2007 Atlanta Falcons

The 2007 Atlanta Falcons season was the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League. They finished the 2007 season with a disappointing record of 4-12 and failed to improve upon their 7-9 record in 2006 after finishing third place in the NFC South.

The team attempted to overcome the controversy surrounding starting quarterback Michael Vick and his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring. Bobby Petrino was hired to help develop Vick into a more complete quarterback, but with Vick's absence, journeyman quarterbacks Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich were used to patch-in holes. Petrino's game plan didn't fit, both on the field and in the locker room, with veteran players Alge Crumpler and DeAngelo Hall voicing their displeasure.

Petrino later resigned just 13 games into the season to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks. Petrino resigned the day after Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison and also a day after Petrino coached the Falcons in a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

Head coach change
Head coach Bobby Petrino spent less than a year with the Atlanta Falcons. He was hired on January 7, 2007 after the Falcons fired Jim Mora, who was fired on New Year's Day. On December 11, 2007, Petrino announced his resignation just 13 games into his first year.

Departures
On March 2, the Falcons released linebackers Edgerton Hartwell and Ike Reese. On March 5, the Falcons released guard Matt Lehr and long-snapper Gavin Tarquinio. On March 6, wide receiver Ashley Lelie signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers. On March 7, defensive end Patrick Kerney signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. On March 9, fullback Justin Griffith signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Signings
On March 2, the Falcons signed fullback Ovie Mughelli, formerly with the Baltimore Ravens, to a contract. On March 3, the Falcons signed linebacker Marcus Wilkins, formerly with the Cincinnati Bengals, to a contract. On March 7, the Falcons signed cornerback Lewis Sanders, formerly with the Houston Texans, to a contract. On March 8, the Falcons signed wide receiver Joe Horn, formerly with the New Orleans Saints, to a contract. On March 15, the Falcons signed guard Toniu Fonoti, formerly with the Miami Dolphins, to a contract. On March 15, the Falcons signed wide receiver Derrick Hamilton, formerly with the San Francisco 49ers, to a contract. On March 22, the Falcons signed kicker Aaron Elling, formerly with the Baltimore Ravens, to a contract. On March 23, the Falcons signed quarterback Chris Redman to a contract. On April 9, the Falcons signed quarterback Joey Harrington, formerly with the Miami Dolphins, to a contract. On May 4, the Falcons signed kicker Billy Cundiff to a contract. On May 9, the Falcons signed tackle Leander Jordan, formerly with the San Diego Chargers, to a contract.

Uniforms


The Atlanta Falcons will enter the 2007 season using the same uniform combinations as they used in 2006.

Week 1: at Minnesota Vikings
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game summary
Hoping to put a troublesome offseason behind them, the Falcons began their 2007 campaign on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Atlanta immediately trailed as Vikings DT Kevin Williams returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, which would be the only score of the half. In the third quarter, Minnesota increased its lead with kicker Ryan Longwell connecting on a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Falcons got their only score of the game, with kicker Matt Prater getting a 45-yard field goal. From there, the Vikings put the game away with QB Tarvaris Jackson completing a 60-yard TD pass to RB Adrian Peterson, along with CB Antoine Winfield returning an interception 14-yard for a touchdown.

QB Joey Harrington, in his Falcons debut, completed 23 out of 32 passes for 199 yards with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

With the loss, Atlanta began its season at 0-1.

Scoring summary
Q1 - MIN - 7:56 - Kevin Williams 54 yard interception return TD (Ryan Longwell kick) (MIN 7-0)

Q3 - MIN - 1:51 - Ryan Longwell 49 yard FG (MIN 10-0)

Q4 - ATL - 9:28 - Matt Prater 45 yard FG (MIN 10-3)

Q4 - MIN - 7:31 - 60 yard TD pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Adrian Peterson (Longwell kick) (MIN 17-3)

Q4 - MIN - 2:48 - Antoine Winfield 14 yard interception return TD (Longwell kick) (MIN 24-3)

Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: 88°F (Rainy)
 * Game attendance: 61,821
 * Referee: Tony Corrente

Game summary
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Vikings, the Falcons went to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 2 interconference fight with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Jaguars kicker John Carney got a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Falcons would get their only score of the game as RB Warrick Dunn got a 4-yard TD run. After a scoreless third quarter, Jacksonville would seal the win with QB David Garrard's 14-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams and Carney's 27-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Falcons would fall to 0-2.

