Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish
1 year, 11 months ago

Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith saw a glimpse of the Atlanta Falcons’ future, with an offense featuring rookies Desmond Ridder, Tyler Allgeier and Drake London. That vision gave Smith, the Falcons’ second-year coach, confidence that this year’s 7-10 finish provides far more hope than his debut season, when Atlanta finished with the same record. Asked if he believes he deserves the starting job next season, Ridder said, “That’s not my call.” “I’m going to go out there and play my game and do what I do,” Ridder said. Smith said he “absolutely” considers the line, led by right guard Chris Lindstrom, the team’s only Pro Bowl selection, as a foundation piece to build around.

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History of this topic

Panthers QB Bryce Young regresses after breakdowns in protection in 30-14 loss to Cowboys
6 days, 21 hours ago

Panthers QB Bryce Young regresses after breakdowns in protection in 30-14 loss to Cowboys

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the better part of the season, the Carolina Panthers rebuilt offensive line has been doing a pretty good job of protecting Bryce Young. “We play into the opponent’s hands in that regard.. With a really good pressure package and just some good players up front, it certainly put us in a brand of football we don’t …

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule
1 week, 6 days ago

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at.” Lindstrom …

Falcons denied sweep of Saints because of 3 missed FGs and failures on pass defense
1 month, 1 week ago

Falcons denied sweep of Saints because of 3 missed FGs and failures on pass defense

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — It should be no surprise the Atlanta Falcons won’t achieve perfection in their NFC South schedule. Atlanta was 4-0 against division opponents before failures on pass defense and three missed field goals helped to prevent a sweep of the season series against the Saints. That play served as a reminder the Atlanta defense was held without a sack …

Atlanta Falcons' Momentum Continues, While Cowboys' Struggles Continue
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Atlanta Falcons' Momentum Continues, While Cowboys' Struggles Continue

Associated Press  

The Atlanta Falcons are surging to the top of the NFC South, while the Dallas Cowboys are struggling to find their footing. Robinson has been a key factor in Atlanta's success, topping 100 scrimmage yards in three straight games and scoring four touchdowns. The Falcons have won four of their last five games against teams that are now struggling, including …

Seahawks Dominate Falcons, Secure Crucial Win
2 months ago

Seahawks Dominate Falcons, Secure Crucial Win

Associated Press  

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-14 in a thrilling game. The Seahawks dominated the defense, forcing three turnovers in the fourth quarter. Despite a late knee injury to DK Metcalf, the Seahawks secured the victory with a last-minute touchdown. The game marked a significant turnaround for the Seahawks, who had struggled with defense in recent performances.

Falcons are 3-0 against NFC South rivals as RBs Robinson, Allgeier take lead roles for offense
2 months, 1 week ago

Falcons are 3-0 against NFC South rivals as RBs Robinson, Allgeier take lead roles for offense

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — One week after Kirk Cousins set a team and personal record by throwing for 509 yards with four touchdowns in a 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay, the Atlanta Falcons proved they can post similarly impressive numbers on the ground. With Bijan Robinson running for 95 yards and two touchdowns and Tyler Allgeier adding 105 yards and a …

Bijan Robinson scores 2 TDs. Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 for 3rd straight victory vs. NFC South foe
2 months, 1 week ago

Bijan Robinson scores 2 TDs. Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 for 3rd straight victory vs. NFC South foe

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons are proving they have multiple ways to win — especially against a division foe. Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns, Tyler Allgeier added 105 yards rushing and a game-clinching score and the Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 38-20 on Sunday for their third win over an NFC South opponent in three …

Kirk Cousins, rushing attack powers Falcons past Panthers: Key takeaways
2 months, 1 week ago

Kirk Cousins, rushing attack powers Falcons past Panthers: Key takeaways

New York Times  

By Josh Kendall, Joe Person and RJ Kraft Kirk Cousins, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier kept the Atlanta Falcons flying high in a 38-20 win over the Carolina Panthers in a NFC South divisional matchup. AJ Terrell with his first pick of the season 🙅‍♂️ 📺: #ATLvsCAR on FOX 📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/GzFUOPhl7A — NFL October 13, 2024 Carolina’s third consecutive …

Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons had big plans for their offense when they decided to invest heavily in quarterback Kirk Cousins and add new coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. I think we know that, I think they know that, and I think we’re really comfortable being able to go out there and win football games however we …

Atlanta Falcons 2024 schedule: Arthur Smith’s return kicks off challenging September
7 months, 1 week ago

Atlanta Falcons 2024 schedule: Arthur Smith’s return kicks off challenging September

New York Times  

Who were the biggest winners and losers of the NFL schedule release? The wife of new Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins spent the first part of the month just like every other NFL fan — anxiously awaiting the league’s release of its full schedule. After opening against a Steelers team with the world’s most motivated offensive coordinator, the Falcons play at …

Falcons trade former starting QB Ridder to Cardinals for WR Moore
9 months, 1 week ago

Falcons trade former starting QB Ridder to Cardinals for WR Moore

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons quickly moved on from Desmond Ridder, trading their former starting quarterback to the Arizona Cardinals for receiver Rondale Moore on Thursday. The dumping of Ridder was no surprise after the Falcons made a big splash in free agency by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $100 million in guaranteed money. …

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith
10 months, 2 weeks ago

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator on Friday, hoping he can help a unit that’s underachieved in recent years. Smith replaces Matt Canada, who was dismissed just before Thanksgiving with the Steelers offense languishing near the bottom of the league in points and yards. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin opted …

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith was back at the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday morning for a final meeting with his players after he was fired late Sunday night. It meant a lot to me that he stood up there and looked us all in the eye and told us some things.” Added Harrison: “He’s a guy you …

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith, who inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift Atlanta from its playoff drought, was fired late Sunday night, hours after completing his third straight losing season with the Falcons. Smith didn’t feel much heat after his first two losing seasons as Atlanta dealt with major salary cap issues, …

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future
11 months, 2 weeks ago

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — Following Atlanta’s second-half collapse against the rival Saints on Sunday, embattled Falcons coach Arthur Smith had opportunities to make a public case for his retention. “Obviously the pick didn’t help,” said Ridder, who started for the Falcons after Taylor Heinicke was a game-day scratch because of an ankle injury. They took advantage of it.” The Falcons drove …

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, the team announced at midnight Monday morning, hours after the conclusion of the regular season. “There’s a lot of things that go into what makes a quarterback successful or not.” The Falcons hired Smith to replace Dan Quinn following the 2020 season. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.” Smith’s final moments with …

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When Calais Campbell explained in the spring why he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, he said general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith “made me a believer.” “You need to believe in the people making decisions, and they have a win-now mentality,” Campbell said on April 3. “There’s a million ways to do it …

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?

New York Times  

NEW ORLEANS — On Aug. 27, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he would be “disappointed” if his team didn’t win more games than it did the last two years. “I love what I’m doing, but we know the industry we’re in,” Smith said. “For other people, I know it was like, ‘More of the same,’ but for my first …

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ season of uncertainty at quarterback will continue through the final week of the regular season. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that Taylor Heinicke, who left Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears with a left ankle injury, will try to return this week. I know Taylor is going to put everything he …

Falcons know they have little room for error with slim playoff hopes heading into matchup with Bears
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons know they have little room for error with slim playoff hopes heading into matchup with Bears

Associated Press  

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Atlanta Falcons are well aware of the situation they face with two games remaining and their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. Nothing matters but Chicago.. Good or bad, you’re just taking energy away from preparing for Sunday.. “If you go out there and you don’t play well in Chicago, then nothing else matters.” The …

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach

New York Times  

ATLANTA — This was a good day for Arthur Blank. He didn’t want to go down the road of what he was thinking, instead reiterating comments from a few days earlier that he was “committed” to Smith — however one defines that — but that a decision on the coach’s future would be made after the season. “Like coach Smith …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sure, the Atlanta Falcons are still playing for a playoff berth. It’s not the kind of thing anyone will talk about directly — Blank this week told Georgia Public Broadcasting that he is “committed” to Smith without offering any concrete plans about the future — but it’s the topic that will be in the background of …

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’
1 year ago

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’

New York Times  

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he is “committed” to Arthur Smith but will “let the season play out and go from there” when asked if the third-year head coach will return in 2024. “Obviously, this has not been the kind of year we expected and you would hear that first from Coach Smith,” Blank told Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger …

