Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait
4 days, 12 hours ago

Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Two games into the Michael Penix Jr. era, it’s clear the Atlanta Falcons are in good hands at quarterback. A gut-wrenching loss to the Washington Commanders, who rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to pull out a 30-24 overtime victory Sunday night, dealt a huge blow to Atlanta’s postseason hopes. If Morris had used his two timeouts during that final drive of the fourth quarter, Atlanta would’ve had time to get Patterson in position for a more reasonable field-goal attempt. Stock down Morris’ game management issues turned up the heat on a first-year coach who was hired with a clear mandate to get the Falcons back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Game Atlanta Yards Nfl Win Falcons New Orleans Robinson Morris Final Commanders Penix  final  penix  qb  good  commanders  atlanta  making  falcons  hands  playoffs  wait  yards  robinson  morris  win  game

History of this topic

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth
1 week, 1 day ago

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “If we don’t take of business, we …

With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes
1 week, 4 days ago

With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought. Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, …

On Football: Falcons and Buccaneers flip spots atop the NFC South and playoff races tighten up
1 week, 4 days ago

On Football: Falcons and Buccaneers flip spots atop the NFC South and playoff races tighten up

Associated Press  

The 49ers, Cowboys and Cardinals are out of the playoff race. AFC West Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes and Co. are 14-1, have won their ninth straight division title and they’re going for a Super Bowl three-peat. NFC South Atlanta Falcons: A 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Michael Penix Jr.’s first career start plus Tampa Bay’s 26-24 …

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Four games remain in the regular season, but the playoffs might as well be underway for the Falcons, who find themselves in a tailspin at just the wrong time. We have to control what we can, and that’s the next game.” Morris has been asked repeatedly over the past two weeks about the struggles of quarterback Kirk …

Falcons looking for scoring revival and an end to 2-game skid when they face Herbert-led Chargers
1 month ago

Falcons looking for scoring revival and an end to 2-game skid when they face Herbert-led Chargers

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Raheem Morris doesn’t want to hear about the production of his Atlanta Falcons’ offense. We’ve got to get back to doing that.” A Falcons offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Bijan Robinson had too many drives grind to an early halt in their two straight losses. That’s when we’ve had self-inflicted wounds.” The Chargers also …

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

Uncharacteristic and untimely struggles doomed the Falcons against the Saints
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Uncharacteristic and untimely struggles doomed the Falcons against the Saints

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo held his hands to his helmet when his would-be tying field goal banged off the right upright with 6 1/2 minutes remaining against a Saints team that hadn’t won a game since September. Koo missed three field goals for the first time in his seven seasons in the NFL — and six …

Falcons Struggling to Conquer Seattle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
2 months, 1 week ago

Falcons Struggling to Conquer Seattle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Associated Press  

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking a disappointing start to the season. Despite having a three-game winning streak, the Falcons faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing the Seahawks to secure the victory. The team's struggles with pass rush continue to be a major concern, with only six sacks in the game. The Falcons' offensive …

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

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

Falcons pull out a win that puts a much more positive spin on their opening month
3 months ago

Falcons pull out a win that puts a much more positive spin on their opening month

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Kirk Cousins knew how important it was for the Atlanta Falcons to pull out a win against the New Orleans Saints. “There’s a lot to fix.” said Cousins, who is off to an uneven start in his first season as Atlanta’s quarterback. “You come away saying I’m so glad we won.” Cousins likes to record voice memos to …

Falcons squander a prime-time chance to show they’re a team on the rise in the NFL
3 months, 1 week ago

Falcons squander a prime-time chance to show they’re a team on the rise in the NFL

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Three weeks into the season, the Atlanta Falcons had a chance to establish themselves as a team on the rise in the NFL. “There’s plenty I can point to that wasn’t good enough to win this game, but still felt like it was right there for us to win and when you don’t do it, it leaves you …

Falcons hardly look like a team turning things around in an ugly loss to Steelers in Week 1
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons hardly look like a team turning things around in an ugly loss to Steelers in Week 1

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — After six straight losing seasons, nothing less than a trip to the playoffs will do for the Atlanta Falcons. “We know he has to play better, there’s no doubt about that,” said Raheem Morris, whose first game as Falcons coach was a huge disappointment. But the Falcons’ longest play was a 20-yard completion to Ray-Ray McCloud — hardly …

