[1] Despite having Sanders in their defensive backfield, the Falcons surrendered 7.59 yards per pass attempt (including quarterback sacks) in 1989, one of the ten worst totals in NFL history.
On November 24, rookie offensive tackle Ralph Norwood was killed in an automobile accident eight miles from the Falcons’ training facilities.
[3] Just under a month later, on December 19, backup tight end Brad Beckman was also killed in an auto accident.
[4] It marked the death of three players of the team in the space of two seasons (the previous year, cornerback David Croudip died of an overdose).
The Falcons drew a franchise-low attendance of 7,792 for their finale, a 31–24 loss to the Detroit Lions on December 24.