The great advance | The History of the Atlanta Falcons, Part 6

[@coruscant100]

Watching this series is like watching the Titanic head for the iceberg. You know it's coming and the disaster that'll follow, and you can't help but watch it all unfold.

[@jazaniac]

YO LETS GO ICEBERG WOOOOOOOOOO 6 RINGS BABY

[@shoobaloobabobdingalingadong]

@@jazaniac I'm even a falcons fan and thats hilarious. Bravo, sir.

[@louisskulnik7390]

As an Ocean Liner enthusiast I approve this message.

[@eyesofthefox]

Global warming will eventually help us out.

[@emn1shearer449]

Actually got chills when they cut to showing their superbowl opponents and the thunder crashed.

[@FTWKGaming]

"The New Orleans Saints had won the space race just when the Falcons had discovered fire." That is such a good line

[@LeeGHThomas]

I had to pause the video immediately just to laugh lol

[@dbeast03]

Jon's pretty good at making really good lines

[@dozhadeville444]

I swear he got BARS lol 🔥

[@andrewpadaetz5549]

I also love the segue into the saxophone..even without viewing it you now know that means a discussion about the Saints.

[@Tentetnikov69]

As a British bloke who grew up with no connection to America, knowing nothing about American Football and only got into the sport in 2008, I fell in love with the Cardinals that season. I pledged to follow and support them undyingly forever. This is my curse to bear.

[@MrBurrito]

I started watching the Bills as a kid in the 90s. Don't worry, eventually your time will come. Never give up hope.

[@napalmpudding]

I was born in San Diego 🙃

[@Anita_sensei]

I became a browns fan shortly before their 0-16 campaign

[@jerryborths6307]

I'm a Lions fan...

[@desmondcarson2476]

Started paying attention in 2017 and became an eagles fan... it's all about the highs and lows

[@woeyjhite122]

The fact that the tragic 2010 chargers season happened at the same time as the 2010 falcons season is one of the most insane tidbits I've ever heard from Jon, and that says a lot

[@cflow2013]

The cinematic universe he’s been building for years is truly magnificent.

[@biackopsspokciab6849]

@@cflow2013 The 6 avengers: Texans, Lions, Falcons, Chargers, Cowboys & Jets.

[@EmptyHand49]

@@biackopsspokciab6849 I’d say replace Texans with the Browns

[@biackopsspokciab6849]

@@EmptyHand49 Why not both

[@Loogaroo1]

@@biackopsspokciab6849 2010 was also the year of the 7-9 Seahawks. I feel like they should be in the mix too.

[@teddyterminal]

"At least the Atlanta Falcons know where they live" sent chills down my spine.... Jon really knows how to make his point felt omg

[@theoleadfoot2864]

That is a surprise own

[@daftcarri2634]

i dont get it. Explain pls

[@theoleadfoot2864]

@@daftcarri2634 The Falcons may be miserable, but they were always in Atlanta, as opposed to the Cardinals, who moved around a lot

[@napalmpudding]

RIP Chargers

[@overdahedge2014]

i'd say it's similar to the last words about mike vick last episode, guy knows EXACTLY how to give his reasoning

[@brickwallblitz]

I burst out laughing when it was revealed that the Saints won the Super Bowl. I knew a quick cut was coming when Jon was explaning how the Falcons were aiming for long term success and yet I was still caught off guard.

[@DannyMeasho999]

@@SimuLord why did they hate football

[@ge4029]

This documentary series has taught me something, the 28-3 (or 28-9 according to Jon) wasn't surprising at all, it was a foregone conclusion. It was destined to happen.

[@0Clewi0]

Saints fans weren't supporting the Patriots because they hate the Falcons but because they understood the laws of the universe.

[@Karmy.]

I started rooting for the Falcons at halftime and I like to think I at least contributed some

[@Mark55204]

Falcons fans knew it was probably coming the whole time. I made the mistake of believing again right around the start of the second half after the Tevin Coleman touchdown. Never making that mistake again

[@flamboyant480]

Thats deep...

[@allanmacmillan7823]

@@Mark55204 Mark...I received a congratulatory text from a dear friend, who is a lifelong Bears fan, with about 3 minutes to go in the 3rd qtr. As God is my witness, I returned his text with an apocryphal 7-word reply...."This is going to leave a scar". As the Patriots' RB broke the plane in OT, I turned the television off and, to this day, have never even watched a highlight of the game. I still haven't reconciled it. Understand that I was 10 years old in 1966 and was present for all 21 home games of the Falcons' first 3 seasons. I had my own season tickets in the 90s. I literally have watched the entirety of the team's existence. Goddamnit!

[@ethanh6370]

Mike Smith as a computer-generated “normal guy” is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.

[@teddyterminal]

Fun fact: "The Great Advance" is also the name of the song track that Jon and Alex used to start Episode 1 of this series, when Jon started with "The Score is 28-9". A nice touch :O

[@DanielWilliams371]

That track is also a banger.

[@redalien75]

Speaking of tracks, do you know what the track that starts at 55:07 is called?

[@teddyterminal]

@@redalien75 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJDVhIZrhKl7qsk it's called "The Breakfast Club" - all the music credits are at the bottom of the video

[@PlutoTheSecond]

@@redalien75 "Breakfast Club" by Brett Weir.

