The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Bill Belichick for their head coaching vacancy. That possible connection brings up a painful moment in the franchise’s history.
Falcons fans don’t have fond memories of Belichick, whose New England Patriots erased a massive deficit to defeat Atlanta in Super Bowl LI victory. Years later, nobody has forgotten that score.
Many observers turned to 28-3 jokes after Atlanta announced the interview on Monday night.
“The Falcons have interviewed former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Hopefully, it lasted exactly 28 minutes and three seconds,” Pro Football Talk wrote.
The Falcons have interviewed former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Hopefully, it lasted exactly 28 minutes and three seconds. https://t.co/N8qmdQira2
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 16, 2024
“‘Now, what would you do if you were trailing in a game, 28-3?'”the New York Post‘s Peter Botte imagined Atlanta asking Belichick.
“Now, what would you do if you were trailing in a game, 28-3?” https://t.co/OmFMKDI0Lq
— Peter Botte (@PeterBotte) January 16, 2024
“Do we think they brought up 28-3 immediately or not at all?” The Ringer’s Danny Heifetz wondered.
Do we think they brought up 28-3 immediately or not at all? https://t.co/KR02qQ9UD4
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) January 16, 2024
“Belichick’s only demand should be that the Falcons pay him $28.3 million per year,” WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin suggested.
Belichick’s only demand should be that the Falcons pay him $28.3 million per year.
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) January 16, 2024
“I give them a 28.3% chance,” a fan said.
I give them a 28.3% chance https://t.co/sFg5BmIuIa
— Ian 😇 🧀 (@angelsfan270) January 16, 2024
Falcons fans don’t need any more reminders about what happened seven years ago. They led by 25 in the third quarter, but New England sent the game into overtime with 19 of 25 straight points in the fourth quarter.
James White then iced the historic comeback with a game-winning touchdown in overtime. He scored three times, but Tom Bady still took home MVP honors with 466 passing yards and two touchdowns.
While Belichick has six Super Bowl titles, the Falcons still have none. Supporters would probably put the past behind them if they hire the legendary head coach to try and end that championship drought.