Tag: falcons news

Falcons select EDGE in first round of NBC Sports’ mock draft

Atlanta Falcons select pass rusher in first round of NBC Sports’ latest mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons have gone 6-5 through the first 11 games of the season, but they still rank dead last in the league with 10 sacks. Even though the team did record a rare sack against the Denver Broncos, it did little to change the outcome of Sunday’s 38-6 loss.

Only six NFL teams have less than 20 sacks entering Week 12. The Falcons have an extra week to get their pass rush off of life support but it’s definitely an area where the team could use an injection of talent this offseason.

The draft hasn’t been kind to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot when it comes to selecting defensive players in the later rounds. Perhaps it’s time for the team to use a first-round pick to address its most glaring need.

That’s precisely what the Falcons do in NBC Sports’ new mock draft. With the No. 20 overall pick, Atlanta selects Marshall pass rusher Mike Green:

If I could buy stock in one prospect right now, it might be Green. The talented pass rusher from Marshall already has 15 sacks this season, boasting a skill set that is sorely needed for the Falcons right now. However, what might impress scouts as much as the sack totals is his mentality taking on blocks in the run game, despite being listed at 248 pounds. — Connor Rogers, NBC Sports

Green’s production has gone way up this season, racking up 15 sacks, eight QB hits and 29 hurries. The Marshall edge rusher has earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 92.2 and a run-defense grade of 91.0.

Considering Green has five more sacks than the entire Falcons defense, it’s an appealing option for Atlanta. PFF’s big board currently lists Green as the No. 63 player in the class, but that will likely change in the coming months.

After their bye week, the Falcons will host the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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NFL rushing leaders (including Bijan Robinson) entering Week 12

NFL rushing leaders (including Falcons RB Bijan Robinson) entering Week 12 of the 2024 season

The Atlanta Falcons have been explosive on offense this season, but they were completely shut down by the Denver Broncos in Week 11. The team rushed for just 50 yards and Bijan Robinson had an uncharacteristically quiet day.

The second-year running back has become a true dual-threat, recording over 1,142 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns over the first 11 games. Robinson has become a go-to weapon for the Falcons’ passing game but still ranks among the top 10 in total rushing yards.

Here’s a look at the top 32 NFL rushing leaders entering Week 12 of the 2024 season:

  1. Derrick Henry: 1,185 yards
  2. Saquon Barkley: 1,137 yards
  3. Josh Jacobs: 838 yards
  4. Chuba Hubbard: 818 yards
  5. Jahmyr Gibbs: 796 yards
  6. Bijan Robinson: 783 yards
  7. Alvin Kamara: 782 yards
  8. Joe Mixon: 764 yards
  9. Kyren Williams: 750 yards
  10. J.K. Dobbins: 726 yards
  11. Najee Harris: 708 yards
  12. Jordan Mason: 703 yards
  13. James Conner: 697 yards
  14. Aaron Jones: 692 yards
  15. Tony Pollard: 681 yards
  16. Jonathan Taylor: 673 yards
  17. D’Andre Swift: 635 yards
  18. Breece Hall: 632 yards
  19. Chase Brown: 607 yards
  20. James Cook: 596 yards
  21. David Montgomery: 595 yards
  22. Rhamondre Stevenson: 585 yards
  23. (QB) Lamar Jackson: 584 yards
  24. Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 545 yards
  25. De’Von Achane: 530 yards
  26. Brian Robinson Jr.: 524 yards
  27. Tank Bigsby: 519 yards
  28. Kareem Hunt: 509 yards
  29. Bucky Irving: 492 yards
  30. (QB) Jayden Daniels: 482 yards
  31. Kenneth Walker: 452 yards
  32. Javonte Williams: 447 yards

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All 32 NFL QBs (including Kirk Cousins) ranked by passing yards

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including Falcons QB Kirk Cousins) ranked by total passing yards entering Week 12

The Atlanta Falcons are on a two-game losing streak, but they have a bye week to reset and figure things out before their final six games of the season.

While quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t have his best game in Week 11, he has led the team to a 6-5 record and has Atlanta in first place in the NFC South. Cousins has passed for 2,807 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions through the first 11 games.

