Falcons vs. Seahawks Temporarily Delayed Because of Drone Flying over Lumen Field
Sep 25, 2022
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 25: Noah Fant #87 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lumen Field on September 25, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Sunday's Week 3 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons at Lumen Field has been temporarily delayed because of a drone flying over the field, per ESPN's Field Yates.
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter with the Falcons leading 27-23. Atlanta went on to win the game and poke fun at the incident on Twitter:
ProFootballTalk's Michael David Smith noted that Saturday's college football game between Washington and Stanford at Husky Stadium in Seattle was also delayed for the same issue. The drone was spotted flying over the stadium late in the fourth quarter.
However, it's unclear if both situations are related.
The Falcons went on to win 27-23 for their first victory of the season.
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 13 of 20 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown against one interception in the win. He also rushed for four yards and a score.
Cordarrelle Patterson led the Falcons on the ground with 17 carries for 141 yards and one touchdown, while Kyle Pitts led receivers with five catches for 87 yards. Rookie wide receiver Drake London also caught three passes for 54 yards and one score.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had an impressive performance despite the loss, completing 32 of 44 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns against one interception.
DK Metcalf and Will Dissly combined for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rashaad Penny rushed for 66 yards on 14 carries.
The Falcons will move on to face the Cleveland Browns next weekend, while the Seahawks will face the Detroit Lions.
Fantasy Alert: Falcons' Kyle Pitts Not Frustrated by Lack of Production; 'It's Early'
Sep 20, 2022
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 11: Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts (8) leaves the field following the conclusion of the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on September 11th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fantasy managers are beside themselves at Kyle Pitts' lack of production through the first two weeks of the season, but the Atlanta Falcons tight end is not worried.
"It's early. It's a long season. It's 17 games," Pitts told reporters Tuesday. "Could go farther. So I'm not getting frustrated."
Pitts has recorded just four receptions for 38 yards in two games, making him one of the season's biggest disappointments from a production standpoint.
If you can buy low on Pitts, now may be the time to strike. Michael Rothstein of ESPN reported 13 of the Falcons' pass plays in Week 2 had him as the primary target. His lack of production has largely been a product of defenses scheming for him and Pitts' poor play.
The Florida product has struggled to create separation running routes. NFL Next Gen Stats ranks him No. 138 among pass-catchers in average yards of separation. That won't lead to on-field success.
Pitts is one of the most physically gifted players to ever play the tight end position and is coming off one of the most productive rookie seasons for a tight end in league history. He didn't become bad at football overnight. He's adjusting from Matt Ryan to Marcus Mariota, but the Falcons continue to use Pitts as a focal point in their offense.
A vast improvement is coming. Smart managers will use this slow start to target Pitts this week in trade talks.
Falcons' Arthur Smith: 'You'll Continue to Write our Obituary' After Loss vs. Saints
Sep 11, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 27: Head coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons walks on the field prior to a preseason game the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith expects some negative reviews for his team following a 27-26 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Sunday's season opener.
"You'll continue to write our obituary," he told reporters. Who cares? We have 16 games."
He also said, "You buried us in May. Bury us again. We don't care. We'll get back to work."
It appeared as if reporters would be doing anything but burying the Falcons when they jumped out to a 26-10 lead in the fourth quarter and were in full control. While there were multiple scoring chances that saw the home team settle for field goals instead of punching it into the end zone, it was an impressive showing by the defense.
And then it fell apart.
The Saints scored 17 unanswered points to end the game, with Jameis Winston finding Michael Thomas for two touchdown passes and Wil Lutz drilling a 51-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winner.
There were some positive developments for a Falcons team that is expected to struggle this season. Marcus Mariota didn't throw an interception while running for 72 yards and a touchdown, rookie wide receiver Drake London flashed his potential with five catches for 74 yards, and Cordarrelle Patterson ran for 120 yards and a score.
Yet it wasn't enough down the stretch.
Atlanta is in a daunting division with the Saints and a potential Super Bowl contender in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so losing at home when the Falcons seemingly had the game in hand simply cannot happen if they are going to make the playoffs.
The Falcons will look to change the narrative in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Falcons' Desmond Ridder Draws Rave Reviews for Preseason Performance vs. Jets
Aug 23, 2022
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 28: Desmond Ridder #4 of Atlanta Falcons passes during a training camp practice at IBM Performance Field on July 28, 2022 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Desmond Ridder with a third-round draft pick, but he looked worthy of a first-rounder during Monday's preseason game against the New York Jets.
While Ridder was inconsistent at just 10-of-22 passing in his first NFL action against the Detroit Lions, the quarterback who helped the Cincinnati Bearcats become the first Group of Five team to reach the College Football Playoff made obvious strides in his second game.
Ridder directed two drives that ended in field goals, going 7-of-7 for 68 yards on the first one and stringing multiple downfield throws together during the second one. The second drive may have ended in a touchdown if penalties hadn't derailed it.