Scoring summary
Q2 - JAC - 13:30 - John Carney 35 yard FG (JAC 3-0)

Q2 - ATL - 1:51 - Warrick Dunn 4 yard TD run (Matt Prater kick) (ATL 7-3)

Q4 - JAC - 14:10 - 45 yard TD pass from David Garrard to Reggie Williams (Carney kick) (JAC 10-7)

Q4 - JAC - 3:39 - Carney 27 yard FG (JAC 13-7)

Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Referee: Larry Nemmers

Game summary
Trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1999, the Falcons played their Week 3 homeopener against their divisional rival, the Carolina Panthers. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Panthers kicker John Kasay got a 45-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Falcons took the lead with QB Joey Harrington completing a 69-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. However, Carolina retook the lead with QB Jake Delhomme completing a 13-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster. Atlanta would tie the game prior to halftime with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 24-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Falcons regained the lead with Harrington completing a 13-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler, yet the Panthers regained the lead with Delhomme completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Jeff King, along with Foster's 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Carolina ended its scoring with Kasay kicking a 49-yard field goal. Atlanta tried to mount a comeback, yet the only score was Andersen's 25-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 0-3.

Scoring summary
Q2 - CAR - 10:53 - John Kasay 45 yard FG (CAR 3-0)

Q2 - ATL - 9:19 - 69 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington to Roddy White (Andersen kick) (ATL 7-3)

Q2 - CAR - 4:32 - 13 yard TD pass from Jake Delhomme to DeShaun Foster (Kasay kick) (CAR 10-7)

Q2 - ATL - 0:11 - Morten Andersen 24 yard FG (10-10)

Q3 - ATL - 9:09 - 13 yd TD pass from Joey Harrington to Alge Crumpler (Andersen kick) (ATL 17-10)

Q3 - CAR - 7:13 - 5 yd TD pass from Jake Delhomme to Jeff King (Kasay kick) (17-17)

Q3 - CAR - 0:47 - DeShaun Foster 10 yard TD run (Kasay kick) (CAR 24-17)

Q4 - CAR - 7:36 - John Kasay 49 yard FG (CAR 27-17)

Q4 - ATL - 3:03 - Morten Andersen 25 yard FG (CAR 27-20)

Week 4: vs. Houston Texans
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 69,312
 * Referee: Gerry Austin

Game Summary
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Falcons stayed at home for an interconference duel with the Houston Texans, featuring a former teammate in QB Matt Schaub. In the first quarter, Atlanta delivered the first punch with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 28-yard field goal. However, the Texans took the lead with Schaub completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR André Davis. Fortunately, the Falcons would regain the lead with QB Joey Harrington completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins. In the second quarter, Harrington and Jenkins would hook up with each other again on a 7-yard TD pass. Also, Andersen contributed to Atlanta's cause by kicking a 22-yard field goal. Houston would end the half with kicker Kris Brown getting a 42-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Texans drew close with Brown kicking a 37-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Falcons responded with Andersen getting a 36-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Houston tried to retaliate with Brown kicking a 19-yard field goal. Again, Atlanta answered with Andersen nailing a 46-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Falcons managed to hold on to give head coach Bobby Petrino his first NFL victory.

