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ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS

Kirk Cousins learns how to Swag Surf from Taylor Rooks on 'TNF'

"Thursday Night Football" reporter Taylor Rooks got Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins hip to "Swag Surfin" in an ode to the Fast Life Yungstaz hit single.

Kyle Irving

Kirk Cousins' updated prime-time record after thrilling overtime win vs. Tampa

Kirk Cousins was once known for his ugly prime-time record, but he's been on a hot streak under the lights lately.

Dan Treacy

Drake London returns to "TNF" game after concussion evaluation

Drake London took a shot to the head during the Falcons' "Thursday Night Football" game against the Buccaneers.

Kyle Irving

Explaining Atlanta's throwback jerseys, logo for Week 5 TNF

The Falcons are bringing back their old school logo and jerseys ahead of Week 5's "Thursday Night Football" game.

Teddy Ricketson

Why Bijan Robinson's production is down despite increased usage

Here is more on what has impacted Robinson's production in 2024.

Gilbert McGregor

Kyle Pitts stats vs. Saints

Atlanta's tight end was quiet in Week 4. Here's what to know about Pitts' performance.

Daniel Mader

Officials explain why late penalty on Kyle Pitts was not called in Kansas City win

A crucial play in the fourth quarter resulted in a questionable non-call that benefitted the Chiefs.

Bryan Murphy

Raheem Morris says 'I like my money' about key PI no-call vs. Chiefs

Falcons' coach Raheem Morris was careful with his words when asked about the controversial no-call that helped Kansas City prevail over Atlanta.

Sarah Effress

Questionable reffing, stout defense bail out Chiefs in SNF nail-biter vs. Falcons

The Sporting News had you covered with everything you need to know about Chiefs vs. Falcons, including live score, updates and highlights from the NFL's "Sunday Night Football" game.

Sarah Effress

Justin Simmons picks off Patrick Mahomes for league-high sixth time

Justin Simmons has a new team, but that didn't stop him from terrorizing Patrick Mahomes.

Dan Treacy

Why Kirk Cousins is still not '100 percent' after 2023 Achilles injury

Kirk Cousins is still not fully recovered from the Achilles injury he sustained in his final season with Minnesota.

Teddy Ricketson

How Falcons QB Kirk Cousins got his 'Kirko Chainz' nickname

Here's everything to know about Kirk Cousins' chains, including how the Falcons quarterback got his "Kirko Chainz" nickname.

Sarah Effress

How many teams has Kirk Cousins played for?

Kirk Cousins joined the Falcons after long stints in Minnesota and Washington.

David Suggs

Why did the Patriots trade Matthew Judon?

In the 2024 offseason, New England sent its star edge rusher to Atlanta. Here's why the Patriots made the deal, and the other details on Judon to know.

Daniel Mader

How Kirk Cousins, Falcons mounted last-minute comeback against Eagles

How did Kirk Cousins and the Falcons emerged victorious on 'Monday Night Football'? The Sporting News breaks down the final drive against the Eagles.

Bryan Murphy

How Kirk Cousins overcame early struggles to lead Falcons past Eagles

The vultures were out for Kirk Cousins during his second game in an Atlanta uniform. He didn't give them much to complain about, leading the Falcons to comeback victory over their heavily-favored Eagles opposition instead.

David Suggs

Saquon Barkley's drop, Kirk Cousins' comeback, & more from final 6 minutes of MNF

We break down how the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.

Teddy Ricketson

How the Manning brothers reacted to Saquon Barkley's drop on 'Monday Night Football'

The "ManningCast" took in the Falcons' shocking win over the Eagles on Monday. Here's what Peyton and Eli Manning had to say about the biggest plays in the game.

Daniel Mader

Falcons shock Eagles with last-minute comeback on 'Monday Night Football'

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Falcons vs. Eagles on 'Monday Night Football,' as Atlanta made a last-minute comeback to win its first game of the season.

Daniel Mader

Revisiting Kirk Cousins' lucrative free agency deal with Falcons

Kirk Cousins got paid big money by the Falcons this past offseason.

Kyle Irving

Why did Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr.?

The Falcons made one of the most shocking picks of the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.

Kyle Irving

Why didn't Falcons hire Bill Belichick?

The Falcons were one of the only teams to pursue future Hall of Fame head coach Bill Belichick this offseason.

Kyle Irving

Why Michael Penix Jr. is sitting out Falcons' preseason finale

Many expected the preseason to be a showcase for Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., but he's sitting out his second consecutive game.

