demeanor to lead our team into the future.”
He emphasized the shared commitment to winning games and contending for championships annually, promising full support and resources for Stefanski’s success.
Stefanski, a Philadelphia native and former University of Pennsylvania defensive back (two-time All-Ivy League selection), is married to Michelle and has three children: Juliette, Will, and Gabe.
The move comes as the Falcons look to turn the corner with standout young talents like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (who is recovering from a 2025 ACL injury).
Stefanski’s track record as an offensive-minded coach—particularly in developing rushing attacks and quarterback play—could prove a strong fit.
Falcons fans in Atlanta and across the region now turn their attention to the offseason: building out the staff, addressing the still-vacant general manager role, and positioning the team for a competitive 2026 campaign.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for updates on the new era under Coach Stefanski. Rise Up!
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The Atlanta Falcons have officially named legendary quarterback Matt Ryan as their new President of Football Operations.
The announcement, made Tuesday, Jan. 13 at a packed press conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marks a triumphant homecoming for the man who once led the team to Super Bowl glory and now steps into a pivotal front-office role to shape the franchise’s future.
In his first remarks as president, Ryan expressed gratitude and enthusiasm: “I am so excited to be a part of this organization. I didn’t know much about the city before I got here, and now here we are, however years later, and it’s home. It really is.”
“I’m at the same table, but my seat has changed,” Ryan said, alluding to his new role in the organization. “There is a sense of unfinished business. We were close at times and had some success here and there, but i truly believe we’re going to get there.”
Matt Ryan: ‘There’s a Sense of Unfinished Business‘
Blank said that the Falcons interviewed five people, including Ryan. Fresh off the firing of their head coach and general manager, the Falcons are looking for Ryan to immediately work on filling those positions.
Ryan, affectionately known as “Matty Ice” during his 14-year tenure with the Falcons, retired from playing in 2023 after a storied career that included stints with the Indianapolis Colts.
A first-round draft pick out of Boston College in 2008, he quickly became the face of the franchise, amassing over 59,000 passing yards, 367 touchdowns, and earning the NFL MVP award in 2016.
At the end of that same season, he orchestrated one of the most memorable campaigns in Falcons history, guiding the team to Super Bowl LI with his poise under pressure and pinpoint accuracy.
After hanging up his cleats, Ryan transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting and philanthropy, but his heart never strayed far from Atlanta. Blank praised the decision, stating, “He led us through the most successful 14 years of our franchise. Everything between football and grass he is responsible for.”
The role of President of Football Operations places Ryan at the helm of the team’s football strategy, overseeing scouting, player personnel, coaching staff decisions, and long-term roster planning. This comes at a crucial time for the Falcons, who have been rebuilding since their last playoff appearance in 2017.
With a young core including quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Bijan Robinson, Ryan’s expertise could be the catalyst for a return to contention in the NFC South.
Local fans are buzzing about the hire. “Matt Ryan back in the fold? That’s huge for us,” said longtime season ticket holder Jamal Thompson. “He knows what it takes to win here—no one’s better equipped to fix our front office.”
As the Falcons gear up for the offseason, Ryan’s immediate priorities include evaluating free agency targets, preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, and fostering a culture of excellence. Insiders suggest he may draw from his experiences under coaches like Mike Smith and Dan Quinn to implement data-driven decisions and innovative training regimens.
This appointment isn’t just a nod to nostalgia; it’s a strategic play to leverage Ryan’s deep football IQ and Atlanta roots. For a franchise hungry for success, Matty Ice’s return could be the chill factor that turns the heat up on the competition.
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In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the Dirty South sports scene, the Atlanta Falcons announced Saturday, Jan. 10 that franchise icon Matt Ryan has been named the team’s new President of Football.
Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank made the blockbuster hire official on Saturday, bringing back the former NFL MVP to lead all football operations for the organization.
Matt Ryan Named President of Atlanta Falcons Football
Ryan, who spent 14 unforgettable seasons under center for the Falcons (2008-2021), assumes the role immediately.
He’ll report directly to Blank and work closely with President and CEO Greg Beadles to align football and business sides of the team.
Both the incoming head coach and general manager — positions currently open following last week’s firings of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot — will report directly to Ryan, giving the 2016 league MVP final say on major football decisions.
“Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history,” Blank said in a statement. “From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and he brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.”
Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College, holds virtually every major passing record in Falcons history: 59,735 yards, 367 touchdowns, a 94.6 passer rating, and a franchise-best 120-102 regular-season record.