[@unbornvii]

this series is proof that even when you know the magnitude of the impending doom, sometimes you can't help but be intrigued by the journey it took to get there

[@TheRallyFTW]

Sports journalism wouldn't be the same after this. Why? Well, Jon Bois left his mark - the highest dot, the largest bar, the steepest curve out of anyone on the field. It's hard to say he didn't do it without names like Alex Rubenstein, his co-writer for Dorktown, and Kofie Yeboah, whose work made sure that acts like Fumble Dimension didn't. They found comfort in their head coach - executive director Will Buikema - who absolutely made sure that the team at SB Nation and their herculean efforts wouldn't be squandered. And you can't forget about Keith Mansfield, Lorne Balfe and Skornik and Skornik, whose musical talents helped to set the score. But hey, enjoy it while it lasts, right?

[@kainoamori876]

This gonna be in the textbooks

[@Lleq3]

fuck em up jon & co!

[@erikboydston4476]

this about to be on sports journalism’s Wikipedia page

[@nononowhyno]

top tier comment. keep up the good work.

[@carriongoat460]

shout out joe ali too. he's adding a cultural context the game's dont give. everytime he speaks its a highlight

[@StevenTokyo06]

"Oh God Damn it!" That and Saints jazz music made me laugh out loud!! Killer combination 👌

[@Sixfortyfive]

Glad to have the sax motif back for the Saints. It just bleeds that "oh, THIS asshole again" energy. On par with the rival theme from Pokemon Red & Blue.

[@ForelliBoy]

Good thing they played it twice to make up for last time too

[@voiceofreason2674]

As a Saints fan , going from America’s whodatnation team to everybody hating us is ok I’ll deal with it

[@Joescotterpuss]

@@voiceofreason2674 The Saints were always at their best when they were the underdog. I'm looking forward to Jameis time.

[@xMB_ambXT4]

God, I love a good sax cut in a Dorktown

[@hbdragon88]

@@voiceofreason2674 I mean part of the hate is due to Bountygate, which isn't a good thing lol. Gregg Williams's locker room rant/pep talk was a bit too much.

[@TC-cx4gm]

It’s good to see the SB Nation cinematic universe being referenced here with the 2010 chargers and worst coaching decision both getting a nod

[@thecabillonaire]

had to throw in an ode to the falcons’ pathetic punt as well

[@oliverdennis3115]

Maturing is realising Matt Ryan has been more important to Falcons history then Vick.

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

Matt Ryan is the Falcons. I’m not even a fan of theirs but I swear every time I see a game break about how Matt Ryan threw for 400 yards and 3+ TDs only for the Falcons to lose on some ridiculous play at the last minute, it hurts. Reminds me too much of what we had here in Dallas with Tony Romo. Two QBs who deserved so much better.

[@salmonformula4377]

@@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820 I mean, I'd Julio is the Falcon. I feel the same way about Mike Evans on the Bucs, it's hard to love guys like those two. I get the Matt Ryan love, he's easily the important Falcons qb of all time but the modern Falcons are Julio's team.

[@stephendonovan9084]

Yes, but why be important when you can be Vick

[@bdbd1390]

@@salmonformula4377 Was his team, keyword was. Remember Julio is no longer a Falcon.

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

@@salmonformula4377 I feel bad for Julio as well because he made that spectacular catch in the super bowl only for it to all be for naught. That would’ve been his David Tyree / Mario Manningham moment.

[@zacharyreichert5035]

At the end I'm like, 'They aren't seriously going to devote a WHOLE episode to the single worst moment in the franchise's history, are they?' Well. Looks like you are. I'm sorry Atlanta.

[@12packersfan]

Jon: That gives them the funniest lead: 2-0 6-1: *am I a joke to you?*

[@PoleTooke]

Wait how does that happen? How do you score one point?

[@boynamedcate]

@@PoleTooke Look for "Every NFL Score Ever" (Jon's Scorigami video), minute 18:23.

[@chronusx877]

@@PoleTooke Team scores touchdown to up 6-0. They decide to go for 2. They suffer a safety on their own 2 point attempt. This is a 1 point safety.

[@graemeblakely6688]

@@JWex-jy7sk the scorigami video goes over this, but blocking an extra point and scoring with it is 2 points. The only way to have a 1 on the scoreboard is for a team to get scored on, and then on the ensuing play force a safety from the team going for the extra point. In theory, if the defending team in an extra point scenario also commits a safety, but it is (scorigami-wise) unremarkable because it turns 6 points into 7 for the attacking team, which happens all the damn time with kicked extra points.

[@DeadlyDanDaMan]

@@graemeblakely6688 Nope, there is no way whatsoever for an NFL team to score 1 point. A safety is ALWAYS 2 points, no matter what.

[@seraphsword1559]

I'm eager to see if Jon's "It's time to count out Touchdown Tom" tweet makes it into Episode 7.

[@Tomzski]

As a Chargers fan I'm eternally grateful for the Falcons. Without them, my team would have to assume the role of the team everyone thinks of when they hear the phrase "finds a new way to lose".

[@MikeFlamingo]

Right there with you brother

[@PrazMaster]

The Lions fit this bill as well, but I get your point. Bless you for staying a Charger fan even after they sold their souls and moved to LA.

[@meineg21]

… the Browns would like to have a discussion with you lol

[@TheDreadedRaider]

*Laughs in Raiders*

[@Giantsfan7273]

@@TheDreadedRaider *laughs in fumble*

[@martinelliotedwards1883]

I legitimately didn’t want it to end. It was like a Greek tragedy, you know how it ends but there’s still a fleeting sense of hope the verdict will change.