Dan Treacy

Matthew Judon won't 'demand' new deal from Falcons after trade

Matthew Judon's tenure with the Patriots ended amid a contract dispute. Now, he's fine playing on the same deal with the Falcons.

Brendan OSullivan

Why Kirk Cousins isn't playing in preseason

Kirk Cousins will suit up for the Falcons in the regular season after tearing his Achilles during Week 8 of the 2023 season.

Brendan OSullivan

Falcons acquire star pass rusher Matthew Judon from Patriots

The Falcons have acquired star pass rusher Matthew Judon from the Patriots.

Kyle Irving

Why NFL punished Falcons for tampering in pursuit of Kirk Cousins

Here's what you need to know about the tampering charges against the Falcons related to their signing of QB Kirk Cousins.

Dan Treacy

Kirk Cousins explains relationship with Michael Penix Jr. after draft surprise

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins doesn't expect the dynamic between himself and Michael Penix Jr. to get too awkward this season.

Dan Treacy

When does Kirk Cousins play in Minnesota? Falcons vs. Vikings time, date, tickets & more

Kirk Cousins left the Vikings in free agency and is now with the Falcons. Atlanta will square off against his former squad during the 2024 NFL season.

Jacob Camenker

Former Falcons WR Andre Rison botches Ruke Orhorhoro's name during draft announcement

The Falcons will hope Ruke Orhorhoro's NFL career goes smoother than the announcement of his selection on Friday night.

Dan Treacy

Michael Penix discusses being 'excited' to work with Kirk Cousins

The Falcons stunned the football world Thursday night be selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall.

Bryan Murphy

How Falcons' QB succession plan compares to Packers' line of quarterbacks

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot highlighted the Packers as the model for plans at quarterback. But Atlanta is going with a slightly different succession plan.

Edward Sutelan

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot appears to explain Michael Penix Jr. pick to owner Arthur Blank

Blank appeared just as confused as everyone else about the pick of Penix at No. 8.

Edward Sutelan

Why Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. contracts make Falcons' draft pick surprising

There is likely going to be plenty of overlap between the two Falcons' quarterbacks.

Edward Sutelan

Kirk Cousins blindsided by Falcons selection of QB Michael Penix Jr.: 'He's a bit stunned'

Everyone was caught off guard by the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick. That included the team's new quarterback, Kirk Cousins.

Jacob Camenker

Key stats to know as former Falcons QB Matt Ryan retires

Longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan officially called it a career Monday, setting the stage for an intriguing Hall of Fame debate.

Dan Treacy

Bill Belichick losing out on Falcons job ignites Cowboys, Eagles rumors

If Bill Belichick coaches again, the NFC East could be his destination.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons trade QB Desmond Ridder to Cardinals for WR Rondale Moore

Desmond Ridder is heading to the desert to back up Kyler Murray.

Jacob Camenker

What number will Kirk Cousins wear with the Falcons

Kirk Cousins is headed south. Can he take his No. 8 jersey with him?

Dan Treacy

Why did Kirk Cousins leave the Vikings for the Falcons?

The veteran quarterback won't be returning to Minnesota, as Kirk Cousins has agreed to a four-year contract with the Falcons.

Bryan Murphy

The fallout from Kirk Cousins signing with the Falcons

The Falcons' signing of Kirk Cousins has ripple effects for not just the Vikings' passing game but also the QB carousel in the 2024 NFL offseason.

Vinnie Iyer

What we know about Kirk Cousins' Achilles tear recovery timeline in 2024

Kirk Cousins' new Atlanta fan base will be keeping a close eye on his injury recovery timeline.

David Suggs

Why a Justin Fields video had Bears, Falcons trade rumors swirling

An 11-second video of Justin Fields had Falcons fans convinced a trade was imminent.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons' 6 best QB options in 2024, from Justin Fields to Bo Nix

The Falcons have a decision to make about their quarterback plans for 2024. Here are six of the best options for Atlanta at the position.

Bryan Murphy

Falcons pass on Bill Belichick, hire Rams DC Raheem Morris as next head coach

The Falcons have hired Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their next head coach.

Kyle Irving

7 best Falcons coaching candidates to replace Arthur Smith, from Jim Harbaugh to Eric Bieniemy

The Falcons fired Arthur Smith after their embarrassing end to the 2023 NFL season. Here are some of the best replacements for the three-year Falcons coach.

Jacob Camenker

Why did the Falcons fire Arthur Smith? Missed playoffs leads to coaching changed

After three seasons in Atlanta, Arthur Smith is out as the Falcons head coach.

