The 1996 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchiseâÂÂs 31st season in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons were unable to match their previous seasonâÂÂs output of 9âÂÂ7 and failed to reach the playoffs. Atlanta started the season 0âÂÂ8, going winless until November. Two of the teamâÂÂs three wins were over the equally inept New Orleans Saints, who also finished 3âÂÂ13.
The Falcons allowed 461 points in 1996, the most in team history. Football Outsiders calculates that the 1996 Falcons had the third-worst pass defense they had ever tracked.
The season was notable when Jeff George was engaged in a shouting match with June Jones in a nationally televised game against Philadelphia. The next day, George was suspended for his act and was eventually released by the team. As for coach Jones, he was fired at the conclusion of the season. This was also the final season Bobby Hebert would play in the NFL.