Falcons announce several changes to coaching staff
February 27, 2023 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons announced a plethora of changes to head coach Arthur Smith's staff on Monday, further restructuring his assistants after a fifth straight losing season.
Falcons’ Blank excited about building around Ridder at QB
February 9, 2023 GMTAtlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is encouraged by the progress of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the potential of building around the rookie.
Blank, speaking with Falcons reporters via phone from the Super Bowl, expressed confidence in the direction of the team following a 7-10 finish under second-year coach Arthur Smith.
Falcons hire Gray from Packers as assistant head coach for D
January 31, 2023 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith continued to reshape his defensive staff by hiring Jerry Gray as the assistant head coach for defense on Tuesday.
Gray, 60, brings 26 years of NFL coaching experience to Atlanta, including eight as a defensive coordinator and 16 as a defensive backs coach.
Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish
January 9, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith saw a glimpse of the Atlanta Falcons' future, with an offense featuring rookies Desmond Ridder, Tyler Allgeier and Drake London.
That vision gave Smith, the Falcons' second-year coach, confidence that this year's 7-10 finish provides far more hope than his debut season, when Atlanta finished with the same record.
Ridder throws first 2 TD passes as Falcons top Brady, Bucs
January 9, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Desmond Ridder had almost a full season to plan how he would celebrate his first touchdown pass.
After finally throwing the long-awaited TD in the final game of the regular season, Ridder forgot all those plans.
Falcons’ collapse not surprising but still painful for Smith
December 26, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — From 4-4 to 5-10, the Atlanta Falcons have collapsed in the second half of a season that was seen as a rebuilding year from the start.
Even so, that doesn’t take away the sting of losing for coach Arthur Smith, who is 12-20 in nearly two years on the job.
Falcons eliminated from playoff chase in a familiar fashion
December 24, 2022 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — In a season filled with narrow losses, the Atlanta Falcons saw their slim playoff hopes end by virtue of a chilling defeat that featured a familiar slow start and ended with coach Arthur Smith again talking about the team's need to show progress.
Falcons’ Pees resumes lead role with defense following scare
December 20, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are planning to have veteran defensive coordinator Dean Pees call the plays in Saturday's game at Baltimore following his scary pregame collision on the field that forced him to miss last week's game in New Orleans.
Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter
December 19, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — 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.
The 21-18 defeat at New Orleans on Sunday marked the start of a four-game audition for Ridder, playing in his first regular-season game following the switch from veteran Marcus Mariota.
Falcons QB Ridder gives himself a poor grade on NFL debut
December 19, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder graded his performance as if he were still in college.
Fitting, perhaps, after his lack of professional experience showed in his NFL debut.
Falcons’ Ridder has 4-game audition at QB with Mariota on IR
December 14, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons will have more on the line than retaining hope in the weak NFC South race as rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder makes his debut as the starter on Sunday at New Orleans.
Falcons release RB Williams after injury-shortened season
December 13, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday released running back Damien Williams, the veteran who never returned after a rib injury in his first game with the team.
The release of Williams came one day after coach Arthur Smith announced rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder will start in Sunday's game at New Orleans.
Ridder Time: Falcons bench Mariota in favor of rookie QB
December 13, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Desmond Ridder at quarterback, announcing Monday that Marcus Mariota has been benched with the team still in contention for a playoff berth but struggling with four losses in its past five games.
Mariota or Ridder? Slumping Falcons ponder change at QB
December 9, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Mired in a monthlong slump but somehow still in playoff contention, the Atlanta Falcons are definitely planning changes during their bye week.
Some will be subtle. Perhaps a tweak of a scheme, some different formations, a new play or two.
Changes could be coming for struggling Falcons after bye
December 5, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — No one's job is safe for the struggling Atlanta Falcons.
That was the message from coach Arthur Smith as the Falcons (5-8) headed into an off week searching for ways to snap out of a skid that has led to four losses in the last five games.
