Monday Night Football returns to the ATL in 2010
061022 - ATLANTA, GA -- ROETHLISBERGER KNOCKED OUT--Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is knocked out of the game on this hit by Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney during 3rd quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006. Roethlisberger may be suspended when the Falcons face the Steelers this season. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC staff)
UPDATE
061022 - ATLANTA, GA -- ROETHLISBERGER KNOCKED OUT--Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is knocked out of the game on this hit by Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney during 3rd quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006. Roethlisberger may be suspended when the Falcons face the Steelers this season. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC staff)
BIRDLAND — The league’s premier in-season event, Monday Night Football, returns to Atlanta after a two-year hiatus.
The Falcons’ 2010 schedule is highlighted with two national television appearances, including one outing on Monday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons will host the Saints at 8:30 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 27 at the Georgia Dome. The game will be televised on ESPN.
The Falcons other nationally televised game will be against the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. on Thur., Nov. 11 at the Georgia Dome. The game will be televised by the NFL Network.
The Falcons played on Monday Night Football last season, but the game was in New Orleans. In 2008, the team did not play any prime time games.
The Falcons last played at home on Monday on Dec. 10, 2007 against the Saints. It would be Bobby Petrino’s last game as the head coach, a 34-14 drubbing.
The Falcons have the 20th toughest schedule in the league based on their opponents’ records in 2009 (127-129).
Last season, the Falcons finished 9-7 to post the franchise’s first back-to-back winning seasons. However, the team, which was beset with injuries to key starters in running back Michael Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan, posted only one victory over a team (New York Jets) that finished last season with a winning record.
In 2010, the Falcons will face six non-division opponents – Arizona (10-6), Green Bay (11-5), Baltimore (9-7), Philadelphia (11-5), Cincinnati (10-6) and New England (10-6) — who posted winning records last season.
Here’s a look at the Falcons 2010 Schedule:
Preseason games: Kansas City — 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 13; New England – 8 p.m., Thur., Aug. 19; At Miami, 7 p.m. Fri., Aug. 27; At Jacksonville – 7:30 p.m., Thur., Sept. 2
THE REGULAR SEASON
The Falcons could see Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford in his rookie season if he's selected, as expected, by the St. Louis Rams. The Falcons play at St. Louis on Nov. 21.
AT PITTSBURGH
Date: Sept. 12, 1 p.m.
Last season: 9-7, third in AFC North.
The skinny: Ben Roethlisberger could be suspended, but the Steelers still have Hines Ward.
ARIZONA
Date: Sept. 19, 1 p.m.
Last season: 10-6, first in NFC West.
The skinny: Quarterback Matt Leinart will get his chance to take over for the retired Kurt Warner.
AT NEW ORLEANS
Date: Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
Last season: 13-3, first is NFC South.
The skinny: The Saints had some key losses during free agency.
SAN FRANCISCO
Date: Oct. 3, 1 p.m.
Last season: 8-8, second in NFC West.
The skinny: The 49ers will be seeking revenge from the 45-10 whipping the Falcons put on them last season.
AT CLEVELAND
Date: Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
Last season: 5-11, fourth in AFC North.
The skinny: Tennessee safety Eric Berry, of Creekside High, could land with the Browns.
Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens come to the Georgia Dome for a nationally televised game on Nov. 11. The game will be shown on The NFL Network.
AT PHILADELPHIA
Date: Oct. 17, 1 p.m.
Last season: 11-5, second in NFC East.
The skinny: Off to see the Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick show.
CINCINNATI
Date: Oct. 24, 1 p.m.
Last season: 10-6, first in AFC North.
The skinny: The Bengals picked up wide receiver Antonio Bryant in free agency.
BYE WEEK, Oct. 31
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Date: Nov. 7, 1 p.m.
Last season: 3-13, fourth in NFC South.
The skinny: The Buccaneers will rely on quarterback Josh Freeman from the outset.
BALTIMORE
Date: Thur., Nov. 11, 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network)
Last season: 9-7, second in AFC North.
The skinny: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed continue to lead the defense.
AT ST. LOUIS
Date: Nov. 21, 4:05 p.m.
Last season: 1-15, fourth in NFC West.
The skinny: The Rams are expected to take quarterback Sam Bradford in the draft.
GREEN BAY
Date: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Last season: 11-5, second in NFC North.
The skinny: The Packers feature the passing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
AT TAMPA BAY
Date: Dec. 5, 1 p.m.
AT CAROLINA
Date: Dec. 12, 1 p.m.
Last season: 8-8, third in NFC South.
