1991 Atlanta Falcons season


The Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 26th season in the National Football League. It was also the final season they played at Fulton County Stadium, before moving into the Georgia Dome the following year. The season would be the most successful Atlanta compiled in almost a decade, with the team recording a winning record for the first time in nine years. Additionally, the team won its first playoff game since 1978, by defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Game.

Offseason

NFL draft

The Falcons' most notable selection in the 1991 NFL draft was future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, who was drafted by in the second round, 33rd overall. Head coach Jerry Glanville did not approve of the drafting of Favre, saying it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre into the game. Favre's first pass in an NFL regular season game resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown. He only attempted four passes in his career at Atlanta, completing none of them. Favre's tenure in Atlanta was short-lived and after the season, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he had his best years in and would play the next 16 years in and led the Packers to 11 playoff appearances, Super Bowl XXXII, and to their 3rd Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXI. Favre also won 3 straight MVP awards, and was a 9-time Pro Bowler during his tenure in Green Bay.

Personnel

Staff

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

Standings

Game summaries

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

Week 16

Week 17

Playoffs

Wild Card

Falcons quarterback Chris Miller completed the game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Haynes with 2:41 left in the contest. Miller completed 18 out of 30 passes for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Divisional

During their regular season meeting, Washington defeated Atlanta 56–17, with quarterback Mark Rypien throwing for 446 yards and 6 touchdowns. In this game the score was closer, but the result was still the same.
Under rainy and muddy conditions, the Redskins forced 6 turnovers, held the ball for over 36 minutes, and scored two touchdowns in a span of 3:11 in the second quarter.

Awards and records