55th season in franchise history; final one with Dan Quinn
The 2020 season Atlanta Falcons ' 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium , and their sixth and final season under head coach Dan Quinn .
For the first time since the 2003 season , the Falcons wore new uniforms, which were unveiled on April 8, 2020.[1]
The Falcons failed to improve on their 7–9 season from the previous year following a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season the same week. They suffered their worst record since 2013 , and finished last place in the NFC South for the first time since 2007 . This was in part of the Falcons beginning the season 0–5, their first 0–5 start since 1997 , which included two squandered fourth-quarter leads by more than 15 points in back-to-back weeks. This season was plagued by blown leads, with the Falcons squandering six total leads which led to losses and lost eight games with a deficit of 7 or less points.[2] Carolina Panthers , the Falcons fired head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff .[3] Raheem Morris interim head coach.[4] Ben Kotwicka was fired.
Trades
Undrafted free agents [ edit ]
2020 Atlanta Falcons staff
Front office
Owner/chairman – Arthur Blank
President/CEO – Rich McKay
General manager – Thomas Dimitroff (fired Oct. 11)
Director of pro personnel – Shepley Heard
Director of football operations – Nick Polk
Director of college scouting – Anthony Robinson
Director of player personnel – Steve Sabo
Vice president of player affairs – Kevin Winston
National scouts – Ruston Webster , Phil Emery , and Joel Collier Head coaches
Head coach – Dan Quinn
Interim head coach/defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris
Assistant head coach/interim defensive coordinator/linebackers – Jeff Ulbrich
Assistant to the head coach – Steve Scarnecchia Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Special teams coordinator – Ben Kotwica
Assistant special teams – Mayur Chaudhari
Game management coordinator – Will Harriger Strength and conditioning
Head strength and conditioning – Jesse Ackerman
Assistant strength – Brandon Ireland
2020 Atlanta Falcons final roster
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics 52 active, 3 inactive, 15 practice squad (+1 exempt)
The Falcons' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic .[5]
The Falcons' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[5]
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 49-yard field goal, 11:06. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:54.
SEA – Chris Carson 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 4:43. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 6:23.
SEA – Chris Carson 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 0:53. Seahawks 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 1:17. Second quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 1-yard run (kick failed), 11:25. Seahawks 14–9. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:28.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 14–12. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 1:37. Third quarter
SEA – DK Metcalf 38-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 9:41. Seahawks 21–12. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:19.
SEA – Greg Olsen 7-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 5:05. Seahawks 28–12. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:48. Fourth quarter
SEA – Jason Myers 42-yard field goal, 11:19. Seahawks 31–12. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:50.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 18-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 9:35. Seahawks 31–18. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:44.
SEA – Carlos Hyde 1-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 3:45. Seahawks 38–18. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:30.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 0:33. Seahawks 38–25. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 3:12.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the loss, the Falcons failed to win their opening game for the third straight season and lost their first home opener since 2016 .
Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys [ edit ]
Week 2: Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
20
9
0 10 39
Cowboys 0
10
14 16 40
at AT&T Stadium , Arlington, Texas
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Calvin Ridley 22-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 10:58. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 22 yards, 0:08.
ATL – Hayden Hurst 42-yard pass from Calvin Ridley (Younghoe Koo kick), 7:37. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:49.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 42-yard field goal, 4:26. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:26.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 27-yard field goal, 1:06. Falcons 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 3:04. Second quarter
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:09. Falcons 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:57.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 5:58. Falcons 26–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:11.
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 33-yard field goal, 1:46. Falcons 26–10. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:12.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 41-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 29–10. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 1:44. Third quarter
DAL – Dak Prescott 2-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:23. Falcons 29–17. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:37.
DAL – Dak Prescott 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:14. Falcons 29–24. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 2:47. Fourth quarter
ATL – Russell Gage 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 14:23. Falcons 36–24. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 4:51.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 32-yard field goal, 7:57. Falcons 39–24. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards, 4:49.