In all, the rookie went 10-of-13 for 143 yards while mixing in some screens, slants and needle-threading throws.
His performance drew rave reviews from social media:
Ridder is hitting his receivers in stride. That's what makes these throws even more impressive. You see the velocity and precision with these throws. Receivers don't have to make much adjustment to catch the ball and get YAC.
The Falcons already named Marcus Mariota the starter, and the Oregon product began Monday's game and connected with Olamide Zaccheaus for a touchdown. Yet Mariota is a familiar name with plenty of NFL experience, making Ridder more of a focal point during the preseason.
Atlanta may not miss a beat if it needs him to play during the regular season if Monday's performance was any indication.
Jets' Robert Saleh Praises Falcons' Kyle Pitts: 'He's a Create-a-Player on Madden'
Aug 19, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 09: Atlanta Falcons Tight End Kyle Pitts (8) during the final NFL regular season game between the Atlanta Falcions and the New Orleans Saints on January 9, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons second-year tight end Kyle Pitts appears to be primed for a monster season in 2022, and even opposing coaches are starting to take notice of his unique abilities.
After a joint practice with the New York Jets on Friday, Pitts received high praise from Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
"He's a create-a-player on Madden. That's exactly what you would look like," Saleh told reporters. "He's gonna be a dynamic football player for a long time."
Pitts was selected No. 4 overall in 2021, making him the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. He backed that up by recording 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and a touchdown, earning a selection to the Pro Bowl.
The Jets and Falcons will face each other in their second preseason game on Monday night at MetLife Stadium.
Drake London's Knee Injury Not Long-Term Concern for Falcons, Arthur Smith Says
Aug 14, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 12: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on from the sideline next to Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons while playing the Detroit Lions during a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons first-round wideout Drake London left Friday's preseason matchup with the Detroit Lions after suffering a knee injury and didn't practice Sunday, though the team doesn't appear to be overly worried about the situation.
"It's nothing that we're really concerned about long term," head coach Arthur Smith told reporters. "We'll be smart. He's had a really good training camp. We hope to get everyone back by the time the regular season rolls around."
Whether London will miss the remainder of the preseason remains to be seen.
"We'll see and we'll assess it week to week,” Smith told reporters. "He's had a really good camp. He's got his feet wet, and I'm pleased with him."
After years of top wideout play, namely from stars like Roddy White and Julio Jones, the Falcons found themselves at something of a crossroads this offseason with Calvin Ridley suspended for the year.
Enter London, whom the team selected with the No. 8 overall pick.
The 21-year-old had a fantastic junior season for USC in 2021, catching 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns, and the Falcons made him the first wideout off the board in April's draft, ahead of players like Garrett Wilson (New York Jets, No. 10 overall), Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints, No. 11), Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions, No. 12), Jahan Dotson (Washington Commanders, No. 16) and Treylon Burks (Tennessee Titans, No. 18), among others.
Injuries have been a factor in London's football career, however, as a broken right ankle cut his junior season short.
The Falcons aren't particularly deep at wideout, with players like Bryan Edwards, Olamide Zaccheaus and Auden Tate likely to feature at the position if London misses time. Promising young tight end Kyle Pitts will remain Marcus Mariota's top option in the passing game.
Desmond Ridder Didn't Want to Pay Lorenzo Carter for Falcons Number: I'm a Frugal Guy
Aug 5, 2022
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 28: Desmond Ridder #4 of Atlanta Falcons passes during a training camp practice on July 28, 2022 at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Desmond Ridder swapped his No. 9 jersey from his days at Cincinnati for the No. 4 jersey with the Atlanta Falcons, and there's a pretty simple reason for the switch.
Ridder said he messaged linebacker Lorenzo Carter after the draft to ask if he'd be willing to give up No. 9, but he turned Ridder down. The rookie signal-caller knew he likely could have bought the number from Carter but chose not to make an offer.
"I'm a frugal guy," Ridder said, per ESPN's Michael Rothstein. "I think the number change can wait."
The Falcons selected Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Cincinnati. He had an impressive senior season with the Bearcats, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 14 games.
The 22-year-old isn't expected to be named Atlanta's starting quarterback in 2022 with the addition of Marcus Mariota, but he could be the franchise's starter at some point in the future.
If he takes over the reins, he'll likely be able to get that No. 9 jersey back a little easier.
Kyle Pitts Says Falcons Will Contend for Playoffs and 'Maybe the Super Bowl'
Jul 27, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 09: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons sits up during warmups before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons have not been mentioned as a team that can truly contend for a playoff spot in 2022 in a tough NFC South that includes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, but second-year tight end Kyle Pitts believes otherwise.
"I do think we're going to contend and be able to fight for the playoffs and maybe the Super Bowl," Pitts told The Athletic's Josh Kendall. "It's a new year. I don't think about the past and negative things."
