The Saints and Falcons are very similar teams historically. They were formed only one year apart, the Falcons in 1966 and the Saints in 1967 respectively, as the first teams in the deep south (unless you’re counting texas). Almost like these two were made to hate each other.

But they are even more similar in the sense that they have historically, and excuse my wording here, sucked major ass.

Between 1967 and 1999, the Falcons had a total record of 198-295-5, the Saints had a record of 192-301-5 in that same span.

In terms of postseason success the Saints started out much worse, as they wouldn’t make the playoffs until 1987 and didn’t win a postseason game until the year of our lord 2000. 32 years after their inaugural season. The Falcons on the other hand would achieve both in 1978. However the saints would quickly catch up since 2000 and now both are tied up in playoffs wins with 10 each.

The Saints have of course, won a Superbowl in 2009 (although it is forever stained with a certain scandal), while the falcons have made 2 and lost both, the more notable one of course being their appearance in the 1998 when the 14-2 Falcons would fall to the John Elway led broncos.

All of this literary diarrhea just to say, This rivalry is something very special. My dad is a lifelong Saints fan and while being a fan of the saints wasn’t very easy back in the day, he said Falcons games were always a treat to look forward to. The all time series is now tied 54-54 and the Saints have a shot at taking the lead for the first time since their very first matchup in 1967, when the saints would win at home 27-24, and then immediately lose the next 9 games straight.

  • tromeob@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I grew up as the only football fan in my family and a falcons fan. No one ever told me to hate the saints but I have always hated the saints more than any other team.

  • BraxxIsTheName@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Fell to me knees in the Waffle House parking lot when I saw that r/nfl doesn’t care about today’s Dennis Allen Arthur Smith Chess Match

  • Sartheking@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    the more notable one of course being their appearance in the 1998 when the 14-2 Falcons would fall to the John Elway led broncos.

    Lol

  • ZacInStl@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    You’re not wrong. But as a Browns fan, the entire AFC North is like this.

  • kbean826@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I love the saints as much as a non fan can (I went to the dome reopening, and have been to several other games), but no. Those two teams haven’t been good at the same time long enough to make the games interesting.

    • Russell_has_TWO_Ls@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      But this year there are Playoff Implications! But seriously, you’re absolutely correct. Assuming Carr will be playing, this will not be a fun game to watch at all

  • Comprehensive_Main@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The only thing holding this rivalry back is the fact that the falcons and saints have only played each other in the playoffs like once. Very little playoff battles compared to Niners Seahawks or eagles cowboys.

      • braggpeak@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Even if we all sent a joint nfcs all star team I’m not sure they’d be favored

        • Nuclearsunburn@alien.topBEnglish
          1·
          10 months ago

          Is the QB Carr, Jameis, or Baker? Lol…that’s grim. As long as Arthur isn’t coaching I think it’d be ok. But who is the best NFC South coach? Arthur, Dennis Allen, Bowles, and Reich are the choices…yeesh.

          Talented receivers in Evans, Godwin, Olave, and London at least and maybe the new coach can figure out Pitts and Bijan. Bijan + Kamara is a nice start to a backfield. Rachaad White looks good too.

          But yeah serious coaching and QB deficiency in the division as a whole and they wouldn’t be favored. The defense might be good, Saints and Falcons both have (well had, RIP Grady) some nice pieces on defense.

  • mesayousa@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    And the Bucs have won more SBs that both lol

    And they’ve also won the Lions’ division more recently than they have

    The NFCS is the strangest division to me

  • Different-Salary2899@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    It’s under appreciated bc we both suck. Fun for us. But I don’t blame you for not being invested if you’re not in the fanbases