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts
1 year ago

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are removing quarterback Desmond Ridder from the starting job for the second time this season following his continued turnover woes in the team’s latest loss. The loss knocked the Falcons out of first place in the NFC South and raised new questions about coach Arthur Smith’s job security in his third season. Following two losses …

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?
1 year ago

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, sending Desmond Ridder to the bench for the second time this season, a team source said. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said at the time the plan was to start Ridder for the rest of the season, and Atlanta won its first two games after his return. …

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt
1 year ago

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Arthur Smith has lost too many games this season as the Falcons’ coach – too many games to bad teams, to bad quarterbacks, to four teams that already have been eliminated from playoff contention, to one that already has fired its head coach. Beyond the mathematics that suggest the Falcons are still in the playoff race, …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Arthur Smith’s job security is in question after the Atlanta Falcons squandered a lead Sunday and lost to the NFL’s worst team. “There’s consequences when you lose so these are natural questions, right?” Smith said during a postgame news conference. “Make sure we have the right plan and make the right decision that’s in the best interest …

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers
1 year ago

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers

New York Times  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons are almost out of the playoff race, completely out of explanations for their struggles and now answering questions about whether some people are going to be out of jobs. “I mean, this one hurts,” Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell said after Atlanta lost 9-7 to the worst team in the league, the Carolina Panthers. …

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern
1 year ago

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The final play summed up the entire day for the Atlanta Falcons. “We should’ve come out of there with the win,” Ridder said, “but obviously we didn’t.” The Falcons came in with a.500 record that was good enough to lead the NFC South. Atlanta appeared in good shape again with Tampa Bay facing third-and-10 from the Falcons 47, …

Otton hauls in 11-yard scoring pass with 31 seconds left. Bucs beat Falcons 29-25
1 year ago

Otton hauls in 11-yard scoring pass with 31 seconds left. Bucs beat Falcons 29-25

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Baker Mayfield knew the Falcons would be devoting plenty of attention to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It didn’t go great the whole game, but we believed and we fought.” With a chance to put together their first three-game winning streak since 2019 and, more important, move a big step toward their first playoff appearance in six seasons, …

Falcons’ Sunday challenge starts with stopping Mike Evans, and the history isn’t good
1 year ago

Falcons’ Sunday challenge starts with stopping Mike Evans, and the history isn’t good

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The prospect of facing Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in a critical game can’t be comforting for the Atlanta Falcons. “Evans is playing fantastic, so they’re getting the ball to him as many times as possible,” Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen said. “He’s a great player,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. This is how …

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist
1 year ago

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons left New York in sole possession of first place Sunday evening, and coach Arthur Smith is going to have to take solace in that because his offense didn’t give him much to feel good about in a 13-8 win over the New York Jets. “Sometimes the game gets ugly in the elements,” Smith said, alluding to a …

Ridder overcomes 2 interceptions to lead Falcons past Saints 24-15 and into first-place tie
1 year ago

Ridder overcomes 2 interceptions to lead Falcons past Saints 24-15 and into first-place tie

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — An Atlanta Falcons team looking to snap a three-game losing streak and remain in contention in the NFC South wasn’t going to be picky about how it won a game. “That’s where we need to be to close out game.” Smith said the Falcons’ six remaining games “will feel like six lifetimes” in the league’s only division where …

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South
1 year ago

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South

New York Times  

ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Falcons returned to their practice facility 14 days ago, fresh off their third loss in as many weeks — and to the lowly Arizona Cardinals on top of that — Kaden Elliss had little idea what to expect. The fight we had was something special.” The Falcons used that fight — and the benefit of …

Saints aim to strengthen hold on first place against struggling Falcons in weak NFC South
1 year ago

Saints aim to strengthen hold on first place against struggling Falcons in weak NFC South

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — First place in the mediocre NFC South, the NFL’s only division to lack a team with a winning record, will be on the line when New Orleans visits Atlanta on Sunday. We’ve got everything on the line and everything to play for.” First place provides no false comfort for Saints coach Dennis Allen, who has criticized his team’s …

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together
1 year, 1 month ago

