From the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show, here are three negative stats with an alternate twist that favor the Atlanta Falcons against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
» Shanahan loses game plan at Opening Night
» Photos: Falcons in spotlight at Opening Night
» Jones, Mack don't practice in Houston
1. Playoff puzzle
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
• The stat: The Falcons' Matt Ryan is the first NFL quarterback with a losing playoff record (3-4) to reach the Super Bowl.
• The alternate stat: Ryan is the fourth quarterback in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl while throwing six or more touchdowns and no interceptions in the playoffs. The three other players -- Joe Flacco (2012), Drew Brees (2009) and Joe Montana (1989) -- won the Super Bowl.
2. The Belichick wall
• The stat: Since 2010, coaches facing New England's Bill Belichick for the first time are 3-22. The Falcons' Dan Quinn is facing Belichick for the first time as a head coach on Sunday.
• The alternate stat: Quinn is appearing in his third Super Bowl in four years. (Quinn's two previous appearances were as Seattle's defensive end.) The last coach to appear in three of four Super Bowls was Belichick.
3. The not-so-mighty Brady
Credit: Elsa
Credit: Elsa
• The stat: Tom Brady is playing for his record fifth Super Bowl title.
• The alternate stat: Brady is 1-2, following a playoff game in which he has thrown 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Brady had 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the New England's win over Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game.
About the Author