He led Atlanta to five playoff appearances, two NFC Championship games, and a Super Bowl run in 2016, when he earned NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and first-team All-Pro honors.
After a one-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts and three seasons as a respected CBS Sports analyst, Ryan is back where it all began.
“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said. “While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity.”
Ryan emphasized his commitment to rebuilding the culture in Flowery Branch: “I know first-hand what a great foundation this organization has and I’m confident we can build on that and cement a culture of accountability, tenacity, resilience and winning… My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.”
The Falcons have missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons — a drought that started before Ryan’s final year as starter in 2021.
Fans are hoping the return of “Matty Ice” signals a new era of competitiveness for the black and red.
Ryan will jump straight into the search for Atlanta’s next head coach and general manager, with the team expected to move quickly.
Welcome home, Matt. Rise Up.
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As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the Atlanta Falcons have wrapped up with an 8-9 record and a third-place finish in the NFC South. That positioning has now finalized the team’s opponents for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
The Falcons will once again face their NFC South rivals twice each – home and away – while matching up against the full NFC North and AFC North divisions.
Falcons’ 2026 Opponents Revealed
Additional games come from the rotating schedule: a road trip to face the third-place NFC East finisher (Washington Commanders) and home contests against the third-place teams from the NFC West (San Francisco 49ers) and AFC West (Kansas City Chiefs).
Here’s the complete breakdown of the Falcons’ 2026 opponents, with each team’s 2025 record noted for context:
Home Opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
Note: One of these home games will be designated as an international matchup, per the NFL’s award to the Falcons in December 2025. The specific opponent, location, and date will be revealed later.
Away Opponents
- at Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- at New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- at Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
- at Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- at Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- at Washington Commanders (5-12)
The full 2026 schedule, including dates, times, and prime-time slots, will be released by the NFL this spring. In the meantime, Falcons fans can start marking their calendars for what promises to be an exciting slate right here in Atlanta!
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for all the latest Falcons news, analysis, and offseason updates as the team gears up for 2026. Rise Up!
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Just days after the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris, the veteran NFL coach is already generating buzz around the league as a top candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Morris is scheduled to interview for the head coaching positions with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
The report indicates that Morris will conduct in-person meetings with all three teams over the next eight days, marking a quick rebound for the 49-year-old coach following his dismissal in Atlanta.
The Falcons finished the 2025 campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season under the current regime. Morris, who was hired in 2024, compiled a 16-18 record over two seasons in Atlanta.
The move came as a surprise to some fans but was seen as necessary by team owner Arthur Blank, who cited the need for “new leadership” after repeated disappointing finishes despite high expectations surrounding the team.
Despite the short tenure in Atlanta, Morris remains highly regarded league-wide for his defensive expertise and leadership. He previously served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011 and as interim head coach for the Falcons in 2020.
More recently, he has been praised for his work as a defensive coordinator and assistant coach with several teams.
Morris was let go by the Falcons on Sunday night alongside general manager Terry Fontenot, hours after the team’s season-ending 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The Cardinals, Giants, and Titans are all in the market for new head coaches following their own disappointing 2025 seasons.
The Giants and Titans made midseason changes earlier in the year, while the Cardinals are seeking fresh direction as well.
Morris’s quick pivot to these interviews underscores his strong reputation among NFL decision-makers.
With a packed schedule ahead, the former Falcons coach could be one of the first major hires of the 2026 coaching carousel.
Falcons fans will be watching closely as Morris looks to land his next opportunity, while the search for Atlanta’s next head coach continues with several names already emerging as potential candidates.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for the latest updates on the Falcons’ coaching search and the ongoing NFL hiring cycle.
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In a move that provides immediate salary cap relief and sets a clear timeline for the future, the Atlanta Falcons and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins have agreed to modify the final two years of his contract, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The restructuring significantly reduces Cousins’ 2026 base salary from $35 million (non-guaranteed) to just $2.1 million, shifting the $32.9 million difference to increase his 2027 compensation.
Key Decision Looms by March 13 for Cousins, Falcons
This adjustment also adds a $67.9 million vesting guarantee for the 2027 season that activates on March 13—the third day of the 2026 NFL league year.
As a result, the Falcons must decide on Cousins’ future with the team well before that date, as it’s highly unlikely any organization (including Atlanta) would absorb such a massive guarantee.
This agreement offers upside for both parties. For the Falcons, the immediate drop in Cousins’ cap hit creates much-needed flexibility as the team navigates a major organizational overhaul following the recent departures of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
Atlanta now has more room to maneuver in free agency and the draft while searching for new leadership to guide the franchise forward.
