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Writer Brian Pohl
Atlanta, GA- The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Dallas Cowboys in a battle between two teams trying to fight to the top of their respective NFL divisions at the half-way point in the season.
The Falcons, whose record is 4-4 heading into Sunday’s game, are currently third in the NFC South Division, but are only two games back from first-place. A win over the Cowboys would be a step in the right direction for this squad to turn their season around. With so few games separating the division at the half-way point in the season, every game is becoming crucial, and the Falcons need a victory to bounce back from the 20-17 defeat handed by their division rival Carolina Panthers last week. Although most of the players from last year’s Super Bowl appearance team have returned, this Falcons team has not looked the same, especially offensively. Averaging just 21.2 points per game on the season, the Falcons offense has fallen far from the 33.8ppg averaged last season. The offense is led by quarterback Matt Ryan, who in his 10th NFL season has been inconsistent this season. With 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, the Falcons will need better protection of the football if they are going to be successful on Sunday and move above their .500 record on the season. Ryan is surrounded offensively with weapons that can score at any time, but need to finally click to get the offense rolling like it did last season. The running back tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevon Coleman continues to be one of the best duos in the NFL, and will look to provide the spark the team needs on Sunday. Wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu possess big-play ability and will be called upon to do so against a Cowboys defense that has given up 14 passing touchdowns through eight games on the season. First-year Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian spoke about the consistency he is looking for heading into the second-half of the season saying, “I think that’s something that we are really striving for heading into this game and into the second half of the season, that consistency regardless of the situation, whether it is a third-down situation, red zone, goal line, whatever that might be, our consistency in what we are doing, while we are doing it and then ultimately the execution of it.” The offense will need to find that consistency if they are going to finish the season and strong and return to the playoffs. The Cowboys hold a record of 5-3 on the season thus far. Although they are currently second in the NFC Eastern Division, their path to the top is a bit more tedious. Sitting three games back from the first-place Eagles, the Cowboys need to make up ground quickly if they are to overtake the first-place spot in the division at this point in the season. The Cowboys’ offense is led by second-year quarterback Dak Prescott, who has made a name for himself in the NFL since taking over the starting job for Tony Romo last season. Prescott’s 16 touchdown passes to just four interceptions has been a key reason for the Cowboys success this season, and will look to continue that play on Sunday. Surrounding Dak Prescott will be running-back Alfred Morris, who will get his first start of the season in the absence of star running back Ezekiel Elliott. Catching passes for the Cowboys will be star wide receiver Dez Bryant, whose four touchdowns of 20-yards or more shows the instant scoring threat that he is. As of the writing of this piece, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott will not play in this game and will be forced to start serving his six-game suspension which was supposed to start at the beginning of the season. Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was asked about preparing for whether or not Elliott would suit-up this week and he said, “As far as him playing, I’ll anticipate he’s playing until I’ve been told otherwise, I’ll go down that road until I hear otherwise.” It will be interesting to see how this preparation effects both teams, with the Cowboys losing their star player with a suspension, and the Falcons not facing who they prepared for. We have seen, though, Elliott be able to delay the start of his suspension throughout the season thus far, and although his legal options are limited, Elliott not playing in this game is not a guarantee. Both the Falcons and Cowboys have the play-makers on offense to make Sunday’s game a shootout. The key will be which defense can limit the big plays more to keep each offense out of the end zone. Sunday’s contest between the Falcons and Cowboys will kick-off at 4:00 p.m. from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Fox. Atlanta Falcons Communications For the third year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons will honor military veterans, active duty service members and their families with a week of events and programming around the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative.
The Atlanta Falcons Salute to Service week presented by Zaxby’s extends from November 3-12 and is part of a long-term year-round commitment across the Blank Family of Businesses. The organization is driven by a set of core values in which giving back to others is at the core. To that end, this deep commitment to serving the military spans the entire organization – from Owner Arthur Blank and AMB Group, CEO Steve Cannon to Head Coach Dan Quinn, assistant coaches, players and associates.