[@godbobo4088]

I wanna personally say thank you to Jon and the entity SB for including the blocked punt in 06. Has a Saints fan that moment still makes me cry and since I know a lot of people watch these videos who don’t know a thing about football I’m happy they get to see it happen.

[@escjacob541]

I’m a lifelong Falcons fan (albeit I was like 2 when this happened). That moment is bigger than sports, even Falcons fans cry when watching it.

[@Alex-tx2dh]

That crowd noise tho. It belongs in one of those “best crown reactions” comps but I’ve never seen it before.

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Fr i got teary eyed watching that again. It's even mote tear inducing considering how bad of shape steve gleason is in nowadays due to ALS

[@Xeroc_]

I remember watching another video from Sb nation video about Steve Gleeson. As soon as I saw the still frame of the block I started tearing up. Here is the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noqphmx3m89nmcU

[@-thefalcon-]

Ummm... *sigh* 🤦‍♂️ 🤬 that block punt and the Saints for trying to put the Falcon logo on the statue...

[@tekuaniaakab2050]

To quote the man himself: “I feel like we have this shared experience... that we both know exactly what’s going to happen...”

[@kingarthur3236]

Ironically that came right before a heartbreaking New Orleans Saints moment

[@pizzaman160]

NOOOOOOO

[@PaleBlueDot14]

That's not just a good comment It's a Pretty Good comment

[@ColtonMann13]

“Getting you’re ass kicked at your own birthday party” feels like that describes the falcons perfectly.

[@EdSmith313]

10:59 is one of the best moments in SB history. Jon: "Oh, GODDAMMIT!" *Cue the return of sexy sax jazz music*

[@andrewpadaetz5549]

aka Saints music..

[@jessewheinrichs]

Matt Ryan Julio Jones ultimate fantasy football duo in the early 2010’s

[@enthusiastofcute]

As it should be, the only time the Falcons can win is in Fantasy

[@warlordofbritannia]

Dunno, I rode Peyton Manning and Stephen Gostkowski to a championship back in 2013 Could have used Julio Jones, as I had trouble finding consistent receivers beyond Wes Welker and Eric Decker Edit: Apparently that was the year he was injured and played only five games, so uh, nevermind I guess

[@caidthackeray8896]

@@enthusiastofcute Shots fired. I love it.

[@roedent3076]

The end of this episode gives me goosebumps. "After 50 years of flying blissfully under the radar, the Atlanta Falcons had landed directly in the centre of the universe." The music and the thunder sounds make it too.

[@familylivesmatters]

Matt Ryan and Brett Favre both threw a touchdown for their first nfl pass. Brett threw a pick 6 tho

[@ianism3]

lmao

[@jacksondavies1451]

Never thought about that

[@dozaarchives2225]

That's Favres career in a nutshell.

[@familylivesmatters]

@@dozaarchives2225 not sure what you mean by that.

[@temp2320]

@@familylivesmatters Favre threw a lot of picks

[@LTfisch]

A bit off topic, but it’s absolutely crazy to think the Chargers once had LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner *AND* Darren Sproles in the same backfield

[@QwertyCaesar]

Spanos family has got to be cursed.

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

History of the Chargers, anyone?

[@millicentchuyin6763]

And the perfectly spherical Mike Tolbert

[@LTfisch]

@@millicentchuyin6763 Tolbert actually didn’t join until 2008, after Turner had left

[@millicentchuyin6763]

@@LTfisch Damn, I was a elementary schooler back then. Go chargers!

[@northstarjakobs]

All the love for Jon Bois and Alex Rubenstein in the comment section is brilliant and well-deserved, but the addition of Joe Ali's perspective is I think what really makes this doc one of the greats. Hearing someone who's from Atlanta share his thoughts on his team makes it truly special.

[@aloysiusdevadanderabercrom6401]

I can't lie, his voice and his cadence is very grating. I skip every single one of his parts. I just cannot listen to that guy.

[@inwhichidie7171]

God, this whole episode is just a constant creeping sense of doom

[@InchonDM]

It feels like watching a thriller movie, with a creeping terror that the audience can see but everyone on-set can't. Let no-one ever tell you that a story can't be good if you know how it ends. As Dorktown-Secret Base have comprehensively proven, the worth of a story is in the telling.

[@steveruta8746]

It’s like Alien, or Metroid Fusion.

[@Bighomie39]

Much like your pfp's source, only nowhere near as much doom as the Eclipse

[@jtherealmccoy9450]

Dear Jon and Alex, I haven't been to a ton of Falcons games, but I've been to a few. Most of them ended up in heartbreak of some kind (my first ever game ended with TO catching an 80 yard pass on the first play from scrimmage in overtime), but having been there when Matt Ryan threw his first pass was special. For me it was the moment that solidified my fandom and trapped me on this rollercoaster ride from hell. I know where this video is going, I probably know most of the stories that will be in this video for the first time in the series, but I'm just gonna sit here in the moment of that memory for a bit before going along for the ride. This is what I've dreaded but there's nothing I can do now but be a part of it all just like I was for this whole era. No matter how much it hurts, I feel seen as a fan. Thank you for this series you two as well as anybody and everybody that's made this happen. Sincerely Yours, An overly sentimental hopelessly romantic Falcons fan

[@Giantsfan7273]

I saw Odell real in his famous catch and I was super hooked. No more regular fandom for me at that point. Unfortunately the giants haven’t been very good in a long time. I still get ptsd flash backs every time someone mentions “boat” and “picture” in the same sentence. And in an odd twist of fate, after yelling at eli ever since 2012, I yearn for him to be our quarterback again. God help me and god help New York. I feel you man. -An overly optimistic giants fan

