Falcons' 2010 season in review

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons' 2010 season in review

Falcons' 2010 season recap in photos

FALCONS 9, STEELERS 15 (OT) - Rashard Mendenhall ran 50 yards for a touchdown 2:35 into overtime and the Steelers overcame a shaky start by replacement quarterback Dennis Dixon and a missed field goal attempt late in regulation to beat the Falcons. Atlanta was held to just 58 yards rushing - Michael Turner gained 42 yards - while Matt Ryan threw for an ineffectual 252 yards and an interception. Notably, Tony Gonzalez had two receptions - putting him over 1,000 for his career.

FALCONS 27, SAINTS 24 (OT) - Matt Bryant drilled a 46-yard field goal with 1:55 left in the extra period to lift the Falcons over the defending Super Bowl champs in New Orleans. Matt Ryan passed for 228 yards and touchdowns of 13 yards to Tony Gonzalez and 22 yards to Roddy White. Michael Turner added 30 carries for 114 yards and a 1-yard TD plunge.

FALCONS 16, 49ERS 14 - Roddy White did it on offense and defense. The Falcons' Pro Bowl wide receiver not only caught seven passes for 104 yards - including four for 60 yards on the winning drive - but also forced a fumble off an interception late that allowed the Falcons to come up with another close-call victory. Notably, with a 9-yard catch in the second quarter, Tony Gonzalez (88) became the first NFL tight end with 12,000 yards receiving.

Falcons 20, Browns 10 - Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann leaped to tip a pass, caught the deflection with a headfirst dive, rolled on the ground, alertly jumped to his feet and outran a few Cleveland players for a spectacular touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving the win over the battered Browns. Michael Turner rushed for 140 yards, including a season-long 55-yarder. Matt Ryan threw for 187 yards and a TD.

Defensive end John Abraham finished fifth in the league with 13 sacks.

Falcons 27, Bucs 21: Key fourth-down stop of Tampa RB LeGarrette Blount difference in the game.

Falcons 26, Ravens 21: Coach Mike Smith celebrates with Roddy White after White's 33-yard TD reception with 20 seconds remaining won the game.

Falcons 34, Rams 17: Tony Gonzalez had four catches as Atlanta won its fourth straight.

Falcons 20, Packers 17: Michael Turner rushed for 110 yards and a score, but Matt Bryant's 47-yard FG with nine seconds remaining proved to be the difference.

Falcons 28, Bucs 24: Eric Weems' 102-yard kickoff return sparked a rally which ultimately led to the team's sixth straight victory.

FALCONS 34, SEAHAWKS 18 -- Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes, Jonathan Babineaux recovered a fumble for a score, and the Falcons won their eighth straight game, the longest win streak for Atlanta since 1998. With the win, the Falcons clinched a spot in the postseason.

FALCONS 14, SAINTS 17 - The Falcons couldn't stop a late charge by Drew Brees and the Saints. The Saints, meanwhile, shut down Michael Turner, who ran for just 48 yards on 17 carries, and Matt Ryan's two favorite receivers: Roddy White (three catches, 43 yards) and Tony Gonzalez (two receptions, 12 yards).

FALCONS 31, PANTHERS 10 - Matt Ryan passed for 236 yards with touchdowns to Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, and Eric Weems scored on a 55-yard punt return. With the win, the Falcons earned their first division title since 2004 - team's fourht - and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs for the first time in 30 years.

1/13

FALCONS 9, STEELERS 15 (OT) - Rashard Mendenhall ran 50 yards for a touchdown 2:35 into overtime and the Steelers overcame a shaky start by replacement quarterback Dennis Dixon and a missed field goal attempt late in regulation to beat the Falcons. Atlanta was held to just 58 yards rushing - Michael Turner gained 42 yards - while Matt Ryan threw for an ineffectual 252 yards and an interception. Notably, Tony Gonzalez had two receptions - putting him over 1,000 for his career.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Braves opening gamer

PHOTOS: Fans celebrate opening day at Truist Park

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport long lines

PHOTOS: Scenes from Hartsfield-Jackson airport

Atlanta’s socially anxious are facing their fears through improv

Photos: Atlanta’s socially anxious are facing their fears through improv

Grayson Stadium 100 years

PHOTOS: Savannah's Grayson Stadium through the years

More Galleries

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers

PHOTOS: Panthers defeat Falcons in overtime

APTOPIX Falcons Colts Football

PHOTOS: Falcons work overtime in Germany before losing

Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins

PHOTOS: Falcons fall at home to Dolphins