Bryan Murphy

Dennis Allen, Arthur Smith butt heads after Saints attempt to 'run up score'

There couldn't have been an unhappier man in Atlanta than Arthur Smith on Sunday.

David Suggs

How the Falcons can still make the 2024 NFL Playoffs

The Falcons' path to the 2024 NFL Playoffs isn't as farfetched as you might think.

Kyle Irving

NFC South playoff picture: Bucs remain in first despite loss to Saints

The Saints defeated the Buccaneers to keep their NFC South title hopes alive but Tampa Bay remains atop of the division for now.

Kyle Irving

NFL fines Arthur Smith, Falcons for injury report violation

The strange saga of Bijan Robinson resulted in a fine for both the Falcons and coach Arthur Smith.

Dan Treacy

Will the Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith after ugly loss to Panthers?

The Falcons' recent spiral has sparked more questions about Arthur Smith's job status?

Dan Treacy

Breaking down NFC South playoff picture as Bucs & Saints win, Falcons lose

Tampa Bay is in the driver's seat, leading the NFC South while looking for a third consecutive division title. Here's looking at whether the Buccaneers can keep first place over the final three weeks of the 2023 NFL season.

Vinnie Iyer

Falcons schedule 2023: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule, final record prediction

The Falcons are trusting Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback in 2023. Will he be able to help the team take advantage of an easy-looking schedule?

Jacob Camenker

How Falcons' win over Saints, Buccaneers' loss to Colts impact NFC South standings

The Falcons are now in control of the NFC South after their 24-15 win over the Saints in Week 12.

Jacob Camenker

Why Falcons benched Taylor Heinicke for Desmond Ridder

Less than three weeks after making the switch to Taylor Heinicke, the Falcons are turning back to Desmond Ridder at quarterback.

Dan Treacy

Why the Falcons benched Desmond Ridder for Taylor Heinicke, explained

The Falcons made a change at quarterback after Desmond Ridder's struggles to stay ahead of the chains in the first half.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons' Arthur Smith gives Desmond Ridder vote of confidence despite red-zone fumbles vs. Buccaneers

The Falcons should have been able to beat the Buccaneers handily, but they only eked out a win thanks, in part, to three Desmond Ridder fumbles.

Jacob Camenker

Van Jefferson trade details: Falcons swing low-cost deal for Rams WR

Jefferson was a contributor in the Rams' Super Bowl-winning season in 2021, but he found himself the odd man out in the wide receiver room in 2023.

Joe Rivera

Jaguars' defense leads way to win in London vs. Falcons

The Sporting News tracked the latest updates and highlights from the Jaguars vs. Falcons NFL London game at Wembley Stadium.

Bryan Murphy

Why Drake London, Kyle Pitts fantasy football value suffers in Arthur Smith's Falcons offense

The Falcons passing game hasn't been as good as many hoped it would be in 2023. Here's why Drake London and Kyle Pitts have underperformed through three weeks.

Jacob Camenker

The story behind Falcon coach Arthur Smith's mustache

The Atlanta gridiron boss is sporting a new look in 2023.

Bryan Murphy

Bijan Robinson impresses in Falcons' preseason debut vs. Bengals

Robinson only played on the opening drive for Atlanta, but it didn't take long to make a great first impression. Here's how the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft looked in his preseason debut.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Is Bijan Robinson playing vs. Bengals in Week 2 preseason game?

The No. 8 pick from 2023 didn't see any action in Week 1 of the preseason. Is that changing in Week 2?

Bryan Murphy

Why Falcons star rookie Bijan Robinson didn't see the field in preseason Week 1

Bijan Robinson's NFL debut will have to wait another week.

Jacob Camenker

'Quarterback' review: Patrick Mahomes not the only star of Peyton Manning doc series

"Quarterback," the latest documentary series from Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions, is worth watching just for the Chiefs quarterback, but two lesser QBs often steal the show.

Vinnie Iyer

Peter Skoronski discusses bizarre interview from Falcons' Arthur Smith before draft

Peter Skoronski didn't seem enamored with the Falcons during his visit.

Kevin Skiver

Who did the Falcons pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Here's everything you need to know about the Falcons' 2023 NFL Draft:

Zac Al-Khateeb

Why did the Falcons draft Bijan Robinson? Support for Desmond Ridder behind early RB pick

The Falcons took Bijan Robinson with the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here's why they decided to take the Texas running back despite having other needs to address.

Jacob Camenker

How Jeff Okudah trade impacts Lions & Falcons draft options in 2023

The Lions traded former top-five pick Jeff Okudah to the Falcons for a fifth-round pick. Here's how the move will impact both teams.

