2018 Atlanta Falcons season


53rd season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 53rd in the National Football League, their second playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (the venue for Super Bowl LIII) and their fourth under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons attempted to be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium as an expected Super Bowl contender. However, the Falcons were riddled with injuries, losing 7 starters to IR with the Falcons stumbling to a 1–4 start.

Following a 31–17 loss to the Saints in Week 12, the Falcons fell to 4–7 and failed to match their 10–6 campaign from 2017. With a 34–20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Falcons fell to 4–9 and suffered their first losing season since the 2014 season. Despite beating the Arizona Cardinals 40–14 in Week 15, the Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2015 with a win by the Minnesota Vikings. However, they were able to end their season with a 3 game win streak to finish 7–9.

Roster changes

Free agents

Unrestricted

Position Player 2018 Team Date signed Contract
CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson Atlanta Falcons March 5, 2018 1 year, $880,000
K Matt Bryant Atlanta Falcons March 10, 2018 3 years, $10.1 million
WR Taylor Gabriel Chicago Bears March 13, 2018 4 years, $26 million
DT Dontari Poe Carolina Panthers March 15, 2018 3 years, $28 million

Draft

2018 Atlanta Falcons Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 26 Calvin Ridley WR Alabama
2 58 Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado
3 90 Deadrin Senat DT South Florida
4 126 Ito Smith RB Southern Miss
6 194 Russell Gage WR LSU from Los Angeles Rams
200 Foyesade Oluokun LB Yale

Draft trades

  • The Falcons traded their fifth-round selection (163rd overall) to Denver in exchange for offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo.[1]
  • The Falcons were awarded a seventh-round compensatory pick (256th overall).
  • The Falcons traded both of their seventh-round selections (244th and 256th overall) to Los Angeles in exchange for the Rams' sixth-round selection (194th overall).[2]

Staff

2018 Atlanta Falcons staff

Front office

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

Special teams coaches

  • Special teams coordinator – Keith Armstrong
  • Assistant special teams – Mayur Chaudhari

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Jesse Ackerman
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Jonas Beauchemin
  • Assistant strength – Brandon Ireland

Final roster

2018 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
 53 active, 8 inactive, 11 practice squad

Preseason

The Falcons' preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 11.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 10 at New York Jets L 0–17 0–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
2 August 17 Kansas City Chiefs L 14–28 0–2 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
3 August 25 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 6–17 0–3 EverBank Field Recap
4 August 30 Miami Dolphins L 7–34 0–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 6 at Philadelphia Eagles L 12–18 0–1 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
2 September 16 Carolina Panthers W 31–24 1–1 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
3 September 23 New Orleans Saints L 37–43 (OT) 1–2 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
4 September 30 Cincinnati Bengals L 36–37 1–3 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
5 October 7 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 17–41 1–4 Heinz Field Recap
6 October 14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 34–29 2–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
7 October 22 New York Giants W 23–20 3–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
8 Bye
9 November 4 at Washington Redskins W 38–14 4–4 FedExField Recap
10 November 11 at Cleveland Browns L 16–28 4–5 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
11 November 18 Dallas Cowboys L 19–22 4–6 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
12 November 22 at New Orleans Saints L 17–31 4–7 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
13 December 2 Baltimore Ravens L 16–26 4–8 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
14 December 9 at Green Bay Packers L 20–34 4–9 Lambeau Field Recap
15 December 16 Arizona Cardinals W 40–14 5–9 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
16 December 23 at Carolina Panthers W 24–10 6–9 Bank of America Stadium Recap
17 December 30 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 34–32 7–9 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Kickoff Game

Week One: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 3 3 0612
Eagles 0 3 7818

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

First quarter

  • ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 5:01. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:07.

Second quarter

  • PHI – Jake Elliott 26-yard field goal, 6:09. Tied 3–3. Drive: 14 plays, 52 yards, 8:03.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 52-yard field goal, 2:08. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:01.

Third quarter

  • PHI – Jay Ajayi 1-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 4:37. Eagles 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:34.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 9-yard run (kick failed), 9:48. Falcons 12–10. Drive: 2 plays, 27 yards, 0:47.
  • PHI – Jay Ajayi 11-yard run (Jay Ajayi run), 2:19. Eagles 18–12. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:32.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 21/43, 251 yards, INT
  • PHI – Nick Foles – 19/34, 117 yards, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Two: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 7 01424
Falcons 3 14 7731

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

First quarter

  • CAR – Graham Gano 54-yard field goal, 11:36. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:24.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 5:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:55.