Throughout the year, the Falcons include military as a part of every game which starts with designating a partner military base for each game. Members of the military from that base are embedded into the game in various ways including: helping to lead the team out of the tunnel, military band performances for fans, honoring of T.A.P.S. families, serving as the color guard, etc. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium Halo Board features two stories each week – the American Family Insurance “We Play For” feature tells the story of a fallen hero from that base, and the Home Depot Hometown Herofeatures a soldier selected for going above and beyond the call of duty. “We have a deep-rooted interest in making an impact and giving back to military families in our community - it’s not just about honoring them for one game,” said Chris Millman, Director of Community Relations for the Atlanta Falcons. “It’s also great to see so many teams following suit with week-long Salute to Service celebrations of their own.” The Falcons were the first team to honor the military with an entire week of events. This year, the events will include hosting a high school football game, conduct a player visit to a Veterans Administration hospital, host a Pros vs. Joes videogame competition, a youth football clinic, a Vietnam War Veterans breakfast and honor 64 T.A.P.S. families leading to the Salute to Service home game vs. the Dallas Cowboys. The NFL works with its core military nonprofit partners to show gratitude for all those who have served our country. The NFL, along with its partners, is proud to support the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, USO and Wounded Warrior Project, to fund programs and provide resources that positively impact active duty and veteran military members and their families. Please RSVP to Mark Albright to reserve a spot to cover any of the following by emailing[email protected]. Salute to Service Week Schedule Friday, November 3 (last week) – Salute to Service High School Football Game The Atlanta Falcons hosted a Salute to Service game at the Grovetown High School home game against Lakeside (Evans) on Friday evening. The stadium featured many military elements, including American flags and Salute to Service signage throughout the property. The high school players were provided military NFL gear, such as custom camouflage jerseys, to wear during the game. Address: Grovetown High School – 2010 Warrior Way, Grovetown, GA 30813 Time: Took place last Friday Monday, November 6 – VA Hospital Visit The Atlanta Falcons will visit the VA hospital to show support and thank veterans for their service and sacrifice. Falcons players, cheerleaders and Freddie Falcon will visit with veterans and deliver gifts. Address: VA Hospital – 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Time: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7 – Pros vs. Joes The Atlanta Falcons will host military personnel at the Atlanta Falcons Practice Facility for a series of competitive video games between Falcons players and service members; and virtually with the military currently serving overseas. Address: Atlanta Falcons Practice Facility – 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Time: 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 8 – Youth Football Clinic The Atlanta Falcons will host a Youth Football Clinic at Fort Stewart for approximately 250 children on base and in the community. The clinic will be led by Atlanta Falcons alumni players and each child participating will receive a free customized Atlanta Falcons Salute to Service t-shirt. Address: Fort Stewart – 976 William H Wilson Ave Fort Stewart GA 31314 Time: 6 p.m. Thursday, November 9 – Overseas Packaging Event The Atlanta Falcons associates will package approximately 300 care packages to be shipped to military serving overseas. Address: Arthur M. Blank Family Office, 3223 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 Time: 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 10 – Vietnam War Veterans Breakfast The Atlanta Falcons will host a breakfast at the Arthur M. Blank Family Office to honor Vietnam War Veterans and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Veterans will be treated to breakfast followed by a special presentation. Each military veteran will receive a special gift bag after the event. Falcons alumni, associates and cheerleaders will be in attendance. Address: Arthur M. Blank Family Office – 3223 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 Time: 7:45 a.m. check-in, 8:15 a.m. program begins Friday, November 10 – TAPS Welcome Party The Atlanta Falcons and Coach Quinn will host 64 TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) families to a weekend of activities to thank them for the ultimate sacrifice of their Fallen Hero. On Friday night, Coach Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons will host a Welcome Party at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Address: Lake Lanier Islands Resort 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518 Time: 7 p.m. Saturday, November 11 – TAPS Families Walk Through The Atlanta Falcons and Coach Quinn will host 64 TAPS families at walk through on Saturday. After walk through, the families will have the option to attend Zoo Atlanta or Six Flags Over Georgia for the afternoon. Address: Atlanta Falcons Practice Facility – 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Time: 11 a.m. Sunday, November 12 – Salute to Service Home Game vs. Dallas Cowboys In addition to honoring 64 Fallen Hero T.A.P.S. families with decals on player’s helmets, there will also be several in-game entertainment military awareness elements. TAPS families will hold the American Flag during the National Anthem, local military bases will provide static displays, color guard and additional assets. Special video features honoring each Fallen Hero will be played throughout the game. -FALCONS-
Atlanta Falcons Communications
Atlanta, GA - The Falcons have signed defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and have waived defensive lineman Taniela Tupou.
Rubin was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2008 Draft. The former Iowa State Cyclone spent his first seven seasons in the league with the Browns, playing in 99 games with 75 starts. During that time, he posted 338 tackles, 12.0 sacks, one interception, five passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. In 2015, Rubin was signed by the Seattle Seahawks and played and started in all 32 games over two seasons, tallying 75 tackles, three sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. Rubin spent time with the Denver Broncos earlier this season.
