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In three home games this year, the Atlanta Falcons are 3-0. In fact, since Mike Smith took over as head coach in 2008, the Falcons have 29 home victories. Only the New England Patriots (31) and the Baltimore Ravens (30) have more home wins in that time.
But especially this year, Smith has noticed a difference. Said Smith, "I really think this season, through our first three home games, the crowd has been fantastic. We've gotten the early arrivals, which is great. Our guys are really excited when we kick the ball off that everybody is in their seat."
New rules allow the Georgia Dome to show comical videos during the game, encouraging the crowd to get louder or softer. The crowd has helped give the Falcons an advantage at home, and the numbers don't lie. In its three home games, Atlanta has committed just five penalties, while their opponents combine to have 22.
The Falcons' next home game is Nov. 4, against the Dallas Cowboys.