The 2-4 Falcons travel to Arizona to face the 3-4 Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Week 8. Here are some facts and tidbits about the matchup:
- Sunday marks the 27th meeting between the two clubs, with Arizona holding a 14-12 lead in the all-time series.
- Head coach Mike Smith has led the Falcons to a 2-0 record against the Cardinals in the regular season, including a 23-19 win at the Georgia Dome in 2012.
- Smith led the Falcons to the playoffs in his first season in 2008 where Atlanta fell, 30-24, to Arizona at University of Phoenix Stadium.
- Smith has a 23-19 regular season record on the road.
- The Falcons have won five of the last six regular season games between the two clubs, including four straight from 1999-2006.
- WR Roddy White holds the single game highs for receptions (12) and receiving yards (141) when playing the Cardinals.
- The last time the Falcons and Cardinals met (11/18/12), QB Matt Ryan had a 301-yard passing game.
- RB Jason Snelling rushed for 129 yards against the Cardinals on the team's last meeting. WR Roddy White had 123 receiving yards.
- Falcons assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton coached with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles with the Cleveland Browns.
- DE John Abraham spent seven seasons with the Falcons and ranks second in franchise history with 68.5 sacks.
- The last time the Cardinals and Falcons met, Atlanta's defense held Arizona to 178 net yards.
- In his career, when QB Matt Ryan starts and has 100-plus rating, Falcons are 34-2. Since the start of 2012, Ryan ranks 3rd in NFL with 101 rating.
- Since 2011, S Thomas DeCoud has 10 interceptions, tied for most in the NFL by a safety.
- DE Osi Umenyiora is the only NFC player with four sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown.
- WR Roddy White has 611 receptions, which is the most in the NFC. White is aiming for 5th in a row vs. Arizona (including playoffs) with 100-plus yards or touchdown.
- QB Matt Ryan is aiming for his seventh straight game where he throws two touchdowns.
- The Falcons are averaging more than eight plays, nearly four minutes and 65.3 yards per scoring drive.
