Tag: Falcons

NFL schedule release: When will 2024 slate of games be revealed for Ravens?

The 2024 NFL schedule is currently slated to be released at 8pm ET on May 15, per memo to teams this afternoon via Ben Fischer

After months of waiting, there’s only one week until all 32 NFL teams, fans, and league experts will find out the official 2024 regular season schedule.

Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal reports that NFL teams were informed on Tuesday that the regular-season schedule is expected to be released next Wednesday, May 15th.

The Chiefs, Cowboys, and Eagles highlight the Ravens’ 2024 opponents list, and we already know that Philadelphia will open up in Brazil against the Green Bay Packers.

Baltimore could be among the teams in line to face Kansas City on opening night.

NFL schedule release: When will 2024 slate of games be revealed for all 32 teams?

The 2024 NFL schedule is currently slated to be released at 8pm ET on May 15, per memo to teams this afternoon via Ben Fischer

After months of waiting, there’s only one week until all 32 NFL teams, fans and league experts will find out the official 2024 regular season schedule.

Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal reports that NFL teams were informed on Tuesday that the regular-season schedule is expected to be released next Wednesday, May 15th.

The Bengals, Ravens, and Rams highlight the Eagles’ 2024 opponents list, and we already know that Philadelphia will open up in Brazil against the Green Bay Packers.

Philadelphia previously had one of the more difficult schedules over the past two years, but 2024 will see the Eagles among the top ten easiest schedules based on win-loss percentages from last year.

Former Falcons second-round pick Marlon Davidson signs with Titans

Former Falcons second-round pick Marlon Davidson has signed with the Tennessee Titans

The Atlanta Falcons selected defensive lineman Marlon Davidson in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. The team fired head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were fired just five weeks into Davidson’s rookie season.

The former Auburn standout was phased out on defense after the Falcons switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2021. Davidson was released early in the 2022 season. After a short stint in San Francisco, Davidson caught on with the Tennessee Titans in 2023.

The former Falcons second-round pick appeared in five games for the Titans last season, making three starts. Davidson, 25, landed a new contract with Tennessee on Monday, the team announced on Twitter:

Atlanta selected another defensive lineman in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, trading up for Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro. The team also added Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice, Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus and Georgia’s Zion Logue.

Make sure to check out our post-draft starting lineup projections for the Falcons on offense and defense.

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Falcons updated 90-man roster following 2024 NFL draft

Looking at the #Falcons updated 90-man roster following last week’s NFL draft

The Atlanta Falcons spent big money in free agency for the second consecutive year. This time, the team signed QB Kirk Cousins in an attempt to end a six-year playoff drought. Cousins has a track record of success and enough talent around him to succeed in Atlanta this season.

The team added eight more players in the 2024 NFL draft before signing 10 undrafted free agents. Check out the Falcons’ updated 90-man roster following last week’s NFL draft below:

WATCH: NFL teases upcoming schedule release with video hyping looming matchups

NFL teases upcoming 2024 schedule release with a hype video

We’re about 7-14 days away from the 2024 NFL schedule reveal, and the league is helping build the hype by releasing a video teasing the looming matchups.

The Bengals, Ravens, and Rams highlight the Eagles’ 2024 opponents list, and we already know that Philadelphia will open up in Brazil against the Green Bay Packers.

There’s a cycle of inter-conference faceoffs; each NFC division rotates through each AFC division every four seasons and the other NFC divisions every three seasons.

In addition, where a team finishes within their division dictates a same-finish matchup with one team from the opposite conference and whichever divisions aren’t in the rotation for that season.

Philadelphia previously had one of the more difficult schedules over the past two years, but 2024 will see the Eagles among the top ten easiest schedules based on win-loss percentages from last year.

19 Falcons players slated to become free agents in 2025

19 Falcons players, including CB A.J. Terrell and center Drew Dalman, are slated to become free agents in 2025

The bulk of the 2024 NFL offseason has passed and there isn’t much left to do other than potentially sign more free agents. The Atlanta Falcons would have to create additional salary cap space to make any significant moves at this point.

While another major signing doesn’t seem likely, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year. The Falcons didn’t lose any big names in free agency (aside from Calais Cambell), but that could change in 2025 when several players are slated to hit the open market.

Cornerback A.J. Terrell and center Drew Dalman are among those who could be entering their final season in Atlanta. Here’s a look at each of the 19 Falcons players set to become free agents in 2025:

33rd Team report adds context to Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr.

The 33rd Team’s latest report adds context to the Falcons’ decision to draft QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons caused an uproar by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Penix was the first truly surprising pick, but mostly because nobody expected the Falcons would be the ones to draft him given that they had just signed Kirk Cousins in free agency.

While some fans and analysts are still scratching their heads, this selection came down to the philosophy of Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team explained that the decision to draft Penix goes back to the 2020 NFL offseason.

