2015 Atlanta Falcons season

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2015 Atlanta Falcons season
OwnerArthur Blank
Head coachDan Quinn
General managerThomas Dimitroff
Home fieldGeorgia Dome
Results
Record8–8
Division place2nd NFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersRB Devonta Freeman
WR Julio Jones
CB Desmond Trufant
FB Patrick DiMarco
  • ← 2014
  • Falcons seasons
  • 2016 →

The 2015 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League and the first under new head coach Dan Quinn.

The Atlanta Falcons started the season 5–0, their best start since 2012. However, the Falcons would struggle throughout the rest of the season by losing 8 of their remaining 11 games finishing at .500 for the first time in 10 years. After their Week 15 win at EverBank Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Falcons managed to improve their record from last season. The highlight of the season was the team's Week 16 victory over their divisional rival Carolina Panthers who were 14-0 coming into the game and thus denying them a Perfect season that would've made them the second team after the 2007 Patriots to go undefeated since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule.

Offseason[]

Coaching staff changes[]

Dan Quinn at his introductory press conference
  • On December 29, 2014 head coach Mike Smith was fired after back-to-back losing seasons.
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the hiring of Dirk Koetter as their new offensive coordinator.
  • On January 15, 2015, the New York Jets announced the hiring of Joe Danna as their new defensive backs coach.
  • On January 16, 2015, the Oakland Raiders announced the hiring of Mike Tice as their new offensive line coach.
  • On January 18, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Kyle Shanahan as their new offensive coordinator.
  • On January 23, 2015, the Chicago Bears announced the hiring of Glenn Pires as their new linebackers coach.
  • On January 24, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Raheem Morris as their defensive backs coach and assistant head coach.
  • On January 26, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Richard Smith as their defensive coordinator.
  • On January 25, 2015, the Falcons promoted Wade Harman Tight Ends Coach, formally the assistant offensive line coach.
  • On January 29, 2015, the San Diego Chargers announced the hiring of Mike Nolan as their linebackers coach.
  • On January 31, 2015, the San Francisco 49ers announced the hiring of Tim Lewis as their defensive backs coach.
  • On February 2, 2015, Dan Quinn was hired as the Falcons' 16th head coach.
  • On February 2, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Chris Morgan as their offensive line coach.
  • On February 3, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Bobby Turner as their running backs coach.
  • On February 3, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Mike LaFleur as their offensive assistant.
  • On February 3, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Marquand Manuel as their defensive backs coach and senior defensive consultant.
  • On February 4, 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the hiring of Andrew Weidinger as their offensive assistant.
  • On February 4, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Steve Scarnecchia as their assistant to head coach coach.
  • On February 8, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Jeff Ulbrich as their linebackers coach.
  • On February 10, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Matt LaFleur as their Quarterback coach.
  • On February 10, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Doug Mallory as their defensive Assistant & Linebackers coach.
  • On February 10, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Mike McDaniel as their offensive assistant.
  • On February 10, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Chad Walker as their defensive assistant & defensive backs coach.
  • On February 10, 2015, the Falcons announced the hiring of Keith Carter as their assistant offensive line coach.

Free Agents[]

Number Player Position
28 Javier Arenas Cornerback
71 Kroy Biermann Defensive end
3 Matt Bryant Kicker
68 Gabe Carimi Offensive tackle
19 Drew Davis Wide receiver
42 Patrick DiMarco Fullback
30 Charles Godfrey Free safety
79 Mike Johnson Offensive guard
20 Dwight Lowery Free safety
98 Cliff Matthews Defensive end
27 Robert McClain Cornerback
86 Bear Pascoe Tight end
91 Corey Peters Defensive tackle
32 Jacquizz Rodgers Running back
64 Jonathan Scott Offensive tackle
35 Antone Smith Running back
52 Nate Stupar Linebacker
50 Osi Umenyiora Defensive end
56 Sean Weatherspoon Linebacker
14 Eric Weems Wide receiver
26 Josh Wilson Cornerback
13 T. J. Yates Quarterback

Re-signings[]

