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. …
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A veteran of the AFC North, linebacker Bud Dupree has played in plenty of rivalry games, but Sunday will be his first appearance in the NFC South’s most heated rivalry — Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints. “It’s the Saints, it’s the division lead, there’s a lot going on in this one,” Atlanta safety Richie Grant …
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 …
ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith said he didn’t regret his decision to rest his starters in Thursday night’s preseason finale even after the Pittsburgh Steelers played most of theirs deep into the first quarter. "You’ve never seen a gorilla eat soup" "A barbarian type of guy" "Might be one of the most interesting men I have ever met" …