DAL – Dalton Schultz 10-yard pass from Dak Prescott (run failed), 4:57. Falcons 39–30. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
DAL – Dak Prescott 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein), 1:49. Falcons 39–37. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 1:08.
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Cowboys 40–39. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:49.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
The Falcons got off to a 29–10 lead in the first half, but the Cowboys outscored them 30–10 in the second half, including three straight scoring drives in the fourth quarter to win 40–39. In the waning moments of the game, with the Falcons clinging to a 39–37 lead, the Cowboys managed to recover an onside kick despite three Falcons being there to recover it; the Falcons then allowed a game-winning field goal. With this loss, the Atlanta Falcons dropped to 0–2 on the season, their first such start to a season since 2007 . The team also dropped to 11–18 all-time against the Cowboys. The Falcons' 39 points scored were the second-most by a losing team all season (only the Browns scored more in a loss, with 42 points against the Ravens in Week 15).
The Falcons recorded three takeaways (all in the first half), but also gave up 572 yards to the Cowboys offense. Atlanta's loss marked the first time a team that scored 39+ points with no giveaways lost a game; teams were previously 440–0 in said situation.[6]
Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears [ edit ]
Week 3: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Bears 3
7
0 20 30
Falcons
6
10
10 0 26
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Hayden Hurst 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed), 9:43. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 1:09.
CHI – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 2:43. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 7:00. Second quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 29-yard field goal, 8:31. Falcons 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 6:18.
ATL – Brian Hill 35-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 4:37. Falcons 16–3. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:17.
CHI – Jimmy Graham 2-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Cairo Santos kick), 1:50. Falcons 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:47. Third quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 10-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 12:34. Falcons 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:26.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, 9:58. Falcons 26–10. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:55. Fourth quarter
CHI – Jimmy Graham 3-yard pass from Nick Foles (pass failed), 6:20. Falcons 26–16. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 2:50.
CHI – Allen Robinson 37-yard pass from Nick Foles (Cairo Santos kick), 4:21. Falcons 26–23. Drive: 3 plays, 55 yards, 0:59.
CHI – Anthony Miller 37-yard pass from Nick Foles (Cairo Santos kick), 1:53. Bears 30–26. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:06.
Top passers
CHI – Nick Foles – 16/29, 188 yards, 3 TD, INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/38, 238 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
CHI – David Montgomery – 14 rushes, 45 yards
ATL – Todd Gurley – 14 rushes, 80 yards, TD Top receivers
CHI – Allen Robinson – 10 receptions, 123 yards, TD
ATL – Calvin Ridley – 5 receptions, 110 yards
For the second consecutive week, the Falcons blew a 15+ point lead entering the fourth quarter. With yet another defeat, the Atlanta Falcons lost their first three games of the season for the first time since 2007 . The Falcons became the first team in NFL history to lose at least two games in the same season after leading by at least 15 points entering the fourth quarter.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Elliott Fry 23-yard field goal, 7:38. Packers 7–3. Drive: 20 plays, 94 yards, 10:36.
GB – Robert Tonyan 19-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (kick failed), 2:28. Packers 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:10.
GB – Robert Tonyan 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Matt Crosby kick), 0:46. Packers 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 0:51. Third quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 5-yard run (kick failed), 7:20. Packers 20–9. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:22.
GB – Robert Tonyan 21-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Matt Crosby kick), 5:18. Packers 27–9. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 2:02. Fourth quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 3-yard run (Elliott Fry kick), 12:52. Packers 27–16. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:26.
GB – Matt Crosby 48-yard field goal, 5:55. Packers 30–16. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 6:57.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers [ edit ]
Week 5: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Panthers 3
17
0 3 23
Falcons
7
0
3 6 16
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 35-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 8:19. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 4:36.
CAR – Joey Slye 38-yard field goal, 0:57. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 7:22. Second quarter
CAR – Joey Slye 39-yard field goal, 9:06. Falcons 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:53.