For Cousins, the 37-year-old signal-caller, the modification clarifies his status: he is poised to become a free agent by March 13 at the latest.
This timeline gives him and the broader NFL market certainty, allowing potential suitors to plan accordingly without the overhang of an enormous 2027 commitment.
Importantly, the restructure does not impact any previously guaranteed money owed to Cousins, and it doesn’t preclude a return to Atlanta.
The veteran, who expressed after the Falcons’ season-ending win over the New Orleans Saints that he would “love” to stay in Atlanta, could still negotiate a new deal with the incoming regime if both sides align on vision and role.
High Hopes When Cousins Arrived in Atlanta
Cousins joined the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season on a four-year, $180 million contract, bringing veteran stability to the quarterback room. After a full season as starter in 2024, he transitioned to a backup role in 2025 behind first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
An injury to Penix opened the door for Cousins to start the final seven games, where he went 5-3 while throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions in 10 total appearances (eight starts).
With Penix expected to reclaim the starting job in 2026 (barring setbacks in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury), the Falcons appear positioned to move forward with the younger quarterback long-term.
A post-June 1 release designation remains a likely outcome if no extension materializes, allowing Atlanta to spread any remaining dead cap money across 2026 and 2027 while maximizing near-term flexibility.
As the Falcons embark on their search for a new general manager and head coach, this contract tweak provides a clean slate at the game’s most important position.
Whether Cousins finishes his career in Atlanta or begins a new chapter elsewhere, today’s agreement represents a pragmatic step forward for all involved.
Final Word
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for the latest updates on the Falcons’ offseason moves, coaching search, and what comes next for the quarterback position. #RiseUp
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Less than 24 hours after the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, Morris is already drawing interest from another NFL team.
According to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, the Tennessee Titans plan to interview the former Falcons coach for their vacant head coaching position later this week.
The news comes as the NFL’s coaching carousel spins into high gear following “Black Monday.”
The Falcons fired Morris on Sunday night despite the team closing the 2025 season with a four-game winning streak and an 8-9 record – matching the mark from his first season in 2024.
Over two years at the helm in Atlanta, Morris compiled a 16-18 record but failed to reach the playoffs, prompting owner Arthur Blank to seek new leadership.
Morris, 49, is no stranger to head coaching opportunities. He previously served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach from 2009-2011 and as the Falcons’ interim coach in 2020 (4-7 record).
His most notable success came as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
For Falcons fans, the quick interest in Morris from Tennessee may come as a mixed bag.
While his tenure here ended without postseason success, Morris was widely respected in the locker room for his player-friendly approach and ability to foster team unity.
Players Voiced Support for Morris
Players like Jessie Bates III and Bijan Robinson publicly supported him late in the season, crediting his leadership for the late surge.
Falcons Owner Sought a Change
On NFL.com, Kevin Patra noted the futility of the hot streak: “A four-game winning streak to end the season couldn’t save the jobs of Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.”
The Falcoholic’s Dave Choate cited insiders on the premeditated nature: “Per NFL insiders Ollie Connolly and Josina Anderson… Atlanta has ‘had feelers’ out to potential candidates for weeks now and were going to fire both Morris and Fontenot regardless of the season’s end result.”
The Titans, who fired Brian Callahan earlier in the 2025 season and finished with another disappointing campaign, are casting a wide net in their search.
Reports indicate they are also eyeing recently fired coaches like Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns) and several high-profile coordinators.
Morris is expected to draw interest from multiple teams for both head coaching and defensive coordinator roles, given his track record on defense and reputation as a strong communicator.
As the Falcons turn the page and begin their own search for a new head coach and GM – with names like Kevin Stefanski already linked – it’s clear Morris won’t be out of work for long.
We’ll keep you updated on any further developments involving former Falcons staff as the offseason unfolds.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for full coverage of the coaching search and all things Dirty Birds. Rise Up!
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In a move signaling a fresh start for the franchise, the Atlanta Falcons announced late Sunday that searches for a new head coach and general manager will commence immediately
This comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025 season, where the team finished with a sub-.500 record and missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
Falcons Begin Search for New Coach, GM
The Falcons’ front office has been under scrutiny since the abrupt firing of former GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
Team owner Arthur Blank and president Rich McKay emphasized the urgency of the process in a press release, stating that the organization is committed to finding the right leaders to guide the Falcons back to contention in the NFC South.
“We are excited to begin this journey and build a winning culture that our fans deserve,” Blank said.