With the win, the Falcons snap a six-game losing skid and improve to 1-3.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - ATL - 8:14 - Morten Andersen 28 yard FG (ATL 3-0)

Q1 - HOU - 5:34 - 35 yard TD pass from Matt Schaub to André Davis (Brown kick) (HOU 7-3)

Q1 - ATL - 1:13 - 5 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington to Michael Jenkins (Andersen kick) (ATL 10-7)

Q2 - ATL - 8:22 - 7 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington to Michael Jenkins (Andersen kick) (ATL 17-7)

Q2 - ATL - 1:52 - Morten Andersen 22 yard FG (ATL 20-7)

Q2 - HOU - 0:05 - Kris Brown 42-yard FG (ATL 20-10)

Q3 - HOU - 10:13 - Kris Brown 37 yard FG (ATL 20-13)

Q3 - ATL - 4:00 - Morten Andersen 36 yard FG (ATL 23-13)

Q4 - HOU - 14:52 - Kris Brown 19 yard FG (ATL 23-16)

Q4 - ATL - 8:16 - Morten Andersen 46 yard FG (ATL 26-16)

Week 5: at Tennessee Titans
at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: 84°F (Sunny)
 * Game attendance: 69,143
 * Referee: Jerome Boger

Game Summary
Coming off their home win over the Texans, the Falcons flew to LP Field for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, Atlanta got off to a fast start as CB DeAngelo Hall returned a LenDale White fumble 56 yards for a touchdown. The Titans would tie the game with RB Chris Brown getting a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Falcons flew back into the lead with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 32-yard field goal. Tennessee would end the half with kicker Rob Bironas getting a 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Atlanta got their lead back with Andersen kicking a 28-yard field goal. However, the Titans took the lead with Bironas nailing a 40-yard field goal, along with DB Vincent Fuller intercepting QB Joey Harrington and returning it 76 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, with Harrington being ineffective (16/31 for 87 yards and 1 interception), back-up QB Byron Leftwich came to try and lead the Falcons to victory. Near the end of the game, Atlanta came close (at Tennessee's 1-yard line). Unfortunately, on four-straight plays, they were held out of the end zone.

With the loss, not only did the Falcons fall to 1-4, but it also marked their 5th staight loss to the Titans.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - ATL - 10:00 - DeAngelo Hall 56 yard TD fumble return (Andersen kick) (ATL 7-0)

Q1 - TEN - 6:15 - Chris Brown (Bironas kick) (7-7)

Q2 - ATL - 11:15 - Morten Andersen 32 yard FG (ATL 10-7)

Q2 - TEN - 0:00 - Rob Bironas 30 yard FG (10-10)

Q3 - ATL - 10:08 - Morten Andersen 28 yard FG (ATL 13-10)

Q3 - TEN - 6:56 - Rob Bironas 40 yard FG (13-13)

Q3 - TEN - 1:00 - Vincent Fuller 76 yard TD interception return (Bironas kick) (TEN 20-13)

Week 6: vs New York Giants
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 69,828
 * Referee: Bill Leavy
 * TV announcers (Monday Night Football): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser (color commentator) and Ron Jaworski (color commentator)

Game Summary
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Titans, the Falcons came home for Monday Night Football has they hosted the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight early as kicker Morten Andersen got a 47-yard field goal. However, the Giants responded with QB Eli Manning completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer. The Falcons answered with RB Jerious Norwood getting a 67-yard TD run. Afterwards, New York replied with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Atlanta's struggles continued as Manning completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress to increase the Giants' lead. After a scoreless third quarter, New York sealed the win with kicker Lawrence Tynes nailing a 32-yard field goal, while RB Derrick Ward got a 9-yard TD run.

With their second-straight loss, the Falcons fell to 1-5.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - ATL - 11:47 - Morten Andersen 47 yard FG (ATL 3-0)

Q1 - NYG - 5:32 - Amani Toomer 5 yd TD pass from Eli Manning (Tynes kick) (NYG 7-3)

Q1 - ATL - 5:14 - Jerious Norwood 67 yard TD run (Andersen kick) (ATL 10-3)

Q1 - NYG - 2:13 - Reuben Droughns 1 yard TD run (NYG 14-10)

Q2 - NYG - 8:21 - Plaxico Burress 43 yard TD pass from Manning (NYG 21-10)

Q4 - NYG - 10:52 - Lawrence Tynes 32 yard FG (NYG 24-10)

Q4 - NYG - 3:08 - Derrick Ward 9 yard TD run (Tynes kick) (NYG 31-10)

Week 7: at New Orleans Saints
at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 69,994
 * Referee: Walt Anderson

Game Summary
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Falcons flew to the Louisiana Superdome for a Week 7 divisional duel with the New Orleans Saints. Due to QB Joey Harrington's ineffectiveness from last week's loss to the Giants, QB Byron Leftwich was given the start.