Second quarter

  • CAR – Jarius Wright 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:42. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:28.
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:39.
  • ATL – Austin Hooper 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:22. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:13.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Matt Ryan 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:23. Falcons 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:26.

Fourth quarter

  • CAR – Torrey Smith 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:23. Falcons 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.
  • ATL – Matt Ryan 8-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:17. Falcons 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
  • CAR – D. J. Moore 51-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:20. Falcons 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 96 yards, 1:36.

Top passers

  • CAR – Cam Newton – 32/45, 335 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 23/28, 272 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

  • CAR – Cam Newton – 5 carries, 42 yards
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 16 carries, 107 yards

Top receivers

Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Three: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Saints 7 9 714643
Falcons 7 7 716037

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 23
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 74,457
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Cris Carter and Sara Walsh
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NO – Wil Lutz 49-yard field goal, 9:37. Saints 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:21.
  • NO – Wil Lutz 21-yard field goal, 3:06. Saints 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:46.
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:12. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
  • NO – Wil Lutz 45-yard field goal, 0:06. Saints 16–14. Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 0:34.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 12:00. Falcons 21–16. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
  • NO – Cameron Meredith 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:07. Saints 23–21. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:29.

'Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan-Austin Hooper pass), 14:11. Falcons 29–23. Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 6:56.
  • NO – Zach Line 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:59. Saints 30–29. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
  • ATL – Mohamed Sanu 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan-Mohamed Sanu pass), 6:56. Falcons 37–30. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:01.
  • NO – Drew Brees 7-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:15. Tied 37–37. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:43.

Overtime

  • NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run, 2:55. Saints 43–37. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:05.

Top passers

  • NO – Drew Brees – 39/49, 396 yards, 3 TD
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/35, 374 yards, 5 TD

Top rushers

  • NO – Alvin Kamara – 16 carries, 66 yards
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 15 carries, 33 yards

Top receivers

  • NO – Alvin Kamara – 15 receptions, 124 yards
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley – 7 receptions, 146 yards, 3 TD

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Four: Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 14 14 0937
Falcons 7 17 3936

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ATL – Logan Paulsen 17-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:03. Tied 14–14. Drive 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:09.
  • CIN – John Ross 39-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Randy Bullock kick), Bengals 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:52.
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant), 2:55. Tied 21–21. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:16.
  • CIN – Giovani Bernard 1-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 0:44. Bengals 28–21. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:11.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 55-yard field goal, 0:00. Bengals 28–24. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 0:44.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Matt Bryant 28-yard field goal, 11:22. Bengals 28–27. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:46.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 30-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Two-point conversion failed), 14:25. Falcons 33–28. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 2:13.
  • CIN – Randy Bullock 36-yard field goal, 8:19. Falcons 33–31. Drive: 11 plays, 34 yards, 6:06.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 32-yard field goal, 4:15. Falcons 36–31. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 4:04.
  • CIN A. J. Green 13-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Two-point conversion failed), 0:07. Bengals 37–36. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 4:08.

Top passers

  • CIN – Andy Dalton – 29/41, 337 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/39, 419 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • CIN – Tyler Boyd – 11 receptions, 100 yards
  • ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 173 yards

Week 5: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Five: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 10 0717
Steelers 13 0 141441

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 64,781
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ATL – Mohamed Sanu 43-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:21. Steelers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:16.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 47-yard field goal, 4:23. Steelers 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 5:56.

Third quarter

  • PIT – Antonio Brown 9-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 3:42. Steelers 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 7:06.
  • PIT – James Conner 2-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 1:39. Steelers 27–10. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 0:58.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Ito Smith 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:28. Steelers 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:11.
  • PIT – Antonio Brown 47-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 9:41. Steelers 34–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:47.
  • PIT – L. J. Fort fumble recovery in end zone (Chris Boswell kick), 3:35. Steelers 41–17.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/38, 285 yards, 1 TD
  • PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 19/29, 250 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

  • ATL – Devonta Freeman – 8 carries, 32 yards
  • PIT – James Conner – 21 carries, 110 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Six: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 6 7 31329
Falcons 7 17 01034

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • ATL – Mohamed Sanu 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:22. Falcons 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:14.
  • ATL – Ito Smith 14-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 12:19. Falcons 14–6. Drive: 14 plays, 86 yards, 7:23.
  • ATL – Austin Hooper 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:30. Falcons 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:13.
  • TB – O. J. Howard 10-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:26. Falcons 21–13. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 2:55.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 0:01. Falcons 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 0:25.
Third quarter
  • TB – Chandler Catanzaro 35-yard field goal, 2:39. Falcons 24–16. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 4:08.
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Chris Godwin 9-yard pass from Jameis Winston (pass failed), 11:34. Falcons 24–22. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:45.
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:28. Falcons 31–22. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:06.
  • TB – Peyton Barber 5-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 3:47. Falcons 31–29. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:41.

