The 1977 Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 12th year in the National Football League. The team finished the season 7–7, and did not qualify for the playoffs. Although the Falcons' offense struggled, the defense – nicknamed "Grits Blitz" – was dominant. The Falcons' 129 points allowed led the league and established an all-time NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 14-game NFL season. Atlanta's 3,242 total yards allowed were second-fewest in the league, and the Falcons' 1,384 passing yards allowed was by far the best in the NFL in 1977. The defense surrendered only 9.2 points per game; as of the 2020 season, this remains an all-time record.