Falcons, Saints eager for a rivalry game that might also decide who wins the NFC South
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons, Saints eager for a rivalry game that might also decide who wins the NFC South

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — The regular season-ending matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints symbolizes the NFL’s efforts to promote parity. Go down there Sunday and let’s see what happens.” Mathieu, who grew up in New Orleans, conceded he’d become “nervous” the Saints might slip out of playoff contention in early December after they’d lost three straight and five …

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

Analysis: Cowboys got all the breaks while Ravens and 49ers were big winners, locking up No. 1 seeds
1 year ago

Analysis: Cowboys got all the breaks while Ravens and 49ers were big winners, locking up No. 1 seeds

Associated Press  

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. Lamar Jackson threw five touchdown passes and had a perfect passer rating, helping the Ravens secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs while also boosting his chances to win his second NFL MVP award. Arizona’s stunning comeback win over the Eagles also gave the …

Falcons facing injury issues on both lines as Kentavius Street ruled out against Panthers
1 year ago

Falcons facing injury issues on both lines as Kentavius Street ruled out against Panthers

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta defensive tackle Kentavius Street will not play in Sunday’s game at Carolina as the Falcons, battling for the lead in the jumbled NFC South, face significant injuries on both lines. Street left last week’s 29-25 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a pectoral injury. Center Drew Dalman and right tackle Kaleb McGary did not …

Falcons squander a chance to take control in NFC South. Now it’s a 3-way tie for first place
1 year ago

Falcons squander a chance to take control in NFC South. Now it’s a 3-way tie for first place

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons squandered a huge chance to bring a bit of clarity to the muddled NFL South. We know it’s a tough challenge every week.” Atlanta was on the verge of delivering a potentially lethal blow to the Bucs’ playoff chances after Desmond Ridder led a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives for a 25-22 lead with under …

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 leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist
1 year, 1 month 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 …

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency

Associated Press  

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Atlanta Falcons have had quarterback issues, a three-game losing streak and a record under.500. “We’re trying to win every football game we play in, so hopefully we can keep him in contention.” BOYLE BACK UNDER CENTER While the Jets wait to see if Rodgers will be able to actually come back this season, Boyle will …

Imperfect Falcons have opportunity to take advantage of weak schedule in woeful NFC South
1 year, 1 month ago

Imperfect Falcons have opportunity to take advantage of weak schedule in woeful NFC South

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ imperfections remain obvious, topped by inconsistent play at quarterback. Atlanta put the game away late by calling nine consecutive running plays before Younghoe Koo’s 39-yard field goal provided a two-score lead with less than two minutes remaining. It was their sixth consecutive game with at least 100 yards, trailing only Baltimore’s 12 games as the …

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

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 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 …

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 …

Schultz: Arthur Smith’s big risk says a lot about him and why Falcons are 2-0
1 year, 3 months ago

Schultz: Arthur Smith’s big risk says a lot about him and why Falcons are 2-0

New York Times  

ATLANTA — Calais Campbell had nothing to do with the decision that ultimately decided a football game Sunday. He’s just the 307-pound defensive tackle who had his choice of destinations in free agency and chose the Atlanta Falcons in part because of what he saw from coach Arthur Smith on Sunday. It’s exactly what I understood about him and it’s …

Schultz: Falcons answer some questions with win, but Desmond Ridder needs to be better
1 year, 3 months ago

Schultz: Falcons answer some questions with win, but Desmond Ridder needs to be better

New York Times  

ATLANTA — There was a point in the third quarter when the boos slowly melted into begrudging “Koooos.” The boos had decidedly more passion, more oomph, a greater sense of projected season-long dread. “That’s the biggest thing as a quarterback — you can’t turn the ball over and put your team in those messed-up situations,” Bates said. That’s what good …

Atlanta Falcons turn attention to defense after years of struggles
1 year, 6 months ago

Atlanta Falcons turn attention to defense after years of struggles

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — With sweat pouring off his brow after a 90-minute minicamp practice, Calais Campbell is the face of a new swagger emulating from the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. “I feel like we’re built for dominance,” Campbell said. “But I’m excited for what’s to come.” During a run of five straight losing seasons, it’s not very difficult to pinpoint the biggest …

