If you are familiar with my work at my former site, you know the drill: a pre-game quick hit stats-apalooza. Enjoy.
The Falcons and Cardinals have met on the chalk-outlined field 25 times in their history. The Cardinals hold a 15-10 edge.
The Falcons record against the Redbirds (by decade):
- 2000s ... 3-2
- 1990s ... 3-5
- 1980s ... 3-3
- 1970s ... 0-4
- 1960s ... 1-1
As you may or may not have known the Cardinals are a fickle bunch having called three cities/states home. How have the Falcons done against the Cardinals in their previous and current stops?
- St. Louis ... 4-7
- Phoenix ... 1-4
- Arizona ... 5-4
Average Score in all 25 meetings:
- Cardinals 22.4
- Falcons 21.7
Average Yards:
- Cardinals 331.4
- Falcons 311.9
Most Points Scored:
Falcons 41, Oct. 18, 1981
Highlight: Steve Bartkowski throwing for 288 yards and 4 TDs
Cardinals 42, Dec. 17, 1978
Fewest Points Scored:
Falcons 6, Sept. 26, 2004
Highlight: Jay Feely connects on two short field goals providing all the offense.
Cardinals 3, same game
Longest Streak:
- Falcons won 4 in a row between 1999 and 2006.
- Cardinals won 5 in a row between 1968 and 1978.
Coaches:
The Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt is 3-0 in Week 2 games since taking over as head coach.
Mike Smith is 1-1 in Week 2 games as a head coach.
Best Individual Performances against the Cardinals:
- Passing: Steve Bartkowski 378 yards, 1980
- Rushing: Jamal Anderson 152 yards, 1997
- Receiving: Roddy White 141 yards, 2007
- Sacks: Patrick Kerney - 3, 2004
Bonus:
Arizona and Atlanta are the first two teams in the NFL when listed alphabetically by city name. Alphabetical rivalries are real. Believe it.