CAR – D. J. Moore 57-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Joey Slye kick), 2:30. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:23.
CAR – Mike Davis 3-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Joey Slye kick), 0:23. Panthers 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 1:11. Third quarter
ATL – Youngoe Koo 46-yard field goal, 12:19. Panthers 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:41. Fourth quarter
ATL – Youngoe Koo 31-yard field goal, 14:48. Panthers 20–13. Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 5:29.
CAR – Joey Slye 22-yard field goal, 1:10. Panthers 23–13. Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 7:39.
ATL – Youngoe Koo 54-yard field goal, 0:04. Panthers 23–16. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 1:06.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 12:02. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:41.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 50-yard field goal, 3:02. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:51. Second quarter
ATL – Calvin Ridley 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:54. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:52.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 21-yard field goal, 0:01. Falcons 20–0. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 1:05. Third quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 47-yard field goal, 10:45. Falcons 23–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 4:15.
MIN – Justin Jefferson 11-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 6:25. Falcons 23–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:20.
ATL – Julio Jones 40-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:01. Falcons 30–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:24. Fourth quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 43-yard field goal, 7:07. Falcons 33–7. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 3:33.
MIN – Adam Thielen 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins-Irv Smith Jr. pass), 3:58. Falcons 33–15. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:09.
ATL – Hayden Hurst 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:11. Falcons 40–15. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:47.
MIN – Justin Jefferson 49-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins-Justin Jefferson pass), 1:26. Falcons 40–23. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:45.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions [ edit ]
Week 7: Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Lions 7
3
3 10 23
Falcons
0
14
0 8 22
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : October 25Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : Cloudy, 71 °F (22 °C) (retractable roof open)Game attendance : 7,796Referee : Land Clark TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Greg Jennings , Brock Huard and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 1-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 10:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 3:10.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 0:29. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 14 plays, 98 yards, 5:48.
DET – Matt Prater 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 0:29. Third quarter
DET – Matt Prater 51-yard field goal, 7:34. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 7:26. Fourth quarter
DET – Matt Prater 49-yard field goal, 3:16. Lions 16–14. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 2:13.
ATL – Todd Gurley 10-yard run (Matt Ryan-Calvin Ridley pass), 1:04. Falcons 22–16. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 2:12.
DET – T. J. Hockenson 11-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:00. Lions 23–22. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 1:04.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
In the final seconds of the game, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford would throw a walk-off touchdown pass to tight end T. J. Hockenson to tie the game. The extra point was successfully converted, giving the Lions a 23–22 victory. Previously during the game, Falcons running back Todd Gurley had accidentally scored a touchdown on a play where the Falcons intended to down the ball at the Lions' 1, run out the clock and kick a field goal.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 1–6. The Falcons wore their red to black gradient uniforms for the first time ever in this game.
Week 8: at Carolina Panthers [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 20-yard field goal, 11:14. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:46.
CAR – Curtis Samuel 12-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 0:29. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 37-yard field goal, 2:36. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:38. Second quarter
CAR – Curtis Samuel 29-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Joey Slye kick), 12:40. Panthers 14–6. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 2:07.
ATL – Matt Ryan 13-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 8:02. Panthers 14–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:38.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 3:55. Third quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 29-yard field goal, 6:22. Falcons 19–14. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:10.
CAR – Joey Slye 39-yard field goal, 2:59. Falcons 19–17. Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 3:23. Fourth quarter
ATL – Todd Gurley 3-yard run (kick failed), 11:01. Falcons 25–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:58.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Atlanta Falcons got their only win in their division.
Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos [ edit ]
Week 9: Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Broncos
0
3
3 21 27
Falcons 10
10
7 7 34
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 52-yard field goal, 9:51. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 5:09.
ATL – Olamide Zaccheaus 51-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:24. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 5:38. Second quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 43-yard field goal, 12:27. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 2:57.
