3 months, 1 week ago

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

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

Game Washington Nfl Falcons Cousins Commanders Sunday Night Football 17 rookie et football night games washington changes falcons game touchdown week flexed commandersfalcons

History of this topic

1 week, 4 days ago

Falcons continue to seek pass-rush help by signing defensive end Morgan Fox to 2-year contract

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their defensive line depth by signing Morgan Fox to a two-year contract in a move the team announced on Monday. The addition of Fox, who played the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, followed Atlanta’s signing of edge rusher Leonard Floyd to a $10 million, one-year deal last week. The …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Falcons NFL Draft big board: Options for Atlanta’s first 3 picks begin on defense

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are going to have to make the most of their 2025 draft picks. An offensive tackle You won’t find many mock drafts with the Falcons taking an offensive lineman in the first round, but I’m going to continue throwing the idea out there. Nic Scourton, edge, Texas A&M Somebody’s going to take a …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

QB Penix gives Falcons reason for hope as defense faces possible offseason changes after 8-9 finish

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. left the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday clutching two game balls as keepsakes from a rookie season that ended with his first three starts. Despite Penix passing for 312 yards and accounting for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing — Atlanta’s 44-38 overtime loss to Carolina on Sunday extended the …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Bryce Young accounts for 5 TDs as Panthers beat Falcons 44-38 in OT. Atlanta misses playoffs again

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have more in common than frustrating streaks of seven consecutive losing seasons. “We took a step back today, a huge step.” Rookie Michael Penix Jr. capped his late-season, three-game introduction as Atlanta’s starting quarterback by passing for 312 yards and two touchdowns — both to Drake London, who had 10 catches for …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons are leaning on rookie QB Penix as they try to protect fading playoff hopes against Panthers

Associated Press

Carolina at Atlanta Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 37-22 Against the spread: Panthers 7-9, Falcons 7-9 Last meeting: Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 at Carolina on Oct. 13. Panthers offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Panthers defense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons defense: overall, rush, pass, …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

NFL Week 17 best and worst coaching decisions: Kevin O’Connell has Sam Darnold dealing

New York Times

Teams have been desperately clawing for seeding with the playoffs shaping up and players and coaches have been leaving it all on the field. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell solidified his case for coach of the year against the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs made a move that could spark their offense for the playoffs. One …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

Commanders clinch playoff berth with OT win vs. Falcons, hand Rams NFC West: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Ben Standig, Josh Kendall, Michael-Shawn Dugar and Tobias Bass The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020 with a 30-24 win in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” as quarterback Jayden Daniels continued to make a case in his Rookie of the Year campaign. NBC | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/TdAGEbmeUt — Atlanta Falcons …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons’ second-half collapse in Washington likely to haunt them for a long time

New York Times

— Unless they get some unlikely help from the unlikeliest of places next week, it’s going to be a long offseason for the Atlanta Falcons, and Sunday night at Northwest Stadium is what they’re going to be thinking about through most of it. “We have to control what the controllables are,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said, “go out there and …

Penix and the Falcons at Daniels and the Commanders in prime-time meeting of 1st-round rookie QBs

Associated Press

Atlanta at Washington Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST, NBC BetMGM NFL odds: Commanders by 4 Against the spread: Falcons 7-8; Commanders 9-6 Series record: Washington leads 18-10-1 Last meeting: Commanders beat Falcons 24-16 on Oct. 15, 2023, at Atlanta. Falcons: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons defense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Commanders offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Commanders defense: overall, rush, pass, …

3 months ago

NFL best bets Week 17: Edge on Falcons-Commanders total as Michael Penix Jr. hits the road

New York Times

Best bets from my NFL Projection Model took a hiatus last week but returns for Week 17 of the regular season after a sweep of the board in Week 15. Best bets for NFL Week 17 Arizona Cardinals +7 at Los Angeles Rams Yes, I know that the Cardinals are eliminated from the playoffs, and I know that the Rams …

3 months ago

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shares emotional moment with Kirk Cousins ahead of first NFL start

Daily Mail

Falcons teammates Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins shared a prayer before the rookie quarterback made his first NFL start. Former Washington star Penix Jr. - the No 8 pick in the 2024 draft - took over under center for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins shared a prayer before the rookie made …

3 months, 1 week 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 …

3 months, 1 week ago

Falcons turn to Penix at QB as they try to keep NFC South title hopes alive

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Atlanta is a contender in the weak NFC South despite another shaky performance from quarterback Kirk Cousins that led the Falcons to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. An ugly 15-9 win at the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night moved the Falcons to 7-7, one game behind Tampa Bay in the division. The Falcons …

3 months, 2 weeks 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, …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons mock draft reaction: Is this the time they pick a pass rusher in the first round?

