2002 Atlanta Falcons season


The 2002 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 37th in the league and their first in the newly formed NFC South. It was also the team's first season under new owner Arthur Blank, who acquired the team during the 2002 offseason. The team improved upon their previous season's output of 7–9 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in four years. The team was also involved in a rare tie, matching the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–34 at the end of overtime.
Before the season, the Falcons acquired running back Warrick Dunn to help with the team’s running game. Their running game has suffered the past three years. Dunn finished the season with 927 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns.
After seeing limited action as a rookie, this was Michael Vick's first full season as starting quarterback.
In the Wild Card Game, Vick and the Falcons easily stunned the Brett Favre-led Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, 27–7, giving the Packers their first ever playoff loss in Lambeau. However, a 20–6 loss to Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles in the next round kept the Falcons from advancing in the playoffs.
This was Dan Reeves' last full season as head coach as he was replaced by interim Wade Phillips during the following season.
Vick and linebacker Keith Brooking were voted to play in the Pro Bowl after the season. However, neither Vick not Brooking actually participated in the game. The Pro Bowl was Vick's first and Brooking's second.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Undrafted free agents

PlayerPositionCollege
Matt AllenPunterTroy State

Personnel

Staff

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

In the 2002 regular season, the Falcons' non-divisional, conference opponents were primarily from the NFC North, although they also played the New York Giants from the NFC East, and the Seattle Seahawks from the NFC West. Their non-conference opponents were from the AFC North.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

Playoffs

Schedule

Game Summaries

NFC Wild Card: at Green Bay Packers

Standings