After a dominating performance against the San Francisco 49ers, Matt Ryan and Co. have solidified themselves as the most potent offense in football. Here are 10 reasons why that group is having so much success.
- The Falcons' 469 points are 63 more than any other team in the NFL. Since 1940, only 11 teams have tallied more points through their first 14 games, according to Pro Football Reference. Atlanta has scored 30-plus points nine times in 2016; on five occasions, they've eclipsed 40.
- As a team, the Falcons rank first in yards per play (6.6), second in yards per game (412.9), third in passing yards per game (296.1) and eighth in rushing yards per game (116.7).
- Matt Ryan has emerged as a leading MVP candidate. His is first in the league in QB rating (114.8), and yards per attempt (9.3) and second in touchdown passes (32) and passing yards (4,336). His 32 TDs, the same total he amassed in 2012, are tied for the single-season franchise record.
- Ryan has been especially effective on play-action throws. After faking handoffs, he has recorded league-highs in passing yards (1,459, 389 more than anyone else) and 11.6 yards per attempt to go along with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
- Ryan has also shined when firing the deep ball. On throws targeted 20-plus yards downfield, he has completed 29 of 56 attempts for 1,078 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and zero picks.
- Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have become one of the league's best running back duos. Freeman is currently fifth in touchdowns (12) and ninth in yards from scrimmage (1,276). Coleman, despite missing three games, has 747 yards from scrimmage and nine TDs – the 14th-most in the league.
- Although he has sat out the last two weeks, Julio Jones remains No. 1 in the NFL in receiving yards (1,253). He also ranks second in 20-plus-yard receptions (24) and fifth in yards per reception (17.4).
- One of the four players who is above Jones in Y/R is Taylor Gabriel (17.6). The former Brown is enjoying a breakout campaign this year and enters Week 16 with 564 receiving yards and a team-high six TD grabs.
- Atlanta's skill position depth extends far beyond Ryan, Freeman, Coleman, Jones and Gabriel. Through 14 games, 10 Falcons have registered at least two touchdowns, and nine have 200-plus yards from scrimmage.
- The Falcons' tight ends, as a group, have produced at a high level. They've combined for 717 receiving yards, 13.78 yards per catch and eight touchdowns.