Falcons TE Kyle Pitts out for the season with knee injury
November 30, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is done for the season because of a knee injury.
Falcons cling to hope Pitts, Graham can return this season
November 23, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are not ruling out tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive end Ta’Quon Graham for the season, even though coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday each starter will have surgery.
Falcons’ Pitts on injured reserve with ailing right knee
November 21, 2022 GMTFalcons tight end Kyle Pitts was placed on injured reserve on Monday with an ailing right knee.
Coach Arthur Smith added that it’s too early to know if Pitts, the No. 4 overall draft pick last year and a Pro Bowl pick as a rookie, will need surgery.
Falcons CB Terrell back at practice after missing 3 games
November 16, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell returned to practice on Wednesday after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
Coach Arthur Smith said he is “hopeful” Terrell, the team’s top defensive back, can return for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Falcons’ Smith remains committed to Mariota as starting QB
November 14, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Arthur Smith quickly put an end to speculation that extra time between games for the Atlanta Falcons would provide an opportunity for the coach to make a change at quarterback.
Mariota’s play only 1 of many problems for slumping Falcons
November 11, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Two losses in five days have left Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith again fielding questions about quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Falcons are 4-6, falling out of a first-place tie in the weak NFC South.
Falcons still tied for NFC South lead even with limitations
November 7, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Nine games have revealed the Atlanta Falcons to be a team with limitations on defense and in their passing game.
That doesn't mean they can't compete in the woeful NFC South.
Falcons’ Patterson returns to practice after missing 4 games
November 2, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson returned to practice on Wednesday after missing four games following knee surgery.
The Falcons designated Patterson to return from injured reserve, opening the 21-day window where he can practice before joining the active roster.
Falcons fail to build off win or take command of division
October 23, 2022 GMTCINCINNATI (AP) — Marcus Mariota and the Falcons couldn't keep up with Joe Burrow and the Bengals, and Atlanta's 35-17 loss on Sunday erased the momentum it gained from last week's win over San Francisco.
Falcons CB Casey Hayward placed on IR with shoulder injury
October 18, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons placed cornerback Casey Hayward on injured reserve Tuesday.
Hayward hurt his shoulder attempting to tackle San Francisco's Deebo Samuel in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 28-14 victory over the 49ers.
Falcons’ confidence grows, tied with Bucs atop NFC South
October 17, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Who's that team at the top of the NFC South?
Yep, it's the Atlanta Falcons.
Six weeks into a season of extremely low expectations, the Falcons (3-3) are tied with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the division lead.
Falcons’ run-1st offense lacking balance with Mariota at QB
October 10, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — In sidestepping a question about the much-debated roughing-the-passer call that torpedoed Atlanta's comeback attempt against Tampa Bay, Falcons coach Arthur Smith said, “I have to find out how I can coach better.”
Jarrett’s roughing the passer call perplexes Falcons, fans
October 10, 2022 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Grady Jarrett and the Atlanta Falcons didn't want to touch the subject of whether NFL quarterbacks are being given extra protection in the wake of the concussion that sidelined Miami's Tua Tagovailoa.
Falcons’ Pitts ruled out against Bucs with hamstring injury
October 7, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts will miss Sunday's game at Tampa Bay with a hamstring injury.
Pitts has 10 catches for 150 yards in Atlanta's first four games. He missed practice all week, including Friday.
Falcons to rely on running game despite injury to Patterson
October 3, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are about to see how good their ground game is without Cordarrelle Patterson.
A day after outrushing Cleveland in a 23-20 home victory, the Falcons (2-2) placed Patterson, their leading rusher, on injured reserve following minor knee surgery.
Falcons put Patterson on IR, seek new starting running back
October 3, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons must find a new starting running back after placing Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury.
Coach Arthur Smith said Patterson had a minor knee procedure.
Chubb, Browns face ‘heavyweight’ run test against Falcons
October 1, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows what to expect from a Cleveland Browns offense that revolves around Nick Chubb's powerful runs.
