Quinn’s record is 6-13 vs. AFC teams, 1-8 over last nine games
<p> FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2017, file photo, Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla. The Falcons won 24-21. Neal is one of several key defensive players back from injury for the Falcons after a disappointing season in 2018. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) </p> <p> FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2018, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes, right, intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis during the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. Rhodes, whose play was affected by injury last year, is one of several players being counted on to help get the team back to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) </p> <p> Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn watches play against the Washington Redskins during the first half an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) </p> <p> Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer talks with reporters following the team's 27-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills in an NFL preseason football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/David Dermer) </p>
The Falcons (1-1) are set to play their first game against an AFC opponent this season when they face the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Falcons were swept by the AFC North last season, losing games to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore.
They went 1-3 against the AFC East in 2017, posting a 25-20 win over the Jets to go with losses to the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills.
They are 1-7 in their last eight regular season games against AFC teams, 1-8 if you count Super Bowl LI.
“They are all important, but the (AFC games) deserve some extra time and attention to get to know the players they are playing against more,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “That’s where we tried to dig in harder. We already take pride in our preparation, but this is a quarterback that you haven’t faced or receivers, tight ends or (defensive backs), how do go, you ‘ve got to dig in and watch a lot of (film). That’s what we did to make that as the emphasis.”
Overall under Falcons coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons, including the Super Bowl LI loss to New England, are 6-13 against AFC teams.
In his first season, the Falcons were 3-1 against the AFC South with wins over Houston, Tennessee and Jacksonville. The only loss was to the Colts.
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.