ATL – Brandon Powell 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 9:18. Falcons 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:09.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 35-yard field goal, 1:44. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:28. Third quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 41-yard field goal, 11:02. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:58.
ATL – Julio Jones 21-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 6:20. Falcons 27–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:08. Fourth quarter
DEN – Jerry Jeudy 20-yard pass from Drew Lock (Brandon McManus kick), 13:15. Falcons 27–13. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:03.
ATL – Todd Gurley 4-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 9:05. Falcons 34–13. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:31.
DEN – Tim Patrick 9-yard pass from Drew Lock (Brandon McManus kick), 3:53. Falcons 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:45.
DEN – Drew Lock 10-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 1:52. Falcons 34–27. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:30.
Top passers
DEN – Drew Lock – 25/48, 313 yards, 2 TD, INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/35, 284 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
DEN – Drew Lock – 7 rushes, 47 yards, TD
ATL – Todd Gurley – 19 rushes, 53 yards, TD Top receivers
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 7 receptions, 125 yards, TD
ATL – Olamide Zaccheaus – 4 receptions, 103 yards, TD
The Falcons wore white at home for the first time since 2003 against the Broncos. The Falcons would jump out to a 20–3 at halftime, but the Broncos would attempt a comeback, and outscored Falcons 24–14 in the second half, but the Falcons held on to get the win. With the win, the Falcons advanced to 3–6.
Week 11: at New Orleans Saints [ edit ]
Week 11: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
3
6
0 0 9
Saints 3
7
7 7 24
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome , New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 22Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 6,000Referee : Brad AllenTV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam OliverRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 28-yard field goal, 11:21. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:39.
NO – Wil Lutz 22-yard field goal, 2:47. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:30. Second quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 51-yard field goal, 13:56. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 3:51.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 52-yard field goal, 4:31. Falcons 9–3. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 2:54.
NO – Alvin Kamara 3-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:46. Saints 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:45. Third quarter
NO – Taysom Hill 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 9:11. Saints 17–9. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:49. Fourth quarter
NO – Taysom Hill 10-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:41. Saints 24–9. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 4:00.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/37, 232 yards, 2 INT
NO – Taysom Hill – 18/23, 233 yards Top rushers
ATL – Todd Gurley – 8 rushes, 26 yards
NO – Taysom Hill – 10 rushes, 51 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
Week 12: vs. Las Vegas Raiders [ edit ]
Week 12: Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Raiders
0
3
3 0 6
Falcons 6
10
14 13 43
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : November 29Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 9,124Referee : Land ClarkTV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 38-yard field goal, 8:26. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:01.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 39-yard field goal, 7:06. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:08. Second quarter
LV – Daniel Carlson 29-yard field goal, 12:59. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:25.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:17. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 7:21.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 30-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 16–3. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 0:59. Third quarter
ATL – Deion Jones 67-yard interception return (Younghoe Koo kick), 11:36. Falcons 23–3.
LV – Daniel Carlson 24-yard field goal, 6:39. Falcons 23–6. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 4:57.
ATL – Brandon Powell 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:01. Falcons 30–6. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:39. Fourth quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 29-yard field goal, 13:34. Falcons 33–6. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:07.
ATL – Ito Smith 8-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 10:48. Falcons 40–6. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:25.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 54-yard field goal, 4:57. Falcons 43–6. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 4:27.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 13: vs. New Orleans Saints [ edit ]
Week 13: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints 7
7
7 0 21
Falcons
3
6
0 7 16
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : December 6Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 8,713Referee : Adrian Hill TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Shannon SpakeRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 30-yard field goal, 4:51. Saints 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 2:49.
NO – Jared Cook 11-yard pass from Taysom Hill (Wil Lutz kick), 1:45. Saints 14–6. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:06.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 14–9. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 1:45. Third quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 11-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 9:01. Saints 21–9. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:59. Fourth quarter
ATL – Russell Gage 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 7:43. Saints 21–16. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:26.