[@riggy1990]

I've only ever ventured to America for 2 ever games. 2014 week 1 (Overtime win vs Saints), and Super Bowl LI (Need I say more) The highs and lows of being a Falcons fan

[@CheezusChrist1776]

"How can you not be romantic about Falcons football" was the quote I believe

[@Jerome-Boateng]

@@Giantsfan7273 My first season as a Jets fan was 2009. We went to two AFC Championships when I first became a fan. Who knew beating the Patriots in the Divisional Round in 2011 would be the last time I saw my team win a playoff game… it’s crazy how you never know the Good Ol’ Days are gonna be the Good Ol’ Days until they’re over. Mark Sanchez is still the best Quarterback we’ve had in a decade. Just pathetic

[@RotundRager]

What I remember about those post-Katrina Saints was a sound guy getting fired for playing Rock You Like a Hurricane during warmups.

[@vandad13]

That actually happened?

[@sleepful1917]

lollll oops

[@devinm9245]

they should all be fired, the music selections at stadiums are infuriating

[@CheapSeatsSports]

I've never cared about the Falcons much (outside of the superbowl that the clearly are going to win from the start of this) until this series. Also as an Ms fan it's fun reliving someone else's pain this time.

[@CRMdrifter]

Yeah they've taugh us this whole series that a 28-3 lead is impossible to come back from.

[@trey8725]

I can't wait

[@TheDreadedRaider]

Yeah as an Ms fan and raiders fan it's nice to know there is other people suffering

[@ZachAdams926]

Die hard patriots fan. That line “the Atlanta falcons had landed themselves directly in the center of the universe” as thunder rolls in the background brings chills to my spine every time. Over my 10th time watching

[@gatienlaurol5793]

23:59 As a New Jersey resident, I can safely say that this way to MetLife Stadium is completely accurate.

[@themediumprofessor]

yes I felt the same way, requires a blood sacrifice & I don't want to talk about trying to get the Styx River Ferry on the phone

[@lukezitlofsky5286]

Distance wise, I lived 15 minutes away from the stadium. However, it took damn near an hour to get there...lol. NJ Turnpike is a damn nightmare. I now live in Sweden so it is much easier now.

[@dcbandnerd]

And to think Big Blue used to play at one of sports' greatest (and most accessible) temples at Yankee Stadium. I know football teams aren't supposed to play at baseball stadiums anymore but like...it's the original Yankee Stadium.

[@51Dutchman]

@Fries Born and raised in New Jersey. The state sometimes gets poked fun at, but we have a lot to offer - top tier education, a variety of opportunities for entertainment and career success, generally progressive public policies, and a surprisingly high number of places to enjoy the outdoors given its small size. But that being said, every stereotype you’ve heard about horrible New Jersey traffic and its chaotic highway system is true, lol.

[@The_Powerhouse_Of_The_Cell]

I have gotten lost on the way to MetLife every time I’ve had to drive myself there, and that’s after watching my Dad do it well over a dozen times perfectly. It’s an asphalt and swamp purgatory.

[@HiroOfLegend]

I remember sitting in a discord call with a group of friends watching the 2016 Super bowl, I was all smiles through out the two quarters and my friends could hear it. They wanted the falcons to win too just to stick it to the Pats. Then the second half happened. Over the course of the second half my joy in the call turned to shock, then to anger, then to denial. When the Pats got the ball in overtime I was pleading in the call for the falcons to do something while my friends stayed silent. When the Pats got that dagger in the heart. I just got up from my seat while still in the call and went outside in front of my apartment building and just sat down. It was dead silent in that complex, I saw people leaving from their parties in silence and the only thing we could hear was bugs and birds chirping, no one said a thing, not a single thing as they walked by. After sitting outside for god knows how long I went back inside disconnected myself from the group call(all the while my friends just laughed at how the falcons just up and blew it) turned off the lights and went to bed. To this day, that night is held over my head as the only Falcons fans in my group of friends and I take it in good fun, but it still hurts, oh god damn does it still fucking hurts.

[@vershawnsea9219]

Bro I literally never showed emotion the whole game. Even wen we were up big. I jus wanted the clock to hit all zeros. My girl fell asleep. Before she did she said why are u so tense? Look at the score. They're obviously guna win. I didn't say anything. She fell asleep. As the confetti rained down and I jus watched paralyzed. Not even knowing how to feel. She woke up. She said wtf happened? And I still dk how to answer that question all these years later..

[@Atlantafan21]

That 2016 MVP by Ryan is easily the most underrated MVP season of the century, if not ever. To this day I know and see/hear people talking about how he didn’t deserve it.

[@nerdstop5025]

Its all because of 28-9, had that not happened. No one would question it

[@JTCin2025]

@@nerdstop5025 They shouldn't question it anyway though,because that MVP was for his regular season performance.

[@jcore0981]

Probably cause it was sandwiched in the Tom Brady revenge tour.

[@nicholastricarico2957]

​@@JTCin2025 When you choke away a game like that, nothing else matters. That's all you are remembered for. Even Matt Ryan himself basically admitted it in his retirement tweet. It was subtle, but you knew that he knew.

