The Falcons started the season by playing two of their first three games outdoors, losing to Chicago and Tampa Bay.
They won their other two games played outdoors, against Seattle and Carolina. They needed a penalty and a missed field goal to escape in Seattle, and they were down 23-7 at halftime before storming back for the victory in Charlotte.
Because of their limited struggles outdoors, the Falcons are perceived as a “Dome” team.
Falcons coach Mike Smith has been monitoring the weather all week. Quarterback Matt Ryan played his college football in Massachusetts, but is aware of the “Dome” team claims.
“I guess if you play in a monsoon or something like that,” said Ryan, when asked if weather will be a factor. “Obviously, sometimes the weather does dictate what you do but I think, looking at the forecast, I think it’s going to be as good as you could expect for New York in January. It’s mid-40s and little chance of rain, but other than that, not bad.”
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