2022 Atlanta Falcons season


The 2022 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 57th in the National Football League, their sixth playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and their second under head coach Arthur Smith.
The Falcons matched their 7–10 record from the previous season, but failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Despite the setbacks, the Falcons defeated quarterback Tom Brady for the first time ever in his career during the last game of the regular season, avenging their Super Bowl LI loss. Also notable for the first time since 2007, long-time quarterback Matt Ryan was not on the roster as the Falcons traded him to Indianapolis on March 21. The team signed former Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota as their new quarterback on the same day. Mariota was reunited with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who served as the tight ends coach and offensive coordinator during Mariota's tenure with Tennessee. As of the 2024 season, this season is the Falcons' most recent last-place finish in the NFC South.

Draft

Draft trades
NamePositionCollegeRef.
Jared BernhardtWRFerris State
Stanley BerryhillWR[2021 2021 Arizona Wildcats football team|Arizona Wildcats football team|Arizona]
Kuony DengOLBCalifornia
Matt HankinsCBIowa
Brad HawkinsSMichigan
Timmy HorneDTKansas State
Tyshaun JamesWRCentral Connecticut
Nate LandmanLBColorado
Clint RatkovichFBNorthern Illinois
Bryce RodgersDTUC Davis
Derrick TangeloDTPenn State
Seth VernonPPortland State
Tyler VrabelOTBoston College
Leroy WatsonTEUTSA

Preseason

The Falcons' preseason opponents and schedule were announced in the spring.
WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1at Detroit LionsW 27–231–0Ford Field
2at New York JetsL 16–241–1Metlife Stadium
3Jacksonville JaguarsW 28–122–1Mercedes Benz Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers


Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

With this loss, coupled with wins by the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, the Falcons were eliminated from postseason contention.

Week 18: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite this game having no playoff implications for either team, the Falcons beat the Buccaneers 30-17, officially getting the franchise's first ever victory against Tom Brady. The game featured several milestones for the Falcons rookie class. Quarterback Desmond Ridder threw his first career touchdown pass, running back Tyler Allgeier passed the 1,000 yard rushing mark while setting the franchise rookie record, and wide receiver Drake London passed tight-end Kyle Pitts for the most receptions by a rookie in franchise history. Following their victory and the rest of the Week 18 results, the Falcons secured the 8th spot in the 2023 NFL draft. As of 2025, this remains the last time Atlanta finished dead last in the NFC South