Written by Erik Slaby
Atlanta, GA - The seconds were ticking down on the clock. The crowd in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was roaring, with some members nervously watching the action. There was a feeling of nervous, excited energy surrounding the crowd.
The Atlanta Falcons (3-2) were driving down the field, down 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins (3-2) and with 47 seconds left on the clock and the football on Miami 26-yard line, it appeared that the Falcons would win the game or at worst, kick a short field goal and go into overtime. Then disaster struck. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan threw a pass down the middle of the field, intended for tight end Austin Hooper but the pass was intercepted by Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, sealing the victory for Miami. Ryan spoke after the game about the interception. “I mean, it’s always disappointing when you don’t get the result that you want when you fall short,” said Ryan. “I thought we did a nice job of executing to get ourselves down into that situation. I felt like I made the right read in that situation, put it where I wanted to, and that’s how the game goes sometimes. I’m disappointed with it, but we’re going to continue to battle, and I think we’ll be better for it and hopefully more mentally and physically tough as a football team moving forward.” Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn spoke after the game about the second half collapse and the loss. “We had a tale of two halves. Coming off of our bye, I was pleased with the preparation heading in, and we were hoping to see more energy from our team. I thought we had opportunities today in all three phases, and in the second half we did not own those. This one hurts no doubt, and for us to be the team we know we can be, we’ve got to play more consistently for the whole time.” By halftime, it looked as if Atlanta would run away with a victory as they were dominating Miami in almost every phase of the game. Atlanta also led by a score of 17-0. In the first half, Atlanta had 233 yards of total offense, intercepted Miami quarterback Jay Cutler and held him to 64 yards passing. They also scored on three of their five offensive possessions in the first half. The one area that was a cause of concern for Atlanta early on was that Miami was able to seemingly run the ball at will. Running back Jay Ajayi had 11 carries for 71 yards on the ground. This performance on the ground by Ajayi carried into the second half when Miami continue to rely on him, giving him the ball 15 times for 59 yards. Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase spoke after the game about the performance of Ajayi. “Jay [Ajayi] had some good runs, seeing the holes, breaking tackles, and fought hard for every yard he had,” said Gase. “He makes it really easy to stay with because it is almost like throwing the ball, you know you are going to get some of these 10, 12, and 15-yard runs. He starts hopping around feeling how they are playing him, and he is hard to bring down.” In the second half, it appeared that Miami had made some major adjustments and were playing with much more intensity and energy than the Falcons did. The Dolphins got off to great start with a 15-play, 75-yard drive that ended in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Cutler to wide receiver Kenny Stills that cut the lead to 17-7. Atlanta came out on their first serious and looked a bit out of sorts and went three-and-out. A poor punt by punter Matt Bosher lead to Miami getting the ball on their own 49-yard line. Five plays and 51 yards later, Miami scored another touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Cutler to a wide-open wide receiver Jarvis Landry. On the next two drives for Atlanta, they were forced to punt and turned the ball over on downs. Conversely for Miami, their next two drives each ended in field goals. Including the game winning 38-yard field goal from Miami kicker Cody Parkey. In the second half, Atlanta seemed out of rhythm, had low energy and was undisciplined as they had four penalties for 53 yards. They seemed to hurt themselves on every offensive drive they had. Ryan spoke about these issues after the game. “Well, I thought we put ourselves behind schedule," said Ryan. "You know, the first drive of the second half, I think the first play we got backed up with a sack and did a good job on second and third down, but we were a little bit too far behind the chains to come away with a first down, so that was just an execution standpoint. And then again, on the second drive of the second half, we got into field goal range. We’re down there in field goal range, moving the ball, penalty, and another sack, and we kind of got out of a spot where we could put points on the board. I think that was critical early. I thought we did a nice job at the end of the game getting down into giving ourselves a chance to win that football game, and just a disappointing way that it ended.” Even though Atlanta lost this game, they are still in the thick off the playoff race. The Carolina Panthers are coming off a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints have the same record as the Falcons but more importantly, Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is likely out for the season with a broken collarbone. Without Rodgers, the Packers may struggle to make the playoffs this season. Next week, the Falcons travel to Massachusetts to face off against the formidable New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LI. This will be the first game between these two teams since the Super Bowl.