Date Player Position Contract Source
February 24, 2015 Cliff Matthews Defensive end 2 years / $1,505,000 [1]
February 24, 2015 Patrick DiMarco Fullback 2 years / $1,495,000 [1]
February 25, 2015 Matt Bryant Kicker 3 years / $8,500,000 [2]
March 3, 2015 Nate Stupar Linebacker 1 years / $585,000 [3]
March 5, 2015 Charles Godfrey Safety 1 years / $1,500,000 [4]
March 6, 2015 Eric Weems Wide receiver 2 years / $3,000,000 [5]
March 9, 2015 T. J. Yates Quarterback 1 years / $1,500,000 [6]
March 10, 2015 Antone Smith Running back 1 years / $1,400,000 [7]
March 18, 2015 Kroy Biermann Linebacker 1 years / $1,925,000 [8]

Team additions[]

Date Player Position Previous team Contract Source
February 13, 2015 Allen Bradford Linebacker Seattle Seahawks 1 year / $660,000 [9]
February 24, 2015 Nick Williams Wide receiver Washington Redskins 2-year / $1,100,000 [1]
March 10, 2015 Brooks Reed Linebacker Houston Texans 5-year / $22,000,000 [7]
March 10, 2015 Justin Durant Linebacker Dallas Cowboys 3-year / $10,800,000 [7]
March 10, 2015 Mike Person Guard St. Louis Rams 3-year / $3,350,000 [7]
March 10, 2015 Leonard Hankerson Wide receiver Washington Redskins 1 year / $1,000,000 [10]
March 12, 2015 Adrian Clayborn Defensive end Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 year / $3,000,000 [11]
March 12, 2015 Phillip Adams Cornerback New York Jets 1 year / $745,000 [11]
March 12, 2015 O'Brien Schofield Defensive end Seattle Seahawks 1 year / $1,700,000 [12]
March 18, 2015 Jared Smith Offensive guard Seattle Seahawks 1 year / $440,000 [13]
March 19, 2015 Jacob Tamme Tight end Denver Broncos 2-year / $4,000,000 [14]
March 19, 2015 Tony Moeaki Tight end Seattle Seahawks 1 year / $745,000 [15]
May 4, 2015 Collin Mooney Fullback Tennessee Titans 2-year / $1,100,000 [16]
May 14, 2015 Tyler Polumbus Offensive tackle Washington Redskins Undisclosed [17]
May 14, 2015 Chris Chester Offensive guard Washington Redskins 1 year / $2,800,000 [18]
July 29, 2015 DeMarcus Love Offensive tackle Denver Broncos Unknown [19]
August 7, 2015 Michael Ford Running back Chicago Bears Unknown [20]
August 16, 2015 Terrell Manning Linebacker New York Giants Unknown [21]
August 16, 2015 Evan Royster Running back Washington Redskins Unknown [21]
August 24, 2015 John Harris Wide receiver Philadelphia Eagles Unknown [22]
August 26, 2015 Rex Grossman Quarterback Cleveland Browns Unknown [23]

Departures[]

Date Player Position Note New Team Source
February 26, 2015 Steven Jackson Running back Released New England Patriots [24]
February 27, 2015 Harry Douglas Wide receiver Released Tennessee Titans [25][26]
February 27, 2015 Justin Blalock Offensive guard Released Retired [27]
February 27, 2015 Jonathan Massaquoi Defensive end Waived Tennessee Titans [28][29]
March 10, 2015 Sean Weatherspoon Linebacker Signed Arizona Cardinals [30]
March 10, 2015 Corey Peters Defensive end Signed Arizona Cardinals [31]
March 10, 2015 Drew Davis Wide receiver Declined option [32]
March 18, 2015 Robert McClain Cornerback Signed New England Patriots [33]
March 31, 2015 Jacquizz Rodgers Running back Signed Chicago Bears [34]
April 2, 2015 Zeke Motta Safety Waived [35]
April 3, 2015 Dwight Lowery Safety Signed Indianapolis Colts [36]
April 3, 2015 Josh Wilson Cornerback Signed Detroit Lions [37]
April 23, 2015 Bear Pascoe Tight end Signed Chicago Bears [38]
May 1, 2015 Safety Waived [39]
May 1, 2015 Reid Fragel Tackle Waived Tampa Bay Buccaneers [39]
May 1, 2015 Jordan Mabin Cornerback Waived San Diego Chargers [39]
May 1, 2015 Jacques Smith Linebacker Waived [39]
May 1, 2015 Ronnie Wingo Running back Waived [39]
May 3, 2015 Kyle Miller Tight end Waived San Diego Chargers [40]
May 29, 2015 Prince Shembo Linebacker Waived [41]
June 15, 2015 Sam Baker Offensive tackle Released [42]
August 1, 2015 Harland Gunn Offensive guard Released New England Patriots [43]
August 10, 2015 Freddie Martino Wide receiver Waived Philadelphia Eagles [44]
August 11, 2015 Javier Arenas Cornerback Signed New York Jets [45]
August 12, 2015 Ricky Havili-Heimuli Defensive tackle Waived [46]
August 16, 2015 DeMarcus Love Offensive tackle Released [21]
August 24, 2015 Marquis Spruill Linebacker Waived [22]

