ABSTRACT:

ATLANTA – They are rare birds, indeed, these Falcons, who believe they can head south, all the way to Miami for Super Bowl XXXIII, even if they are forced to land in Minnesota along the way.

Even inside their Georgia Dome, these Falcons could not be contained, not after an emotional release the likes of which this franchise has ever experienced. This was the day the little kids on the block rose up and smacked around the former neighborhood bully. This was the day a coach they have come to love and admire made a triumphant return. This was a day for fresh faces to emerge.

The Falcons are spreading their wings, and it’s impossible not to take notice.