To aid in the head coach search, the Falcons have enlisted the expertise of ZRG Partners, a global executive search firm known for its work in sports and entertainment.
ZRG has previously assisted in high-profile NFL hires, bringing a data-driven approach to identifying top coaching talent.
For the general manager position, the team will partner with Sportsology Group, a consultancy specializing in sports executive searches.
Sportsology has a track record of helping franchises like the New York Giants and Washington Commanders in similar roles, focusing on strategic organizational builds.
No specific timeline has been established for completing either search, allowing the Falcons flexibility to thoroughly evaluate candidates.
However, the processes will run concurrently, enabling potential synergies between the new coach and GM hires. This parallel approach could expedite the overall rebuild, as the two roles often intersect in player personnel decisions and team vision.
Final Word
Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that these searches will yield innovative leaders capable of maximizing the talents of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a young core of players.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for updates on potential candidates, interviews, and all things Falcons as this story develops. What do you think of the hires? Sound off in the comments below!
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In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the Falcons faithful, the Atlanta Falcons announced the dismissal of Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday evening, capping off a tumultuous 2025 season that fell far short of expectations.
The announcement came via a press release from team owner Arthur Blank, who cited the need for a “fresh direction” after the Falcons finished the year with a disappointing 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.
Falcons Part Ways With Raheem Morris, Terry Fontenot
“I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Falcons, but I believe we need new leadership in these roles moving forward,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “The decision to move away from people who represent the organization so well and have a shared commitment to the values that are important to the organization is not an easy one, but the results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans and leadership. I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Morris, 49, was hired as the Falcons’ head coach in 2024 following a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
His tenure in Atlanta began with promise, as the team showed flashes of defensive improvement and offensive creativity in his first year.
However, injuries to key players like quarterback Michael Penix Jr., less-than-stellar play from Kirk Cousins and misused running back Bijan Robinson, combined with inconsistent play-calling, derailed the 2025 campaign. The Falcons ranked 28th in total defense and struggled with late-game collapses, including a mid season stint where they loss seven of eight games.
Fontenot, who joined the Falcons as GM in 2021 after a long career in the New Orleans Saints’ front office, oversaw a roster rebuild that included high-profile draft picks like edge rusher Dallas Turner and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
While his talent evaluation was praised early on—particularly for selecting Robinson in the 2023 draft—the past two seasons exposed flaws in free agency decisions and salary cap management. Critics pointed to overpaid contracts for aging veterans and a lack of depth on the offensive line as key factors in the team’s underperformance.
The firings come on the eve of what is traditionally known as “Black Monday” in the NFL, the day after the regular season when underperforming teams make sweeping changes.
Atlanta’s decision was unexpected by some, given Morris’s defensive background and Fontenot’s track record in player scouting, but fan frustration had been building throughout the year. Social media erupted with calls for change after a string of blowout losses in November and December.
Former Falcons greats weighed in on the news. Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Ryan, now a broadcaster, expressed surprise but understanding: “Raheem brought energy and a player’s coach mentality, but results matter in this league. Terry built a young core, but the wins didn’t come. Atlanta deserves better.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Blank indicated that the search for new leadership would begin immediately, with an emphasis on candidates who can maximize the team’s young talent and navigate the upcoming draft, where the Falcons hold the No. 8 overall pick.
Potential head coaching candidates rumored to be on the radar include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, known for his innovative schemes, and former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who has expressed interest in returning to the NFL.
For the GM role, names like Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi and Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz have surfaced in early speculation.
This marks the third head coaching change for the Falcons since their Super Bowl LI appearance in 2017, highlighting the ongoing instability in the front office. Fans, who have endured years of mediocrity, are hopeful that Blank’s latest reset will finally turn the tide.
The Atlanta Sports Gazette will provide updates as the coaching and GM searches unfold. For now, the Dirty Birds are once again at a crossroads, searching for the leaders to soar back into contention.
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There was a time that we used to label them as “The Aints” and that’s what they’ll forever be. When the teams square off on Sunday, old wounds will be revisited. (You can stream the game for free)
The rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in the NFL. It is often referred to as the “Southern Showdown” or “The Battle of the South.” This rivalry has been fueled by regional pride, memorable games, and the fact that both teams often found themselves battling for supremacy in the NFC South.
This article will look back at the rivalry between the Falcons and Saints, which for many years has been mired in mediocrity — but not of late.