The skinny: The Panthers have turned the page on the Jake Delhomme era.
AT SEATTLE
Date: Dec. 19, 1 p.m.
Last season: 5-11, third in the NFC West.
The skinny: Pete Carroll has returned to the NFL.
NEW ORLEANS
Date: Monday, Dec. 27, 8:30 (ESPN)
CAROLINA
Date: Jan. 2, 1 p.m.
ABOUT THE FALCONS SCHEDULE
BYE WEEK BREAKDOWN: The Falcons will have their bye week after playing seven games, one game short of the halfway point of the season.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The will have to prove their mettle on the road or risk getting off to a bad start in 2010. To open the season, they will play four of their first six games on the road. Under head coach Mike Smith the Falcons are 7-10 on the road, including the wildcard loss in Arizona after the 2008 season.
THROW BACK GAMES: The Falcons will wear their throwback uniforms in two home games. They will make their uniform decisions at a later time.
HOME SWEET HOME: After the bye week, the Falcons will play three of four games at home against Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Green Bay.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
156 comments Add your comment
jpage327
April 20th, 2010
12:52 pm
@rebeldawg
I was referring to prime time games genius. Every time there is a Monday night game against the Saints, it always in there court. Not to mention we were the first team to play them after the Superdome was rebuilt. Anyone would have lost that game. I’m just tired of the home field advantage they always get.
Either way, I say the Falcons beat’em twice!
TXDawg
April 20th, 2010
12:54 pm
They might get another Thanksgiving Day/Night game too.
Cowboys five time champs
April 20th, 2010
12:57 pm
The falcons will go 7-9 and not make the playoff fire smitty campain start thurs. with the draft of a center in the first round. Come on Man
jfreak13713
April 20th, 2010
12:58 pm
Schedule looks pretty good for Falcons. Geenbay, Saints, and Ravens will be difficult but Falcons should have edge aginst other teams! If Turner stays healthy and Falcons get O-line help they should win 10 or 11 games easy. I could see 12-4 and NFC Champ as real possibility.
Kane337
April 20th, 2010
1:05 pm
How many teams this year will play the Falcons coming off a bye week? We got screwed last year.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 20th, 2010
1:07 pm
Kane337 — That’s a new variable in the schedule this year. That was not supposed to happen. I think they are going to try to uniform that and keep it to two per team.
Kane337
April 20th, 2010
1:08 pm
Kerney did not knock out Rothlisberger out of the game. I believe Babineaux did.
Kane337
April 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Good to know DLed. Lets hope the schedule makers cut the Falcons a break after last year.
Cowboys five time champs
April 20th, 2010
1:17 pm
Kane337 The falcons are alwayslooking to play a weak schedule grow some balls and play somebody sorry ladies
Kane337
April 20th, 2010
1:21 pm
I would imagine being a schedule maker is tough work these days after you add the bye-week limit to 2 teams and the fact that Goodell announced today all week 17 games will be divisional games. Not to mention baseball-shared stadiums occupancy in Sept and Oct months.
Kane337
April 20th, 2010
1:24 pm
Cowgirls five time tramps, nobody picks their opponents. It’s picked for all teams as soon as the season ends. Congrats on finally winning a playoff game in 14 years.
Fido's keeper
April 20th, 2010
1:45 pm
When Ray Lewis comes back to town, will the rest of Buckhead be shut down for safety? His murdering ways has already closed 6 square blocks of prime real estate.
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
1:52 pm
VIKING VS SAINTS SEASON OPENER!!!! GO Falcons 12-4 this year one the road at pittsburgh week one.
Matt the Brave
April 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
Can’t wait to see those red helmets again. They look sharp with the black jerseys. I think that we’ll end up at 11-5, but we can at least win 9 no prob.
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
Correction ATL vs Cleveland
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
1:54 pm
12-4
dr henry/augusta
April 20th, 2010
1:54 pm
I just hope they dont schedule us with four games w/teams coming off of their bye? Remember last season most of the games we had with the NFC east teams were after their bye week. If Matty Ice stays healthy and improves his decision making from last yr. just a little we’ll be OK!!!Regardless of how good the Saints are they aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this season…We should be able to stay with them. My biggest concerns are still the D. WE did not improve enough for me
mario
April 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
My guess is that the HOME Sainst gme will be on Monday night and teh Eagles game will be on Sunday night…and maybe the green bay baltimore game may be a sunday nighter as well……and the Steeler game will be on national TV on FOX….