Top passers

  • TB – Jameis Winston – 30/41, 395 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/41, 355 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • TB – Peyton Barber – 13 carries, 82 yards
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 10 carries, 35 yards

Top receivers

  • TB – Chris Godwin – 6 receptions, 56 yards, 1 TD
  • ATL – Julio Jones – 10 receptions, 144 yards

Week 7: vs. New York Giants

Week Seven: New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 3 31420
Falcons 0 10 01323

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Second quarter
  • ATL – Marvin Hall 47-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 4:51. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards, 1:01.
  • NYG – Aldrick Rosas 31-yard field goal, 0:50. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:01.
  • ATL – Giorgio Tavecchio 40-yard field goal, 0:03. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter
  • NYG – Aldrick Rosas 36-yard field goal, 3:51. Falcons 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 1:48.
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Giorgio Tavecchio 50-yard field goal, 14:55. Falcons 13–6. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:56.
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 30-yard run (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 7:47. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 5:14.
  • NYG – Saquon Barkley 2-yard run (kick failed), 4:47. Falcons 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:00.
  • ATL – Giorgio Tavecchio 56-yard field goal, 1:55. Falcons 23–12. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:52.
  • NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. 1-yard pass from Eli Manning (Saquon Barkley run), 0:05. Falcons 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 1:50.

Top passers

  • NYG – Eli Manning – 27/38, 399 yards, 1 TD
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/39, 379 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

  • NYG – Saquon Barkley – 14 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 11 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD

Top receivers

  • NYG – Saquon Barkley – 9 receptions, 51 yards
  • ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 104 yards

Week 9: at Washington Redskins

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 14 71038
Redskins 0 7 7014

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 62,386
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ATL – Ito Smith 12-yard run (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 9:10. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:19.
  • WAS – Josh Doctson 2-yard pass from Alex Smith (Dustin Hopkins kick), 3:10. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:00.
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 40-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 0:28. Falcons 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:42.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 9:58. Falcons 28–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:02.
  • WAS – Kapri Bibbs 3-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 2:15. Falcons 28–14. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:42.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Giorgio Tavecchio 27-yard field goal, 7:09. Falcons 31–14. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:43.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 3:42. Falcons 38–14. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:16.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/38, 250 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
  • WAS – Alex Smith – 30/46, 306 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 13 carries, 88 yards
  • WAS – Alex Smith – 1 carries, 22 yards

Top receivers

  • ATL – Julio Jones – 7 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD
  • WAS – Maurice Harris – 10 receptions, 124 yards

Week 10: at Cleveland Browns

Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 10 0616
Browns 7 7 14028

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ATL – Giorgio Tavecchio 40-yard field goal, 12:18. Browns 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 7:18.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 5:04. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:26.
  • CLE – Nick Chubb 13-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Greg Joseph kick), 0:55. Browns 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Duke Johnson 11-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Greg Joseph kick), 10:27. Browns 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 3:00.
  • CLE – Nick Chubb 92-yard run (Greg Joseph kick), 8:45. Browns 28–10. Drive: 2 plays, 92 yards, 0:16.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Austin Hooper 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 4:24. Browns 28–16. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 4:03.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 38/52, 330 yards, 2 TD
  • CLE – Baker Mayfield – 17/20, 216 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Eleven: Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 0 31622
Falcons 0 6 31019

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), sunny – retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 74,447
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DAL – Brett Maher 21-yard field goal, 3:00. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 85 yards, 7:23.

Second quarter

  • ATL – Matt Bryant 41-yard field goal, 14:56. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:04.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 0:34. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 33 yards, 4:13.

Third quarter

  • DAL – Brett Maher 50-yard field goal, 10:20. Tied 6–6. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 4:45.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 53-yard field goal, 7:16. Falcons 9–6. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:03.

Fourth quarter

  • DAL – Dak Prescott 4-yard run (kick failed), 14:23. Cowboys 12–9. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:53.
  • DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 23-yard run (Brett Maher kick), 12:33. Cowboys 19–9. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:41.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 8:28. Cowboys 19–12. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:00.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 34-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 1:52. Tied 19–19. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:10.
  • DAL – Brett Maher 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Cowboys 22–19. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 1:52.