Where does the Falcons QB rank among the top signal-callers in the NFL? Here’s a look at the top 32 quarterbacks ranked by passing yards entering Week 12:

  1. Joe Burrow: 3,028 yards
  2. Lamar Jackson: 2,876 yards
  3. Kirk Cousins: 2,807 yards
  4. Geno Smith: 2,781 yards
  5. C.J. Stroud: 2,628 yards
  6. Brock Purdy: 2,613 yards
  7. Matthew Stafford: 2,557 yards
  8. Josh Allen: 2,543 yards
  9. Baker Mayfield: 2,505 yards
  10. Jared Goff: 2,492 yards
  11. Aaron Rodgers: 2,442 yards
  12. Patrick Mahomes: 2,404 yards
  13. Sam Darnold: 2,387 yards
  14. Jayden Daniels: 2,338 yards
  15. Bo Nix: 2,275 yards
  16. Jalen Hurts: 2,197 yards
  17. Justin Herbert: 2,186 yards
  18. Jordan Love: 2,081 yards
  19. Daniel Jones: 2,070 yards
  20. Kyler Murray: 2,058 yards
  21. Caleb Williams: 2,016 yards
  22. Trevor Lawrence: 2,004 yards
  23. Dak Prescott: 1,978 yards
  24. Gardner Minshew: 1,783 yards
  25. Derek Carr: 1,742 yards
  26. Tua Tagovailoa: 1,443 yards
  27. Drake Maye: 1,236 yards
  28. Anthony Richardson: 1,230 yards
  29. Will Levis: 1,169 yards
  30. Joe Flacco: 1,167 yards
  31. Deshaun Watson: 1,148  yards
  32. Justin Fields: 1,106 yards

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Former NFL QB suggests Falcons start Michael Penix for rest of season

Former NFL QB suggests Falcons play Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the season

The Atlanta Falcons limped their way into the bye week following an atrocious performance against the Denver Broncos over the weekend. Sunday’s 38-6 loss was hard to watch but should spark some changes for the team with an extra week to prepare.

In Week 11, Atlanta’s defense allowed 400 yards and five touchdowns while the offense managed just 226 yards and two field goals. Kirk Cousins passed for 173 yards and an interception before the team gave rookie Michael Penix Jr. a look in the fourth quarter.

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert, who spent his first three seasons on Atlanta’s practice squad, is a big fan of the team’s rookie signal-caller. Benkert posted on his Twitter account that if the Falcons want to make a deep playoff run, they should start Penix for the rest of the season.

While Cousins doesn’t have a great track record of postseason success, it would be almost unfathomable for the team to bench him this season. For one, the veteran quarterback has played pretty well for the most part (2,807 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, nine interceptions).

More importantly, the Falcons are still leading the division and it would be a head-scratching decision to make the change while the team’s first postseason appearance in six years is within reach.

Penix passed for 4,907 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the Washington Huskies last season. It was Penix’s second consecutive year with at least 30 touchdowns and over 4,500 passing yards.

Coming into the draft, most scouts considered Penix among the more pro-ready quarterbacks in the class. This was why many were puzzled when the Falcons selected the Huskies QB after signing Cousins to a four-year deal.

Still, we wouldn’t expect head coach Raheem Morris to make a change anytime soon.

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Falcons head coach gave two-word description of Bo Nix’s performance

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gave a two-word description of Bo Nix’s performance in Week 11

The Atlanta Falcons lost by 36 points to the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and the game was every bit as bad as it sounds. Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix played the best game of his NFL career and the Falcons had no answer on Sunday.

Nix completed 28 of 33 pass attempts for 307 yards and four touchdowns. On the other hand, Atlanta managed just two field goals through four quarters of football. Kirk Cousins struggled, the running game was non-existent and the defense was nowhere to be seen.

Head coach Raheem Morris was not happy with any phase of the team in Week 11 but will look to get things figured out during the bye week. Morris also took the time to credit Nix’s dominant performance, saying the rookie played “flawless football” against Atlanta, per team reporter Terrin Waack.

The Falcons even put rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the game during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s blowout in Denver. Penix completed two of four pass attempts for 24 passing yards. For the season, the No. 8 overall pick has completed three out of five attempts for 38 passing yards and zero touchdowns or interceptions.

Cousins did not have a great day, passing for 173 yards and one interception during Sunday’s loss. This marked the second consecutive game that the veteran quarterback has been held without a touchdown pass.

After 11 games in Atlanta, Cousins has passed for 2,807 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Nix has thrown for 2,275 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Broncos this season.

The Falcons have the week off but will return in Week 13 to take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Falcons put rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. in late against the Broncos

The Falcons have replaced Kirk Cousins with rookie QB Michael Penix Jr in the 4th quarter vs the Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons have replaced Kirk Cousins with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos have put on a clinic thus far and with the game out of reach, Penix will get his second NFL game action of the season. The Falcons selected the former Washington quarterback with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL draft as the eventual heir to Cousins.

Penix debuted late in the fourth quarter of the Falcons’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks, completing his only pass attempt for 14 yards.

Atlanta trails Denver, 38-6, with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game.

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Falcons list inactives: Rookie to make NFL debut vs. Broncos

Falcons list inactives: Rookie Brandon Dorlus to make NFL debut vs. Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons have released their inactives list for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Seven players, including cornerback Dee Alford and linebacker Troy Andersen, have been ruled out for Week 11.

Rookie defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus is active for the first time all season and will make his NFL debut Sunday afternoon in Denver.

Dorlus was considered a steal in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, however, the Falcons’ depth at the interior defensive line position has kept the former Oregon standout from getting on the field thus far.

