You can't call the Falcons inconsistent in their past four preseasons. Since 2007, the birds have somehow managed to win two games and lose two games in the NFL's exhibition schedule. Of course, 2007 was a dark, dark year and we only managed to win four contests. Still, a 2-2 record is a good thing, especially considering the team's history of success after drawing an evenly split record at the end of August.
2010 marks the third time straight the Coach Smith-era Falcons have had a .500 percentage before week 1. What has each year's team gone on to do? You should remember 2008 well, and 2009 just as well. 2008 was better than anyone could have anticipated and 2009 broke the Falcons record book.
We're rising up this year, but I decided to take a look back at our past eleven preseasons, making comparisons and calculations. Below the jump, you shall see them in bold, brassy glory.
Year |
Preseason Record |
Season Record |
Notes |
99 |
2-2 |
5-11 |
|
00 |
4-1 |
3-13 |
HOF Game |
01 |
3-1 |
6-10 |
|
02 |
4-0 |
9-6-1 |
Playoffs |
03 |
0-4 |
5-11 |
|
04 |
2-2 |
11-5 |
Playoffs |
05 |
4-1 |
8-8 |
HOF Game |
06 |
2-2 |
7-9 |
|
07 |
2-2 |
4-12 |
|
08 |
2-2 |
11-5 |
Playoffs |
09 |
2-2 |
9-7 |
Curse Lifted! |
10 |
2-2 |
????? |
PROFIT! |
But what does this all mean? Well take a gander at my silly calculations:
- Falcons W/L with under 2-2 preseason (99-09): 5-11 (0.313)
- Falcons W/L with 2-2 preseason (99-09): 47-49 (0.490)
- Falcons W/L with over 2-2 preseason (99-09): 26-31 (0.456)
Statistically, the Falcons have the best overall season record when they go 2-2 in preseason. They also have, at least in this time period, a better chance of going to the playoffs when finishing preseason with two wins and two losses.
Bottom line, when the Falcons go 2-2 in the preseason, they have about a 49% chance of having a winning record. Not bad odds, really.