Morris, who served as the team’s interim head coach in 2020, interviewed for the full-time job before losing out to Arthur Smith. During that interview, Morris discussed the need for the Falcons to have a succession plan in place for Matt Ryan.

According to Meirov, Smith convinced the front office that quarterback wasn’t an immediate need, prompting the team to use its first-round pick on tight end Kyle Pitts.

The 2021 season was rough with Ryan under center, and things only got worse after trading the former league MVP away in 2022. Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota and selected Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Neither player proved to be the answer at the position, and Smith was fired shortly after the 2023 season concluded. As Morris highlighted during his introductory press conference, he probably wouldn’t have gotten the job had the team solidified the QB position under Smith.

Since Cousins is still playing at a high level, many felt the Penix pick was a waste of resources. However, as the front office learned with Matt Ryan, it’s never too early to begin preparation for the future.

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Richard Sherman blasts the Falcons for drafting Michael Penix Jr.

If you’ve ever been the main character on Twitter for a day you probably know how Falcons GM Terry Fontenot is feeling right now.

If you’ve ever been the main character on Twitter for a day you probably know how Falcons GM Terry Fontenot is feeling right now. While there are a few rare exceptions to the rule, the vast majority of analysts are absolutely lambasting Atlanta for the decision to pick Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Even mild-mannered Mina Kimes dragged the Falcons for their decision.

Here’s Richard Sherman getting his licks in on Undisputed.

Consider us in that small minority of people who actually liked the pick. Yes, Kirk Cousins is slated to start for the next few years but we always advocate for drafting your next potential franchise QB before you need to find him. To name just a few, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers were all drafted when their teams already had established starters at quarterback.

You can make an even stronger case for Atlanta to do so, considering their QB1 will be 36 years old when next season begins and is coming off an ACL tear. Even if Cousins returns to form and the Falcons finally get back to the playoffs (2017 was their last appearance), we’re confident that the aggressive Penix has a higher ceiling than the conservative Cousins. In any case, it wouldn’t surpise us at all if Penix turns out to be the best QB in this class. Let’s revisit this in a few years.

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Ex-Falcons QB Matt Ryan joins ‘THE NFL TODAY’ show on CBS Sports

Ex-Falcons QB Matt Ryan will join ‘THE NFL TODAY’ show on CBS Sports this season

Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan officially retired from the league last week, signing a one-day contract in Atlanta to retire as a Falcon. While some fans had hoped to see Ryan begin a coaching career, the former league MVP seems to be happy working on television.

On Monday, CBS Sports announced that Ryan will be joining ‘THE NFL TODAY’ program this season where he will work alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt.

“I grew up watching THE NFL TODAY so I’m honored to join this iconic show and hope to continue the high standard set by Phil, Boomer and others before me,” stated Ryan. “I am thankful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.”

Ryan, who spent 14 years in Atlanta (2008-2021), joined the CBS Sports broadcast booth last season and even called a few Falcons games. The former No. 3 overall pick set franchise records in passing yards (67,735), and touchdown passes (367).

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PFF grades all three of the Falcons’ sixth-round selections

Pro Football Focus broke down all three of the Falcons’ sixth-round draft picks

The Falcons rounded out their 2024 NFL draft class by making three picks in the sixth round. Following a run on defensive players, the Falcons added two offensive playmakers before selecting another defensive lineman with their final pick.

Alabama’s Jase McClellan, the first of Atlanta’s three sixth-round picks, adds depth at the running back spot behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Pro Football Focus liked this selection enough to give it an “average” grade:

A reliable back out of Alabama, McClellan has lost just one fumble in his career on over 350 carries, displaying solid wiggle and contact balance in his final season on his way to forcing 49 missed tackles in 2023. He joins a stable of backs behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, limiting his offensive ceiling in Year 1. — PFF

The Falcons then added wide receiver Casey Washington one spot after drafting McClellan. Washington didn’t have the most productive career at Illinois, but he has good size at 6-2, 200 pounds. PFF gave this choice another “average” grade:

The second of back-to-back picks for the Falcons, it took a few years in Illinois’ offensive system to finally break out, but he is a reliable blocker and smooth mover who racked up 13 contested catches in 2023. Washington could find his way into a rotation if he can prove his value on special teams, something worth betting on due to his competitiveness and sneaky athleticism. – PFF

The Falcons rounded out their draft class with Georgia defensive lineman Zion Logue. This was the third defensive lineman added by the team in the draft. Similar to Washington, Logue’s college production wasn’t overly impressive but his frame projects well to the NFL. PFF gave the selection a “below average” grade:

The Falcons draft an interior defender for the third time in this draft. Logue is coming off his best season, earning career-highs in overall grade (71.2) and run-defense grade (72.7) in 2023. Given the players drafted ahead of him, he will face an uphill battle for snaps as a rookie. — PFF

In total, five of the team’s eight selections came on the defensive side of the ball. Atlanta added three defensive linemen, one inside linebacker, and one edge rusher. Check out the team’s complete 2024 NFL draft class HERE!

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