Super Bowl XXXIII Appearance
The Falcons' first Super Bowl appearance ended in a 34–19 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Atlanta Falcons made their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII, played on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. They faced the defending champion Denver Broncos, who defeated them 34–19.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1998 Season
- Game date
- January 31, 1999
- Opponent
- Denver Broncos
- Result
- Loss (34-19)
- Location
- Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens
- Head coach
- Dan Reeves
Lore & Background
The Falcons, under head coach Dan Reeves, finished the 1998 regular season with a 14–2 record, including wins in each of their last nine games. This was a surprising turnaround after a 7–9 record in 1997 and a 3–13 record the year before. Reeves had previously coached the Broncos from 1981 to 1992, leading them to three Super Bowls. The Falcons' offense was led by Pro Bowl quarterback Chris Chandler, who threw for 3,154 yards and 25 touchdowns, and Pro Bowl running back Jamal Anderson, who rushed for 1,846 yards.
Reader's Guide
The Falcons' first Super Bowl appearance ended in a loss to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos scored 17 consecutive points in the second quarter to build a 17–3 lead. John Elway completed 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and also scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP at age 38, a record until Tom Brady surpassed it in 2017.
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