How the Atlanta Falcons will battle history in their attempt to return to the Super Bowl

I believe, wholeheartedly, in this Falcons football team. I think Dan Quinn is the right man to helm it, that the coaching staff and front office are well-stocked with bright minds, and the roster has enough talent to contend. Few teams are as well-positioned as Atlanta, though I don’t need to tell you that there are no guarantees.

We must reckon with the past, though. Atlanta’s about to try to return to the Super Bowl and win it this time, which is a major undertaking no matter what year it is.

The last team that lost a Super Bowl one year and made it back the next year was the Buffalo Bills, who did that three times during the most woeful dynasty in NFL history. No team has done so since 1993, then. That is an eternity in the world of this football league.

The good news, as it is, is that aside from the 2016 Panthers and 2008 Patriots, every team in the last decade has made it to the playoffs the following year. The other good news is that what has happened in the past does not necessarily dictate the future, and the Falcons could make some more history if they can get to Minnesota.