Top passers

  • DAL – Dak Prescott – 22/32, 208 yards
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 24/34, 291 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 12: at New Orleans Saints

NFL on Thanksgiving Day

Week Twelve: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 3 0 7717
Saints 7 10 7731

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,017
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison and Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Wil Lutz 22-yard field goal, 9:09. Saints 10–3. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 8:26.
  • NO – Austin Carr 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:20. Saints 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:10.
Third quarter
  • NO – Dan Arnold 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:59. Saints 24–3. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:18.
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:22. Saints 24–10. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:37.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Keith Kirkwood 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:27. Saints 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 3:00.
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 1:51. Saints 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 1:48.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 35/47, 377 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • NO – Drew Brees – 15/22, 171 yards, 4 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 2 carries, 16 yards
  • NO – Alvin Kamara – 14 carries, 89 yards

Top receivers

  • ATL – Julio Jones – 11 receptions, 147 yards
  • NO – Dan Arnold – 4 receptions, 48 yards, TD

Week 13: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Thirteen: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 3 61026
Falcons 3 7 0616

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), mostly cloudy – retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 72,262
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 9:32. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 5:28.
  • BAL – Lamar Jackson 13-yard rush (Justin Tucker kick), 4:17. Ravens 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:15.

Second quarter

  • ATL – Vic Beasley 74-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 11:33. Falcons 10–7.
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 41-yard field goal, 0:06. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 1:40.

Third quarter

  • BAL – Justin Tucker 21-yard field goal, 9:59. Ravens 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:01.
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 45-yard field goal, 0:31. Ravens 16–10. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 8:08.

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Justin Tucker 47-yard field goal, 7:25. Ravens 19–10. Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 6:38.
  • BAL – Tavon Young 12-yard fumble return (Justin Tucker kick), 7:16. Ravens 26–10.
  • ATL – Austin Hooper 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 4:18. Ravens 26–16. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:58.

Top passers

  • BAL – Lamar Jackson – 12/21, 125 yards
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 16/26, 131 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

  • BAL – Gus Edwards – 21 carries, 82 yards
  • ATL – Ito Smith – 7 carries, 22 yards

Top receivers

  • BAL – Mark Andrews – 3 receptions, 47 yards
  • ATL – Austin Hooper – 5 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD

The Falcons were the only NFC South team to lose to all of their AFC North opponents in 2018.

Week 14: at Green Bay Packers

Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 0 01320
Packers 7 13 14034

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 25 °F (−4 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 77,329
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 50-yard field goal, 7:45. Packers 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 43 yards, 6:02.
  • GB – Bashaud Breeland 22-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick), 6:08. Packers 17–7.
  • GB – Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal, 0:03. Packers 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 2:45.
Third quarter
  • GB – Randall Cobb 24-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 12:49. Packers 27–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:16.
  • GB – Aaron Jones 29-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 5:57. Packers 34–7. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Julio Jones 12-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:39. Packers 34–14. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 4:13.
  • ATL – Justin Hardy 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan, 0:18. Packers 34–20. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 2:23.
Top passers
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 28/42, 262 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers – 21/32, 196 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • ATL – Ito Smith – 11 carries, 60 yards
  • GB – Aaron Jones – 17 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • ATL – Julio Jones – 8 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD
  • GB – Davante Adams – 7 receptions, 81 yards, TD

Matt Ryan eclipsed 4,000 yards, becoming the third quarterback in NFL history to reach 4,000 in at least eight consecutive seasons, joining Drew Brees (2006-2017) & Peyton Manning (2006-2014).[3] Julio Jones eclipsed 1,400 yards and became the first player in NFL history to register five consecutive seasons with at least 1,400 yards.[4]

Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Fifteen: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 0 0714
Falcons 10 16 7740

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 72,084
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 1-yard rush (Zane Gonzalez kick), 8:25. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:22.
  • ATL – Deion Jones 41-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), 6:11. Tied 7–7.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 22-yard field goal, 0:37. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:15.

Second quarter

  • ATL – Matt Ryan 1-yard rush (Matt Bryant kick), 12:32. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:37.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 5:16. Falcons 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:03.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 21-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 0:13. Falcons 26–7. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 0:57.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 43-yard rush (Matt Bryant kick), 5:39. Falcons 33–7. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 1:53.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Justin Hardy 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:14. Falcons 40–7. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 6:32.
  • ARI – Trent Sherfield 7-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Zane Gonzalez kick), 3:14. Falcons 40–14. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 3:50.