Top passers
NO – Taysom Hill – 27/37, 232 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/39, 273 yards, TD Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 15 rushes, 88 yards, TD
ATL – Ito Smith – 8 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers
Week 14: at Los Angeles Chargers [ edit ]
Week 14: Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
7
10
0 0 17
Chargers 7
3
7 3 20
at SoFi Stadium , Inglewood, California
Date : December 13Game time : 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST Game weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 0Referee : Tony Corrente TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Davis, Brock Huard, Jenny TaftRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 45-yard field goal, 9:47. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:46
LAC – Michael Badgley 35-yard field goal, 8:13. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards 1:34
ATL – Laquon Treadwell 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 4:51. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22 Third quarter
LAC – Tyron Johnson 12-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Michael Badgley kick), 1:10. Tied 17–17. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 8:21 Fourth quarter
LAC – Michael Badgley 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 0:30
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 21/31, 224 yards, TD, 3 INT
LAC – Justin Herbert – 33/40, 195 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
ATL – Calvin Ridley – 8 receptions, 124 yards, TD
LAC – Austin Ekeler – 9 receptions, 67 yards
With the loss to a game-winning field goal, the Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention for the third straight season and failed to achieve a winning season.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ]
Week 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers 0
0
21 10 31
Falcons
7
10
7 3 27
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date : December 20Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 10,703Referee : Brad RogersTV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam OliverRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Calvin Ridley 12-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 7:48. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:10.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 32-yard field goal, 0:15. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 3:29. Third quarter
TB – Leonard Fournette 1-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 11:28. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:32.
ATL – Hayden Hurst 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 7:34. Falcons 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:54.
TB – Chris Godwin 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 3:44. Falcons 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:50.
TB – Leonard Fournette 1-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 0:05. Falcons 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:48. Fourth quarter
TB – Ryan Succop 27-yard field goal, 11:10. Tied 24–24. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:15.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 52-yard field goal, 8:22. Falcons 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:48.
TB – Antonio Brown 46-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 6:19. Buccaneers 31–27. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 2:03.
Top passers
TB – Tom Brady – 31/45, 390 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/49, 356 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
TB – Leonard Fournette – 14 rushes, 49 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Ito Smith – 6 rushes, 24 yards Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 6 receptions, 110 yards
ATL – Calvin Ridley – 10 receptions, 163 yards, TD
The Falcons jumped out to a 17–0 lead by halftime, but, in a turn of events similar to Super Bowl LI , Atlanta allowed Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to outscore the Falcons 31–10 in the second half en route to a Tampa Bay victory.
Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs [ edit ]
Week 16: Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
0
7
0 7 14
Chiefs 0
7
0 10 17
at Arrowhead Stadium , Kansas City, Missouri
Date : December 27Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : 49 °F (9 °C)Game attendance : 13,470Referee : Craig WrolstadTV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam OliverRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
KC – Harrison Butker 53-yard field goal, 14:08. Chiefs 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:31.
ATL – Laquon Treadwell 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 4:33. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
KC – Demarcus Robinson 25-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 1:55. Chiefs 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:38.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/35, 300 yards, 2 TD
KC – Patrick Mahomes – 24/44, 278 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
ATL – Calvin Ridley – 5 receptions, 130 yards
KC – Travis Kelce – 7 receptions, 98 yards, TD
Late in the game, the Falcons were in position to tie the game against the defending Super Bowl champions, but Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal which was partially deflected. With this loss, the Falcons fell to 4-11.
Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ]
Week 17: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
3
7
10 7 27
Buccaneers 10
13
0 21 44
at Raymond James Stadium , Tampa, Florida
Date : January 3, 2021Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 65 °F (18 °C)Game attendance : 16,009Referee : Alex Kemp TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Greg Jennings and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
TB – Chris Godwin 29-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 11:06. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:54.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 22-yard field goal, 3:33. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 7:33.
TB – Ryan Succop 29-yard field goal, 0:07. Buccaneers 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:26. Second quarter
TB – Antonio Brown 25-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 12:30. Buccaneers 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:14.