Falcons’ Mariota and Seahawks’ Smith on similar NFL paths
September 22, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Marcus Mariota and Geno Smith are living similar NFL lives these days.
Both have been cast off and discarded by other teams in the past. Both are currently with franchises in some mode of rebuild.
Mariota, Falcons still looking for elusive breakthrough win
September 19, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Marcus Mariota and the Atlanta Falcons have not found a way to win in two games filled with near-equal portions of encouragement and frustration.
The Falcons showed resiliency in trying to rally from a 28-3 deficit on Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
28-3 reversal? Falcons nearly pull off comeback vs. Rams
September 19, 2022 GMTINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Atlanta has only two players on its roster who played in the 2017 Super Bowl, when it squandered a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots and lost in overtime.
On Sunday, this young, new group of Falcons nearly made 28-3 mean something entirely different.
Same ol’ Falcons: Blown lead very familiar in the A-T-L
September 12, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith gets downright snippy if anyone tries to bring up the past in Atlanta.
Yet this sure looks like the same ol' Falcons.
Smith's team opened the season Sunday by squandering a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and losing to the New Orleans Saints 27-26.
Hoping for success at home, Smith changes Falcons’ routine
September 7, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Falcons coach Arthur Smith had an epiphany of sorts early this week and decided to change up his team's practice routine.
Not because it’s finally Week 1, and his team was practicing for the first time in pads this week.
Young Falcons roster molded to fit vision of Fontenot, Smith
August 31, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are being molded to fit the vision of general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith, creating a more youthful look with such players as Kyle Pitts and Drake London positioned as leaders of the rebuild.
Mariota, Ridder solid for Falcons in 24-16 loss to Jets
August 23, 2022 GMTEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Marcus Mariota is feeling — and playing — like a starter again.
After leading Atlanta to scores on two of his three drives in the Falcons' 24-16 loss against mostly New York Jets backups Monday night, Mariota appears to have strengthened his hold on the quarterback job.
Jets’ Saleh ‘torn’ on playing his starters vs. Falcons
August 20, 2022 GMTFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Joe Flacco and the rest of the New York Jets' starters might have to get comfortable on the sideline Monday night.
Coach Robert Saleh said Saturday he's unsure what the team's plan is for who'll see the field — and for how long — in the Jets' preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jets, Falcons get heated early in joint practice session
August 19, 2022 GMTFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — There was some pushing, shoving and a couple of swings between the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons.
And, oh yeah, practice.
The teams got together Friday for the first of two joint sessions at the Jets' practice facility — and the tempers matched the sultry heat early on.
Falcons WR London (knee) not seriously hurt, will miss time
August 15, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons rookie receiver Drake London will likely be held out of practice this week because of a right knee injury, but the No. 8 overall pick isn't expected to miss significant time.
Falcons’ top draft pick London sidelined by knee injury
August 14, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Falcons rookie receiver Drake London, the eighth overall draft pick, was held out of practice Sunday after leaving the exhibition opener at Detroit with an injured knee.
Coach Arthur Smith indicated there is no immediate timetable for London's return to the field.
Ridder leads Falcons to late victory over Lions 27-23
August 13, 2022 GMTDETROIT (AP) — Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jared Bernhardt with 1:30 left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Friday.
The Lions took a 23-20 lead on Riley Patterson's 28-yard field goal with 5:57 to play, then forced Atlanta into a three-and-out.
Falcons G Mayfield returns to practice after injuring back
August 8, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons left guard Jaylen Mayfield returned to practice Monday after missing time with a lower back injury.
It's not known if Mayfield will be able to play Friday night in Atlanta's first preseason game at Detroit.
Smith in no hurry to settle on Falcons’ starting O-line
August 6, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Falcons coach Arthur Smith likes what he’s seen thus far from the offensive line even though the unit still has three unsettled positions.
