The Falcons defense ranked 2nd in the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (1,203), 8th in fewest total yards allowed (5,009), and 4th in fewest points allowed.  Defensive linemen Lester Archambeau (10 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) and Chuck Smith (defensive end) (8.5 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries) excelled at pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. Behind them, Atlanta had two outstanding linebackers, Pro Bowler Jessie Tuggle (65 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery) and Cornelius Bennett (69 tackles, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries). Bennett played with the Buffalo Bills when they suffered their four consecutive Super Bowl losses in Super Bowls Super Bowl XXV, Super Bowl XXVI, Super Bowl XXVII, and Super Bowl XXVIII; and thus was determined to finally get a championship ring that had eluded him in the past. Atlantas secondary was led by Pro Bowl cornerback Ray Buchanan, who recorded 7 interceptions and 102 return yards, and Pro Bowl safety Eugene Robinson (4 interceptions), who was with the Green Bay Packers when they appeared in Super Bowls Super Bowl XXXI and Super Bowl XXXII.. How many years apart were the first and last Super Bowl during their consecutive loss streak?