Falcons Week 11 inactives list:

  1. CB Mike Hughes
  2. CB Dee Alford
  3. CB Antonio Hamilton
  4. LB Troy Andersen
  5. TE Charlie Woerner
  6. OL Brandon Parker
  7. LB JD Bertrand (R)

The Falcons are extremely thin at cornerback and will look to Natrone Brooks and Dane Cruikshank to fill in against the Broncos. Sunday’s game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET inside Empower Field At Mile High.

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Falcons announce two practice squad elevations for Week 11

The Falcons have elevated two players from the practice squad for Sunday’s game in Denver

The Atlanta Falcons (6-4) have elevated two players from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s road matchup against the Denver Broncos (5-5). Outside linebacker Khalid Kareem and defensive back Dane Cruikshank will join the 53-man roster in Week 11.

Since the team is thin at defensive back and outside linebacker, Kareem and Cruikshank could each get defensive reps along with special teams work during Sunday’s game.

The Falcons placed defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham and outside linebacker James Smith-Williams on the injured reserve list while activating center Drew Dalman and linebacker Lorenzo Carter.

The team also signed cornerback Natrone Brooks to the roster and made a few more practice squad transactions on Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons released return specialist Jakeem Grant from the practice squad and signed former third-round pick Matt Hennessy. Grant was signed less than a week ago while Hennessy was released from the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

Sunday’s game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET inside Empower Field At Mile High. The Broncos are 2.5-point favorites over the Falcons entering Week 11.

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Falcons vs Broncos: Behind Enemy Lines to preview Week 11

Falcons Wire goes Behind Enemy Lines with Broncos Wire to preview Sunday’s Week 11 matchup

The Atlanta Falcons will try to get their fourth road win of the season when they face off against the Denver Broncos this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Both teams are coming off close losses in Week 11.

The Falcons lost by three points to the New Orleans Saints while the Broncos were a blocked field goal away from giving the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of 2024. 

To help us preview Sunday’s game in Denver, we went behind enemy lines with Broncos Wire writer Brandon Walker for the inside scoop.

1). Expectations were low for the Broncos coming into the year. What has been the biggest key to the team’s success this season?

Walker: The biggest key to the Broncos’ success has been Vance Joseph and the Denver defense. Who would’ve thought that this unit would be as good as they are after getting 70 dropped on them just over a year ago? I sure didn’t. Joseph has been one of the catalysts for this Broncos team, and the defense is rallying behind him, becoming a top-5 unit in the NFL.

2). How has rookie QB Bo Nix fared thus far? 

Walker: Like any rookie quarterback thrust into the starting job, Nix has had to learn the hard way. He’s had more than his fair share of head-scratching moments, but the biggest thing Nix has brought to Denver is a sense of hope of better things to come. Nix has reinvigorated the offense and the Rocky Mountain region with hope for arguably the first time since Peyton Manning donned the orange and blue.

3). After a rocky first year, does the team appear to be buying into what Sean Payton is selling? 

Walker: The Broncos have fully embraced Payton and his style of coaching. Payton has a drive to never be satisfied, and that has trickled down to the players. Nix and Payton’s sideline fracas is just an example of how passionate this team is, and where it can go. 

4). Where is Denver’s defense most vulnerable? 

Walker: I think Denver’s defense is most susceptible to the run. They’ve had multiple opponents rush for over 100 yards this season, despite the success of the secondary.

5). Game score and prediction for Week 11?

Walker: The Broncos need a win after back-to-back road losses against AFC playoff favorites. The game last week against the Chiefs was backbreaking. It’ll be a low-scoring, hard-fought game, but this is a must-win for the Broncos. Denver 18, Atlanta 15. 

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Falcons sign preseason star to help injured secondary in Week 11

Falcons sign preseason star to 53-man roster ahead of Week 11 matchup vs. Denver Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons have signed cornerback Natrone Brooks off the practice squad as injuries continue to pile up at the defensive back position. The team ruled out three cornerbacks — Mike Hughes, Dee Alford and Antonio Hamilton — for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Brooks, 24, has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad. The former Southern Mississippi standout shined during the preseason for Atlanta but did not make the team’s 53-man roster out of training camp.

In the Falcons’ 13-12 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Brooks led all defensive players with 13 combined tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. He was also the team’s highest-rated defensive player that week, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 89.6 and a coverage grade of 90.5.

During Brooks’ three years at Southern Mississippi, he recorded 86 tackles (54 solo), 18 passes defended and four interceptions. The young defensive back also has some kick and punt return ability, which should help his chances of staying on the 53-man roster.

The Falcons announced a handful of other transactions on Saturday, placing Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams on the injured reserve list and activating Drew Dalman and Lorenzo Carter. Atlanta released kick returner Jakeem Grant from the practice squad and replaced him with offensive lineman Matt Hennessy.

Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster, depth chart and injury report heading into Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

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