chem
April 20th, 2010
2:05 pm
Average 2009 record of 2010 opponents: 8 wins/ 8 losses
FALCONS SORRY
April 20th, 2010
3:13 pm
LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER SEASON OF FAILURE FOR UNCLE TOMS CHICKENS. MAYBE SINCE HE GOT A BIG TOE NOW MATT RYAN CAN STICK IT IN ARTHUR BLANK MOUTH SO HE DON’T SAY MOVIN ON AGAIN. WERE MOVING ON TURE. MOVING ON DOWN THE DIRTY SOUTH WHILE THE SAINTS AND CAROLINA ARE MOVING IN THE DRIVER SEAT. WHO WE GONNA GET? WE DON’T EVEN KNOW WHILE WASHINGTON GO MCNABB AND WE HAVE TO FACE YOU KNOW WHO IN PHILLY.
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
3:19 pm
TOLD YOU VIKINGS VS SAINTS
TMoney
April 20th, 2010
3:24 pm
One thing I’ve got to hope is that, with Goodell making later season games divisional games, we don’t draw the card of opening in New Orleans. Honestly, I think the NFL really hates the Falcons. In 6 out of the last 8 seasons, we had to go to New Orleans before they came to Atlanta.
I’d actually guess that our last game ends up being one of the New Orleans games. I may complain about going to New Orleans first, but I also like the idea of playing them, week 17, in the Dome with the division on the line.
Is it football season yet?
SirReal
April 20th, 2010
3:40 pm
Some people mentioned Flacco Vs. Ryan. That will be a good game. (Just be ready for a firestorm on here the next day.lol) I think the schedule should be easier this year but we still have some tough teams. The whole AFC North can bring it. (yes, even CLE.lol) Not too concerned about the NFC West except for ARZ if Lienart’s good and SEA if Caroll really does his stuff. GB and PHI will be a hard fought games as well as our divisionals. Those are always tough. I see the birds no less than 10-6 though, if we’re healthy…
Freakin Falcons
April 20th, 2010
3:45 pm
I think we have a good shot @ the superbowl this year as long as we stay healthy. WE ALMOST BEAT THE AINTS WITH A BACK UP QB AND A THIRD STRING RUNNING BACK LAST YEAR. With MMA training we are coming out scrapping this season.
DJ
April 20th, 2010
3:54 pm
Only 2 of 8 road games against playoff teams? They should be able to improve by 2 games on the road and 1 at home. By my math, that’s 12-4.
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
3:55 pm
Falcons vs Vikings NFC Championship 2011, Falcons 27 Vikings 17.
grimetime912
April 20th, 2010
3:56 pm
12-4 is right
Kennesaw Res
April 20th, 2010
4:17 pm
I am used to the fans making grammatical and spelling errors galore in online blogs, but I hate it when the writer does it. In the first four paragraphs there were four glaring errors of grammar, spelling, preposition, and verb tense. A shame.
BIG Nick
April 20th, 2010
4:29 pm
DEEEZ NUTZZZ! Who cares? SEC Football is second to NONE!
sean
April 20th, 2010
4:31 pm
I think you people are all drunk! The Falcons will be hard pressed to go 8-8…..Carolina will be better as will the Bucs……….The Saints are still loading on defense and quite frankly, they won the Super Bowl with a marginal defense……I think they repeat and we contend for a Wild-Card…….8 and 8.
SaintsLSU
April 20th, 2010
4:33 pm
Meanwhile in the land of champions, the Saints play the Vi-Queens when we gonna drop our SB XLIV banner on their a$$. WHO DAT? TWO DAT!
With no Roethlisberger, Falcons catch break at Pittsburgh | Jeff Schultz
April 20th, 2010
4:37 pm
[...] a pretty good chance the Falcons’ 2010 season will get off to a good start. If the report by Pittsburgh radio station WDVE is accurate, the Falcons will open the year Sunday, Sept. 12 against the [...]
El Bingo Es Loco
April 20th, 2010
4:41 pm
jpage327
April 20th, 2010
7:11 am
Let me guess, the Saints game will be in New Orleans? Big surprise…
Let ME guess, you don’t know much about football do you? Big surprise…
TEAMPLAYER
April 20th, 2010
4:42 pm
Ledbetter I wrote you 4-5 days ago about getting an update on Jerry and Douglass what the 411…..PLAYA/
JED
April 20th, 2010
4:43 pm
Big Ben dropps his pants and says, “You can do what you want”
Breesus
April 20th, 2010
4:51 pm
I will remind the dirty birds to please calm down. Since Breesus signed in New Orleans in 06 the Saints are 7-1 against Atlanta.