In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Saints QB Drew Brees completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson. The Falcons would respond with former Saints kicker Morten Andersen 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta began to play well as Andersen got a 33-yard field goal, while Leftwich completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White.

In the third quarter, New Orleans retook the lead with RB Pierre Thomas getting a 24-yard TD run. Even worse, on the Falcons next possession, Leftwich's left leg got injured during a sack by Saints DE Will Smith. Harrington would take over for the rest of the game. In the fourth quarter, Andersen gave Atlanta a 21-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Saints sealed the win with Brees hooking up with RB Reggie Bush on a 4-yard TD pass, along with Bush getting a 2-point conversion run.

With their third-straight loss, the Falcons entered their bye week at 1-6.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - NO - 7:16 - Devery Henderson 37 yard TD pass from Drew Brees (Mare kick) (NO 7-0)

Q1 - ATL - 6:15 - Morten Andersen 38 yard FG (NO 7-3)

Q2 - ATL - 10:21 - Morten Andersen 33 yard FG (NO 7-6)

Q2 - ATL - 3:31 - Roddy White 9 yard TD pass from Byron Leftwich (Andersen kick) (ATL 13-7)

Q3 - NO - 10:15 - Pierre Thomas 24 yard TD run (Mare kick) (NO 14-13)

Q4 - ATL - 10:19 - Morten Andersen 21 yard FG (ATL 16-14)

Q4 - NO - 5:04 - Reggie Bush 4 yard TD pass from Brees (Bush run) (NO 22-16)

Week 9: vs. San Francisco 49ers
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 66,049
 * Referee: Bill Carollo

Game summary
Trying to snap a three-game skid, the Falcons went home and played a Week 9 interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as 49ers RB Maurice Hicks managed to get a 9-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Falcons responded with RB Warrick Dunn getting a 9-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Atlanta increased its lead with RB Ovie Mughelli getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, San Francisco crept close as kicker Joe Nedney got a 49-yard and a 32-yard field goal. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Falcons answered with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 33-yard field goal. The 49ers would respond with Nedney kicking a 22-yard field goal, yet Atlanta managed to get the win with Andersen nailing a 27-yard field goal.

With the win, the Falcons improved to 2-6.

The struggling Falcons rushing attack had its best performance (to date) with 155 total rushing yards.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - SF - 9:10 - Maurice Hicks 37 yard TD run (Joe Nedney kick) (SF 7-0)

Q1 - ATL - 4:49 - Warrick Dunn 9 yard TD run (Morten Andersen kick) (7-7)

Q2 - ATL - 3:48 - Ovie Mughelli 1 yard TD run (ATL 14-7)

Q3 - SF - 12:08 - Joe Nedney 49 yard FG (ATL 14-10)

Q3 - SF - 7:54 - Joe Nedney 32 yard FG (ATL 14-13)

Q4 - ATL - 10:19 - Morten Andersen 33 yard FG (ATL 17-13)

Q4 - NO - 7:56 - Joe Nedney 22 yard FG (ATL 17-16)

Q4 - ATL - 1:10 - Morten Andersen 27 yard FG (ATL 20-16)

Week 10: at Carolina Panthers
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: 63°F (Sunny)
 * '''Game attendance: 73,340
 * Referee: Terry McAulay

Game Summary
Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Falcons flew to Bank of America Stadium for an NFC South rematch with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight as RB Warrick Dunn got a 30-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers took the lead as CB Ken Lucas returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while kicker John Kasay managed to get a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Falcons tied the game with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 36-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta took the lead with Andersen kicking a 47-yard field goal. Carolina tied the game with Kasay nailing a 31-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Falcons got the win with QB Joey Harrington completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler.

