What Is 2015 Atlanta Falcons football team

Overview

The 2015 season marked a transitional year for the Atlanta Falcons, as they introduced a new head coach and laid the foundation for future competitiveness. After a disappointing 2014 campaign that ended in a 6-10 record, the team underwent significant changes in leadership and strategy.

Under first-year head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons showed noticeable improvement, finishing the season with an even 8-8 record. While they missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, their offensive performance stood out, ranking among the league’s best.

• Head coach Dan Quinn was hired in January 2015 after serving as the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, bringing a renewed focus on team culture and accountability.
• The Falcons started the season 5-0 for the first time since 1980, generating early optimism with strong performances from quarterback Matt Ryan and the offense.
• Despite the hot start, the team lost five of their final six games, collapsing down the stretch and finishing 8-8, failing to reach the postseason.
• Matt Ryan had one of his best statistical seasons, throwing for 4,591 yards—the second-highest total of his career at the time—and 32 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions.
• The 2015 season was the Falcons’ final year playing at the Georgia Dome, which hosted NFL games from 1992 until 2016 before being replaced by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Offensive and Defensive Performance

The Falcons' 2015 campaign was defined by a high-powered offense paired with a struggling defense, a combination that led to close, high-scoring games throughout the season.

• Yards per game: The Falcons averaged 389.2 total yards per game, ranking 5th in the NFL, showcasing their explosive offensive capabilities under coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
• Passing yards: Atlanta led the league in passing with 302.8 yards per game, fueled by Matt Ryan’s career resurgence and a strong group of receivers.
• Julio Jones had a breakout season, recording 1,871 receiving yards—the second-most in the NFL—despite playing in only 14 games due to injury.
• The defense allowed 372.8 yards per game, ranking 28th in the league, undermining the team’s offensive success and contributing to late-season losses.
• Turnover ratio: Atlanta had a +6 turnover differential (19 forced, 13 lost), one of the better marks in the NFC South, helping sustain their early-season momentum.
• The team converted 38.7% of their third-down attempts, ranking 7th in the NFL, a key factor in sustaining drives and controlling game tempo.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2015 Falcons to other teams in the NFC South highlights both their offensive strengths and defensive shortcomings.

The Falcons ranked well above average in points scored but struggled defensively, allowing more points than all teams except the Saints. Their 420 points for ranked 7th in the NFL, yet their 403 points against were among the worst, illustrating the imbalance that ultimately prevented playoff contention.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a pivotal moment in the Falcons' rebuild, setting the stage for future success despite missing the playoffs. It demonstrated the potential of their offensive core and validated the hiring of Dan Quinn.

• The season signaled a shift in team culture, emphasizing accountability and resilience under Quinn’s leadership, which would later lead to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016.
• Matt Ryan’s strong performance silenced critics who questioned his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback, boosting his trade value and team standing.
• Julio Jones established himself as a premier wide receiver, drawing Pro Bowl honors and setting the stage for record-breaking seasons in the years to come.
• The team’s final season at the Georgia Dome marked the end of an era, with the Falcons preparing to move into the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017.
• Despite defensive struggles, the Falcons invested in defensive talent in the 2016 draft, including selecting safety Keanu Neal, aiming to correct imbalances.
• The 8-8 record was seen as a moral victory compared to previous seasons, building momentum and fan engagement heading into the 2016 campaign.

The 2015 Atlanta Falcons may not have made the playoffs, but they laid the groundwork for one of the most successful stretches in franchise history, culminating in an NFC Championship and Super Bowl LI appearance the following season.