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"
Going Streaking
Several Falcons are in the middle of active streaks:
Tony Gonzalez has played 160 straight games with a reception. Not exactly nipping at his heels, but still impressive is Roddy White's 65-game streak with a reception. * Matt Bryant has made 13 consecutive field goals. * Todd McClure has started a franchise-record 148 straight games. * Curtis Lofton has 45 straight games with at least one tackle. * Matt Ryan has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 12 consecutive games. * Michael Turner has rushed for a touchdown in four straight games.
Smitty Stats
To give you an idea of how Mike Smith stacks up with the variables of Sunday's game, here are some of his records that could come into play against the Seahawks:
Record vs. the NFC: 22-11 * When the Falcons play on the road: 12-11 * When the Falcons play at 4 p.m. ET: 6-2 * When the Falcons play outdoors: 9-8 * When the Falcons score first: 24-6 * When the Falcons lead at halftime: 25-1 * When the Falcons lead at the start of the fourth quarter: 24-1 * When the Falcons lead in time of possession: 20-5 * When the Falcons' offense gains more than 300 total yards: 23-7 * When the defense holds the opponent to less than 300 total yards: 11-0 * When the Falcons win the turnover battle: 19-1 * When the Falcons are penalized five times or less: 19-10
Take it Back
The Falcons have intercepted 17 passes this season. Of those 17 picks, defenders have returned six for 30 yards or more, including Kroy Biermann's 31-yard INT return for a touchdown against the Browns during Week 5. Atlanta's six interception returns of 20 yards or more rank tied for fifth in the league, and the Falcons have averaged nearly 35 yards per 20-plus-yard return.
Red Zone Shutdown
The Falcons' defense has tightened up with its back against the wall in the red zone this season. Atlanta has allowed 18 touchdowns in 36 trips. The Falcons have also held opponents to a 77.8 percent success rate in terms of scoring in the red zone, which ranks first in the NFL. The team behind the Falcons in that category? The Seattle Seahawks, Sunday's opponent.
Slinging the Rock
With a first-quarter touchdown pass in Atlanta's 31-10 Week 14 win at Carolina, Ryan tied his career high with 22 touchdown passes this season. Ryan threw his 50th career TD pass in Week 7 against Cincinnati. The 2008 Rookie of the Year has thrown multiple touchdown passes in seven games in 2010. Ryan has tied his career-high with three scores three times this season.
Special Teams Stars
Special teams has been an area of vast improvement for the Falcons during the past few weeks. Coverage teams have been swarming returners and keeping them from making big plays. Eric Weems currently leads the team in special teams tackles with 13. Rookie Shann Schillinger is right behind him with eight. Coy Wire and Christopher Owens each have seven.
