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.
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 face Seahawks, look to avoid another 0-3 start
September 22, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — ATLANTA (0-2) at SEATTLE (1-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, FOX
OPENING LINE: Seahawks by 1½, according to FanDuel SportsBook.
Rookie WR Drake London flies home when Falcons visit LA Rams
September 15, 2022 GMTINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Drake London spent the past three seasons tearing up college defenses for USC, so football fans in his native Southern California weren't surprised when the big receiver got off to a strong NFL start with the Atlanta Falcons.
Pac-12 teams finding success with transfers; USC out front
September 13, 2022 GMTPerhaps no team in the Pac-12 has worked the transfer portal harder than Southern California.
The Trojans have 33 players who previously played at other four-year universities on their roster.
Rebuilding Falcons face low expectations in 2022
August 24, 2022 GMTATLANTA FALCONS (7-10)
New faces: QB Marcus Mariota, WR Drake London, CB Casey Hayward, WR Bryan Edwards, RB Damien Williams, OLB Lorenzo Carter, LB Rashaan Evans, OG Elijah Wilkinson, P Bradley Pinion, OL Germain Ifedi, QB Desmond Ridder, RB Tyler Allgeier.
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.
Falcons QB Ridder early to rise — and lead — at rookie camp
May 14, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Desmond Ridder's drive to be first begins with an early start at his Atlanta Falcons rookie minicamp apartment.
The quarterback's roommates — wide receiver Drake London, running back Tyler Allgeier and tight end John FitzPatrick — can't help but notice.
Falcons draft USC WR London, get much-needed big-play threat
April 29, 2022 GMTFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Maybe it won't be so easy for defenses to focus all their attention on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts after all.
The Falcons added help for Pitts in the NFL draft, and with that help came impressive size.
USC receiver Drake London declares eligibility for NFL draft
December 9, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California receiver Drake London has declared his eligibility for the upcoming NFL draft after three seasons with the Trojans.
London was named the Pac-12's offensive player of the year this week after racking up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns despite playing in only 7 1/2 games for the Trojans.
USC WR Drake London out for season with broken ankle
November 1, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California receiver Drake London will miss the rest of the season with a broken right ankle, likely ending the collegiate career of one of the nation's top wideouts this season.
London’s injury dampens USC’s 41-34 victory over Arizona
October 31, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Drake London briefly broke into tears while sitting on a cart with an air cast around his right leg as he left the Coliseum field, perhaps for the final time.
If one of the best receivers in Southern California’s football history has played his last collegiate game, at least his final play was a touchdown catch during a win for the Trojans.
USC star WR Drake London carted off with right leg injury
October 31, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California receiver Drake London has been taken off the Coliseum field on a cart after injuring his right leg while making his second touchdown catch Saturday.
London had an air cast around his leg, which was hurt while he was tackled in the end zone after catching a 6-yard pass from Jaxson Dart late in the first half.
High 5: Pac-12 filled with offensive standouts
October 12, 2021 GMTNot only are both divisions in the Pac-12 far from settled but trying to figure out the conference's top offensive player remains a difficult proposition.
Colorado running back Jarek Broussard was last year's Offensive Player of the Year but he has yet to post a 100-yard game as the Buffaloes have struggled to a 1-4 record.
Utah defeats USC 42-26 in first game since Lowe’s death
October 10, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Cameron Rising threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as Utah defeated Southern California 42-26 on Saturday night.
It was the first game for the Utes since safety Aaron Lowe was killed in a shooting at a post-game party on Sept.
Southern Cal bounces back to beat Colorado Buffaloes 37-14
October 2, 2021 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Drake London's big plays helped Southern California snap out of its doldrums while keep the Colorado Buffaloes mired in their malaise.
London caught nine passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in Southern Cal's 37-14 rout at Folsom Field on Saturday.
USC WR Drake London is rock-steady star on team in turmoil
October 1, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Drake London has been the nation's most productive receiver in the first month of the college football season, which means the Southern California star is getting hit a whole lot more than the average wideout.
London, defense carry No. 15 USC past San Jose St. 30-7
September 5, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Drake London racked up some incredible receiving numbers when Southern California’s offense was on the field.
When San Jose State had the ball, the Trojans’ defense often looked impenetrable.
No. 15 USC faces tricky season opener against San Jose State
September 2, 2021 GMTSan Jose State (1-0) at No. 15 Southern California (0-0), Saturday at 5 p.m. EDT (Pac-12 Network).
Line: USC by 13 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
No. 15 USC hopes to get off to running start vs. Spartans
September 2, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Kedon Slovis and Drake London are back leading Southern California as one of the top quarterback-receiver combinations in college football.
As good as they are, the No. 15 Trojans will need help from others if their offense is going to play at a level capable of winning the Pac-12 or reaching the College Football Playoff.
With focus on football, USC WR London ready to dominate
September 2, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When Drake London came down with the game-winning touchdown in Southern California’s opener against Arizona State last year, the signature moment of what would be his breakout sophomore campaign came after nothing resembling a normal preseason.