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith is going back to Desmond Ridder as his starting quarterback, and they are going down the homestretch of the regular season together — a homestretch that could prove critical to their long-term futures in Atlanta. “He’s done a really good job of taking advantage of what could be perceived as a …

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye facing a must-win game against NFC South rival New Orleans. Heinicke was not available for Monday’s practice, but Smith said the decision to name Ridder as the starter was “absolutely” intended to last the remainder of the season and was not based on Heinicke’s health. “I think the reset …

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at quarterback again and will start Desmond Ridder next week against the New Orleans Saints, a league source confirmed. Ridder, who was benched after a spate of turnovers, finished last week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals game after Heinicke suffered a low-grade hamstring injury. Pro football is going to test you in every …

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — As Arthur Smith uses a bye week to consider what he hopes will be his final starting quarterback decision of the Atlanta Falcons’ season, Desmond Ridder’s strongest pitch may have been the confidence he showed when he replaced the injured Taylor Heinicke in last Sunday’s 25-23 loss at Arizona. “I thought it was a good reset for Des,” …

Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have one big quarterback question and lots of little quarterback questions that attach to that big one. Heinicke’s injury is a “low grade” sprain, Smith said, so he may be healthy enough to play when Atlanta returns to the field, but the Falcons are strongly considering going back to Ridder either way. In …

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals

Associated Press  

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for answers at quarterback — and time is running out. “The way these games are, most of them come down to one possession, and it’s those small, little things that make a big difference,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. Heinicke’s middling performance and injury, coupled with Desmond Ridder leading the Falcons …

Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith expects to provide clarity on the Atlanta Falcons’ long-term plan at quarterback soon. Smith said Wednesday the decision is “my responsibility and what they pay me for.” He said he doesn’t want uncertainty at the position to continue through the season. “With the bye, hopefully we’ll get this win and can take a second …

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith has shaved his mustache and is keeping Taylor Heinicke as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback. Smith said Monday he is sticking with Heinicke for this week’s game at Arizona after the veteran produced mixed results in his first start for Atlanta. Following the game, Smith said “we have to change something to get over the hump.” …

Lots of questions, few answers after another Falcons loss: ‘We need to look in the mirror’
1 year, 1 month ago

Lots of questions, few answers after another Falcons loss: ‘We need to look in the mirror’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons started a quarterback Sunday whom they gave a two-year contract in the offseason. “We had our chances, and we didn’t get it done.” In what team owner Arthur Blank described in the preseason as “Year 3 of a three-year plan” under Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons have lost three of their last …

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are going to be in the market for a quarterback after this season, barring some unlikely turn of events, like a herd of unicorns galloping down Peachtree and screaming, “Rise up!” next week, and even that seems more plausible right now than this team standing pat with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. 3-ish Josh Dobbs, …

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke said he’s focusing only on one game and not his long-term role after moving past turnover-plagued Desmond Ridder as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback against the Minnesota Vikings. Smith said Wednesday that Ridder is “clear and available” and will be Heinicke’s top backup against the Vikings. When asked if Heinicke could win the job …

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are trying to downplay any talk of a quarterback controversy. My concern is Des.” Heinicke led the Falcons on four scoring drives — two touchdowns and two field goals — while completing 12 of 21 passes for 171 yards. “There’s a lot of things in all games that we can clean up and be better …

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This might sound strange after he endured more than two years of a rebuild that included trading two franchise icons, watched his team’s owner play contract footsie with Deshaun Watson and went 14-20 with far too many minimum-salary veterans. It would be naïve to believe that didn’t impact Smith’s decision to stick with backup Taylor Heinicke …

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance
1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance

Associated Press  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Atlanta coach Arthur Smith was asked several different ways, and his answer Sunday on changing quarterbacks at halftime came down to protecting Desmond Ridder after the starter was evaluated for a concussion. “He’s thrown the ball pretty well,” Smith said of Ridder. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot of confidence in him as our starter.” Heinicke managed to …

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons appeared to be committed to a run-first offense through the first four weeks of the season. Coach Arthur Smith says the offense is evolving, even if the changes have come with some pain, including Ridder’s three interceptions in last week’s 24-16 home loss to Washington. Even so, Ridder said Wednesday he hopes the …

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