Our Fans' Favorite Falcon series, presented by Ford, has officially begun, and this is the first matchup of the top 16. You don't have any easy task ahead of you.
How do you decide between No. 8 Patrick Kerney and No. 9 William Andrews?
Patrick Kerney
Chiseled from granite, Patrick Kerney looked like the prototypical defensive end. At 6-foot-5, 273 pounds, Kerney was an imposing and menacing figure on the Falcons defensive line from 1999-2006. Kerney racked up sacks with the precision of a collector, totaling 12 in 2001, 10.5 in 2002 and 13 in 2004, which helped him earn a Pro Bowl spot on the NFC roster that year. Kerney was aggressive and fun to watch. He did whatever it took to get an opposing player on the ground, and it's not uncommon to have current Falcons players compared to the way Kerney played the game.
William Andrews
William Andrews may have only played six seasons in the NFL — all with the Falcons — but making four straight Pro Bowls between 1980-1983 easily lands him in the top 16. Setting 19 records that started from his first game as a rookie, Andrews was a key reason the Falcons made the playoffs three times during his short career. Second on the Falcons' all-time leading rushers list, Andrews did a lot in a little time, but away from the field, he was very active in the community and endearing himself to the fanbase.
The Matchup
Two different players from different eras at different positions. This is tough. Kerney was a quintessential defensive end with a great motor and the size to back that up. Every time he was on the field, you could feel a sack in the near future. Andrews was a sight to behold running the ball, and was as dangerous a running back as there's ever been in the NFL. Kerney spent most of his career as a Falcon, but finished his career with Seattle, having a few successful seasons before he retired in 2009. Andrews was plagued by knee injuries, which shortened his career and resulted in two years away from the game before returning for his final NFL season in 1986.
View the results of the first round
