Twenty-Four Atlanta Falcons’ Facts
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Since 2005, no team in the NFL has had more 200+ rushing yard games than the Atlanta Falcons have had (14). They are 12-2 in those contests.
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons have allowed 30+ points only 5 times. That’s 4th-best in the NFL. The Best: Pittsburgh Steelers (2). The Worst: Detroit Lions (19).
The Atlanta Falcons won their week one preseason game for the first time under Mike Smith with their 20-10 victory against the Chiefs.
Matt Ryan is 20-10 as a starter. The Falcons began the 2010 season with a 20-10 win.
With 1,000 yards receiving in 2010, Roddy White will share the Falcon record with four such seasons. He will tie Andre Rison and Terance Mathis.
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons scored first in 23 of 33 games. They are 17-6 in those games. They are 3-7 when their opponent scores first.
Improvement Needed: Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons are 4-7 versus playoff teams including going 1-5 last season.
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons are 19-1 when leading or tied at halftime. They are also 18-1 when leading after three quarters.
Falcons’ Wide Receiver Harry Douglas is responsible for the only punt/kick return touchdown for Atlanta in the last five seasons.
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons have not allowed a sack in 13 of their 33 games played (39). That’s the third-best mark in the NFL.
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons are 17-0 when they allow 23 or fewer points. They are 3-13 when they give up 24 or more.
Run-First Team: Since 2000, only one team (Denver Broncos) has rushed for more yards than the Atlanta Falcons.
Four Falcons running backs have rushed for more than 1,000 yards while scoring 10+ rushing touchdowns: William Andrews (1981), Gerald Riggs (1984-1985), Jamal Anderson (1998) and Michael Turner (2008).
Only two Falcons’ players have rushed for more than 1,000 yards AND averaged over 5 yards per carry: Warrick Dunn (2005) & Michael Vick (2006).
Only two Falcons’ quarterbacks have led them to the playoffs multiple times. Steve Bartkowski (3) & Michale Vick (2). Matt Ryan will try to join that group this year.
Only 12 defensive ends since 1982 (when sacks were recorded) have had 10+ sacks at the age of 32. John Abraham turned 32 in May. Can he become #13?
Between 1968-78, only 1 defensive end (Elvin Bethea, 7) made the Pro Bowl more than Claude Humphrey (6).
Since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line allowed 44 sacks, 4th fewest in the NFL. The Colts and Titans were the best with 27. The Steelers were the worst with 99.
Falcons’ Roddy White gets better with time. Career yards per game in September: 45.0 / October: 61.4 / November: 61.5 / December: 64.3.
Falcons’ Matt Ryan Stats: 13-1 all-time in home starts. 6-2 record in Dec. & Jan. games. 7-0 vs. the NFC North & West divisions.
Random #NFL Stat: The team with the younger starting quarterback has won nine of the last 10 Super Bowls.
Since 2008, only Adrian Peterson (28) has more rushing touchdowns than the Falcons’ Michael Turner has (27). And Turner played 5 fewer games.
Since 2008, among quarterbacks with 24+ starts, the Falcons’ Matt Ryan has been sacked fewer times (36) than all but 2 quarterbacks (Peyton Manning 24, Drew Brees 33).
Since 2008, the Falcons have only played 3 games in which they have never led. That’s the best in the NFC South. Carolina Panthers 4, New Orleans Saints 5, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8.