With the win, Atlanta improved to 3-6.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - ATL - 8:43 - Warrick Dunn 30 yard TD run (Morten Andersen kick) (7-0 ATL)

Q2 - CAR - 4:20 - Ken Lucas 27 yard TD fumble return (John Kasay kick) (7-7)

Q2 - CAR - 0:00 - John Kasay 29 yard FG (CAR 10-7)

Q3 - ATL - 3:24 - Morten Andersen 36 yard FG (10-10)

Q4 - ATL - 11:35 - Morten Andersen 47 yard FG (ATL 13-10)

Q4 - CAR - 7:56 - John Kasay 31 yard FG (13-13)

Q4 - ATL - 0:20 - Alge Crumpler 30 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington (ATL 20-13)

Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather:  Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 69,480
 * Referee: Walt Colman
 * TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) & Tony Boselli (color commentator)

Game Summary
Coming off their divisional road win over the Panthers, the Falcons went home a Week 11 divisional duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite QB Joey Harrington giving Atlanta two-straight wins, QB Byron Leftwich was given the start.

In the first quarter, the Falcons trailed early as Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia completed a 44-yard TD pass to WR Joey Galloway for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Atlanta continued to trail as Tampa Bay CB Ronde Barber returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, the Buccaneers continued their beatdown with kicker Matt Bryant nailing a 23-yard field goal, while Garcia completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Alex Smith. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay sealed the win with RB Earnest Graham getting a 26-yard TD run. The Falcons would avoid the shutout as Harrington came onto the field as completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Adam Jennings.

With the loss, Atlanta fell to 3-7.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - TB - 7:43 - Joey Galloway 44 yard TD pass from Jeff Garcia (Matt Bryant kick) (7-0 TB)

Q2 - TB - 10:42 - Ronde Barber 41 yard TD fumble return (Bryant kick) (TB 14-0)

Q3 - TB - 6:35 - Matt Bryant 23 yard FG (TB 17-0)

Q3 - TB - 4:51 - Alex Smith 21 yard TD pass from Jeff Garcia (Bryant kick) (TB 24-0)

Q4 - TB - 14:53 - Earnest Graham 26 yard TD run (Bryant kick) (TB 31-0)

Q4 - ATL - 1:10 - Adam Jennings 7 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington (Morten Andersen kick) (TB 31-3)

Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 69,845
 * Referee: Mike Carey
 * TV announcers (NFL Network): Bryant Gumbel (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (color commentator)

Game Summary
Hoping to rebound from their divisional loss to the Buccaneers, the Falcons stayed at home and played a Week 12 Thanksgiving interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, Atlanta took flight early as they ended a 19-play, 63-yard drive with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 34-yard field goal. Later, the Falcons increased their lead with QB Joey Harrington completing a 48-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. In the second quarter, the Colts got on the board with QB Peyton Manning completing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne. Altanta would respond with Andersen kicking a 30-yard field goal, but Indianapolis started to gain steam as Manning found TE Dallas Clark on an 8-yard TD pass and TE Ben Utecht on a 5-yard TD pass.

In the third quarter, the Colts managed to put the away as RB Joseph Addai got a 4-yard TD run, while kicker Adam Vinatieri nailed a 24-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Falcons fell to 3-8.

Despite the loss, RB Warrick Dunn (17 carries for 70 yards) became the 22nd player in NFL history to get 10,000 career rushing yards. He even became the third RB under 5 feet, 9 inches to reach 10,000 yards rushing.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - ATL - 6:59 - Morten Andersen 34 yard FG (ATL 3-0)

Q1 - ATL - 3:44 - Roddy White 48 yard TD pass from Joey Harrington (Andersen kick) (ATL 10-0)

Q2 - IND - 14:42 - Reggie Wayne 23 yard TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick) (ATL 10-7)

Q2 - ATL - 11:35 - Morten Andersen 30 yard FG (ATL 13-7)

