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2002 Atlanta Falcons season

NFL team season

NFL team season

FieldValue
teamAtlanta Falcons
year2002
record9–6–1
division_place2nd NFC South
ownerArthur Blank
coachDan Reeves
def_coachWade Phillips
general_managerHarold Richardson
stadiumGeorgia Dome
playoffs**Won [Wild Card Playoffs](2002-03-nfl-playoffs)**
(at [Packers](2002-green-bay-packers-season)) 27–7
Lost [Divisional Playoffs](2002-03-nfl-playoffs)
(at [Eagles](2002-philadelphia-eagles-season)) 6–20
pro_bowlersQB Michael Vick
LB Keith Brooking
AP All-prosLB Keith Brooking *(2nd team)*
shortnavlinkFalcons seasons

(at Packers) 27–7 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Eagles) 6–20 LB Keith Brooking | AP All-pros = LB Keith Brooking (2nd team)

The 2002 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 37th in the National Football League (NFL) 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 since 1998. The team was also involved in a rare tie, matching the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–34 at the end of overtime. This was the last time the Atlanta Falcons ended a season with a tie.

Before the season, the Falcons acquired running back Warrick Dunn to help with the team’s running game. Their running game had suffered the past three years. Dunn finished the season with 927 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns. With the boost of Dunn, the Falcons rushed for 2,368 yards (148 yards per game) and 23 touchdowns, both the fourth-best in the NFL.

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 defeated 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. It was the final season the Falcons used their traditional black falcon helmet logo.

The last remaining active member of the 2002 Atlanta Falcons was quarterback Michael Vick, who played his final NFL game in the 2015 season, although he missed the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Offseason

Atlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"SigningsAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"Departures
RB Warrick Dunn ([Buccaneers](2001-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season))QB Chris Chandler ([Bears](2002-chicago-bears-season))
DE John Thierry ([Packers](2001-green-bay-packers-season))G Bob Hallen ([Chargers](2002-san-diego-chargers-season))
DT Ellis Johnson ([Colts](2001-indianapolis-colts-season))LB Henri Crockett ([Vikings](2002-minnesota-vikings-season))
LB John Holecek ([Chargers](2001-san-diego-chargers-season))FS Ronnie Bradford ([Vikings](2002-minnesota-vikings-season))
T Todd Weiner ([Seahawks](2001-seattle-seahawks-season))WR Terance Mathis ([Steelers](2002-pittsburgh-steelers-season))
CB Allen Rossum ([Packers](2001-green-bay-packers-season))DE Chuck Wiley ([Vikings](2002-minnesota-vikings-season))
CB Kevin Mathis ([Saints](2001-new-orleans-saints-season))
CB Fred Weary ([Saints](2001-new-orleans-saints-season))

NFL draft

Main article: 2002 NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

Atlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"PlayerAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"PositionAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"College
Dusty BonnerQuarterbackValdosta State
Curt DavisDefensive Lineman[Arkansas](2001-arkansas-razorbacks-football-team)
R.J. EnglishWide receiver[Pittsburgh](2001-pittsburgh-panthers-football-team)

Personnel

  • Chairman/president/chief executive officer – Arthur Blank

  • Senior advisor to the president – Bobby Beathard

  • Vice president of football operations – Ron Hill

  • College scouting coordinator – Reed Johnson

  • Director of pro personnel – Les Snead

  • Assistant to head coach/pro personnel – Marvin Bass

  • Executive vice president/head coach – Dan Reeves

  • Quarterbacks – Jack Burns

  • Running backs – Ollie Wilson

  • Wide receivers – Mike Johnson

  • Tight ends – James Daniel

  • Offensive line – Pete Mangurian

  • Assistant offensive line – Rennie Simmons

  • Offensive quality control – Ed West

  • Defensive coordinator – Wade Phillips

  • Defensive line – Bill Johnson

  • Linebackers – Billy Davis

  • Secondary – Emmitt Thomas

  • Defensive quality control – Dennis Allen

  • Special teams – Joe DeCamillis

  • Strength and conditioning – Al Miller

  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Rocky Colburn

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

In addition to their NFC South rivals, the Falcons played all teams from the NFC North and AFC North. In addition, the Falcons played the New York Giants from the NFC East, and the Seattle Seahawks from the NFC West, based on standings.

Atlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"WeekAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"DateAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"OpponentAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"ResultAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"RecordAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"VenueAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"Attendance1234567891011121314151617
September 8at [Green Bay Packers](2002-green-bay-packers-season)**L** 34–37 (OT)0–1Lambeau Field63,127
September 15[Chicago Bears](2002-chicago-bears-season)**L** 13–140–2Georgia Dome68,081
September 22[Cincinnati Bengals](2002-cincinnati-bengals-season)**W** 30–31–2Georgia Dome68,129
*Bye*
October 6**[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](2002-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)****L** 6–201–3Georgia Dome68,936
October 13at [New York Giants](2002-new-york-giants-season)**W** 17–102–3Giants Stadium78,728
October 20**[Carolina Panthers](2002-carolina-panthers-season)****W** 30–03–3Georgia Dome68,056
October 27at **[New Orleans Saints](2002-new-orleans-saints-season)****W** 37–354–3Louisiana Superdome67,883
November 3[Baltimore Ravens](2002-baltimore-ravens-season)**W** 20–175–3Georgia Dome68,532
November 10at [Pittsburgh Steelers](2002-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**T** 34–34 (OT)5–3–1Heinz Field62,779
November 17**[New Orleans Saints](2002-new-orleans-saints-season)****W** 24–176–3–1Georgia Dome70,382
November 24at **[Carolina Panthers](2002-carolina-panthers-season)****W** 41–07–3–1Ericsson Stadium72,533
December 1at [Minnesota Vikings](2002-minnesota-vikings-season)**W** 30–24 (OT)8–3–1Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,947
December 8at **[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](2002-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)****L** 10–348–4–1Raymond James Stadium65,648
December 15[Seattle Seahawks](2002-seattle-seahawks-season)**L** 24–30 (OT)8–5–1Georgia Dome69,551
December 22[Detroit Lions](2002-detroit-lions-season)**W** 36–159–5–1Georgia Dome69,307
December 29at [Cleveland Browns](2002-cleveland-browns-season)**L** 16–249–6–1Cleveland Browns Stadium73,528
**Note**: Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, 4:08. ''Packers 3–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 8:45.''''' Second quarter
  • ATL – Michael Vick 2-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 11:26. ''Falcons 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 7:42.'''''
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 3-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 8:43. ''Falcons 14–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 28 yards, 2:31.'''''
  • GB – David Martin 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:54. ''Falcons 14–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:49.'''''
  • ATL – Alge Crumpler 2-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 1:15. ''Falcons 21–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 3:01.'''''
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 42-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Falcons 21–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 1:15.''''' Third quarter
  • GB – Rondell Mealey 2-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:48. ''Falcons 21–20. '''Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 2:12.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 21-yard field goal, 5:24. ''Falcons 24–20. '''Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:24.'''''
  • GB – Javon Walker 13-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:30. ''Packers 27–24. '''Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 4:54.''''' Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 2-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 8:07. ''Falcons 31–27. '''Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:36.'''''
  • GB – William Henderson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:10. ''Packers 34–31. '''Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:57.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 52-yard field goal, 0:05. ''Tied 34–34. '''Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 1:05.''''' Overtime
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 5:15. ''Packers 37–34. '''Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:15.''''' Top passers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 15/23, 209 yards, TD
  • GB – Brett Favre – 25/36, 284 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 9 rushes, 72 yards, TD
  • GB – Ahman Green – 27 rushes, 155 yards Top receivers
  • ATL – Willie Jackson – 4 receptions, 73 yards
  • GB – Donald Driver – 7 receptions, 78 yards

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

First quarter

  • No scoring plays. Second quarter
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 10-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 11:33. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:00.'''''
  • CHI – Anthony Thomas 3-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:10. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:04.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 37-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Falcons 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 1:10.''''' Third quarter
  • CHI – David Terrell 14-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 9:27. ''Bears 14–10. '''Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:55.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 27-yard field goal, 6:08. ''Bears 14–13. '''Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 3:19.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Top passers
  • CHI – Jim Miller – 12/24, 143 yards, TD, INT
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 17/28, 166 yards, TD Top rushers
  • CHI – Anthony Thomas – 26 rushes, 84 yards, TD
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 10 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers
  • CHI – Marty Booker – 5 receptions, 48 yards
  • ATL – Brian Finneran – 6 receptions, 76 yards

Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

  • ATL – Jay Feely 44-yard field goal, 10:01. ''Falcons 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 4:69.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 26-yard field goal, 7:19. ''Falcons 6–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:48.'''''
  • ATL – Brian Finneran 20-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 1:57. ''Falcons 13–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:28.''''' Second quarter
  • ATL – Brian Finneran 13-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 4:56. ''Falcons 20–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:42.'''''
  • CIN – Neil Rackers 24-yard field goal, 0:03. ''Falcons 20–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 4:53.''''' Third quarter
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 4-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 5:07. ''Falcons 27–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 7:00.''''' Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Jay Feely 34-yard field goal, 7:30. ''Falcons 30–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:39.''''' Top passers
  • CIN – Jon Kitna – 18/35, 136 yards, INT
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 16/26, 174 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • CIN – Corey Dillon – 18 rushes, 66 yards
  • ATL – TJ Duckett – 18 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers
  • CIN – Peter Warrick – 4 receptions, 34 yards
  • ATL – Brian Finneran – 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD

Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:38. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:22.''''' Second quarter
  • ATL – Bob Christian 1-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 12:48. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:21.'''''
  • MIN – Hunter Goodwin 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:40. ''Vikings 14–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:25.'''''
  • ATL – Brian Finneran 39-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 0:37. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:03.''''' Third quarter
  • MIN – Michael Bennett 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:19. ''Vikings 21–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:40.'''''
  • ATL – Michael Vick 28-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 1:00. ''Tied 21–21. '''Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:19.''''' Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Jay Feely 44-yard field goal, 3:33. ''Falcons 24–21. '''Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:53.'''''
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 0:11. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 3:22.''''' Overtime
  • ATL – Michael Vick 46-yard run, 12:35. ''Falcons 30–24. '''Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 0:51.''''' Top passers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 11/28, 173 yards, TD, INT
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/43, 266 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT Top rushers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 10 rushes, 173 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 18 rushes, 86 yards, TD Top receivers
  • ATL – Brian Finneran – 5 receptions, 114 yards, TD
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 134 yards With the overtime win, courtesy of a game winning 46 yard TD run by Michael Vick (which also secured 246 total yards for Vick) the Falcons improved to 8-3-1 (1-2 against the NFC North) and remained in contention for the NFC South division title.

Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions

First quarter

  • ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 7:50. ''Falcons 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:35.''''' Second quarter
  • ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 6:06. ''Falcons 6–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:08.'''''
  • ATL – Quentin McCord 20-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 0:17. ''Falcons 13–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 0:59.''''' Third quarter
  • ATL – Jay Feely 36-yard field goal, 10:56. ''Falcons 16–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:04.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 20-yard field goal, 7:20. ''Falcons 19–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 2:38.''''' Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Jay Feely 39-yard field goal, 13:31. ''Falcons 22–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:25.'''''
  • DET – James Stewart 1-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Mike McMahon-Bill Schroeder pass), 9:53. ''Falcons 22–8. '''Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 3:38.'''''
  • DET – Aveion Cason 15-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 9:31. ''Falcons 22–15. '''Drive: 2 plays, 15 yards, 0:10.'''''
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 3-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 3:49. ''Falcons 29–15. '''Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:42.'''''
  • ATL – Brian Finneran 34-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 1:51. ''Falcons 36–15. '''Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:36.''''' Top passers
  • DET – Mike McMahon – 11/33, 149 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 20/38, 337 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
  • DET – James Stewart – 12 rushes, 34 yards
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn – 30 rushes, 132 yards, TD Top receivers
  • DET – Bill Schroeder – 2 receptions, 60 yards
  • ATL – Quentin McCord – 7 receptions, 182 yards, TD With the win, the Falcons improved to 9-5-1 and finished 5-3 at home and 2-2 against the NFC North.

Playoffs

Schedule

Atlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"WeekAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"DateAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"OpponentAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"ResultAtlanta Falconsyear=2002border=2}}"AttendanceWild CardDivisional
at [Green Bay Packers](2002-green-bay-packers-season)**W** 27–765,358
at [Philadelphia Eagles](2002-philadelphia-eagles-season)**L** 6–2066,452

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

  • ATL – Shawn Jefferson 10-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 9:17. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:43.'''''
  • ATL – Artie Ulmer 1-yard return of blocked punt (Jay Feely kick), 6:38. Falcons 14–0. Second quarter
  • ATL – TJ Duckett 6-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 12:06. ''Falcons 21–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:30.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 22-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Falcons 24–0. '''Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 6:34.''''' Third quarter
  • GB – Donald Driver 14-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:26. ''Falcons 24–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:34.'''''
  • ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 3:43. ''Falcons 27–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:43.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Top passers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 13/25, 117 yards, TD
  • GB – Brett Favre – 20/42, 247 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • ATL – Michael Vick – 10 rushes, 64 yards
  • GB – Ahman Green – 11 rushes, 34 yards Top receivers
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn – 4 receptions, 40 yards
  • GB – Javon Walker – 5 receptions, 104 yards

Standings

Division

Conference

References

References

  1. [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200211100pit.htm Atlanta Falcons 34 at Pittsburgh Steelers 34]
Info: Wikipedia Source

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