Written by Adrian Beecher
Atlanta, GA - Matt Ryan threw two interceptions, had a fumble returned the other way for a touchdown and both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu Jr. left the game early due to injuries as Atlanta came up short against Buffalo in a 23-17 loss Sunday. Tyrod Taylor threw for 182 yards and a score, while LeSean McCoy ran for 76 yards in the Bills winning effort. Here’s how it all went down in the ATL Sunday.
Atlanta was able to move the ball quickly early on, picking up two first downs on their first five plays. However, after getting to midfield, their drive would stall out, and they would punt. The punt was able to pin the Bills back at their 9-yard line, where they would start their opening possession. The Bills drive started out much similar, with them picking up two quick first downs then began to stall after getting around midfield. However, Tyrod Taylor would connect with LeSean McCoy on a 3rd and 17 to pick up the first down. Shortly after picking up the big 1st down, the Bills drive would stall due to a 9-yard sack that forced Buffalo out of field goal range. After back to back stalled drives from both Atlanta and Buffalo, the Falcons were able to get within striking distance on a drive that started at their own 46-yard line. Tevin Coleman would get things started with a 26-yard run to make it 1st and ten at the Bills 16-yard line. However, a penalty would force it back to the 26 and the Falcons would have to settle for a 28-yard Matt Bryant field goal to open the scoring. Then it was the Bills turn to answer. On 1st and ten from their own 47-yard line, Tyrod Taylor would find time in the packet and throw a 44-yard rainbow into the breadbasket of tight end Charles Clay to make it 1st and goal Bills. Then on the next play, Taylor connected with Jordan Matthews crossing over the middle for a 9-yard TD pass to make it 7-3 Buffalo with 6:51 left in the 1st half. As the first half drew to a close, the Falcons were able to strike back with a nine play 78-yard drive that was capped off by a 1 yard TD run up the middle from Devonta Freeman. This score gave the Falcons a 10-7 lead ahead of the half. The Falcons defense got a great start to the 2nd half, forcing the bills to punt after a 3 and out with no yards gained. However, the Bills defense had a much better start to the second half. On 3rd and nine from their 47-yard line, Matt Ryan took a hit as he began to throw from Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes, forcing a fumble. Then Tre’Davious White picked it up and ran it 52 yards for the score to make it 14-10 with Buffalo on top. On the Falcons, next drive disaster would strike yet again, as Matt Ryan threw deep downfield looking for Taylor Gabriel. However, it was intercepted by Micah Hyde to set up the Bills at their 12-yard line. Then what ensued was nearly a quarter long possession worth of a drive for Buffalo. It was a 19 play, 82-yard drive that ate 11:20 off the clock. However, it would only result in a field goal as Stephen Hauschka put through a 24 yarder to make it 17-10 Bills with 12 minutes left to play in regulation. By forcing the field goal, it kept the Falcons within one score and a chance to tie up the game. Matt Ryan was then able to lead the Falcons downfield for the game-tying score despite losses of wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu Jr. due to injuries. It was a 10-play 75-yard drive that was capped off with a 3-yard TD pass from Ryan to Justin Hardy to tie the game up at 17 with just 6:54 left to play. The Bills would then waste no time, quickly getting into field goal range after one 1st down. Stephen Hauschka would put through a 56 yarder to give Buffalo the 20-17 lead with just 4:35 left to play. The ensuing Atlanta possession started out with high expectations after a 61-yard return on the kickoff from Andre Roberts set up the Falcons at the Bills 42-yard line. As the Falcons approached Field goal range, Micah Hyde of Buffalo would again pick off Matt Ryan, this time on a 3rd and 17 from the Buffalo 49-yard line and returned it to the Atlanta 37 with just 3:22 left to play. Unable to move the ball, the Bills would have to settle for another Hauschka field goal, this time from 55 yards out to make it 23-17 Buffalo with just 3:06 left to play. Pressed with their backs against the wall and no timeouts left, Atlanta was forced to go for in on a 4th and four from their 31-yard line. Matt Ryan would connect with Nick Williams for the first down to keep the drive alive. Then after getting well into field goal range, but needing a touchdown to take the lead, the Falcons were again forced with a much-needed 4th down and one from the Buffalo 10-yard line. Ryan tried to find Taylor Gabriel for the first down, but was unable to connect, resulting in a turnover on downs. After the game Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said there were two different plays they were looking to get on that 4th and one, “We had two plays called, one for a certain look, one for another. We thought heading in, it would give us a good opportunity on a third-and-one to go convert it and get right back on the ball and get rolling again. We’ll give them credit to have the play defended, and