The Falcons sit at 1-7 on the year at the halfway point of the season.
As the Falcons enter their bye week, the story of the first half of the season can be told by a few main themes:
- Slow starts have crippled the Falcons as Atlanta has been outscored 144-50 in the first half of games.
- The Falcons haven't created enough turnovers defensively. To put things in perspective, Atlanta's last turnover came in Week 2 during its only win of the season, a 24-20 win over the Eagles.
- Consistency in the run game has been non-existent with the Falcons ranking No. 29th in the league in rushing offense.
RELATED CONTENT:
Although the record doesn't suggest there's been many positives, there are have been a number of strong individual performances, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Julio Jones ranks No. 3 in the league in receiving yards with 712. Austin Hooper ranks No. 14 in receiving yards with 591 yards, which is second among tight ends in the league.
Here's a breakdown by the numbers of where the Falcons are halfway through the season:
Three good numbers
1
The Falcons have the No. 1 ranked passing offense through eight games, averaging 317 yards per game. Matt Ryan is off to an exceptional start throwing for 2,170 yards, which is eighth in the league. His 15 passing touchdowns rank fifth in the league.
2
In addition to having the No. 1 passing offense, the Falcons also rank No. 2 in passing touchdowns. Ryan has thrown 17 touchdown passes this season. Hooper leads the team with five, Jones and Calvin Ridley both have four and Devonta Freeman has three. Mohamed Sanu recorded the other touchdown before being traded to the New England Patriots.
7
The Falcons rank No. 7 in total yards on offense as they average 385.5 yards per game.
Three not-so-good numbers
32
The Falcons are dead last in sacks on the year with seven. To put into perspective how low this number is, the New England Patriots lead the league with 31. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett leads the Falcons with three on the year. First-round picks Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley have combined for just two sacks.
31
The Falcons are 31st in the league in the turnover differential at minus-11 on the year. Atlanta's defense hasn't generated as many turnovers as they'd hope to have at this point. The Falcons have just two interceptions and have forced two fumbles. On the other the side of the ball, the Falcons haven't taken care of the ball like they need to. Atlanta has turned the ball over 15 times, nine interceptions and six fumbles.
31.3
Atlanta's defense is giving up an average of 31.3 points per game. Only the Miami Dolphins (0-7) are giving up more points a game as they're allowing 34 points per game.
Take a look at the Falcons' photography team's favorite images from Week 8 in this gallery, presented by Woolfson Eye Institute.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 arrives before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Jamon Brown #68 arrives before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36 arrives before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 arrives before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy #14 arrives before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub #8 before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 looks on before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 prays in a huddle before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub #8 looks on before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Freddie Falcon before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 cleats are shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 looks on before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 is introduced before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub #8 in action during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons celebrate after running back Brian Hill #23 scores a touchdown during the third quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 and linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrate after stopping the Seattle Seahawks on 3rd down during the third quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan cheers on the Atlanta Falcons defense in the crowd during the first half of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 carries the ball during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Devonta Freeman runs with the ball during the second quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 holds onto the ball after receiving a catch during the third quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson #3 during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn reacts on the sideline during the second quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons huddle before during the second quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 makes a tackle during the first quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 goes after Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson #32 during the second quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 reacts on the sideline during the second quarterbetween the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 catches the ball for a two p[oint conversion during the third quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 reacts after a play during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 carries the ball for a. touchdown during the third quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81, offensive guard Jamon Brown #68, and offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 reacts after a sack during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans cheer during the first half of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan cheers in the stands during the second half of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 looks on during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 carries the ball during the first quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans dance in the stands during the first half of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll shake hands after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf #14 pose for a photo after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson #3 after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to the media after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday October 27, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