[@goldenstatewarriors9418]

I’ve never heard people say he didn’t deserve MVP lol. The only case is that if Brady hadn’t missed the first four games he would’ve won it, but that’s a hypothetical. MNow granted I do think he would’ve won it as through 12 games, Brady had an insane 28-2 TD-INT ratio, with 3554 yards, 112.2 rating, and 11-1 record. Those numbers extrapolated over a 16 game sample, or maybe a bit lower given the larger size along with an at worst 14-2 record, and at best 15-1 would’ve given him MVP.

[@serisothikos]

It just struck me that, in the time between the Falcons' two Super Bowl appearances, the Patriots went from mid-tier afterthoughts to The Heroes to The Villains. What a wild couple decades.

[@teddyterminal]

24-2 is scorigami, and that second quarter punt might be considered one of the saddest punts of all time :P

[@almightysosa3007]

They should do a segment on pathetic punts. Call it the saddest punts or something like that.

[@brucedillon8358]

@@almightysosa3007 hmmm ahh hmmm ah

[@DutyDuty]

24-2 was first scored by the Steelers over the Chargers in 1972; the Falcons-Giants game was the third 24-2 final score (first in playoffs though).

[@sleepful1917]

@@DutyDuty wowww disappointing

[@keithotinkorang802]

I was right?! LETS GOOO

[@savagebricksports1]

4:31 wasn’t there that one patriots QB who threw a Hail mary on his first ever pass? I think his name was Michael Bishop.

[@lukerbom12]

Looked into it...that TD was 44 yards long.

[@johnny__topside]

His only career touchdown too

[@archle1169]

What about Andrew lucks drop off

[@lukerbom12]

@@Temporary_Doctor Jon’s claim was “longer than 50 yards”. Which has nothing to do with it being a Hail Mary or not

[@Temporary_Doctor]

@@lukerbom12 oh yeah well…I hadn’t watched the video yet. 😂

[@teddyterminal]

This might genuinely be my favorite video on KZbin. This specific episode. The way the Super Bowl buildup is presented, how the Falcons were always an alternative to the cultural issues of the day, how they were always a mess on the field, the foreshadowing of "blowing a 20 point lead" and "the worst shame in Falcons History", how suddenly they and the Patriots were teams on hot streaks playing this politically charged Super Bowl.... it's - it's perfect. The music, the emotion, everything. Wow.

[@flatzie5000]

Ive followed this team from Australia since Deion. Calvin Ridley being suspended for all of next year is right on brand. This whole series has been amazing.

[@BOS_C.O.]

LMAO that menacing music at the end for the Patriots

[@t.9811]

Me cackling to myself: "Wait, are we the baddies?"

[@oeao2841]

The Evil Empire is coming...

[@robheaton]

The pics of Brady, Belichick, Kraft and Trump 🤌

[@ForelliBoy]

@@robheaton After hearing Brady's election jokes I wonder if he only went through his MAGA phase "cause the bosses are doin' it, might as well"

[@heraldhermes879]

@@ForelliBoy Honestly, when he says that he really doesn't pay attention to politics, that his head is just football. I believe him, not because I want to defend him, but more that I think Brady is just that boring.

[@hacim42]

Thanks for the Pretty Good reference when talking about the reaction to the pick 2, of the "one resounding No!". It makes being a longtime fan all the more rewarding.

[@djlee_exe]

This episode has convinced me that the next “Entire history of…” team should be the Toronto Maple Leafs.

[@ParsnipPizza]

Its probably gonna be a hockey team. Leafs might actually be too easy. Maybe the Flames or the Canucks

[@JBBGeek]

It should totally be the Canucks. At least the Flames have won the Stanley Cup. Vancouver deserves it more. It makes more sense from a Dorktown standpoint.

[@rohinkartik-narayan7535]

@@JBBGeek Buffalo could also work what with the absolute shitshow the last ten years have been in upper management

[@tripleoo0]

In terms of weirdness, downtrodden-ness, and being the idea of an alternative scene that ends up creating a larger, distorted reality, I would think it has to be the LA Clippers.

[@JWex-jy7sk]

About 70% of that would just be talking about every controversial thing Harold Ballard did running the team...

[@jrist15]

God man, as a lifelong Massachusetts born patriots fan I can’t even believe the pure chills down my spine during the last few minutes. I’ve been waiting for this moment, because the team I was cultivated to root for since the day I was born is the ultimate villain. I have no right to enjoy the success of my favorite team more than any other fan, especially a falcons fan, but unfortunately there is no true parity, and some things just fall in ways like that. I can safely say no single day in my life was more memorable than Super Bowl 51. God damn, this series brings back the chills from that day like nothing else, although this time, I’m watching it from the other perspective. What a great series

[@chicagoakland]

At this point, the Saints sax theme is taunting us all.

[@someperson3883]

Not me

[@fakesportsgreg]

Guys this is such a fantastic series as someone who covered the Falcons Mora-Quinn I'm really enjoying reliving those crazy years when nothing was expected and they had success. One quick add on I was suprised Harry Douglas didn't get his grief for falling down on the go ahead opportunity to catch the TD on the final drive in 2013 NFC championship he catches that he is untouched on TD that gives the Falcons the lead. I'm a Steelers fan but covering the Falcons has made them my second team team and I have felt the pain Looking forward to part 7

[@SecretBaseSBN]

yeah the douglas play was interesting, and quite complex to do as full a dive on it as it perhaps deserved. certainly his stumbling prevented what could have been a bigger play, but donte whitner still had an angle such that assuming it would have been a td is likely a bit much (will further explore the all-22 of that play when that function returns to see just how likely it was whitner could've limited the damage after the catch). and the other elephant in the room is, uh, more than likely it shouldn't have even been ruled a completion in the first place -- one of those where it only stood as such because that was the dubious-at-best ruling on field

[@AJStylz1]

Yo the Falcons Saints jazz medley is everything 😂

[@bbarrettgriffith]

I’m a diehard Patriots fan but seeing that ending and knowing what’s going to happen next is unbelievably tragic given all the context we’ve been provided. Well done to everyone that has worked on this and the Mariners Documentary. These are the two most compelling sports series I’ve seen and they were done by the same people consecutively.

