The Atlanta Falcons have experienced heartbreaking disappointment in their limited Super Bowl appearances. With only two trips to the big game in franchise history, the Falcons are still searching for their first Vince Lombardi Trophy. Their latest Super Bowl defeat in 2017 was a historic one, as Atlanta infamously squandered a 28-3 second half lead to Tom Brady’s New England Patriots, who staged a miraculous comeback for the ages. That crushing loss is the Falcons’ most recent Super Bowl memory, as they have yet to return to football’s grandest stage. As we explore the Falcons’ struggles in the NFL’s championship spectacle, their empty trophy case stands as a glaring reminder that Atlanta has never reached the mountaintop on Super Sunday.
How Many Super Bowls Did The Atlanta Falcons Win?
The Atlanta Falcons have never won a Super Bowl in franchise history. Despite making two appearances on football’s biggest stage, the Falcons have come up empty in both trips and are still searching for their first Lombardi Trophy.
Atlanta’s only Super Bowl berths came in 1998 and 2017. In their inaugural Super Bowl appearance, the Falcons were beaten 34-19 by John Elway’s Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII. Their second trip nearly two decades later ended epically and historically, as Atlanta infamously surrendered a 28-3 lead to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. The Patriots engineered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history for a 34-28 overtime victory, handing the Falcons a devastating defeat that is now ingrained in NFL lore.
So while the Falcons have won two NFC championships and made some memorable moments in their two Super Bowl defeats, they have been unable to finish the job and win a championship. After over 50 years in the NFL, the Falcons and their fans continue waiting for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
The Broncos won Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999
The Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34-19 in Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999. This would be John Elway’s final game, as the legendary Broncos quarterback rode off into retirement with a second straight Super Bowl title and Super Bowl MVP award.
In the game, Elway delivered a vintage performance, completing 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also rushed for a touchdown on a gritty helicopter spin dive that has become an iconic moment in Super Bowl history.
The 1998 Broncos team that won Super Bowl XXXIII is considered one of the best in franchise history, if not the best. They went 14-2 during the regular season, a record for wins that still stands today. Running back Terrell Davis rushed for over 2,000 yards that season on his way to an MVP award. Kicker Jason Elam also made history, tying the NFL record with a monstrous 63-yard field goal.
Denver dominated the Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII much like they did opponents all season long. The Broncos led for 52 of the 64 quarters in 1998, including the entire Super Bowl. It was a fitting end to an all-time great season that brought the franchise its second straight championship. Now 25 years later, the back-to-back triumph of Elway and the 1998 Broncos remains a cherished memory in Denver sports history.
Still wondering how big a stage the Falcons could not conquer? Find out the immense size of the Arizona Cardinals’ home in “How Big is Arizona Cardinals Stadium.”
New England Patriots ươn Super Bowl LI in 2017
The New England Patriots engineered the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, rallying from a 28-3 deficit late in the third quarter to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017.
Trailing by 25 points, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady orchestrated five scoring drives on New England’s final six offensive possessions to complete the epic comeback. Brady finished with 466 passing yards and two touchdowns, breaking Super Bowl records for most completions (43) and passing yards in a game. James White was also prolific for the Patriots offense, scoring a Super Bowl record three touchdowns including the game-winner in overtime.
After the Falcons had raced out to a commanding lead capped by Tevin Coleman’s third quarter touchdown to lead 28-3, the Patriots began their comeback with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal, Danny Amendola touchdown catch, and White’s rushing score and two-point conversion to send the game to the first-ever overtime in Super Bowl history. In the extra period, White’s two-yard touchdown run sealed New England’s fifth championship.
With the 34-28 triumph, head coach Bill Belichick broke the record for most Super Bowl wins by a head coach with five. And by leading his team back from 25 points down, Tom Brady added another incredible story in his legendary career, further cementing his unmatched postseason pedigree in the process. For the Falcons, their collapse was the most devastating loss imaginable on football’s biggest stage.
Despite appearing on football’s grandest stage twice in their history, the Atlanta Falcons are still searching for their first ever Super Bowl title after losses in both trips. The latest defeat in dramatic fashion at the hands of Tom Brady’s Patriots will haunt the Falcons for ages. Atlanta’s empty trophy case stands as a constant reminder that this franchise has yet to reach the NFL mountaintop.