Terance Mathis, Steve Bartkowski and Gerald Riggs. Those three names have been the all-time leaders in..."/> Terance Mathis, Steve Bartkowski and Gerald Riggs. Those three names have been the all-time leaders in..."/>

Rewriting the Falcons’ Record Book

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Terance Mathis, Steve Bartkowski and Gerald Riggs. Those three names have been the all-time leaders in all the major offensive categories for the Atlanta Falcons.

With Roddy White, Matt Ryan and Michael Turner in tow, how long can their records stand? With the Falcons first regular season game less than 100 days away, we are a little more than three months away from seeing Tony Gonzalez become the seventh player – and first tight end – to catch 1,000 passes. In addition, he’ll likely move into the top 10 in touchdown catches (he’s currently 18th).

White needs only 511 yards to reach 5,000 for his career. With those milestones in mind, I thought it would be interesting to see what Falcon-specific milestones could fall. Hit the jump to see which records could fall.

Definitely Will Happen (Barring Injury)

Current RecordCurrent HolderBest Chance to Break ItYear It Could Happen
Most Receiving YardsTerance Mathis – 7,349Roddy White – 4,6892012
Most Passing YardsSteve Bartkowski – 23,470Matt Ryan – 6,3562015

White is averaging 938 yards per season to Mathis’ 919. Three more healthy seasons and White will own this record.

Bartkowski’s passing record isn’t very daunting so even with average performances for several years, Ryan will pass #10.

Likely To Happen (Barring Injury)

Current RecordCurrent HolderBest Chance to Break ItYear It Could Happen
Most Passing TouchdownsSteve Bartkowski – 154Matt Ryan – 382016
Most Rushing TouchdownsGerald Riggs – 48Michael Turner – 272011
Most ReceptionsTerance Mathis – 573Roddy White – 3152014

Bartkowski played 11 seasons and averaged 14 touchdown passes a year. Ryan is headed into his third season averaging 19 touchdowns a year. If Ryan keeps his current pace, I expect him to break Bartkowski’s touchdown pass record in 2016 (Ryan’s ninth season).

At the clip Turner is scoring touchdowns, he has a real chance of passing Riggs.

The same goes for White who has a stud quarterback delivering him the ball in a pass-happy league.

Probably NOT Going to Happen

Current RecordCurrent HolderBest Chance to Break ItYear It Could Happen
Most Receiving TouchdownsTerance Mathis – 57Roddy White – 272015
Most Rushing YardsGerald Riggs – 6,631Michael Turner – 2,5702013

White would have to really turn it on to get to 58 career touchdowns. It could happen, but I think this is one Mathis holds onto.

Running Backs have a short shelf life, but Turner was used so sparingly his first three years in the league, he might have a shot. My gut, though, says Riggs is still the leader when Turner leaves/retires.

Your Turn

What do you think? Are their records safe? Will they fall even sooner? Which ones do you hope fall? Are there any records you want to remain the same? Let me know in the comments, reach out on Facebook or start the conversation on Twitter.