The Falcons needed barely more than 13 games to set the franchise record for points scored.
The Falcons broke the mark on Matt Ryan’s touchdown pass to Austin Hooper in the first quarter against the 49ers on Sunday. That score plus the extra point gave the Falcons 449 points for the season, surpassing the team mark of 442 set during the 1998 season.
Hooper’s touchdown was the third of the game for the Falcons and the team’s 45th offensive touchdown of the season. Devonta Freeman’s nine-yard touchdown run in the second quarter tied the 1998 Falcons for most offensive TDs in a season, and Freeman’s 34-yard run for a score in the third quarter set the franchise mark for offensive touchdowns.
The Falcons have enjoyed a stark turnaround in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s second season with the team. They scored 339 points over 16 games in 2015, including 35 offensive touchdowns.
The Falcons’ offense has kept humming even with All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones (toe) out the past two games.
“We always strive for greatness,” Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel said. “The things that we do during the week we feel like every day is a game so when we come out on Sundays, we are having fun like practice.”
Hooper’s touchdown staked the Falcons to a 21-0 lead and they added 20 more points for a total of 469 this season. The Falcons have two regular-season games remaining (playoff statistics do not count for season records).
The Falcons also have five return touchdowns this season, with three on interceptions and two on fumble recoveries. The 1998 Falcons scored 46 offensive touchdowns over 16 games with seven return touchdowns (four fumbles, two interceptions, one kickoff) and one safety.
The 2013 Broncos hold the NFL record for points scored in a season with 606. The 560 points scored by the Packers in 2011 are the most by an NFC team.
