Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes
6 days, 15 hours ago

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes

New York Times  

A matchup that looked to be a meeting between current and former Washington quarterbacks has flex appeal. Instead, a game between two first-round rookie quarterbacks will get the “Sunday Night Football” treatment in Week 17. The NFL moved the Week 17 game with playoff implications between the Atlanta Falcons and the Commanders to the Sunday night slot on Dec. 29. With Atlanta’s decision to bench Kirk Cousins — the former Washington QB — for rookie Michael Penix Jr. on Tuesday, the matchup now pits Penix, in what would be his second career start, versus offensive rookie of the year favorite Jayden Daniels. Required reading • NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Eagles, Bills the new 1-2, plus team MVPs • Commanders went from marching past Saints to creating questions in chaotic finish • Falcons coach leaves door open to QB change after escaping Las Vegas

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History of this topic

Falcons turn to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. for key game vs Giants
3 days, 20 hours ago

Falcons turn to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. for key game vs Giants

Associated Press  

New York Giants at Atlanta Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2. Falcons player to watch QB Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start after the Falcons benched 13-year veteran Kirk Cousins. Series notes The Falcons have won three straight in the series.. New York’s most recent win over the Falcons was a …

Falcons favored over the Raiders in Monday night matchup
1 week, 3 days ago

Falcons favored over the Raiders in Monday night matchup

Associated Press  

Atlanta at Las Vegas Monday, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 4 Series record: Falcons lead 8-7 Against the spread: Falcons 5-8, Raiders 5-8 Last meeting: Falcons beat Raiders 43-6 in Atlanta on Nov. 29, 2020. Last week: Falcons lost to Vikings 42-21; Raiders lost to Buccaneers 28-13 Falcons offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons defense: overall, …

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 Dominate Buccaneers, Take Control of NFC South
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Falcons Dominate Buccaneers, Take Control of NFC South

Associated Press  

The Atlanta Falcons secured a 31-26 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a thrilling game that clinched their position as the NFC South leaders. Kirk Cousins threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns, while Kyle Pitts and Darnell Mooney each scored touchdowns for the Falcons. The Buccaneers' offense struggled against the Falcons' defense, with Baker Mayfield throwing for 330 …

Falcons’ roster-bubble players to watch in preseason game against Ravens
4 months, 1 week ago

Falcons’ roster-bubble players to watch in preseason game against Ravens

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons play their second preseason game Saturday in Baltimore against the Ravens. Running back Avery Williams The season-ending injury to wide receiver Rondale Moore likely cemented Williams’ spot on the roster, but the Falcons have a logjam at running back. Blair is competing against the likes of veteran James Washington, who has played only …

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has good start for Falcons in 20-13 loss to Dolphins in preseason opener
4 months, 1 week ago

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has good start for Falcons in 20-13 loss to Dolphins in preseason opener

Associated Press  

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Atlanta rookie Michael Penix Jr. completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in the Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. “So it was good to see our guys get a win in front of the home fans.” In addition to Penix’s first game, it …

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 …

Top 100 prospects already scooped up but Saturday still stocked with NFL difference-makers
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Top 100 prospects already scooped up but Saturday still stocked with NFL difference-makers

Associated Press  

The top 100 prospects are off the board but plenty of playmakers remain for teams to pick through Saturday in the NFL draft ‘s final four rounds. The Washington Commanders then took Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and a total of 20 defensive players went in a round that had seven trades as teams were wheeling and dealing to get …

Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick

Associated Press  

Follow AP’s live coverage of the 2024 NFL draft. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons provided the first major surprise of the NFL draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington with the No. We’re very excited about that quarterback room.” New coach Raheem Morris said the Falcons wanted to draft Penix this year because they don’t plan …

Five quarterbacks selected in first 10 picks of NFL Draft, most in top 10 in common era
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Five quarterbacks selected in first 10 picks of NFL Draft, most in top 10 in common era

New York Times  

Quarterbacks were flying off the board at a record-breaking pace early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as five were taken within the first 10 picks. The Falcons’ first choice of the draft puzzled many, as the team recently signed NFL veteran and former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to a deal that is worth $180 million over …

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 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’ 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’ 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 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’ 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 …

How the Falcons’ mistakes on offense led to their third loss in four games
1 year, 2 months ago