Q2 - IND - 6:45 - Dallas Clark 8 yard TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick) (IND 14-13)

Q2 - IND - 2:38 - Ben Utecht 5 yard TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick) (IND 21-13)

Q3 - IND - 5:05 - Joseph Addai 4 yard TD pass run (Vinatieri kick) (IND 28-13)

Q3 - IND - 0:32 - Adam Vinatieri 24 yard FG (IND 31-13)

Week 13: at St. Louis Rams
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * Game attendance: 52,051
 * Referee: Peter Morelli
 * TV announcers (NFL on FOX): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) & Tony Boselli (color commentator)

Game Summary
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Falcons flew to the Edward Jones Dome for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Rams QB Gus Frerotte completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael, along with a 31-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with Frerotte completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, the Falcons would finally manage to get on the board as kicker Morten Andersen managed to get a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta tried to comeback as QB Chris Redman completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White, along with a 5-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins. However, the Rams sealed the win with RB Steven Jackson getting a 50-yard TD run.

With their third-straight loss, the Falcons fell to 3-9.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - STL - 9:40 - Randy McMichael 1 yard TD pass from Gus Frerotte (Jeff Wilkins kick) (STL 7-0)

Q1 - STL - 3:38 - Torry Holt 31 yard TD pass from Gus Frerotte (Wilkins kick) (STL 14-0)

Q2 - STL - 1:55 - Isaac Bruce 8 yard TD pass from Gus Frerotte (Wilkins kick) (STL 21-0)

Q3 - ATL - 8:24 - Morten Andersen 41 yard FG (STL 21-3)

Q4 - ATL - 11:48 - Roddy White 15 yard TD pass from Chris Redman (Redman pass failed) (STL 21-9)

Q4 - ATL - 7:17 - Michael Jenkins 5 yard TD pass from Chris Redman (Andersen kick) (STL 21-16)

Q4 - STL - 1:17 - Steven Jackson 50 yard TD pass run (Wilkins kick) (STL 28-17)

Week 14 vs. New Orleans Saints
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: Game played indoors
 * TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser (color commentators), Michele Tafoya, & Suzy Kolber (sideline reporters)
 * Game attendance: 69,553
 * Referee: Gene Steratore

Game Summary
Trying to snap a three-game slide, the Falcons went home for a Week 14 Monday Night NFC South rematch with the New Orleans Saints. Making his first start at QB since 2002 was Chris Redman.

In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Saints QB Drew Brees completed a 25-yard TD pass to WR David Patten. The Falcons would answer with Redman completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. In the second quarter, New Orleans began to pull away as kicker Olindo Mare managed to get a 23-yard field goal, while Brees completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston.

In the third quarter, the Saints pulled away as Brees and Colston hooked up with each other again on a 2-yard TD pass, while Safety Roman Harper returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta would managed to get one last touchdown and Redman completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins. New Orleans would seal the win with Mare nailing a 36-yard field goal.

With their fourth-straight loss, the Falcons fell to 3-10.

Following the game, it was announced that Head Coach Bobby Petrino had resigned from the Falcons. Afterwards, on Wednesday, December 12, it was announced that Defensive Backs coach Emmitt Thomas would be Atlanta's interim head coach for the rest of the season.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - NO - 3:18 - David Patten 25 yard TD pass from Drew Brees (Olindo Mare kick) (NO 7-0)

Q1 - ATL - 1:22 - Roddy White 33 yard TD pass from Chris Redman (Morten Andersen kick) (7-7)

Q2 - NO - 10:41 - Olindo Mare 23 yard FG (NO 10-7)

Q2 - NO - 1:06 - Marques Colston 15 yard TD pass from Drew Brees (Mare kick) (NO 17-7)

Q3 - NO - 9:13 - Marques Colston 2 yard TD pass from Drew Brees (Mare kick) (NO 24-7)

Q3 - NO - 8:30 - Roman Harper 31 yard TD interception return (Mare kick) (NO 31-7)

