INSIDER
Miscues and late stops by the Chiefs lead to another Falcons loss
Read full article: Miscues and late stops by the Chiefs lead to another Falcons lossThe Atlanta Falcons had plenty of opportunities to beat Kansas City but miscues and trouble converting on third down helped the Chiefs hold on for a narrow 22-17 victory.
Drake London's shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gestures
Read full article: Drake London's shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gesturesFalcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta’s 22-21 victory in Philadelphia on Monday night for pretending to shoot in the air, a violation of a longstanding NFL rule that prohibits such gestures.
Fields steps in for Wilson, Boswell boots 6 field goals to lead Steelers past Falcons 18-10
Read full article: Fields steps in for Wilson, Boswell boots 6 field goals to lead Steelers past Falcons 18-10Justin Fields stepped in to lead the Steelers to a 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons with Russell Wilson’s Pittsburgh debut put on hold by a calf injury.
Lawrence throws 2 TD passes against outmanned Falcons, Jaguars romp 31-0 in preseason finale
Read full article: Lawrence throws 2 TD passes against outmanned Falcons, Jaguars romp 31-0 in preseason finaleTrevor Lawrence tuned up for the regular season by guiding two long touchdown drives against a bunch of Atlanta players fighting for jobs, and the Jacksonville Jaguars blew away the Falcons 31-0 in the preseason finale.
Falcons QB Cousins remains on track in recovery from torn right Achilles as team approaches minicamp
Read full article: Falcons QB Cousins remains on track in recovery from torn right Achilles as team approaches minicampAtlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins’ recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon remains on track as the team approaches next week’s mandatory minicamp.
Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick
Read full article: Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pickThe Atlanta Falcons provided the first major surprise of the NFL draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington with the No. 8 pick.
Falcons owner Blank says Bill Belichick never asked for player personnel control in interviews
Read full article: Falcons owner Blank says Bill Belichick never asked for player personnel control in interviewsSpeaking for the first time about the coach search that led to the hiring of Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank says former New England coach Bill Belichick made no demands for control of player personnel in Atlanta, as was widely speculated.
Raheem Morris seeks a Super Bowl title for Atlanta after loss 7 years ago that still 'stings'
Read full article: Raheem Morris seeks a Super Bowl title for Atlanta after loss 7 years ago that still 'stings'Raheem Morris is motivated to make the most of his second chance as the Atlanta Falcons' coach.
Raheem Morris hired as head coach by Atlanta Falcons, who pass on Bill Belichick
Read full article: Raheem Morris hired as head coach by Atlanta Falcons, who pass on Bill BelichickThe Atlanta Falcons have hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new head coach after an exhaustive search that included six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick.
If Sean McVay's first child arrives on a Sunday this month, the Rams will have to play without him
Read full article: If Sean McVay's first child arrives on a Sunday this month, the Rams will have to play without himIf Sean McVay’s first child arrives on a Sunday this month, the Los Angeles Rams will have to take the field without him.
More interviews didn’t equal more minority hirings in NFL
Read full article: More interviews didn’t equal more minority hirings in NFL(AP Photo)The NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them. The Houston Texans hired David Culley this week, making the 65-year-old longtime assistant the league’s third Black head coach hired. Culley and Saleh join Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Washington’s Ron Rivera as the league’s only minority head coaches. “We didn’t make as much progress on the head coaching side as we would have liked,” Rooney said. AdPerhaps an increase in minority executives will lead to more minority head coaches.
Falcons pick Titans offensive coordinator Smith as new coach
Read full article: Falcons pick Titans offensive coordinator Smith as new coachFILE - Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith instructs his players during NFL football training camp in Nashville, Tenn., in this Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, file photo. The New York Jets interviewed Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, for their head coaching vacancy. Atlanta agreed to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Friday to become the team's head coach. Smith has served on Tennessee's staff for 10 seasons, including two as offensive coordinator. He also was an offensive assistant/quality control coach (2012), offensive line/tight ends assistant (2013) and assistant tight ends coach (2014-15).
Urban Hire: Meyer returns to sidelines with NFL's Jaguars
Read full article: Urban Hire: Meyer returns to sidelines with NFL's JaguarsFILE - Ohio State NCAA college football head coach Urban Meyer answers questions during a news conference announcing his retirement in Columbus, Ohio, in this Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, file photo. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Urban Meyer has won everywhere he’s coached. "Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results. “I’ve analyzed this decision from every angle — the time is right in Jacksonville," Meyer said in a statement.
Falcons interview Hackett, Brady for head coaching job
Read full article: Falcons interview Hackett, Brady for head coaching jobPanthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is becoming a popular name for NFL teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. A person familiar with the situation says the Chargers, Falcons and Texans have all asked for and received permission from the Panthers to interview Brady for their head coaching jobs. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed a pair of offensive coordinators, Nathaniel Hackett of the Green Bay Packers and Joe Brady of the Carolina Panthers, for their head coaching job. The Falcons conducted a virtual interview with Hackett on Thursday, one day after meeting virtually with Brady. “I think one of the (prerequisites) to being a good head coach is presence in front of a room," Rodgers said.
Brady throws for 4 TDs, Bucs pull away from Falcons 44-27
Read full article: Brady throws for 4 TDs, Bucs pull away from Falcons 44-27“It meant the world for him to get that record and, then, to have an easy touchdown," Bucs coach Bruce Arians said. Brady joined Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only players with multiple seasons of at least 40 TD passes. “Whatever happens for me as a quarterback is reflective of what we do as an offense,” Brady said. " The latter trimmed Atlanta’s deficit to 30-27 before Brady put the game away with two late drives. Brown had his most productive day since joining the Bucs midway through the season with 11 catches for 138 yards.