2015 draft class[]

Vic Beasley, the Falcons' first round pick
Main article: 2015 NFL draft
2015 Atlanta Falcons Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 8 Vic Beasley Linebacker Clemson
2 42 Jalen Collins Cornerback LSU
3 73 Tevin Coleman Running back Indiana
4 107 Justin Hardy Wide receiver East Carolina
5 137 Grady Jarrett Defensive tackle Clemson
6 185 None – see below
7 225 Jake Rodgers Offensive lineman Eastern Washington
249 Akeem King Safety San Jose State

Notes

  • The Falcons acquired an additional seventh-round selection (No. 249 overall) as part of a trade that sent the team's 2013 first-, third- and sixth-round selections to the St. Louis Rams.
  • The Falcons were not rewarded any compensatory picks this year.
  • The Falcons traded their fifth- (No.146 overall) sixth- (No.185 overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the Vikings' fifth-round selection (No.137 overall).

Staff[]

2015 Atlanta Falcons staff
Front office
  • Owner/Chairman – Arthur Blank
  • President/CEO – Rich McKay
  • general manager – Thomas Dimitroff
  • Assistant general manager – Scott Pioli
  • Director of Player Personnel – Lionel Vital
  • Director of Football Administration – Nick Polk
  • Director of Pro Scouting – DeJuan Polk
  • Director of College Scouting – Steve Sabo
  • Consultant – Joe Banner

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Dan Quinn
  • Assistant head coach/pass game coordinator – Raheem Morris
  • Assistant to the head coach – Steve Scarnecchia

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Richard Smith
  • Defensive line – Bryan Cox
  • Linebackers – Jeff Ulbrich
  • Senior defensive assistant/secondary – Marquand Manuel
  • Defensive assistant/linebackers – Doug Mallory
  • Defensive assistant/defensive backs – Chad Walker

Special teams coaches

  • Special teams coordinator – Keith Armstrong
  • Assistant special teams – Eric Sutulovich

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – A.J. Neibel
  • Strength and Conditioning Assistant – Jonas Beauchemin

Final roster[]

2015 Atlanta Falcons final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

  •  5 Matt Bosher P
  •  6 Shayne Graham K
  • 47 Josh Harris LS
 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 54 active, 7 inactive, 10 practice squad

Preseason[]

Schedule[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 14 Tennessee Titans W 31–24 1–0 Georgia Dome Recap
2 August 21 at New York Jets L 22–30 1–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
3 August 29 at Miami Dolphins L 9–13 1–2 Sun Life Stadium Recap
4 September 3 Baltimore Ravens W 20–19 2–2 Georgia Dome Recap

Regular season[]