Q4 - ATL - 8:52 - Michael Jenkins 13 yard TD pass from Chris Redman (Andersen kick) (NO 31-14)

Q4 - NO - 2:48 - Olindo Mare 36 yard FG (NO 34-14)

Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: 68°F (Sunny)
 * Game attendance: 65,133
 * Referee: Jeff Triplette
 * TV announcers (NFL on FOX): Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play) & J.C. Pearson (color commentator)

Game Summary
Trying to snap a four-game skid, the Falcons flew to Raymond James Stadium for a Week 15 NFC South rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, Atlanta trailed early as Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown. The Falcons woud respond with kicker Morten Andersen getting a 33-yard field goal for their only score of the game. However, Tampa Bay immediately responded with WR Michael Spurlock returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown (the Buccaneers' very first kickoff return for a touchdown in franchise history). In the second quarter, the Falcons' year-long struggles continued as kicker Matt Bryant getting a 33-yard field goal, RB Earnest Graham getting a 1-yard TD run, and Bryant kicking a 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Atlanta's turmoil continued with Bryant nailing a 34-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay sealed the win with QB Jeff Garcia completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Becht.

With their fifth-straight loss, the Falcons fell to 3-11.

Scoring Summary
Q1 - TB - 14:00 - Ronde Barber, 29 yd interception return (Matt Bryant kick)  (TB 7-0)

Q1 - ATL - 6:32 - Morten Andersen, 33 yd field goal (TB 7-3)

Q1 - TB - 6:19 - Micheal Spurlock, 90 yd kick return (Matt Bryant kick) (TB 14-3)

Q2 - TB - 11:24 - Matt Bryant, 33 yd field goal 11:24 (TB 17-3)

Q2 - TB - 4:09 - Earnest Graham, 1 yd run (Matt Bryant kick) (TB 24-3)

Q2 - TB - 0:00 - Matt Bryant, 28 yd field goal (TB 27-3)

Q3 - TB - 4:08 - Matt Bryant, 34 yd field goal (TB 30-3)

Q4 - TB - 7:42 - Anthony Becht, 1 yd pass from Jeff Garcia (Matt Bryant kick) (TB 37-3)

Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
 * Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST

Game Summary
The Arizona Cardinals blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Boos echoed through the stadium. The opponents, though, were the star-crossed Atlanta Falcons, and the Cardinals regrouped to pull off a 30-27 victory in overtime. Neil Rackers kicked a 29-yard field goal as the fourth quarter ended to force overtime, then booted one from 31 yards on the first possession of the extra session for the victory. Anquan Boldin also became the fastest in NFL history to reach 400 receptions. He did it in his 67th game, five quicker than Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow, who did it in 72. Rackers had missed what would have been a game-winning 32-yarder in an overtime loss to San Francisco a month ago. The Falcons took the lead with 1:51 left in regulation. Chris Redman, starting for the third straight week, engineered Atlanta's comeback, going 28-for-42 for a career-high 315 yards and two scores with one interception. Atlanta used up more than seven minutes of the fourth quarter on a 16-play, 83-yard drive that stalled at the Arizona 5. Morten Andersen's 23-yard field goal cut the lead to 24-17. After Arizona's three-and-out, Redman went 6-for-7 on a 48-yard drive capped by his 7-yard TD pass to Alge Crumpler, and it was tied at 24 with 4:50 still to play in regulation. The Falcons scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to take a brief lead but eventually could not hold on for the victory. Again, Arizona couldn't move the ball, and the Falcons methodically moved down the field. That drive ended at the Cardinals 8, and Andersen's field goal with 1:38 left in regulation gave Atlanta a 27-24 lead in front of the booing home crowd. The Cardinals' offense revived just in time. Warner completed a 19-yard pass to Bryant Johnson, an 18-yarder to Boldin and a 16-yard pass to Fitzgerald. The Cardinals almost ran out of time after Fitzgerald's catch, but Warner was able to spike it with 4 seconds to go to set up Rackers' tying kick.

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
 * Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: Game played indoors