[@braydengriffin8717]

I’ll never forget the image of Julio leaping up and picking off that pass, never.

[@benweider2658]

I’ll never forget that julio Jones Super Bowl catch

[@think330]

@@benweider2658 happy to see someone else remembers that catch. Everyone forgets about it because of the Edelman catch and the choke of course

[@hitauaarahanga-doyle6914]

Thanks

[@SecretBaseSBN]

yo! thank you so much buddy, your support really means the world to us

[@cheighes1]

"Not buying it -jon" hilarious. 12:22 ts

[@abbyrytel]

44:42 "Quinn punts. Well, literally kicks, but he may as well have punted." The Surrender Index for this "punt" is over 100,000.

[@LazyCat010]

'The end of the game is NIGH. A field goal is worth THREE points. You are down by FOUR.'

[@msolec2000]

@@LazyCat010 The ball is on the ONE.

[@brucedillon8358]

@@msolec2000 don't even need to go for TWO

[@teddyterminal]

"We'd like to remove this blemish" *removes image* "But we don't have the technology to do that" *he says while reinserting it* Ouch.

[@Erinxh]

When that anxiety hits knowing what's to come at the next part, while not even being a Falcons fan.

[@Frazzled02]

Just in time for my blazing hangover. Secret Base, you are collectively my hero.

[@matthewbanta3240]

I grew up in Baltimore in the 80's. Even though I was young, I still remember the Colts leaving. Having a team leave is so traumatic to a city that it is something you don't forget. When the Cardinals left St. Louis, the owner was deciding between Baltimore and Arizona. Apparently the smart money was on Baltimore. I even remember my art teacher having a "Baltimore Cardinals" t-shirt on. The story goes that he changed his mind at the last minute and went to Arizona. It is something I always think about when people talk about the pain of being a Cardinals' fan. Having a really bad team is better than no team, but still it can be painful.

[@jtherealmccoy9450]

Even as a Falcons fan, that Steve Gleason punt block gets me everytime.

[@bunnygoeshop7160]

For real. Even as a Falcons fan that made me cry

[@dannyzep92]

I hope you guys continue to tell compelling stories like this because the stories of teams like the Yankees or the Patriots have been told time and again.

[@kelvinnguyen7883]

I was born in New Orleans and raised around Saints fans, but when I saw Matt Ryan in the thumbnail, I clicked immediately.

[@lukerbom12]

Also the ending of these videos are always amazing. The music, narration, visuals. Just gets you so hyped.

[@denvergray8943]

History of the Arizona Cardinals, immediately. If nothing else, it's an excuse for 45 minutes on Larry Legend that everybody needs to watch.

[@andrewlarson7]

As a Cardinals fan im not sure whether this is the first or the last thing in the world i want😂😂😂 On one hand it would be cool for someone to actually talk about us for a prolonged period of time, on the other hand it would probably just be pain to listen to

[@Spidahman4283]

I said this before in one of their other videos, but these videos give us an excuse to understand exactly why certain unsung heroes are wearing a gold jacket. Larry Legend will need his own video series to separate his dispair from that of those bums.

[@Karmy.]

We need one on the Detroit Lions too

[@Spidahman4283]

@@Karmy. That tail is never seeing .500 for the rest of time.

[@Karmy.]

@@Spidahman4283 I'd love to see Jon talk about the 0-16 season

[@georgemichaels3rdnut]

Whoever does the music for these is just a straight vibe. Such great choices has me so geeked

[@oliverdennis3115]

Yes please. The last episode is going to be amazing.

[@JadonGeorge]

6:40 Simply incredible comedy from Jon Bois. Incredible.

[@teddyterminal]

Throwback to his own "The Worst" Episode lol well done

[@alonectorch7877]

"...blowing a double digit lead with a chance to go to the Super Bowl against the 49ers" as a person who lives in detroit, i had this line in my head last week

[@evanwestphal3073]

Perfect. Just finished moving my sister into a new house, and I can relax to an hour of content. The best type of Saturday you can ask for

[@icegunner9marvelcontestofc447]

What’s her number

[@CoachJohnMcGuirk]

That sounds like a horrible Saturday. Other than watching this video I mean.

[@evanwestphal3073]

@@CoachJohnMcGuirk I mean helping someone out and being out in pretty nice weather to then as you finally get situated in your office chair to see that one of your favorite video series releasing came out with a new video is pretty rewarding if I do say so myself. Its like the universe said “good job” for today

[@squillz8310]

@@evanwestphal3073 I feel you on that one

[@MrGoldstone1]

This is impeccable journalism. The best there ever was.

[@bbarrettgriffith]

Given all that we’ve seen in this series and especially in this episode, I think Super Bowl 51 may be the single most devastating game for a fanbase and franchise in the history of Sport.

[@PixelHead777]

6:40 kills me, I absolutely love this joke and I know only as much about Mike Smith as you have explained in this video.