Origins of the Rivalry (1960s–1970s)
The Saints and the Falcons first met in 1967, during the Falcons’ second season and the Saints’ inaugural season in the NFL. As two of the NFL’s southernmost teams at the time, geographic proximity naturally bred rivalry, with Atlanta and New Orleans separated by only about 430 miles. Both teams were known for struggling in their early years. From the late 1960s through the 1970s, neither team had much success, often finishing near the bottom of their respective divisions. However, this helped to create an intense rivalry between the two fanbases, as the teams would fight to avoid being the worst in the league.
Escalation in the 1980s
The rivalry gained a higher profile in the 1980s as both teams began to see sporadic success. The Falcons drafted quarterback Steve Bartkowski, while the Saints eventually brought in quarterback Archie Manning, both of whom became faces of their respective franchises. The games between the Saints and Falcons were usually hard-fought and unpredictable, with memorable moments such as the Falcons’ 62-7 rout of the Saints in 1973 and the Saints winning their first-ever game against the Falcons in 1969.
In the 1980s, the competitiveness of the games helped solidify the rivalry. While the Saints remained without a playoff appearance until 1987, the Falcons had some playoff success, but the rivalry continued to be fierce due to the passionate fanbases.
The 1991 NFC Wild Card Game: A Turning Point
One of the most famous moments in the rivalry’s history came during the 1991 NFC Wild Card game. The Falcons and Saints met in the playoffs for the first time, with the Saints hosting their first-ever playoff game after a 12-4 season. The Falcons, under head coach Jerry Glanville and led by quarterback Chris Miller, came into the game as underdogs. In a hard-fought and emotional contest, the Falcons pulled off a stunning 27-20 victory, with Miller throwing a game-winning touchdown to Michael Haynes. This loss for the Saints was devastating, as it marked the end of a historic season. It fueled the hatred between the fanbases even more.
1990s and Early 2000s: The Rivalry Stays Heated
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the rivalry remained intense, even as the teams went through periods of success and struggle. The Saints were led by quarterback Bobby Hebert and later by Aaron Brooks, while the Falcons saw the rise of quarterback Chris Chandler, who helped take them to the Super Bowl in 1998.
Despite the teams’ varying success, the rivalry games were often close and unpredictable. For example, the Saints beat the Falcons in 1999, the same season in which the Falcons had just come off their Super Bowl appearance, showing the “any given Sunday” nature of the rivalry.
The Arrival of Drew Brees and Michael Vick (2000s)
The rivalry took on new life in the mid-2000s with the arrival of two franchise-altering quarterbacks: Michael Vick for the Falcons and Drew Brees for the Saints. Vick, an electrifying playmaker, turned the Falcons into one of the most exciting teams in the NFL during the early 2000s. Meanwhile, Brees helped to revive the Saints’ franchise when he joined in 2006, leading them to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season.
The games between Vick and Brees added a new layer of excitement to the rivalry. One notable game came in 2006, when the Saints returned to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina in an emotional Monday Night Football matchup against the Falcons. The Saints dominated the game, winning 23-3, with the blocked punt by Steve Gleason becoming one of the most iconic moments in Saints history. This game further solidified the Saints’ resurgence and added emotional depth to the rivalry.
Super Bowl Era: Saints’ Dominance (2010s)
During the 2010s, the Saints, led by Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton, largely dominated the rivalry, but the Falcons had their moments as well. The Saints consistently made the playoffs, winning several division titles and often beating the Falcons along the way. However, the Falcons had their own success, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance in the 2016 season. Although they infamously lost the game to the New England Patriots after leading 28-3, their rivalry with the Saints only grew stronger.
The games between the Saints and Falcons during this period were often marked by high drama, close finishes, and playoff implications. In 2011, for example, the Saints secured a playoff berth by beating the Falcons in a dramatic overtime victory. In 2018, the Saints beat the Falcons on Thanksgiving in front of a national audience, further fueling the competitive fire between the two teams.
The Post-Brees Era and Continued Rivalry
As both franchises entered the 2020s, the rivalry continued to evolve. Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, marking the end of an era for the Saints. Meanwhile, the Falcons had already moved on from Matt Ryan, and they began a rebuilding process.
Even in this period of transition, the games between the Saints and Falcons remained fiercely competitive, with each team looking to spoil the other’s season, regardless of records.
The Saints and Falcons rivalry stands out for its passion, unpredictability, and the way it has reflected the ups and downs of both franchises.
It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about regional pride and the connection between two cities that have had their share of struggles but always rally behind their teams. It is one of the few NFL rivalries where the games matter not only for playoff positioning but for the bragging rights that extend beyond football and into the culture of both cities.