TB – Ryan Succop 38-yard field goal, 8:44. Buccaneers 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:27.
ATL – Matt Ryan 1-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:56. Buccaneers 20–10. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:48.
TB – Ryan Succop 25-yard field goal, 0:00. Buccaneers 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 1:56. Third quarter
ATL – Russell Gage 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 8:49. Buccaneers 23–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:11.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 21-yard field goal, 0:30. Buccaneers 23–20. Drive: 15 plays, 79 yards, 6:43. Fourth quarter
TB – Ronald Jones II 3-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 11:13. Buccaneers 30–20. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:17.
ATL – Hayden Hurst 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 8:19. Buccaneers 30–27. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:54.
TB – Chris Godwin 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 3:54. Buccaneers 37–27. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
TB – Antonio Brown 30-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 2:52. Buccaneers 44–27. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 0:19.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the loss, the Falcons finished last place in the NFC South for the first time since 2007 .
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division leaders
1
Green Bay Packers
North
13
3
0
.813
5–1
10–2
.428
.387
W6
2[a]
New Orleans Saints
South
12
4
0
.750
6–0
10–2
.459
.406
W2
3[a]
Seattle Seahawks
West
12
4
0
.750
4–2
9–3
.447
.404
W4
4
Washington Football Team
East
7
9
0
.438
4–2
5–7
.459
.388
W1
Wild cards
5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
South
11
5
0
.688
4–2
8–4
.488
.392
W4
6
Los Angeles Rams
West
10
6
0
.625
3–3
9–3
.494
.484
W1
7[b]
Chicago Bears
North
8
8
0
.500
2–4
6–6
.488
.336
L1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[b]
Arizona Cardinals
West
8
8
0
.500
2–4
6–6
.475
.441
L2
9
Minnesota Vikings
North
7
9
0
.438
4–2
5–7
.504
.366
W1
10[c]
San Francisco 49ers
West
6
10
0
.375
3–3
4–8
.549
.448
L1
11[c] [d]
New York Giants
East
6
10
0
.375
4–2
5–7
.502
.427
W1
12[d]
Dallas Cowboys
East
6
10
0
.375
2–4
5–7
.471
.333
L1
13[e]
Carolina Panthers
South
5
11
0
.313
1–5
4–8
.531
.388
L1
14[e]
Detroit Lions
North
5
11
0
.313
1–5
4–8
.508
.350
L4
15
Philadelphia Eagles
East
4
11
1
.281
2–4
4–8
.537
.469
L3
16
Atlanta Falcons
South
4
12
0
.250
1–5
2–10
.551
.391
L5
Tiebreakers [f]
^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of Seattle based on conference record.
^ a b Chicago finished and clinched the 7th and final playoff spot ahead of Arizona based on better win percentage in common games (against Detroit, the NY Giants, Carolina, and the LA Rams, Chicago finished 3–2, while Arizona finished 1–4).
^ a b San Francisco finished ahead of the NY Giants based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Dallas (see below).
^ a b NY Giants won tiebreaker over Dallas based on division record.
^ a b Carolina finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
^ "Official Website of the Atlanta Falcons Football Club" . atlantafalcons.com . Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2020 .^ "Falcons fans fume after team blows big lead in loss for second straight game" . Associated Press . Associated Press. September 27, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020 .^ "Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, coach Dan Quinn relieved of their duties" . atlantafalcons.com . Retrieved October 11, 2020 .^ "Atlanta Falcons name Raheem Morris interim head coach" . AtlantaFalcons.com . Atlanta Falcons. October 12, 2020.^ a b Shook, Nick (July 27, 2020). "Roger Goodell writes letter to NFL fans as training camps start across U.S." NFL . Retrieved July 27, 2020 . ^ This wasn’t 28-3, but the Atlanta Falcons’ latest loss was historically heartbreaking , GolfDigest, September 20, 2020
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