Jacob Camenker

NFC South standings: Buccaneers hold slim lead over Panthers in worst division in football in 2022

Tom Brady's potential final season isn't going according to plan.

Kevin Skiver

Buccaneers playoff picture

The Buccaneers blew a big lead at home vs. the Bengals in Week 15. The loss dropped them to 6-8. Here's breaking down Tampa Bay's chances of winning the NFC South.

Vinnie Iyer

Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees released from hospital after collision with Saints defender

Pees was "stable, alert and responsive" according to the Falcons.

Jacob Camenker

Marcus Mariota leaves Falcons following Desmond Ridder decision, return is possible

Marcus Mariota left the Falcons, but it was more than Desmond Ridder being named the starter that factored into it.

Kevin Skiver

Falcons coach Arthur Smith says benching Marcus Mariota for Desmond Ridder was 'performance-based'

Mariota simply hadn't played at a high enough level to retain the starting job.

Jacob Camenker

How Buccaneers' loss, Panthers' win impacts NFC South standings, playoff picture

The Buccaneers had a chance to take command of the South in Week 14. Instead, the division is more wide-open than ever.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons schedule 2022: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule, final record prediction

Here is a look at the NFL schedule the Falcons will face in 2022.

Kevin Skiver

Latest updates on Falcons' Kyle Pitts after he leaves game vs. Bears with injury

Kyle Pitts was initially listed as questionable to return.

Kevin Skiver

Cordarrelle Patterson sets NFL record for most kick return TDs with return vs. Bears

Cordarrelle Patterson permanently etched his name into the NFL's record books with his 103-yard kick return touchdown against the Bears.

Jacob Camenker

Al Michaels ribs Baker Mayfield for helmet-less head-butts

Al Michaels always has something notable to say.

Joe Rivera

Falcons' Arthur Smith dumbfounded after officials' odd spot: 'Are you f—ing kidding me?'

Smith was as confused as everyone else after a peculiar spot by officials during the Falcons-Panthers "Thursday Night Football" game.

Bryan Murphy

Arthur Smith explains why he stayed with Marcus Mariota at QB over Desmond Ridder in 'TNF' loss

Smith elected to keep rookie Desmond Ridder on the sideline rather than sub him in for struggling veteran Marcus Mariota,

Bryan Murphy

Panthers run all over Falcons in 'Thursday Night Football' win

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights as Carolina hosted Atlanta on "Thursday Night Football."

Dan Treacy

How Falcons LT Jake Matthews left for birth of son, returned to play 'TNF' game vs. Panthers

Thursday is a busy day for the Matthews family.

Edward Sutelan

What happened to Matt Ryan?

It's all about the money.

Joe Rivera

Should the Falcons start Desmond Ridder over Marcus Mariota in the middle of a playoff push?

TSN looks at how Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota's skills compare as Atlanta tries to figure out which QB to put under center going forward.

David Suggs

Why Chargers win over Falcons was 'weird' but also very poetic

The Chargers never like to make things too easy at the end of games.

Edward Sutelan

What to know about the Jaguars acquiring Calvin Ridley from the Falcons

The Falcons made a surprising move on trade deadline day by acquiring Calvin Ridley from the Falcons.

Jacob Camenker

Calvin Ridley trade grades: Jaguars fleece Falcons, give Trevor Lawrence boost

Here's breaking down the shocking trade of the Falcons sending suspended wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the Jaguars to help Trevor Lawrence in 2023.

Vinnie Iyer

NFC standings, playoff picture: Breaking down the surprise division leaders

While the AFC has been mostly chalk in terms of division leaders at midseason, the NFC has been chock full of shocking results, starting with the perfect Eagles leading a tougher-than-expected East.

Vinnie Iyer

Falcons survive in OT to take sole possession of NFC South lead

The NFC South race has devolved into chaos, but the Falcons prevented total madness by surviving the Panthers in overtime and taking sole possession of the division lead.

Dan Treacy

How DJ Moore penalty, Eddy Pineiro's missed kicks cost Panthers a win

Moore earned a redemptive touchdown catch in the game's final seconds of regulation, then undid it right away with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that raised the degree of difficulty for Pineiro.

Zac Al-Khateeb

Tom Brady fined by NFL for kick on Falcons' Grady Jarrett

The Tampa Bay quarterback has been fined by the league after attempting to kick Atlanta's Grady Jarrett on Sunday.

Sam Jarden

NFL reportedly to consider changing roughing the passer rule after questionable calls vs. Falcons, Chiefs

The Falcons and Chiefs both were on the receiving end of unfortunate roughing-the-passer penalties in Week 6 that nearly cost their teams dearly.