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh Rosen – 13/22, 132 yards, 2 INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 22/36, 231 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 11 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 11 carries, 145 yards, 1 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 receptions, 82 yards
  • ATL – Julio Jones – 6 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD

Despite this win, the loss by Miami to Minnesota eliminated the Falcons from post-season contention and once again assures that the Super Bowl host team will not play the championship game on their own field.

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 3 14024
Panthers 7 3 0010

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 73,722
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 50-yard field goal, 7:46. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 5:22.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 39-yard field goal, 5:35. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:09.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:51. Falcons 17-10. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:09.
  • ATL – Mohamed Sanu 44-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:45. Falcons 24-10. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 4:06.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 15/26, 239 yards, 3 TD
  • CAR – Taylor Heinicke – 33/53, 274 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • ATL – Brian Hill – 8 rushes, 115 yards
  • CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 21 rushes, 101 yards

Top receivers

Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Seventeen: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 7 171034
Buccaneers 7 10 31232

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 52,884
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • TB – Cairo Santos 36-yard field goal, 8:25. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:16.
  • TB – Chris Godwin 30-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cairo Santos kick), 0:46. Buccaneers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 0:56.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:20. Buccaneers 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:26.
Third quarter
  • ATL – Matt Ryan 5-yard pass from Mohamed Sanu (Matt Bryant kick), 8:49. Buccaneers 17–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:11.
  • TB – Cairo Santos 45-yard field goal, 6:39. Buccaneers 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:10.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 49-yard field goal, 1:59. Buccaneers 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:40.
  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 23-yard rush (Matt Bryant kick), 0:44. Falcons 24–20. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 0:35.
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 10:51. Falcons 31–20. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:59.
  • TB – Mike Evans 10-yard pass from Jameis Winston (pass failed), 8:09. Falcons 31–26. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:42.
  • TB – Chris Godwin 19-yard pass from Jameis Winston (pass failed), 5:10. Buccaneers 32–31. Drive: 2 plays, 34 yards, 0:44.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 34–32. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 5:10.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/44, 378 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • TB – Jameis Winston – 22/35, 345 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman – 8 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
  • TB – Peyton Barber – 15 carries, 66 yards

Top receivers

  • ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 138 yards, TD
  • TB – Chris Godwin – 6 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TD

Standings

Division

NFC South
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 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New Orleans Saints 13 3 0 .813 4–2 9–3 504 353 L1
Atlanta Falcons 7 9 0 .438 4–2 7–5 414 423 W3
Carolina Panthers 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 376 382 W1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 396 464 L4

Conference

NFC
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# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[a] New Orleans Saints South 13 3 0 .813 4–2 9–3 .482 .488 L1
2[a] Los Angeles Rams West 13 3 0 .813 6–0 9–3 .480 .428 W2
3 Chicago Bears North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 10–2 .430 .419 W4
4 Dallas Cowboys East 10 6 0 .625 5–1 9–3 .488 .444 W2
Wild Cards
5 Seattle Seahawks West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .484 .400 W2
6 Philadelphia Eagles East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 6–6 .518 .486 W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Minnesota Vikings North 8 7 1 .531 3–2–1 6–5–1 .504 .355 L1
8[b] Atlanta Falcons South 7 9 0 .438 4–2 7–5 .482 .348 W3
9[b] Washington Redskins East 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 .486 .371 L2
10[b] Carolina Panthers South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 .508 .518 W1
11 Green Bay Packers North 6 9 1 .406 1–4–1 3–8–1 .488 .417 L1
12 Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .504 .427 W1
13[c] New York Giants East 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .527 .487 L3
14[c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .523 .506 L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West 4 12 0 .250 1–5 2–10 .504 .406 L2
16 Arizona Cardinals West 3 13 0 .188 2–4 3–9 .527 .302 L4
Tiebreakers[d]
  1. ^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b c Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
  3. ^ a b NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
  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. ^ Patra, Kevin (September 1, 2017). "Broncos trade Ty Sambrailo to Falcons for '18 draft pick". NFL. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  2. ^ "2018 NFL Draft trade tracker: Details of all the moves". NFL. April 24, 2018. Archived from the original on March 16, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  3. ^ "Streaks - Eight Seasons - 4,000 Passing Yards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  4. ^ D. Orlando Ledbetter (December 10, 2018). "Falcons' Julio Jones sets NFL record with another 1,400-yard season". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved December 18, 2019.

External links

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