Statistically Speaking: Breaking down Atlanta’s Week 4 numbers

The Atlanta Falcons have lost, again. The team is now 0-4 and leaves little to no room for optimism in its current state. Thankfully, week 4 is now behind us, and this series will discuss everything stats for the week, as we turn our attention to week 5.

Before we do that, let’s review where the Falcons stack up in regards to records, seasonal stats leaders, etc. We won’t be diving deep into the analytical side of the numbers put up, but more of a broad outlook on weekly and seasonal stats so we can keep track of milestones and where this team stands with league leaders.

Julio Jones is now the Falcons all-time leading receiver

It’s a record that we’ve been waiting on Julio Jones to break for a while now, and he’s finally done it. Jones now holds the record for most receptions in Falcons history currently at 812. He surpassed franchise great Roddy White on Monday night, who held the record with 808 receptions. Now that Jones has the all-time franchise records in receptions and receiving yards, the only other receiving record remaining is White’s receiving touchdown record of 63 in which Jones has 57. Will it happen this season?

Matt Ryan is still throwing a lot

With the current style of offense, it makes for a lot of Matt Ryan throws. It’s evident this year, as Ryan is 3rd in passing attempts (167) and 4th in passing yards (1,246). Although he’s throwing a lot, it doesn’t guarantee success as Ryan is 23rd in completion percentage (64.7). If the Falcons decide to implement more of a run game, that should help Ryan’s efficiency improve instead of forcing him to throw.

Falcons are 0-4 for the first time since 1999

Do you remember 1999? I do. I was 8-years-old, my favorite show was Legends of the Hidden Temple and the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 single was “Believe” by Cher. The Falcons are throwing it back to 1999, as they are now 0-4 following four consecutive games of allowing 30+ points. If history repeats itself though, the Falcons first win that year was in week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons went on to finish 5-11 in 1999, and that sounds like a best-case scenario this year. This is the eighth time in franchise history that the team has started 0-4, and none of those seasons resulted in more than 6 wins.