Changes could be coming for struggling Falcons after bye
2 years ago

Changes could be coming for struggling Falcons after bye

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — No one’s job is safe for the struggling Atlanta Falcons. “We’ll evaluate everything, every job,” Smith said after the latest setback, a 19-16 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. “There’s a lot that needs to be evaluated, talked about and discussed.” Much of the talk during the bye will undoubtedly center on quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has struggled to …

Mariota’s future unclear as Falcons drop to 5-8
2 years ago

Mariota’s future unclear as Falcons drop to 5-8

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Marcus Mariota doesn’t know how much longer he will be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Having overseen four losses in the last five weeks, Mariota played perhaps his worst game of the season in Sunday’s 19-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the end of the day, they’ve got to make a decision as to what’s …

Falcons not as fortunate in one-possession games this season
2 years, 1 month ago

Falcons not as fortunate in one-possession games this season

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the Atlanta Falcons are 5-7 and still in the hunt for the NFC South title. I don’t think it’s a scheme issue and being more physical than they are.” WHAT’S WORKING Thanks to a stout offensive line, the running game accounted for 167 yards. There’s still a lot of …

First-place Falcons hope to keep running against Chargers
2 years, 2 months 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 …

Mariota doing just enough to keep Falcons in first place
2 years, 2 months ago

Mariota doing just enough to keep Falcons in first place

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota just wanted another chance to pull out a victory after he threw an interception on the first possession of overtime. For me, it’s really cool to be a part of that, and it says a lot about our guys.” Mariota atoned for his second pick of the day, helping seal the win on third-and-1 …

Home, not sweet home: Falcons keep losing in A-T-L
3 years ago

Home, not sweet home: Falcons keep losing in A-T-L

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Home is not-so sweet for the Atlanta Falcons. While it’s true the Falcons’ opponents in Atlanta this season have a better cumulative record than the road opponents, there’s still no excuse for losing three home games to teams that are no better than.500. we’ve got to play better, certainly, at home.” WHAT’S WORKING For the second game in …

Falcons fans might be shielding their eyes, ears vs Patriots
3 years, 1 month ago

Falcons fans might be shielding their eyes, ears vs Patriots

Associated Press  

Even the most die-hard Atlanta fans might avoid watching Thursday night’s matchup with New England. With rookie quarterback Mac Jones looking like the real thing despite the occasional misstep, and with a ball-hawking defense, the Patriots are on a four-game winning streak. “You can’t go back and win that game from 2017,” says Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, one of 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 …

Falcons see upset bid of Bucs dashed in 4th of 48-25 loss
3 years, 3 months ago

Falcons see upset bid of Bucs dashed in 4th of 48-25 loss

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The Atlanta Falcons found themselves down by three in the fourth quarter with a real chance for a potential upset of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Everybody feels sick when you see that box score, but there were some positives,” Falcons first-year coach Arthur Smith said. They did a good job in the fourth quarter …

With 2 pick sixes in fourth quarter, Bucs’ Mike Edwards closes out win over Falcons in style
3 years, 3 months ago

With 2 pick sixes in fourth quarter, Bucs’ Mike Edwards closes out win over Falcons in style

New York Times  

TAMPA, Fla. — We could easily lead with Tom Brady throwing five touchdown passes without a single interception, something he has done just —just? But as much as Brady deserved another headline after leading the Bucs to a 48-25 victory over the Falcons on Sunday, the win was punctuated by another incredible rarity: Bucs safety Mike Edwards returned two interceptions …

Can Falcons find yet another unique way to lose a game?
4 years, 2 months ago

Can Falcons find yet another unique way to lose a game?

Associated Press  

There is losing, and there is LOSING. It’s all added up to a 1-6 record, a coach and general manager fired, and ridicule across America for what is actually one of the NFL’s best organizations. It might be a stretch to say that the Falcons’ foibles in 2020 date back to when they set a Super Bowl record for losing …

Buccaneers, Falcons motivated to finish 2nd in NFC South
5 years ago

Buccaneers, Falcons motivated to finish 2nd in NFC South

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The winner will finish second in the NFC South. “Any time you can spend the offseason remembering when you won, it’s a lot different to come to work every day — as a player and a coach.” The Falcons, who’ve won five of seven following a 1-7 start, announced Friday that coach Dan Quinn and general manager …

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