The 2015 season is approaching and it's time to get a little more familiar with these 12 Falcons team records every fan should know about
It's only fitting that the Falcons' biggest victory in terms of points came against their division rivals in New Orleans. On Sept. 16, 1973, the Falcons topped the Saints 62-7, a margin of 55 points for a record that hasn't come close to being broken, with 41 points being the closest effort.
NFL games these days average right around 3 hours, 12 minutes. The Falcons and Patriots must have had a hot date on Sept. 24, 1972 because their matchup lasted just 2 hours, 16 minutes — a Falcons record for shortest game played. QB Bob Berry threw for 223 yards in the one-point loss.
Today's pass-happy NFL should boast the team's record for points in a season, right? Wrong. That honor belongs to the 1998 Falcons, who put up 442 points in a season that saw them make the franchise's only Super Bowl appearance. The 2012 Falcons are the closest modern day team to the mark, with 419 points that year.
Matt Bryant has a mark to strive for (although we hope he doesn't reach it because we're too busy scoring touchdowns) if he wants to break yet another Falcons record. In 1994 against New Orleans, kicker Norm Johnson booted six field goals to set a record for most made in a Falcons game.
No list would be complete without mention of the 1977 Falcons Gritz Blitz defense that allowed just 129 points on the year, an NFL record for a 14-game season.
The 2011 Atlanta Falcons were given extra life with the addition of Julio Jones and it showed in the offensive output for the year. The team holds the franchise record for most yards gained in a season with 6,026.
Against Tampa Bay in 1977, Falcons running backs Haskel Stanback (above) and Woody Thompson, along with five other rushers, set the team record for most rushing attempts in a game with 58. Oddly enough, no single running back broke 100 yards in the game.
On Christmas Eve in 1989, quarterback Chris Miller was given the gift of a sore arm in a loss to the Detroit Lions. Miller attempted 66 passes, a Falcons record, on the night and finished with 334 yards and two touchdowns.
If Devin Hester wanted to etch his name in the Falcons record books, this is the easiest path. The Falcons record for most punt return touchdowns in a season stands at two, set in 1970 and tied in 1999.
The 2015 Falcons are focused on the pass rush and the 1997 team set the mark to strive for, racking up a team record 55 sacks that year. Defensive end Chuck Smith led the way with 12 and Travis Hall (pictured) added 10.5.
Another fitting record against another fitting foe. The Falcons ranked up a franchise-high 10 sacks against New Orleans on Oct. 12, 1997. Chuck Smith had an eye-popping five sacks that day.
The Falcons were straight-up stingy against the Oakland Raiders in 2008 with Matt Ryan's offense hanging onto the ball a team-record 45 minutes, 15 seconds. The Falcons blanked the Raiders, 24-0.
While the Falcons received lots of attention for their productive draft, their work during free agency didn't gain much fanfare. That's often the case when a household name isn't brought into the fold. Nevertheless, Atlanta added a collection of talented, high-potential veterans who can patch up various holes throughout the roster. Here are five such players to watch during XFINITY® Training Camp.
Chris Chester
Replacing left guard Justin Blalock, who spent eight seasons in Atlanta, will be no easy task. If there's anyone on the current depth chart who can fill that void, it's probably Chris Chester, signed in May after a four-year stint in Washington.
Chester and Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, a former Washington coach, know each other well. Certainly, the 6-foot-3 offensive guard was brought on board because Shanahan believes he can succeed in the outsize-zone blocking scheme Atlanta will utilize moving forward. Chester will be expected to jump right into the mix and show the staff he can be a stable presence next to tackle Jake Matthews.
Justin Durant
Deemed Atlanta's best free agent acquisition by Sports Illustrated, Justin Durant may be one of the winter's most underrated signings. He got off to a great start in 2014, registering 49 tackles, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception in just six games, but unfortunately, a bicep tear would cut his year short.
Durant will undoubtedly be an upgrade at linebacker if he can return to form. And, although he's likely to play on the weak side, the former Hampton University Pirate has the versatility to play at all three LB positions. Without question, Durant sees himself as a great fit in Atlanta's defense.
O'Brien Schofield
As a front-seven defender with experience in Dan Quinn's system, O'Brien Schofield has already become something of an adviser to many of his teammates. Hailing from Camden, S.C., a few hours up I-20, Schofield tallied a pair of sacks in 2014 and should give Atlanta some much-needed pass rushing depth. Expected to be a rotational edge-rusher, the 28-year-old could aid the development of Atlanta's younger defenders — especially Vic Beasley, Jr.
Jacob Tamme
A reliable and underrated pass-catcher, Jacob Tamme could blossom as a true No. 1 tight end for the Falcons. His name may not move the needle, but his body of work — which includes 631 receiving yards in 2010 — speaks for itself. Had Tamme not spent most of his career behind the likes of Dallas Clark and Julius Thomas, he'd probably get a lot more recognition. The former Bronco and Colt will compete with a trio of TEs, most notably Tony Moeaki, another FA addition with promise.
Brooks Reed
Expected by many be a starter from Day 1, Brooks Reed could significantly improve the Falcons' linebacker corps on his own. With lots of experience on the strong side, the former Texan racked up 25 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 2014. Moreover, his Pro Football Focus grade was tops among Houston LBs and was positive in nine of 16 regular season appearances.
Fans attending camp should watch how Reed approaches run defense, an area he's excelled in throughout his career. It'll also be interesting to see how he adjusts to the 4-3 formation after playing the 3-4 in Houston.
