2018 ScheduleAll times ET

2018 Schedule
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
2hMichael DiRocco

Ramsey on QBs: Allen 'trash,' Ryan 'overrated'

Jalen Ramsey didn't hold back when asked his opinions of the NFL's quarterbacks, telling GQ magazine that Josh Allen is "trash" and Matt Ryan is "overrated."

AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File
1dTim McManus

Wentz: It will be close call to play Week 1

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz hasn't been cleared for contact yet and says the decision on whether he'll play Week 1 against the Falcons is "going to be close."

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Naturally, Falcons wanted a better offensive showing than to be shut out 17-0 in first half of preseason opener vs. the Jets. Not much to say about the offense until Matt Schaub hit promising TE Eric Saubert with a couple passes near the end of the half. Of course, the playbook is vanilla in the exhibition season, and Falcons sat Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman tonight. Still, one expected a little more than an array of penalties and missed short-yardage situation. ... On defense, DB Damontae Kazee showing he deserves playing time despite picking up a penalty for lower the head. He's all over the field.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Julio Jones talks red zone and defensive coverages

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Julio Jones reiterating today what he has said in the past about opportunities in the red zone: ``It's very important for me and Matt to be on the same page down there in the red zone. Over the years, I have the ability to make plays, and he has the ability to put balls there. But it's all about us being on the same page, not having to think when we get down there, knowing where he's going to put the ball, and knowing what I can do before he puts the ball in there.'' Jones emphasized that there's no need to force the ball and that defensive coverages have taken away plays such as the fade. Jones had nine receptions on 24 red-zone targets last season (including playoffs) with a pair of touchdowns against the Patriots and the Rams (postseason). Falcons have put a renewed emphasis on red zone work during practice and even afterward.

John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports
9dVaughn McClure

Falcons, Allen agree on three-year extension

The Falcons have given safety Ricardo Allen a three-year, $19.5 million extension, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after Allen signed a restricted free-agent tender this offseason.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen gets three-year, $19.5 million extension, according to Adam Schefter. Allen had signed a one-year tender as a restricted free agent worth $2.914 million. Important part of the unit as the last line of defense and "eraser'' in the defensive backfield. Former fifth-round draft pick from Purdue was once on the practice squad. Next up for Falcons is extension for nose tackle Grady Jarrett.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Wrapping up today's practice for Falcons: More work in the red zone and scoring situations, with Matt Ryan hitting rookie Calvin Ridley in the corner of the end zone to end practice. ... Rookie LB Foyesade Oluokun continues to impress playing backup at base Will and nickel Will. Oluokun picked off a Matt Schaub pass off a deflection during 11 on 11. ``He's in that mix,'' LBs coach Jeff Ulbrich said. ... The Falcons ruled out K Matt Bryant (undisclosed) and OL Ty Sambrailo (hand) for Friday night's preseason opener vs. the Jets. The 43-year-old Bryant likely just getting rest, with rookie David Marvin handling the kicking. ... DE Takk McKinley, who had surgeries on both shoulders and then a bruised right shoulder, has not been ruled out for Friday but was limited in practice again Monday. ``It always sucks when you're not out there on the field,'' McKinley said. ``I play football. I'm not trying to be on the sideline. I'm trying to be out there on the field in the action. It sucks, but I just have to take it day by day.'' ... Fellow DE Vic Beasley Jr. had an outstanding bull rush in drills that knocked rookie OL Matt Gano on his back.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Matt Ryan talks about what the offense is doing to improve in red zone situations.

10d

Vaughn McClure, Falcons

Vaughn McClure talks to Jordan Cornette & Mike Wells about Julio Jones and what to expect this season from Atlanta this season.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Julio Jones on Hall of Famer Terrell Owens: "In my opinion, he's a great guy."

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

2016 NFL sack champion Vic Beasley Jr. picked the brains of Chuck Smith and Patrick Kerney, two former players that helped out at Falcons' training camp Wednesday. Smith, a pass-rush guru who had 58.5 sacks in 8 seasons with the Falcons, is on a two-day coaching internship. Kerney, who had 82.5 sacks in 11 seasons with the Falcons and Seahawks, was a special guest of coach Dan Quinn. ``He just taught us a couple moves,'' Beasley said of Kerney. ``It's up to us to take in what he tells us. I gained a lot from today.'' Beasley, a Georgia native, grew up a Falcons fans and remembered Kerney making plays. Smith and Kerney played together on the 1999 Falcons team, when Smith led the defense with 10 sacks. Kerney had 2.5 sacks as a rookie in '99. ``Both of them are really important,'' Quinn said of Smith and Kerney. ``I've known P.K. for a long time and coached him. Anytime you've had over 80 sacks in this league, you've got a lot to share. ... We're really pumped to have those two guys here.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen already putting his son through ladder drills.

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Team Stats

Passing Yards249.48th
Rushing Yards115.413th
Points For22.1
Points Against19.78th