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
2

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.