What Atlanta Falcons return to the playoffs will mean for fans

Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (R) greets running back Devonta Freeman (24) prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (R) greets running back Devonta Freeman (24) prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons are set to enter the Playoffs for the first time since 2012. It’s time to get excited fans…we deserve it.

For the Atlanta Falcons, the playoffs have been elusive these last four years. The last time we saw them there, they fell just short of the Super Bowl in 2012. As heartbreaking as that game was for Falcons fans, they have a chance for redemption this season. This year’s team could be even better than the 2012 squad and that should make Falcons Nation very excited.

In sports, nothing quite gets me as excited as the word “playoffs”. The word itself carries so much weight. Every game is important to die-hard fans, but playoff games? Playoff games define careers and are etched in our minds for eternity.

The playoffs are not always a sure thing for us Atlanta Falcons fans.

The playoffs are not always a sure thing for us Atlanta Falcons fans. The lack of postseason success is the fuel to our fandom’s fire. We need to embrace this team’s amazing opportunity to do something special this season. With an offense that seems to be from another planet, they can score on anyone. The young, hungry Falcons defense is ready to make doubters into believers. If they win the next two games, they’re in for the first time in four years.

One of my favorite things about football is the connection between teams and their fans. Rooting for your favorite team is special. For whatever reason, you follow this group of 52-plus men on their quest for a championship as if you were apart of the team. Emotions ride on every play and even though things don’t always go your way, you’ll always love them. Because they are your team,

This level of fandom is magnified to the highest power in the playoffs. The playoffs are do or die. Win or go home. Your team either lives to fight another day in search of the Lombardi trophy or has to watch on TV just like you. A win in the playoffs is the source for all euphoria in the universe, I am sure of it. A loss on the other hand, can be worse than watching the ending to The Notebook. 

Think about it, the Atlanta Falcons are this close to hosting a playoff game. That alone should send shivers down your spine.

Next: 5 Reasons the Falcons beat up the 49ers