Schedule[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 14 Philadelphia Eagles W 26–24 1–0 Georgia Dome Recap
2 September 20 at New York Giants W 24–20 2–0 MetLife Stadium Recap
3 September 27 at Dallas Cowboys W 39–28 3–0 AT&T Stadium Recap
4 October 4 Houston Texans W 48–21 4–0 Georgia Dome Recap
5 October 11 Washington Redskins W 25–19 (OT) 5–0 Georgia Dome Recap
6 October 15 at New Orleans Saints L 21–31 5–1 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
7 October 25 at Tennessee Titans W 10–7 6–1 Nissan Stadium Recap
8 November 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 20–23 (OT) 6–2 Georgia Dome Recap
9 November 8 at San Francisco 49ers L 16–17 6–3 Levi's Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 22 Indianapolis Colts L 21–24 6–4 Georgia Dome Recap
12 November 29 Minnesota Vikings L 10–20 6–5 Georgia Dome Recap
13 December 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 19–23 6–6 Raymond James Stadium Recap
14 December 13 at Carolina Panthers L 0–38 6–7 Bank of America Stadium Recap
15 December 20 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–17 7–7 EverBank Field Recap
16 December 27 Carolina Panthers W 20–13 8–7 Georgia Dome Recap
17 January 3 New Orleans Saints L 17–20 8–8 Georgia Dome Recap

Game summaries[]

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles[]

Week One: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 3 14724
Falcons 3 17 0626

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 14
  • Game time: 7:10 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,516
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Falcons began their season 1-0.

Week 2: at New York Giants[]

Week Two: Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 3 01424
Giants 0 13 7020

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 77,678
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Giants would lead 20–17 with below 2 minutes left, but Atlanta was able to pull off the comeback, scoring with 1:14 remaining after Devonta Freeman took it in from a yard out. New York tried to come back, but the Falcons would force a turnover on downs to end the game.

With the win, Atlanta improved to 2–0.

Week 3: at Dallas Cowboys[]

Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 10 81439
Cowboys 14 14 0028

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 90,345
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Falcons would trail 14–28 at one point, but they would pull off their second comeback in as many weeks, as they scored 25 unanswered points afterwards to ultimately win 39–28.

With the win, the Falcons improved to 3–0 for the first time since 2012.

Week 4: vs. Houston Texans[]

Week Four: Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 0 0 02121
Falcons 7 21 14648

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,904
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Falcons routed the Texans 48–21 at home. Atlanta would build a 42–0 lead, but Houston put up a fight, as they would outscore Atlanta 21–6 for the remainder of the game. However, the Falcons still won in a blowout.

With the win, the Falcons improved to 4–0.

Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins[]

Week Five: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Redskins 0 7 012019
Falcons 0 3 313625

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,178
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

the Falcons would win this game in overtime against the Redskins. In overtime, the game was sealed away after Robert Alford returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown to end the game.

With the win, Atlanta started 5–0 for the first time since 2012.

Week 6: at New Orleans Saints[]

Week Six: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 7 01421
Saints 14 0 10731

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 15
  • Game time: 8:25 pm. EDT/7:25 pm. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,018
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS/NFLN): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Falcons suffered their first loss of the season in New Orleans on Thursday Night Football. The Saints would lead the entire game. The Falcons would tie it, but that was the closest they would come to striking distance, as the Saints won 31–21.

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 5–1.

Week 7: at Tennessee Titans[]

Week Seven: Atlanta Falcons at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 3 7010
Titans 0 7 007

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/12:00 pm. CDT
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 63,329
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Falcons improved to 6-1.

Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers[]

Week Eight: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Buccaneers 3 10 70323
Falcons 3 0 710020

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,524
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (Fox): Justin Kutcher, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6–2.

Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers[]

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 3 10 0316
49ers 0 17 0017

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 4:05 pm. EST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 70,799
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the bitter loss, the Falcons fell to 6–3.

Week 11: vs. Indianapolis Colts[]

Week Eleven: Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 71024
Falcons 7 7 7021

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,433
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Falcons would lead 21–7 at one point, but Indianapolis would rally to erase it after D'Qwell Jackson returned an interception 6 yards to tie it at 21. The Colts would eventually go down the field to win it with an Adam Vinatieri field goal from 43 yards with 52 seconds left.

With the loss, Atlanta fell to 6–4.

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings[]

Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 31020
Falcons 0 3 0710

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,610
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6–5.

Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers[]

Week Thirteen: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 9 3719
Buccaneers 7 0 9723

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 58,221
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6–6.