The Falcons selected Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL draft, and he quickly emerged as the team's top receiver, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season.
When he was drafted, the 21-year-old was supposed to complement a star-studded receiving group that included Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. However, Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans, and Ridley appeared in just five games before sitting out the remainder of the season to focus on his mental well-being.
The Falcons went on to finish third in the NFC South with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
However, Atlanta made a number of changes this offseason in preparation for the 2022 campaign. Most notably, the franchise traded veteran quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts and signed 2015 second overall pick Marcus Mariota in free agency.
Mariota is expected to be the team's starting quarterback this year, but the Falcons also selected Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, which means he could be the team's future at the position.
Mariota has not served as a starting quarterback since his days with the Tennessee Titans from 2015 to 2019, but he showed signs of improvement during his short stint backing up Derek Carr in Las Vegas in 2020 and 2021.
Atlanta also made some changes to its receiving group. selecting USC wide receiver Drake London eighth overall in the 2022 NFL draft, and trading for former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards.
Edwards had a solid 2021 campaign in Las Vegas, catching 34 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns on 59 targets in 16 games. London, meanwhile, was one of the best receivers available in the 2022 draft class and caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games with the Trojans last season.
Despite the changes, it's still going to be very difficult for the Falcons to compete within their own division. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers have loaded up for another Super Bowl run; the Saints have given Jameis Winston some legitimate targets; and now the Panthers have a new quarterback in Baker Mayfield who could benefit from a change of scenery in 2022.
The Falcons also have the worst odds to win the NFC South at +2800 and the second-worst odds to win the Super Bowl at +20000, per DraftKings SportsBook. So, despite Pitts' optimism, they're still a long way from contending.
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Marcus Mariota Named Falcons' Starting QB over Desmond Ridder at Start of Camp
Jul 27, 2022
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 27: Marcus Mariota #1 of Atlanta Falcons passes during a training camp practice on July 27, 2022 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
It didn't take long into training camp for Marcus Mariota to establish himself as the starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons.
"Obviously, we've got a plan for each of them. Marcus is the starter," quarterbacks coach Charles London said when discussing Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder after the initial practice of training camp on Wednesday, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "That’s how we're going into this thing."
London continued, saying "I expect those guys to compete. Right now, Marcus is the starter, and he's doing a great job."
Mariota signed a two-year, $18.75 million deal with the Falcons this offseason and immediately became the presumed starter since they also traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.
However, it was fair to wonder if his starting job was in jeopardy when the NFC South team selected Cincinnati's Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Ridder helped the Bearcats become the first Group of Five conference team to reach the College Football Playoff this past season when he completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,334 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions while adding 355 yards and six scores on the ground.
While Ridder's ceiling is certainly high and he may ultimately get an opportunity down the road, he can't match Mariota's experience at this point.
The Oregon product first became a household name when he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Ducks to the CFP national championship game. The Tennessee Titans then selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft and made him a starter during his rookie season.
Mariota started 61 games for the Titans during the next five seasons and even guided the team to a playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2017 campaign. He threw for more than 3,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017.
However, he was just a backup with the Las Vegas Raiders the past two years and has not started a game since losing his starting job to Ryan Tannehill in 2019.
At his best, Mariota can make plays with both his legs and his arm, and he will surely rely on tight end Kyle Pitts and rookie wide receiver Drake London while looking to lead the Falcons to a quick start this season.
If that quick start never comes, Ridder will be waiting in the wings.
Falcons DT Eddie Goldman Announces NFL Retirement; Spent 6 Seasons with Bears
Jul 19, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 24: Chicago Bears Nose Tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates during an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears on November 24, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Veteran defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is retiring from the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons announced his decision Tuesday.
Goldman spent his first six seasons in the league with the Chicago Bears.
Following his release by the Bears in March, the 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Falcons on July 6.
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported last July that some around the NFL thought Goldman was considering retirement. He sat out the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic and hadn't yet arrived at training camp.
Upon rejoining the team, Goldman spoke of how much he missed playing while on the sidelines the previous year.
"It was kind of painful, you know?" he told reporters last July. "Because when you’re used to the routine, it’s like you know what times they’re hitting the field at this time, they’re warming up around this time, they’re having the locker room speech. You know what I mean. All of that and just being away from it just kind of killed me."
It appears Goldman had a change of heart in terms of his passion for the game that could've been spurred on by his performance in 2021.
The 6'3" nose tackle appeared in 14 games and only made 10 starts, his fewest since 2016. Only once was he on the field for at least 50 percent of Chicago's defensive snaps. By comparison, he hit that threshold nine times in 2019.
Given his reputation, the Falcons were almost certainly counting on Goldman to at least provide competition for Anthony Rush for the starting nose tackle job. Now, they'll have to look elsewhere to bolster their depth on the interior of their line.