[@daveausdauer1310]

This series is absolutely fantastic!

[@antdrums0199]

Ill be goddamned if i find a writer/storyteller as entertaining as jon bois. Jon, ive lived in atlanta all my life. grown up a GT fan, but never a falcons fan honestly. Throughout this series, ive engaged in moments i remember seeing and hearing about but never really caring for. This series has made me just consider feeling like a fan for a team i have nothing for or against. And i feel like thats the pinnacle of being a speaker, writer, etc. The way you guys have built this series up has been a standout watch for me. Thank you for retelling this history and giving us another type of distraction from the same world we oh so long to get away from endlessly. S/o to alex and the other boys too.

[@robbie7753]

Three minutes in and I'm crying in a hotel room. That punt block to this day gives me chills. And I'm here because of another hurricane. Thanks guys, I needed this today.

[@MWReesetheFan1994]

Hope you’re safe man

[@robbie7753]

@@MWReesetheFan1994 Oh yeah, holed up safe in Houston. Things are looking a lot better than after Katrina, but I'mma wait for power before making the trek back. Appreciate ya.

[@MWReesetheFan1994]

@@robbie7753 No problem. SB Nation/Secret Base have been the MVP of sports multimedia these past crazy ass 16-18 months. From the pandemic, social uprising, the most chaotic election in US history to historical floods (those on the East coast like me in Philly/NJ area) to wildfires (on the West Coast), their content has been incredible. Shit I got back into baseball because of the Mariners documentary. From Jon, Alex, Kofi, Will, Ali even Ciara who gets too much fleck lol, these put out quality top notch content. Once again I’m glad you’re ok.

[@SirFelyne]

The amount of love Jon conveys at 35:32 for the derpy falcons is my favorite thing ever

[@impracticallyperfect8987]

This series has been great but I don't think I can bring myself to watch the final episode. I remember waking up and thinking 28-3 was a dream and the crushing realization that it wasn't. I've never really cared about the Falcons since.

[@jakepar24]

Not gonna lie, I had a tear in my eye when they put up Super Bowl LI board. Might not watch part 7. I don’t want the pain.

[@christianraines3032]

I just remembered feeling like we had it right there and threw it all away man 😔

[@jimmy3people0]

I'm not a falcons fan, but I refuse to believe 28-3 wasn't the result of goodell telling atlanta to lay down and die.

[@danmoll7069]

I have been a Falcons fan since 1980 or so and wouldn't miss a game from about 1997 up until this SB. It just hurt so bad to be that freaking close where all we had to do was kick a field goal...and we were in field goal range and decided to pas?!? Ugh...anyway I still consider myself a fan of the team, I just feel like after that game I just can't take the stress anymore. I will still watch a game occasionally but I just cannot get myself into it like I once did.

[@impracticallyperfect8987]

@@danmoll7069 I feel the same way

[@GreatSwordNH]

Jon and his associates are modern-day Bards. Going across the lands telling stories of people we'd never know and lessons we'd never learn otherwise. Making you believe in things you didn't know you needed to know about. Thank you.

[@h0sti1e17]

To be fair. In 2009 the Saints started 13-0 and took their foot off the pedal the last 3 games. Even if the Falcons won both the Saints likely win one of those final 3 games.

[@targettoad691]

Most likely the game against Tampa Bay. That Bucs team was complte crap and finished 3-13 even with the win over the Saints. It's up there with the 2004 Patriots @ Dolphins game as the most surpirsing loss by a super bowl champion

[@Mills65]

Maybe they took their foot off after their first lose, because I know for sure that Saturday Night game against Dallas wasn't them having their foot off the pedal. One of the best moments I've had watching the Cowboys. Ware coming back six days after hurting his neck against the Chargers to help them beat the Saints for their first lose that season when no one gave the Cowboys a chance? That was incredible and such a fun game ending perfect with Ware's sack. Stressful but extremely fun

[@thecabillonaire]

@@targettoad691 as an avid bucs fan, that game was a fuckin miracle. saints went up 17 to nothing early and josh freeman and company fought back to hit a game winner field goal in OT, 20-17. my lifelong bucs support, starting in 2001 when i was born, has been a long road of misery, but we finally got our payoff

[@RetepAdam]

Plus, that first game was still an 8-point win. Falcons would’ve needed some real breaks there.

[@willh3972]

It wasnt about foot off the pedal the second game. The Falcons were tough regardless but the saints were for all their excellence that year kind of riding emotion, and they hit a big peak when they thrashed the Patriots in the Superdome. That was the proving ground game on their calendar, and after that they kind of just withered the rest of the season, close games against not so good teams.

[@julianrodriguez332]

Had to watch this one again after we traded Matt, the falcons bird is a cruel cruel jokester

[@hanschristopherson8056]

I get that falcons fan have great nostalgia for Vick but Matt Ryan is easily the best quarterback in falcons history

[@dijohn17]

Matt Ryan is indeed the best QB in our history, but Vick gets more love because he represented the city of Atlanta perfectly. Then Julio Jones came and took the spotlight from Ryan. Though when Ryan retires he'll probably start to get that love he should've gotten his whole career

[@beans.overwatch]

Neither of them have ever been anything more than the 10th best QB in the league, but yeah, I'd give the edge to Ryan.

[@countof3everybodyOD]

@@beans.overwatchMatt Ryan was never better than 10th best in the league? Either you need detox or you’re doing a bad job trolling

[@falconhoward4032]

​@@beans.overwatchMatt Ryan literally won MVP....

