NFC Championship 2014
A team with a rich history and two Super Bowl appearances, but still chasing its first championship.
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team.
- Event
- NFC Divisional Round
- Date
- January 18, 2015
- Location
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
- Opponent
- Green Bay Packers
- Result
- Packers won 26-21
- Key Figure
- Matt Ryan (Quarterback)
- Outcome
- Eliminated; Green Bay advanced to NFC Championship
Lore & Background
The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls, the first during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos 34–19, and the second 18 years later, a 34–28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
In Their Own Story
The roar inside the Georgia Dome was deafening as Matt Ryan dropped back for one final pass. The crowd, clad in red and black, stood in unison, sensing the magnitude of the moment. As the ball spiraled through the humid air toward Julio Jones, time seemed to suspend itself. The catch secured not just a win, but a ticket to the biggest stage of them all. For that brief, shining hour, Atlanta believed they were on the verge of immortality.
Reader's Guide
The Falcons have won division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. Their current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season; the team's headquarters and practice facilities are located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, northeast of Atlanta in Hall County.
Did You Know?
- The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team.
- The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season) and Super Bowl LI (2016 season).
- The oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships is the Arizona Cardinals, founded in 1898.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Atlanta Falcons reach the NFC Championship in 2014?
No, the Falcons never reached the NFC Championship Game during the 2014 season. Their playoff run concluded in the Divisional Round instead of advancing further.
Who did the Falcons play against in their final playoff game?
The team faced off against the Green Bay Packers on January 18, 2015. Atlanta lost this contest by a score of 26-21.
Where was the Divisional Round matchup held?
This game was hosted at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. It served as the final stop for the Falcons' postseason hopes that year.
What was the outcome of Matt Ryan's team that season?
Quarterback Matt Ryan led an offense that could not overcome the Packers defense to move forward. The loss eliminated them from contention for Super Bowl XLIX.
Why do some fans confuse this game with the NFC Championship?
Confusion arises because the actual NFC Championship occurred just one week later in January. Fans often mistake this Divisional Round exit for the conference title game involving Seattle and Green Bay.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in the Atlanta Falcons universe
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