How the Falcons’ mistakes on offense led to their third loss in four games

New York Times  

ATLANTA — After a 2-0 start, the Atlanta Falcons have lost three of their last four games, including a 24-16 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday. You never want to lose at all, but I think when we understand what we have to do to become successful to be the best offense, we can be.” The Falcons defense held …

Ridder, Falcons look to keep passing game clicking against struggling Commanders
1 year, 2 months ago

Ridder, Falcons look to keep passing game clicking against struggling Commanders

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON at ATLANTA Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS OPENING LINE: Falcons by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. FALCONS PLAYER TO WATCH: Rookie RB Bijan Robinson ran for only 46 yards last week against Houston but still made an impact with a 6-yard scoring catch, pulling the ball in with his left hand against his hip before scoring. STATS AND …

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The voices questioning Desmond Ridder’s ability to lead the Atlanta Falcons or any other NFL team have been so loud that head coach Arthur Smith figures his quarterback would have had to spend the last week in “western Australia, the other end of the earth” not to hear them. “He’s a young player, getting better each and every …

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars

Associated Press  

LONDON — Desmond Ridder hasn’t put up big numbers in his handful of NFL starts for the Atlanta Falcons. “The reality is we put ourselves in a whole — and we can’t turn the ball over,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “So that’s something we’ve got to look at, and it’s not just one person.” Jacksonville stuffed the Falcons’ run-heavy …

Terrell, Falcons defensive starters eager to make preseason debut against Bengals
1 year, 4 months ago

Terrell, Falcons defensive starters eager to make preseason debut against Bengals

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It wasn’t easy for A.J. Terrell to watch his Atlanta Falcons teammates enjoy their big plays on defense in last week’s 19-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins when he and the other regulars couldn’t join in the fun. “It ain’t fun sitting on the sideline,” Terrell said Tuesday, adding “cheering on is cool when guys …

Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter
2 years ago

Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — There was more to be learned from rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder’s debut than his poor passing production, another Atlanta Falcons loss and continued scoring woes. “He’s not scared of the moment,” Smith said, adding Ridder is “made of the right stuff.” Ridder also showed leadership when he quickly ran to London following the fumble to provide encouragement. Even …

Falcons-Panthers back at it less than 2 weeks after OT game
2 years, 1 month ago

Falcons-Panthers back at it less than 2 weeks after OT game

Associated Press  

The worst division in the NFL gets a prime-time matchup when the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons meet for the second time in less than two weeks on Thursday night. Marcus Mariota might spend the night handing off after the Falcons averaged 5.7 yards per carry in last week’s loss to the Chargers and surpassed 200 yards rushing for the …

First-place Falcons hope to keep running against Chargers
2 years, 1 month ago

First-place Falcons hope to keep running against Chargers

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have remained consistent in their commitment to running the ball without becoming predictable. “They are number one in their division because they’ve put together a really good season on offense.” The Falcons will look to stay there when they play the Chargers, who are coming off a bye week, on Sunday. Atlanta remained competitive despite …

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner
2 years, 6 months ago

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder has impressed himself — and coach Arthur Smith — with his ability to quickly absorb the Atlanta Falcons’ playbook. “He’s light years ahead of most other young quarterbacks from the neck up,” Smith said of Ridder. He said after Tuesday’s first minicamp practice he was surprised by his “overall knowledge of the offense.” The …

Falcons try to make the most out of lopsided score vs. Bucs
3 years, 3 months ago

Falcons try to make the most out of lopsided score vs. Bucs

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — A week after looking downright pathetic in a season-opening loss to Philadelphia, the Atlanta Falcons were at least competent in a 48-25 defeat at Tampa Bay. It’s unfortunate what happened at the end.” The end included two tipped passes from Matt Ryan that were intercepted and returned for touchdowns, putting the game out of reach. That was the …

Bridgewater, Burris lead Panthers; Falcons fire Quinn
4 years, 2 months ago

Bridgewater, Burris lead Panthers; Falcons fire Quinn

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Carolina Panthers have managed just fine without Christian McCaffrey. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, Juston Burris made a huge interception in the end zone and Carolina held on Sunday for a 23-16 victory over the winless Falcons — the final blow to Quinn’s coaching tenure. “The first two weeks, we were just trying …

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