it was certainly a disappointing way for us to finish it.” Two knees by the Bills would seal the deal and bring an end to the Falcons undefeated season. Buffalo and Atlanta leave with a 3-1 record on the season, with now only the Chiefs serving as the only undefeated team in the league. Atlanta will have an off week before taking on the Dolphins on Sunday October 15th at Mercedez Benz Stadium. Written by Garin Turner In a matchup of undefeated teams, the Atlanta Falcons faced the Detroit Lions in a game that lived up to expectations. Both teams entered the game 2-0 but it was ultimately the Falcons who stayed undefeated winning 30-26 in a game that saw a controversial ending. In what's become just another day in the office for Lions QB Matthew Stafford, he led his team down the field for what seemed destined to be another game winning touchdown drive when he connected on a pass to Golden Tate for a one yard touchdown. However, after reviewing the play the ref overturned the call, deming that tates knee touched the ground and there was a ten second run off that ended the game on the one yard line. Atlanta scored on their first drive of the game going 12 plays for 75 yards. The score came on a four-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Mohamed Sanu. A Devonta Freeman one yard touchdown run with 5 minutes left in the second quarter brought the score to 17-3 for the Falcons. The Lions finally found the end zone with 1:50 left in the half when Glover Quin had a pick-six that he took 37 yards the other way. The score at halftime was 20-13 Atlanta. After another Falcons field goal the Lions scored their first and only offensive touchdown of the game when Stafford completed a 11-yard pass to Tate to bring the score to 23-20. When the fourth quarter started the game was tied at 23. Taylor Gabriel was on the receiving end of a 40-yard touchdown from Ryan in what proved to be the go ahead score to win the game. Ryan finished the game 24 of 35 for 294 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions and was sacked twice. Freeman had 21 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown. Julio Jones had seven receptions for 91 yards but was injured in the fourth quarter. Brian Poole led the Falcons defense with 9 tackles. Stafford was 25 of 45 for 264 yards and a touchdown, while also being sacked twice. Ammer Abdullah had 14 carries for 47 yards. Tate had seven receptions for 58 yards and the touchdown. Miles Killebrew led the Lions in tackles with nine. The Falcons overcame three turnovers to win the game. They outgained the Lions in yards 428-324. Detroit was only 3-13 on third down, Atlanta was 4-9. Penalties were an issue for both teams as a combined 166 yards were called. The Falcons return home next week against the Buffalo Bills. The Lions will travel to Minnesota to face division rival Minnesota Vikings next week.
Writer Sara Strom
Heading into their week 3 showdown at Ford Field, the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions are two out of only three teams in the NFC with an unblemished record at 2-0. However, both teams enter the game banged up on both sides of the ball. Each team will be looking for their depth to shine through.
The Falcons inactive players this week include Vic Beasley (LB) out due to a hamstring injury, Courtney Upshaw (DT) ankle, Terron Ward (RB) neck, and the starting right tackle, Ryan Schraeder. With a concussion suffered in the game against Greenbay last week Schraeder is out due to the NFL concussion protocol. Ty Sambrailo will take Schraider’s place and will make his first start with Atlanta, after spending the last two seasons with Denver. Hailing from Colorado State, Sambrailo has been preparing all week for the opportunity to start in the game against Detroit. According to the Falcons coach Dan Quinn, “I saw a faster speed”, speaking of Sambrailo after practice this past week. Sambrailo will be the one to watch. Detroit is looking to move past their injury list as they have options to replacing their starting Linebacker, Jarrad Davis. Housing a veteran on the team, Paul Worrilow, who played with the Falcons the past four seasons. This could be a major positive move as he is familiar with how the opposing team flows. Also, to add speed, the Lions have an opportunity to play Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Either way both of these guys could play as a comparable contender to Davis. Detroit is currently ranked 7th in scoring and total defense and Atlanta is ranked 8th in both. This will definitely make this a must watch game. Both defenses will be facing Pro Bowl caliber quarterbacks in Atlanta’s Matt Ryan and Detroit’s Matt Stafford. To sum it up, coming off of a great win against the Giants last week, Detroit is looking to keep up their winning streak and the Falcons are also looking to stay undefeated coming off their big victory over the Packers. Will Matt Ryan take his team to 3-0 or will the Lions continue their winning streak with their defense? The Detroit Lions host the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field, today, September 24, at 1pm ET. |
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December 2017
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