What was the single greatest season by a Falcons safety?

We’ve covered some special seasons in our all-time seasons campaign. We’ve seen some phenomenal seasons from our QBs, running backs, wide receivers and even our corners. Today, though, we turn our attention to the play of our safeties through the years.

I regret doing so.

The Falcons have had a ton of guys with potential, but it seems they’ve never found a guy to truly put back there to count on for a decade plus. Thus, this list is a bit eclectic. There’s a mix of names you’ll certainly recognize, others you may not and one that might make you cringe.

Let’s take a look at these “special” seasons.

1974 Ray Brown

Of his seven seasons in Atlanta, his 4th stood out the most. Brown pulled in 8 interceptions for 164 yards with 1 touchdown on the year. He was also named a 2nd team All-Pro for that season.

1981 Tom Pridemore

Pridemore spent 8 years in Atlanta, retiring after the 1985 season. In his fourth year in the league, he pulled in 7 interceptions for 221 yards and a touchdown. He added 3 fumble recoveries as well. Had the team fared better (7-9 record), Pridemore likely would have found his way to at least a Pro-Bowl nomination for this season.

2012 Thomas DeCoud

Ah yes, Thomas DeCoud. The man of the infamous college picture. The 2012 season was a good one for the team as they made it to the NFC Championship game and DeCoud made his first (and only) Pro-Bowl. He pulled in 6 interceptions for 52 yards, 1 fumble recovery and even added a sack that season.

2012 William Moore

Willie Moe joined his teammate in 2012 to his first (and also only) Pro Bowl. While Moore gave Atlanta fans tons of highlights through the years (Mike McNeill is a permanent part of Falcons lore), Moore’s best season coincided with DeCoud. He notched 4 interceptions for 51 yards with 1 fumble recovery and 1 sack.

1998 Eugene Robinson

This name may cause some BAD flashbacks for fans. It was the third time Robinson would make the Pro-Bowl (at age 35 no less) but it would be marred by his regrettable set of decisions during the Super Bowl. His season, though, was a strong one. He pulled in 4 interceptions for 36 yards and a touchdown while adding 2 fumble recoveries to his list.

Of these choices, who had the best season in your mind?