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A quick history lesson: Two years ago around this time, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s mock draft 1.0 projected the Atlanta Falcons would take edge rusher Jared Verse with the No. That brings us to Brugler’s first mock draft for 2025, and his projection that Atlanta will take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. …

3 months, 2 weeks 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 …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons’ Morris remains loyal to struggling QB Cousins despite 4 interceptions in loss to Chargers

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris insists Kirk Cousins’ struggles with interceptions didn’t cause him to consider a change at quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cousins threw four interceptions, matching his career high, including a final pick with 40 seconds remaining in the Falcons’ 17-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. You know, that guy’s carried us.” Morris …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Still makes 2 picks, returns one for TD as Chargers hand Falcons third straight loss, 17-13

Associated Press

ATLANTA — In a game neither team seemed eager to win, the Los Angeles Chargers relied on their defense — especially rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still — to hand Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons their third straight loss. “We’re witnessing complementary, winning football.” Still, a fifth-round pick out of Maryland, made the 36-year-old Cousins looked like a rookie when the …

5 months 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 …

5 months, 1 week ago

Why a key part of the Falcons’ offseason plan may already be out the window: 5 factors

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent tight end Charlie Woerner in the offseason, they expected to employ a lot of 12 personnel this season. “It’s been fun to kind of get back to the roots of the 11 personnel,” said Robinson, who spent his entire pro coaching career before coming to Atlanta working for Los Angeles …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons and Steelers head into 2024 looking to put QB issues in the rearview mirror

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Two teams that have struggled to fill the most important position on the field are taking another crack at settling their quarterback dilemmas. It’ll start on Sunday.” The Steelers blew up their offense in the offseason, signing Wilson after his two forgettable seasons in Denver and trading for Fields after the Bears decided they were going to take …

7 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 …

7 months, 2 weeks 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 …

10 months, 2 weeks 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 …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons post-NFL Draft depth chart: How do Michael Penix Jr., other rookies fit in?

New York Times

It might help Atlanta Falcons fans understand their team’s recent quarterback decisions if they know the team views them as two separate decisions. “We went out and got a guy that we believe in, and we’re sitting there in the draft, and we let our board speak to us and there was a guy there at that position,” Falcons assistant …

11 months 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 …

11 months 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 …

11 months 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 …

1 year, 2 months 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 …

1 year, 3 months 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. …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons still trying to solve the Desmond Ridder fourth-quarter riddle

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are as confused as anyone about why Desmond Ridder turns into a different quarterback in the fourth quarter. “That’s what we’re all trying to capture,” coach Arthur Smith said this week as his team prepared to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. “As little kids, every single one of us, you were outside …

1 year, 3 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

Falcons enter their bye with a lot to figure out, starting with quarterback

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of questions after dropping their third straight game Sunday in Arizona. We have to make a decision.” Smith, who didn’t name a starter Sunday in Arizona, said last week he would use the team’s upcoming bye to evaluate the quarterback position and pick the player he thought should start for the rest of the season. …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke learning on the fly as blitz-happy Vikings await

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke has done this before, taking over a starting quarterback job during the season, but each time offers a new challenge, the Atlanta Falcons’ new starting quarterback said this week. “It’s a new team and a new offense I’ve been learning since OTAs and of course new guys,” said Heinicke, who signed as a free …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings, Falcons share 4-4 records and uncertain quarterback plans for the remainder of the season

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons have more in common than the 4-4 records they take into Sunday’s game. Perhaps the only certainty for either team’s immediate future at the position is the Vikings know they’ve lost Kirk Cousins until 2024 with a torn right Achilles tendon last week. Heinicke says he’s focused only on the one game …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons have to consider QB change: 5 takeaways from loss to Jaguars in London

New York Times

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith wants to see who among his players “can face adversity.” He’s in luck because the Falcons flew home from London on Sunday facing a ton of it after a 23-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. “We know we have to get back and get this thing rolling and get back on the winning track.” Here …

1 year, 7 months ago

Falcons 53-man roster reaction: 3 QBs, questions in the secondary, no ‘pizza party’

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons cut their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players on Tuesday, but head coach Arthur Smith has stressed for weeks that it does not represent the finish line for his team’s roster construction. Also Tuesday, New Orleans released cornerback Bradley Roby, a former first-round pick who played under new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen …

1 year, 7 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 …

1 year, 10 months ago

Falcons post-draft depth chart: Where the draft picks fit in on revamped roster

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After adding six players in the NFL Draft, the Falcons had 83 players on their roster. Ridder started four games last season and finished 26th in passer rating, 34th in EPA per dropback and with the second-worst off-target rate among quarterbacks with more than 100 pass attempts, according to TruMedia. If Graham comes back healthy from …

2 years, 3 months 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 …

2 years, 4 months ago

Falcons, Commanders meet in game with playoff implications

Associated Press

— Ron Rivera tried to keep from getting too excited about his Washington Commanders getting on enough of a roll to move into the mix for a playoff spot. “It’s really cool.” It’s also a little unexpected after the Falcons looked like they were coming into the season in rebuilding or retooling mode and the Commanders lost four of their …

2 years, 4 months ago

Falcons, Commanders meet in matchup of mobile quarterbacks

Associated Press

ATLANTA at WASHINGTON Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Commanders by 4 AGAINST THE SPREAD: Falcons 7-4; Commanders 6-4-1 SERIES RECORD: Washington leads 16-10-1 LAST MEETING: Washington beat the Falcons 34-30 on Oct. 3, 2021, at Atlanta. SERIES NOTES: The Falcons are playing at Washington for the first time since 2018.. Atlanta coach Arthur Smith spent two …

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3 days, 8 hours ago