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Team History
The Atlanta Falcons came into the league in 1966 as an expansion team and struggled for years to find their footing in the league. The club’s successes have been few and far between with three division titles that have been years apart and only one Super Bowl appearance.
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About The Atlanta Falcons
The team waited 12 years before their first playoff appearance. Though the Falcons would continue on with some success, winning the NFC West title in 1980 with a 12-4 record, they would not be able to advance far in the playoffs.
The Falcons had a superb year in 1998, going 14-2 and winning the NFC West. The club, the “Dirty Bird” Falcons went on to shock the favored Minnesota Vikings 30-27 in overtime to win the NFC title game. The team would lose its first Super Bowl appearance to the Denver Broncos 34-19. Quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson were unable to repeat the success the next year and the franchise was once again looking for an answer.
That answer came in the 2001 draft when the Falcon selected Michael Vick. The extremely athletic quarterback ha the speed of a receiver and the second gear and quickness running back. His seasons with the team met with inconsistency as he was a threat to launch a deep ball and run for 20 yards on the same play, but was also was a threat to throw a pick in any situation.
He appeared on his way to developing into a superstar with excellent playoff performances in 2002 and 2004, but his career was derailed by after pleading guilty to charges of dog fighting. His future might rekindle after he finishes his time in prison, but the Falcons spent 2007 trying to find an answer to sudden void behind the center.
The Falcons spent the offseason in 2008 re-imaging the team. Warrick Dun was let go and super second string running back Michael Turner was signed. The quarterback position is up in the air. NFL journeymen Joey Harrington and Chris Redmond had some success in 2007, but are not the answer. Wide receiver Roddy White hopes the situation is resolved soon, so he can continue his development as a star receiver after catching 83 passes for 1,202 yards and six touchdowns in the tumultuous 2007 season.
The Falcons have also spent there time repairing a once solid defensive unit. Defensive back Vo Hutchins and defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead have been signed so far. The third pick in the draft can be used for a number of positions, but many expect the Falcons to try and strengthen the defense with the hopes of picking up a quality quarterback in the second or third round.
The team will have an interesting season at the Georgia Dome in 2008. Turner may be the force on offense the Falcons need to take pressure of the quarterback position. The defense hopes to regroup and play strong against a weak NFC South schedule.