Jacob Camenker

NFL referee Jerome Boger provides confusing explanation for controversial Tom Brady roughing the passer call

Jarrett's tackle of Brady could not have been more textbook. Referee Jerome Boger did not think so.

Zac Al-Khateeb

Matt Ryan trade details: What Colts gave up to acquire QB from Falcons

Matt Ryan made his way from Atlanta to Indianapolis this offseason. Here's what the Colts gave up to acquire the long-time Falcons starter.

Jacob Camenker

Seahawks vs. Falcons endures brief drone delay in fourth quarter

The game wasn't delayed long, but it was an odd scene at Lumen Field.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons' Arthur Smith lashes out at reporters after team blows big lead, loses to Saints

Smith seemed to think the best response to his team blowing a late lead was to turn on the media for the low expectations they had heading into Atlanta's 2022 season.

Edward Sutelan

Who will be the NFL's worst in 2022?

While nothing is set in stone and teams could always surprise, these teams could compete for the worst in the league this season.

Kevin Skiver

How a college lacrosse legend earned a spot on the Falcons' 53-man roster

Bernhardt is one of college lacrosse's greatest players, with a storied career at Maryland.

David Suggs

Calvin Ridley, Brad Guzan among homes targeted in high-profile burglaries

Ridley, as well as Atlanta United's Brad Guman and singer Mariah Carey were also reportedly targeted in the burglaries.

Kevin Skiver

Will Desmond Ridder start for Falcons over Marcus Mariota in 2022?

Could the Falcons rookie start over the veteran this season for Arthur Smith?

Kevin Skiver

Breaking down the Falcons' WR depth chart without Calvin Ridley

Ridley's suspension has created a void at receiver that is not easy to fill.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons WR Drake London 'probably' out for preseason Week 2 after injury

London suffered a knee injury in his first preseason game and Falcons fans aren't going to see him in preseason Week 2 as a result.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons' Drake London leaves preseason opener with knee injury

Drake London's preseason debut was cut short by a knee injury.

Jacob Camenker

Why NFL's Deshaun Watson, Calvin Ridley suspensions can't be compared

Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy pales in comparison to Calvin Ridley's full-year gambling ban, but here's why the situations don't compare at all.

Vinnie Iyer

Marcus Mariota named Falcons 2022 starter

The Atlanta Falcons are thinking long-term with this year's quarterback.

Kevin Skiver

Falcons' Desmond Ridder not focused on winning starting QB job over Marcus Mariota immediately: 'I take it day by day'

Desmond Ridder knows that he has a lot to learn and is forging a strong bond with Marcus Mariota.

Jacob Camenker

Commanders' Taylor Heinicke downplays possible battle with Carson Wentz, but other NFL teams' QB competitions are clear

Taylor Heinicke believes the Commanders are paying Carson Wentz too much to keep him on the bench. That would take Washington off the list of teams with offseason QB battles.

Kevin Skiver

Why Falcons picked Desmond Ridder over Malik Willis during 2022 NFL Draft

The Falcons had their choice of non-Kenny Pickett quarterbacks and went with Desmond Ridder. Here's why.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder vows to make NFL pay after fall to third round in NFL Draft; 'It shouldn't have taken this long'

Ridder, pegged by some as a first-round talent, had to wait until Round 3 to hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft.

David Suggs

Why Falcons' dogged pursuit of Deshaun Watson cost them franchise quarterback Matt Ryan

The Falcons put all their eggs into Deshaun Watson's basket, and when they were spurned for the Browns Matt Ryan was left in the cold.

Kevin Skiver

Falcons draft picks 2022: Who did Atlanta take? Full list of NFL Draft selections

Here's a breakdown of the Falcons' picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including projected selections according to The Sporting News' latest seven-round mock draft.

David Suggs

Drake's big bet on Drake London being first WR selected in NFL Draft pays off with Falcons pick

Drizzy's $100K bet on London turned into a $355K payout. If only the Raptors had won, it would have been a perfect night for the Canadian rapper.

David Suggs

Why Falcons made USC's Drake London first WR selected in 2022 NFL Draft

Drake London came off the board first among wide receivers at the 2022 NFL Draft. Here's why he went earlier than some expected.

Jacob Camenker

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot says Atlanta expects to draft QB: 'We want to add to that room'

The Falcons are looking to take a quarterback at some point during the 2022 NFL Draft. It's just a matter of whether they take one early.

Jacob Camenker

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