2016 Atlanta Falcons in Review: Worst games of the year

A review of the 2016 Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t be complete without reflecting on some low-points. Let’s look at the worst games of the year.

It wouldn’t be fair of me to only focus on the positives of this Atlanta Falcons season. Although we may not like to admit it, there have been some low points for the team in 2016. We’ll tough our way through a few of the low-points, but remember that each loss made the Falcons better along the way.

Losses build character as good players and good teams learn from mistakes.

Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 6 at Seattle Seahawks

This is the game we all remember and still stomp our feet over. The game where Richard Sherman physically assaulted Julio Jones on the final play and wasn’t flagged for pass interference. The game where a pass tipped out of Jones’s hands and into the waiting arms of Earl Thomas. It was a contest that proved the Atlanta Falcons could compete, but left many wondering if they could close.

As far as losses go, this one stung for a while. Thankfully, the Falcons will have their chance at revenge in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs. No “12th Man” and no referees afraid to throw flags at Century Link Field. We couldn’t have asked for a better scenario.

Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers strong safety Dexter McCoil (23) celebrates a defensive stop of the Atlanta Falcons in overtime of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers won 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 7 vs. San Diego Chargers

The Falcons needed a bounce-back win after the Seattle travesty and they didn’t get it. Atlanta looked good in their black throwback uniforms, but played poor defense against an inferior team. Phillip Rivers threw for 371 yards, 140 of which went to receiver Tyrell Williams. Julio Jones had a huge game but the Falcons’ defense couldn’t keep the Chargers off the board.

This was the “here we go again” game for Falcons’ fans. The team dropped to 4-3 and seemed to down-spiraling just as they did in 2015. This was also the only overtime game for Atlanta this year and it went about as bad as one could.

Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) intercepts a two point conversion attempt and returns it for the game winning points against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chiefs won 29-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The loss at Seattle was heartbreaking, but the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs was flat out infuriating. The Atlanta Falcons seemed to control the entire game but some poor coaching decisions allowed for Atlanta-native Eric Berry to steal the show. His pair of interceptions literally stole a victory for the Chiefs on the road.

Everyone will remember the ‘pick-2’, but the Falcons had ample opportunities to put the game away before that infamous play. Atlanta’s red-zone offense wasn’t great and allowed the Chiefs to hang around the entire game.

My emotions raged while thinking back to and writing about these games. What makes me feel better is remembering that there’s only five losses to reflect upon for 2016. If all goes as planned, it remains five losses and eventually…the celebration of all celebrations for Atlanta.

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