[@goadzilla1]

This KZbin channel deserves an award….the amount of talent here is over the top! Everything these guys put out is a banger!

[@12packersfan]

Part of me has always been happy the Falcons choked in the super bowl because it distracted everyone from just how badly the Falcons killed my Packers the game prior

[@tylerwhitehorn5365]

don’t worry, people will still remember the 4 straight nfc championship losses for rodgers 😁

[@UserName-ts3sp]

i feel ya, just on the afc side of the bracket

[@12packersfan]

@@tylerwhitehorn5365 Scotty Miller lives rent free in all our heads

[@sethvanpelt5707]

Why is it that teams wearing green and yellow always must endure playoff heartbreak?

[@deerfearer]

remember they had Ladarius Gunter and Damarous Randall on Julio in that NFC Championship... it was over from the start

[@lilgrabbo6142]

This is such a phenomenal series. Jon Bois and the Secret Base crew are making a master craft of what they do and it’s incredible watching them as they are uploaded. The most exciting videos that I click as of recent

[@nononowhyno]

Dear Jon and Alex and everyone else who makes this show possible,, y'all just helped explain the collapse of US democracy in a football documentary.. To say I'm inspired by y'all would be an understatement. Y'all make things that give me hope, and that can be hard to come by these days. So thank you, for all that you do.

[@bezllama3325]

Us democracy collapsed a long time ago haha

[@BluePlunger]

If I had to show somebody my childhood in an hour, I'd direct them here. Despite the pain of reliving what's to come on Tuesday, this was the episode I've been waiting for since the series was announced. Seeing Roddy's tweets on my first ever twitter account, wanting to burn my Asante Samuel jersey after Frank Gore's dirty bird dagger in the 2012 NFC Championship, asking my first crush if she saw Julio's 73 yard TD in the 2016 NFC Championship; all moments that will stick with me forever as I quickly forget standout moments of my youth. Thank you Jon and Alex for chronicling a history that has felt ignored and long forgotten outside of the fans that have been here through it all.

[@styner3]

I gave the Falcons over 50yrs of my life as a fan but after they literally gave away a championship, I have not watched them play a game since.

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

This episode had such a high tension, and it was left unfulfilled, because I know what happens next. 10/10

[@ryanwatkins7924]

"The New Orleans Saints had won the space race, just when the Falcons discovered fire." What a line.

[@ardenstaples9114]

I am not a Football fan. Always thought it was too slow for me, too much stoppage. Never had an allegiance to any team. This Doc series single handedly has made me a Falcons fan now. Buying the jersey tomorrow and everything. What a ride.

[@nathansvarietyhour5188]

I know you guys have alot on your plates, and falcons is close to home, but I think a reoccurring charecter in this series that deserves their own is the Vikings. So much potential, so much heartbreak.

[@coletrickle1775]

The Vikings are 2nd only to the Bills in heart break. They lost their four all in a row. The Vikes are a great story though. They're never consistently bad, they're always ok to good to great, but never great enough.

[@nathansvarietyhour5188]

@@coletrickle1775 honestly both Vikes and Bills have to be the most winningest teams in NFL history to not win a championship. The Vikes won the last championship pre-merger, the Bills lost 4 bowls in a row💀💀

[@bens5661]

Consider your dream reality

[@dhood6708]

I am a Falcons fan. This documentary was an emotional rollercoaster. Brought back so many good, bad, and indifferent memories. I remember making a poster for the '98 Superbowl Party. I was so disappointed as a young fan, I tore it up and renounced the team for a few years. I was a St. Louis fan the next year. And a couple years later, as Vick was tearing up Madden, I came back home. Each year with the Falcons is a rollercoaster. You don't know if you're going to ride the high, suffer the low, or have a year where one game they're the best and next game they're not. I still love them though. I always will. Well done guys. I cannot wait to watch this again when you put it together as a supercut. Amazing work. Oh, and fuck the Saints.

[@robertdascoli949]

"Not buying it" -Jon I said the same thing

[@coruscant100]

Nobody is buying it. I think even Falcons fans aren't buying it.

[@asher2102]

Lol that part kind of made me cringe

[@aarondonnell5216]

Hands down, the best sports documentary or anything sports related series. Your crew is amazing. Thank you, from a die hard sports fan!

[@NightingaleSunset]

I just wanted to learn about the falcons.... I didn't want their pity.... I didn't want to cry in the corner today. But holy hell as a Cardinal's fan... Just stick it to me holy ****

[@zacharykaminski2306]

Ill never understand how Jon and his crew do it, but these videos have an unprecedented power to being out emotion in me. The ending of this video, with the few words it has, just hit me like a truck. It's beautiful. It's art. And i know the final episode will destroy me.

[@AnarchoLoserist]

The ending of this part was so incredible

[@Michael-jc8gr]

Totally agree. It was like an ominous monster (pats) at the end of the tunnel just waiting for them (even though the falcons were waiting for them lol)

[@thearbiter3369]

As a falcons fan, this has been the most satisfying yet painful series to ever watch... never have I ever seen such amazing work bring me this much pain. God bless

[@Dirkus17]

24:40 Well as any football commentator will tell you, 2-0 is the most dangerous lead there is.

[@nothankyou7729]

as a leaf's fan from Toronto who doesn't have an NFL team to cheer for, listening to Joe talk about what it's like to come back year after year and cheer for the Falcons made me realize i've found it. love this series