“Take my shots bitch-es!!!” hahahahaha
Resign or Resign?
April 20th, 2010
4:56 pm
12-4 at the WORST! Again; how did the ‘aints draw such an easy schedule? I thought the champs were supposed to be given the TOUGHEST teams to play; much like the Falcons last year after their play-off the year before!
BigTimeTECHFan
April 20th, 2010
4:59 pm
Yep, Dougless is Back, Jerry Back, W Moore Back
DeCoud will lay some rocks on some RB and WR, last year I was like wow where did this dude come from, nobody talked about him then by end of the year he was the Bird’s defensive MVP. He should be team captian next year.
Yea, bet Ray Lewis locks himself in the hotel room. I hope Michael Turner goes nuts on him and bust his lip at less one time. I would, I would not even worry about win, just go out and bust Lewis up.
SaintsLSU
April 20th, 2010
5:01 pm
Breesus, it has been a great 4 years against the birds. Hopefully we can sweep or at least 1 and 1. The Falcons will be our main competition in NFC South. We are gonna have to bring our A game.
Dejay
April 20th, 2010
5:02 pm
I really wonder sometimes if the NFL really has it in for our team. When it isn’t them scheduling us to be the first team to play in New Orleans after Katrina, it’s putting the birds up against FOUR TEAMS COMING OFF BYE WEEKS last year. That little quirk ‘wasn’t supposed to happen’ but it did to the Falcons, didn’t it? While I hear that a new variable will keep that from happening, I’ll believe it when I see it.
And how in the world did the Saints manage to get the 6th-easiest schedule in the league? Did they go 5-11 in some bizarro universe last year?
I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Falcons have some sick six of eight on the road stretch to end the season, ALL against teams coming off bye weeks, with the two home games being Baltimore and Green Bay. Meanwhile, the Saints get Tampa, a bye, Carolina, another bye (a minor ‘hiccup’ in the scheduling allows them an additional bye upon request), followed by the Falcons in their place, and a scrimmage against Georgia Southern, which automatically counts as a conference win.
No, I’m not bitter about last year….
Breesus
April 20th, 2010
5:02 pm
Ranking the schedule now is kinda silly. With off-season acquisitions and a solid draft class teams can improve drastically from 1 year to the next. The only way to determine who had an easy schedule will be at the end of the 2010 season when you compile the teams’ records.
Courtney
April 20th, 2010
5:07 pm
I hate to get too optimistic, but Pittsburgh the first week will not have a QB, Arizona’s QB retired, and Philly traded theirs away. Also Cleveland and Seattle have no QBs. Starting with those 5 wins, plus games against, Tampa, St Louis, and Carolina.
FALCONS SORRY
April 20th, 2010
5:11 pm
BY THE WAY I STILL LOVE MEN!!!!!!!!
willieg hates bill shanks
April 20th, 2010
5:18 pm
THE FIRST GAME AT PITTSBURG WILL BE A LOSS., THEN IT COULD SLOW DOWN TO 2LOSES , THEN 3, THEN 4 , LOSE ALL HOPE WELL BRING ON 2011 BECAUSE 2010 WILL BE A WASH,OUT BRING ON 2011.
VP
April 20th, 2010
5:24 pm
Nobody at the NFL HQ is helping the Saints folks. Just because you are a SB champion doesn’t mean u get a different schedule. The league sets the matchups years in advance. Go to falcons.com and you can see who the falcons will play home and away three years from now. Only one game is each year is determined by where you finish in the standing the previous year.
jpage327
April 20th, 2010
5:25 pm
@El Bingo Es Loco
I suppose you didn’t take the time to read my post later on in the day. Actually I suppose you don’t take the time read much at all…
willieg hates bill shanks
April 20th, 2010
5:25 pm
everybody in atlanta dont get excited because the nfl is going to stick it to the falcons again.
STH
April 20th, 2010
5:27 pm
Sounds like a bit of an easier schedule this year than last. Either way, I think we have a solid shot at winning the majority of the games.
willieg hates bill shanks
April 20th, 2010
5:28 pm
SUPER BOWL 2011 WILL BE THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS THE DALLAS COWBOYS.
jpage327
April 20th, 2010
5:29 pm
Courtney, just a note – Philly has a well proven QB with Kolb and the Browns now have Delhomme. Matt Moore with Carolina has been doing well and the Rams may pick Bradford who had an amazing showing for talent scouts.
Even against all that talent I truly think Matt Ryan will show the league what he can do this year.