The Latest: 2 Temple basketball games postponed due to virus
Read full article: The Latest: 2 Temple basketball games postponed due to virusThe Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___A positive COVID-19 test and ensuing contact tracing at Temple have postponed the Owls’ next two basketball games. The reserve/COVID list was created for a player has tested positive test or has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person. The move came after the team stopped all in-person work at its practice facility and reported a positive COVID-19 test. ___Middle Tennessee has postponed a pair of basketball games at Florida Atlantic because of positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the Blue Raiders’ program. ___The Atlanta Falcons have stopped all in-person work at their practice facility after a positive COVID-19 test.
NFL using 7-point mobility plan for diversity hirings
Read full article: NFL using 7-point mobility plan for diversity hiringsWhen the Rooney Rule was adopted by the NFL in 2003, Vincent was in his 12th of 15 seasons as an outstanding defensive back. He was soon to become the president of the NFL Players Association, an impactful position he held for four years. He was soon to become the president of the NFL Players Association, an impactful position he held for four years. Yet he knows the Rooney Rule, designed to advance opportunities for minorities in such areas as coaching and front office positions, hasn't been having the desired effect. Vincent makes note of the dozens of people who have pushed for diversity in the 17 years since the Rooney Rule was adopted.
Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat Broncos
Read full article: Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat BroncosAtlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) misses the catch against Denver Broncos defensive back Essang Bassey (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat Broncos
Read full article: Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat BroncosMatt Ryan took advantage of Denver's thin secondary to throw three touchdown passes and the Falcons turned back Drew Lock's bid for a second consecutive comeback to beat the Broncos 34-27 on Sunday. The Broncos' fourth-quarter comeback attempt gave Ryan and the Falcons a scary reminder of blown leads this season. Lock threw two touchdown passes and ran for a 10-yard score in the final quarter that made it 34-27. Lock answered with a 9-yard scoring pass to Tim Patrick with less than four minutes remaining. We'll get them next time.”CATCH THISZaccheaus beat Davontae Harris for a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
All NFL games on for Week 9 as teams deal with COVID-19
Read full article: All NFL games on for Week 9 as teams deal with COVID-19(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)All NFL games are on for this weekend while teams deal with COVID-19 issues. The Cincinnati Bengals kept players away from their training facility, while tackle Fred Johnson and defensive back Trae Waynes were placed on the COVID-19 list. “The whole reason we’re doing it is to get guys to the game,” coach Raheem Morris said. Everybody wants to play the game.”A Miami Dolphins assistant coach, also unidentified, tested positive for COVID-19 and was quarantined. The Houston Texans returned to their facility a day after it was closed following a positive COVID-19 test by a player.
The Latest: Two C-USA games postponed because of virus
Read full article: The Latest: Two C-USA games postponed because of virus“But the virus remains a constant challenge to our efforts to play this season.”___The Cincinnati Bengals closed their training facility after two players tested positive for COVID-19. Even with an off week, players had to remain in Cincinnati and are being tested for the coronavirus daily. The Bears canceled practice and closed their facility Thursday after another player tested positive. ___The Atlanta Falcons canceled practice and worked virtually Friday after a member of the football staff tested positive for COVID-19. “The whole reason we’re doing it is to get guys to the game,” coach Raheem Morris said.
Ryan, Falcons avenge earlier loss to Panthers, 25-17
Read full article: Ryan, Falcons avenge earlier loss to Panthers, 25-17Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan gets sacked by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This time, the Atlanta Falcons finished. Carolina was driving late, but Atlanta stopped the rally when Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepted Teddy Bridgewater near the Falcons' 10-yard line with 1:04 remaining. Moore on third and 18 to move the Panthers into Falcons territory. Bridgewater was limited to 176 yards passing as the Panthers (3-5) lost their third straight game without injured Christian McCaffrey. UP NEXTFalcons: Host the Broncos on Nov. 8Panthers: Open the second half of the season at the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Nov. 8.
Falcons name Raheem Morris interim replacement for Quinn
Read full article: Falcons name Raheem Morris interim replacement for QuinnThe Atlanta Falcons have named defensive coordinator Raheem Morris interim head coach after firing Dan Quinn. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)ATLANTA – The poor performance of Atlanta's defense under the leadership of Raheem Morris won't matter if Morris finds a way to win as the Falcons' interim coach. The more Morris wins, the better he'll look to Falcons owner Arthur Blank as perhaps more than just a temporary replacement for the fired Dan Quinn. Can Morris, elevated Monday to interim coach, be a candidate for the full-time job? Blank noted 11 games provides an unusually long opportunity for an interim coach to make his mark.
End of the line: Coach Quinn, GM Dimitroff fired by Falcons
Read full article: End of the line: Coach Quinn, GM Dimitroff fired by FalconsAtlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn stands with Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank before the first half of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. Quinn was hired by the Falcons in 2015 after a highly successful run as Seattle’s defensive coordinator, highlighted by two straight trips to the Super Bowl. After going 8-8 his first season, Quinn guided the Falcons to one of the greatest years in team history. The Falcons made the playoffs again the following year, losing to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia, but never seemed to fully shake their Super Bowl debacle. Dimitroff kept his job when Smith was fired at the end of the 2014 season after two straight losing campaigns.