The 2002 Atlanta Falcons season was their 37th in the league and first in the newly-formed NFC South. The team improved upon their previous season's output of 7–9 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in four years. The team was also involved in a rare tie, matching the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–34 at the end of overtime. This was the most recent tie in the NFL until the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals tied 13–13 in the 2008 season. After seeing limited action as a rookie, this was Michael Vick's first full season as starting quarterback.