Divisional Playoff vs Detroit Lions (2004)
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, competing in the NFC South division.
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. They compete in the NFL as a member of the NFC South division. Founded on June 30, 1965, they joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team.
- Date
- January 8, 2005
- Location
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
- Result
- Falcons 47, Rams 17
- Key Player (Falcons)
- Michael Vick
- Key Player (Rams)
- Marc Bulger
- MVP
- Michael Vick
- Significance
- The Falcons' dominant Wild Card victory over the defending NFC Champions, marking their first playoff win since 1998.
Lore & Background
The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season) and Super Bowl LI (2016 season), losing both. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.
In Their Own Story
The Georgia Dome hummed with a low-frequency vibration as the fourth quarter wore on. Michael Vick, eyes locked on the line, felt the weight of the city in his palms. The Lions drove forward, but the Falcons' defense held like a steel gate. One final stop, one desperate tackle near the goal line, and the roar erupted—a sound that would echo through the franchise's history as the moment they broke the curse.
Reader's Guide
The Falcons' current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season. Their headquarters and practice facilities are in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Did You Know?
- The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, after the NFL offered Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining the AFL.
- The team's nickname was suggested by school teacher Julia Elliott, who wrote that 'the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight.'
- The Falcons have won division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this playoff game held?
The match took place on January 8, 2005, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Who was the actual opponent in this 2004 postseason matchup?
The Falcons played against the St. Louis Rams rather than the Detroit Lions.
What was the final outcome of the game?
Atlanta dominated with a 47-17 victory that shocked many observers.
Who received MVP honors for this performance?
Michael Vick was named the MVP after leading the Falcons to their win.
Which round of the playoffs did this game belong to?
This contest was a Wild Card showdown, not a Divisional Playoff game.
More in Iconic Matches & Games
Elsewhere in the Atlanta Falcons universe
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