Arthur Smith brings optimism, but the Falcons will need patient approach
Smith brings impressive credentials to Atlanta, but with several key veterans facing uncertain futures, a quick turnaround could be a challenge.
Smith brings impressive credentials to Atlanta, but with several key veterans facing uncertain futures, a quick turnaround could be a challenge.
Arthur Smith, who has served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans the past two seasons, has agreed to terms with the Falcons to be the team's new head coach.
The NFL Live crew previews and makes game picks for the upcoming weekends Divisional Round. Could Tom Brady and the Bucs make it past Drew Brees and the Saints? Who will win the battle between Jalen Ramsey and Devante Adams? And can Urban Meyer be the man to turn things around in Jacksonville?
Arthur Smith to the Falcons, Robert Saleh to the Jets, and Urban Meyer to the Jaguars. Here's what our experts think of the hires.
The Atlanta Falcons have made an offer to Arthur Smith to become their next head coach, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.
Former Falcons' HC Dan Quinn and the Cowboys reach agreement for him to become Dallas' defensive coordinator, per source.
From franchises that will tear it all down to those that just need a few tweaks, here are the offseason priorities for every team no longer playing.
Which candidate is the perfect match for each of the seven vacancies? Pair Marvin Lewis, Eric Bieniemy, Robert Saleh and more with a team.
Terry Fontenot, the Saints' vice president/assistant GM of pro personnel, is one of "two or three finalists" for the Falcons GM job, league sources told ESPN.
Is Urban Meyer the favorite for the Jacksonville job? Could Eric Bieniemy get passed over again? Who's in line for the six GM openings?
The Falcons have been busy, having finished or scheduled interviews with eight candidates each for their open head-coaching and GM jobs.
Bieniemy interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets this week.
Here are the opponents for the Atlanta Falcons for the 2021 regular season: Home: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, Detroit Lions. Away: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers.
Veteran quarterback Matt Schaub, 39, is retiring after 16 seasons in the NFL.
— Tom Brady threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns Sunday, helping the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch the fifth seed in the NFC with a 44-27 regular season-ending win over the Atlanta Falcons.
What are the Bucs playing for? With a win against Atlanta or a Rams loss, Tampa Bay will secure the NFC's top wild-card seeding.
It wasn't long ago that a team's social media feed was schedules, brief news and maybe some photos. Those days are gone. They have personalities now. The people behind the avatars are trying to bring the Twitter and Instagram feeds to life.
Once the Falcons hire a new GM and coach, they must make decisions on the futures of Todd Gurley, Keanu Neal and Younghoe Koo.
"The biggest takeaway is that we can play with anybody," Raheem Morris said of the 17-14 loss to the 14-1 Chiefs. "I think we are close. "
Domonique Foxworth, Ryan Clark and Dan Orlovsky debate, why the Browns couldn't beat the Jets, if the Chiefs are a lock for the Super Bowl and which team will win the NFC East.
The speedy Hill tracked down the Falcons' Foyesade Oluokun 51 yards down the field following an interception.
— Kansas City clinched the top seed in the AFC and the only playoff bye when Patrick Mahomes threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson with just under two minutes for a 17-14 win over Atlanta on Sunday.
The Falcons held Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to just 17 total points, but Atlanta's offense couldn't come through.
TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Orleans | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 482 | 337 |
Tampa Bay | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 492 | 355 |
Carolina | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 350 | 402 |
Atlanta | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 396 | 414 |