The Atlanta Falcons will soon make the 4,204-mile trek to London to help launch the NFL‘s international games with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But is this the first time the Falcons will head to England’s largest city?
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Not the First Time Atlanta Has Gone to London
This will be the third time in franchise history the Falcons will make the eight-hour overseas journey.
Atlanta first made the journey to London in 2014 when they took on the Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium. It’s also the second time in the last three seasons that the Falcons will head to Europe.
Atlanta’s last London contest was against the New York Jets in the 2021 season.
Results of Both Games for the Falcons
Atlanta now has a chance to break its current even record in London games, as the Falcons are 1-1 overall overseas.
In the 2014 contest, Atlanta was unfortunately on the receiving end of blowing a significant lead. The Falcons witnessed a 21-point lead evaporate against former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, throwing for 325 yards and Matt Prater kicking the final 48-yard field goal to win 22-21.
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Seven years later, the Falcons would redeem themselves from the blown lead in London. Only this time, Atlanta held on to its big lead.
Atlanta hopped in front 17-0, then took a 20-3 lead into halftime. While the Jets mounted a comeback with rushing scores from Ty Johnson and Michael Carter, a Mike Davis 3-yard run became the sealing touchdown in the 27-20 win.
Falcons Veteran Shares Early Thoughts on Returning to London
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was on the 2021 Falcons team that won at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the Jets. He shared his past experiences and what he saw inside the stadium with the Falcons team site.
“It’s a cool experience because you get fans that love the game in another county,” Jarrett said. “But they’re going to rep every jersey that the NFL has got to offer. They’re going to be cheering just because.”
In London, some fans are knowledgeable about football. Others, though, are still trying to process what the game entails.
“Some people know what’s going on. Some people might just be learning,” Jarrett said. “But the fact that they show up to an NFL game and I get to be a part of it — me and my teammates get to be a part of it — is something that we’ll remember forever.”