I'm big on stats, folks.  One reason is that they are a barometer by which every team and player can be measured.  Another is that if you know where to look, you can find and twist certain stats to help prove a point.  Discrepancies in statistics are fun to look for and to manipulate.

That said, our 2008 Atlanta Falcons are doing what none had envisioned, and few dared to dream.  They are soaring high above our expectations, and with 4 weeks left, the playoffs are an actual shot for this team.  I don't foresee the type of end-of-the-year collapse for this team that we witnessed in recent years, however.  Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, John Abraham and Lawyer Milloy won't allow it.  But as we fight for our first playoff birth in 4 years, let's take a look at some of the stats that have gotten us here.

-#9 in the NFL in scoring (24.8 ppg) and #8 in scoring D (20.2).  Some teams rely on their defense to save the sputtering O (I'm looking at you, Washington).  Some teams can't stop anyone and rely on the offense to outscore the opponent (hello, Arizona).  But when you're in the top 10 in both of these categories, you're doing something right.  When you're in the top 5 in both (NY Football Giants), you're something else entirely.

-#10 in the NFL in Time of Possession, controlling the ball 31:29 a game.  Out of the top 10 in this category, only 3 (Washington, Green Bay and Jacksonville are curently on the outside looking in at the playoffs.  Conversely, the Birds are #6 in the NFL in defensive TOP at 28:31.  The other team can't score when they don't have the ball.

-#2 in the NFL in rushing, ripping 'em off at a clip of 150.7 yards per game.  Only the Giants come in ahead at 160.2, and last I checked, they're during pretty well for themselves.  Smitty knows the importance of pounding the rock and controlling the clock.  Michael Turner is obviously the big reason for this dominance, as he currently sits #3 in the NFL with 1208 rushing yards, and his 13 rushing TDs ties the league lead.  The Burner is a beast in the first and fourth quarters, when the Falcons are trying to establish their game plan (I call it imposing their will) and when they are trying to shut down the opponent.  The fact that the Burner is best at the beginning AND end of the game is mind-boggling.

-Matt Ryan is currently tied with Aaron Rodgers for #8 in passer rating (91.2)  The kid has thrown over twice as many TDs as INTs (13-6).  In 12 games, Ryan has 8 with 0 INTs.  Seriously.  With this to complement the bruising rushing attack, the Falcons have a balance that we haven't seen from them in years.

-#5 in the league in sacks allowed, with 13.  The O-line was the most-maligned unit of his team in the offseason.  It has proven to be one of the anchors of the team.  When your QB has time to make the right reads, it opens up the passing game.  This forces the opposing D to not crowd the box in an attempt to stop the run.  The fact that all these areas are working in concert, considering the debacle we all witnessed last year, has made this one of the most satisfying seasons yet for this lifetime Falcons fan.

It actually feels good to be a proud of the Falcons.  Only 4 games left, then the real fun begins.