Week 14: at Carolina Panthers[]

Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 0 000
Panthers 21 7 10038

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 74,420
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Falcons would suffer a blowout and shutout loss to undefeated Carolina. The Falcons would struggle all day, as the Panthers romped them 38-0, their worst shutout loss since 2004.

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 6–7. This is the first and only time they had been under .500 all season.

Week 15: at Jacksonville Jaguars[]

Week Fifteen: Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 10 0623
Jaguars 0 3 14017

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 64,016
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–7. They finished 3-1 vs AFC South.

Week 16: vs. Carolina Panthers[]

Week Sixteen: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 0 3313
Falcons 0 7 7620

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,981
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

In a major upset win, the Atlanta Falcons defeated Carolina 20–13, spoiling the Panthers' run at a perfect season. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they were eliminated from playoff contention due to the Minnesota Vikings' 49–17 win against the New York Giants later in the day.

Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints[]

Week Seventeen: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 3320
Falcons 3 14 0017

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,699
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Matt Millen and Peter Schrager
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Falcons ended their season 8–8, and finished 1–5 against their division.

Statistics[]

Team leaders[]

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Matt Ryan 4,591
Passing touchdowns Matt Ryan 21
Rushing yards Devonta Freeman 1,061
Rushing touchdowns Devonta Freeman 11
Receptions Julio Jones 136
Receiving yards Julio Jones 1,871
Receiving touchdowns Julio Jones 8
Points Matt Bryant 83
Kickoff return yards Eric Weems 403
Punt return yards Eric Weems 221
Tackles Paul Worrilow 95
Sacks Vic Beasley 4.0
Interceptions Ricardo Allen 3
Forced fumbles Vic Beasley 2

Stats as of week 16.[47]

Standings[]

Division[]

NFC South
  • view
  • talk
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Carolina Panthers 15 1 0 .938 5–1 11–1 500 308 W1
Atlanta Falcons 8 8 0 .500 1–5 5–7 339 345 L1
New Orleans Saints 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 408 476 W2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 342 417 L4

Conference[]

NFC
  • v
  • t
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division Leaders
1 Carolina Panthers South 15 1 0 .938 5–1 11–1 .441 .438 W1
2 Arizona Cardinals West 13 3 0 .813 4–2 10–2 .477 .457 L1
3 Minnesota Vikings North 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 .504 .449 W3
4 Washington Redskins East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 .465 .403 W4
Wild Cards
5[a] Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .531 .450 L2
6[a] Seattle Seahawks West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .520 .431 W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Atlanta Falcons South 8 8 0 .500 1–5 5–7 .480 .453 L1
8[b] St. Louis Rams West 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .527 .482 L1
9[b] Detroit Lions North 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .535 .429 W3
10[b] Philadelphia Eagles East 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 .508 .473 W1
11[b] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 .504 .402 W2
12[c] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .500 .396 L3
13[c] Chicago Bears North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 3–9 .547 .469 L1
14[c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 .484 .406 L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .539 .463 W1
16 Dallas Cowboys East 4 12 0 .250 3–3 3–9 .531 .438 L4
Tiebreakers[d]
  1. ^ a b Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b c d St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
    Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. ^ a b c The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
  4. ^ 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.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Jay Adams (2015-02-24). "Falcons Extend Two Vets, Sign WR Williams". Atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  2. ^ Jay Adams (2015-02-25). "Falcons Sign K Bryant to Contract Extension". Atlantafalcons.com. Archived from the original on 2015-03-18. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  3. ^ Jay Adams. "Falcons Sign LB Stupar to Extension". Atlantafalcons.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  4. ^ Jay Adams. "Falcons Sign Veteran S Godfrey to Extension". Atlantafalcons.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  5. ^ Jay Adams. "Falcons Sign Weems to Contract Extension". Atlantafalcons.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  6. ^ Jay Adams. "Falcons Sign QB Yates to Extension". Atlantafalcons.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  7. ^ a b c d "Atlanta Falcons on Twitter: "The Falcons have agreed to terms with LB Justin Durant, G Mike Person, LB Brooks Reed and RB Antone Smith. #RiseUp"". Twitter.com. 2015-03-10. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
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