Atlanta is set at left tackle with Jake Matthews and right guard Chris Lindstrom.
Falcons lose veteran Taylor to season-ending Achilles injury
August 2, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have lost defensive tackle Vincent Taylor to a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon.
Coach Arthur Smith announced Taylor’s injury following Tuesday’s practice.
Falcons defensive guru Pees determined to raise expectations
August 1, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — One season of bottom-rung defense was too much for Dean Pees.
Pees, the Atlanta Falcons' veteran defensive coordinator, is making sure his players know he won't stand for another season like 2021, when Atlanta finished 7-10.
Column: Heady times for the NFL’s bottom feeders
July 29, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — These are giddy times in Atlanta and Houston.
The Falcons and the Texans have yet to lose a game and can talk boldly about defying the NFL skeptics, a group comprised of pretty much everyone outside their locker rooms.
Mariota, Ridder dominating QB snaps at Falcons training camp
July 28, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Desmond Ridder has heard stories from NFL training camps where four or five quarterbacks line up for snaps, adding pressure to make the most of every repetition.
There's no shortage of snaps for Ridder at the Atlanta Falcons' camp.
Falcons open camp with low expectations, open positions
July 27, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Coach Arthur Smith wants to see improvement from last year’s 7-10 record even though conventional wisdom says the Atlanta Falcons will backslide in 2022.
The Falcons began training camp Wednesday with a roster that has only a few positions settled.
Mariota favored over rookie Ridder in Falcons QB camp derby
July 15, 2022 GMTATLANTA FALCONS (7-10)
CAMP SITE: Flowery Branch, Ga.
LAST YEAR: The Falcons, looking for a fresh start under first-year coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, were outscored 459-313.
Falcons sign former Bears DT Eddie Goldman to 1-year deal
July 6, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons acquired run-stopping help for the middle of their defensive line, signing former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman to a one-year deal Wednesday.
Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner
June 15, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Desmond Ridder has impressed himself — and coach Arthur Smith — with his ability to quickly absorb the Atlanta Falcons' playbook.
Falcons’ all-purpose star Patterson allowed to miss minicamp
June 14, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons had a 100% turnout — but not full participation — on Tuesday's opening day of their mandatory minicamp.
Coach Arthur Smith said he allowed running back and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson to continue his personal offseason workout program instead of joining his teammates on the practice fields.
WR Batson signs with Falcons for reunion with Smith, Mariota
June 2, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have signed wide receiver Cameron Batson, who comes to the team with connections to coach Arthur Smith and quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Batson, 26, had 22 catches for 197 yards with two touchdowns in three seasons with Tennessee, including two with Smith as tight ends coach and offensive coordinator.
Falcons QB Mariota willing to be mentor but hungry to start
May 26, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Marcus Mariota is saying all the right things about mentoring Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Mariota would prefer to perform that mentoring role as the Falcons starter.
2023 QB class may influence Falcons’ direction in NFL draft
April 22, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The talent of the quarterbacks who might be available to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 could impact decisions by general manager Terry Fontenot with the No. 8 overall pick in next week's NFL draft.
With QB decision in spotlight, Falcons need WR, edge rusher
April 22, 2022 GMT8. ATLANTA FALCONS (7-10)
LAST SEASON: The Falcons were outscored 459-313, making seven wins something of an accomplishment under first-year coach Arthur Smith. Highlights included the play of rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who led the team with 68 catches for 1,026 yards, and versatile Cordarrelle Patterson, who scored a combined 11 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing and finishing third in receptions.
Ole Miss QB Matt Corral throws for NFL teams at pro day
March 23, 2022 GMTOXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral showed off his right arm and his apparently healthy right ankle for NFL teams.
Corral threw for representatives of almost every NFL team at the Ole Miss pro day on Wednesday, including at least four head coaches: Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin, Atlanta's Arthur Smith, Carolina's Matt Rhule and Mike McCarthy of Dallas.