From stats to trends, there are plenty of facts, figures and numbers surrounding the Falcons each week. Some of those figures might surprise you. Some might make you wonder why we keep track of some of this stuff in the first place. Either way, AtlantaFalcons.com managing editor Jay Adams breaks down some of the more interesting numbers in a new feature called "Wing Tips"
Home, Sweet Dome
It's no secret how well the Falcons have performed in the Georgia Dome since head coach Mike Smith took over. Since 2008, Atlanta is 18-3 inside the friendly confines of the Dome under Smith. Quarterback Matt Ryan is an eye-popping 18-1 in the Dome, as well. The record of 18-3 ties the Falcons with New England for the best home record since 2008.
Halftime Heroes
Every team's goal in the first half of a football game is to hold the lead heading into halftime. When the Falcons do it, there's more than a good chance they'll come out on top at the end of the game. The Falcons are currently 23-1 when leading at halftime under Smith. This year, the Falcons are 5-0 in those games. Last year, the Falcons were 7-0 when leading at halftime, and only once did they lose a lead after being ahead at the halfway mark.
Smitty Stats
To give you an idea of how Smith stacks up with the variables of Sunday's game, here are some of his records that could come into play against the Packers:
Record vs. the NFC: 19-11 * When the Falcons play at home: 18-3 * When the Falcons play at 1 p.m. ET: 22-11 * When the Falcons play indoors: 21-6 * When the Falcons score first: 22-6 * When the Falcons lead at halftime: 23-1 * When the Falcons lead at the start of the fourth quarter: 23-1 * When the Falcons lead in time of possession: 18-5 * When the Falcons' offense gains more than 300 total yards: 22-7 * When the defense holds the opponent to less than 300 total yards: 10-0 * When the Falcons win the turnover battle: 17-1 * When the Falcons are penalized five times or less: 17-10
The Long Haul
The Falcons are quite selfish and stingy when they're on offense. They want to keep the ball. The stats really back that up, too. The Falcons' offense, since 2008, ranks second in the league with 39 touchdowns on drives that last 10 plays or more. This year, the Falcons lead the league, averaging 9.52 plays per drive while scoring nine TDs on drives of 10 plays or more. That also translates into a lot of time of possession. The Falcons are currently ranked second in the league in the category with 33:34 of average TOP, just below the New York Giants' mark of 34:00.
William "C4" Moore
The second year safety out of Missouri has been a boon to the defensive side of the football. Moore's presence is often felt in the form of huge, bone-jarring hits. But he's also leading the Falcons in interceptions with four. He picked up his fourth against St. Louis last week, intercepting a shovel pass off Sam Bradford to end a dangerous drive that could have seen the Rams get right back into the game. Moore's INT put an end to Bradford's streak of 169 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
Just Spot Them 20
Michael Koenen may not be known around the league as a cannon-legged kicker, but he should be. Koenen has consistently placed opposing offenses on the 20-yard line to start drives with 15 touchbacks on 55 kickoffs. That's good enough for second in the league behind Eagles kicker David Akers, who has 19 touchbacks off 62 kickoffs.
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What Else is New?**
Roddy White breaking records? It's not like that ever happens. Please note the dripping sarcasm there. Roddy has had an incredible season, and it has come with a bunch of accolades. The most recent came Sunday vs. St. Louis. With a 26-yard reception in the first quarter Sunday, White passed former Falcons wide receiver Andre Rison for third-most receiving yards in franchise history. Rison totaled 5,633 receiving yards in four season in Atlanta while white has now tallied 5,706 in his six seasons with the Falcons. White is just the fourth Falcons player to record 5,000 career receiving yards. He is 294 yards shy of becoming the third wide out in club history to go over 6,000 career yards.
