1986 Atlanta Falcons season

1986 Atlanta Falcons season
Head coachDan Henning
Home fieldFulton County Stadium
Results
Record7–8–1
Division place3rd NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers

The 1986 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 21st season in the National Football League (NFL). It began with moderate expectations.[1] Head coach Dan Henning was going into his fourth year having failed to post a record above .500 in any of his first three seasons. Local media, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, saw it as Henning's last chance to save his head coaching job.[2] Atlanta entered the season led by, among others, Gerald Riggs,[3] Scott Case, Bill Fralic and Jeff Van Note. David Archer was the starting quarterback heading into the season.[4]

The Falcons won their first 4 games, but their season was effectively ruined by going 3-8-1 afterwards.

  1. ^ "Picking the Falcons to go 9–7, starting with a win over the Saints". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 7, 1986.
  2. ^ "Falcons hoping for fast start in New Orleans opener". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 7, 1986.
  3. ^ "Riggs makes backfield whole again". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 5, 1986.
  4. ^ "Archer reports bruised right shoulder feeling 'fair'". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 3, 1986.