March 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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There's nothing free about free agency. When the clock hit midnight, the Falcons were not innocent bystanders this season. The Falcons have stated that they plan to be fiscally responsible during free agency, but were in negotiations with free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, who played at Clarke Central in Athens and South Carolina, shortly after free agency begin. He was generally considered the top unrestricted player at his position. Talks went into the early morning and are set to pick up later on Friday. Robinson, who turns 27 in April, is a former first round pick (10th overall in 2004)."
February 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Atlanta Falcons wide receiving corps is in somewhat of a transitional phase as it looks to the 2010 Off-Season. Once a great source of strength, the wide receivers have been depleted by injuries, age, and failure to find young players that could take advantage of opportunities. Roddy White is the obvious playmaker of the position, making two consecutive Pro Bowls and going over 1,000 yards receiving and almost 25 touchdowns in 3 years. White continues to beat coverages and double-teams to make plays on the field. Even without a legitimate threat on the other side or the slot (at least last year), White maintains the ability to stretch the field, make big catches, and get in the ..."
February 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After the Pro Football Writers of America meeting (yours truly is second vice president), I caught up with Falcons coach Mike Smith and owner Arthur Blank while they were working radio row. (Missed Thomas Dimitroff, who made his rounds on Thursday). Smith talked with the local shows. He talked with Doc Walker and John Thompson from the D.C. station."
December 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was knocked out the game again Sunday, after taking another shot to his the same injured right ankle. Later, he was not sure the event was a coincidence On the Falcons' first play of the game, Turner charged up the middle for seven yards before New York Jets safety Jimmy Leonhard hit Turner low, plowing into the ankle that is still recovering from a five-week-old high sprain. Turner was originally injured when Carolina's Chris Gamble drilled him in the second quarter of a game on Nov. 15. "Michael did not get out of his first carry," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. Turner expects opposing teams to target his ankle, but stopped short of calling Leonhard's ..."
December 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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The Atlanta Falcons are in must-win mode with a 6-6 record, but their roster isn't cooperating. Quarterback Matt Ryan and tailback Michael Turner officially are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome after missing practice all week with toe and ankle injuries. Top cornerback Chris Houston has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and the offensive line is banged up, among other positions. Ryan and Turner have been deemed "game-time decisions." Ryan, who missed last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, was able to participate in walk-through sessions this week. Falcons Coach Mike Smith said Ryan will play if the team believes ..."
December 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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With the Falcons playoff hopes on the line, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux will very likely play against the New Orleans Saints Sunday. "We are aware of the situation concerning Jonathan Babineaux and are in the process of gathering information. Because this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time," a team spokesman said in a statement. In the past when players have been arrested, the team has allowed most to play pending their legal proceedings. However, Babineaux's arrest for possession of marijuana and four traffic violations will be reviewed under the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. In the wake of the Michael Vick ..."
December 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons starting cornerback Chris Houston has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, who have the league's third-ranked passing attack. Houston suffered a hamstring injury against the Eagles last Sunday. Brent Grimes is likely to start at his right cornerback position. Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe) did not take part in practice, but did more work in the team's closed Thursday morning walk-through. Also, running back Michael Turner (ankle) was held out of practice because Smith believes he has a chance to play on Sunday. Center Todd McClure (knee) returned to practice, but was limited."
December 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons coach Mike Smith is encouraged by Matt Ryan's recovery from his turf toe injury and did not rule him out of Sunday's game with the New Orleans Saints. This season when Smith knows a player will not be available, he has announced that at his Monday press conference. When a player has a chance to play, he has given other varied designations. It is not clear if Ryan has a first, second or third degree turf toe sprain. "I'm not a medical guy, but I know they grade the different injuries," Smith said. "We are encouraged because we are going to get a chance to see Matt out there on Wednesday, but as far as the grade I'm not going to comment about that." Smith is not sure if Ryan will ..."
December 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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We'll never know if this would have prevented the Falcons from returning to a pre-Michael Vick/Bobby-Petrino low Sunday. But it seems like a good time to broach this subject: Did the Falcons goof on a backup quarterback? Yes, this team's playoff hopes probably were sunk regardless without quarterback Matt Ryan. Add the absence of running back Michael Turner and several other injuries and the situation becomes even more desperate. But it has struck me for two seasons that the Falcons have gone on the cheap at backup quarterback. The salary cap limits options. But every team should have either: 1) A dependable veteran backup who has started games in the NFL, or, 2) A young quarterback ..."
December 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons were an injured lot before Sunday's game against Philadelphia. With five offensive starters watching in street clothes, the Falcons saw more than their playoff chances hurt with a 34-7 loss. They saw an anemic offense struggle as the replacements failed to come through when called upon. "We can't make excuses," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "There are no excuses. Injuries are a fact in the NFL and this late in the season you're going to have guys down. It just so happened that we're not as healthy as we would have like to been, and when that happens the next man up has to step up and do the job. We will not make excuses. It's the Atlanta Falcons football team. It's the guy's ..."
December 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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For the third consecutive day, four Falcons offensive starters did not practice for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) did not practice Friday. While Ryan has been ruled out of the game, the other three players were listed as questionable on the injury report."
December 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons received some good injury news. Wide receiver Brian Finneran returned to practice and looks as if he'll be able to play Sunday against the Eagles. "Having Brian back is going to be big for us," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Thursday. "It gives us another healthy wide receiver." Finneran suffered a left knee injury against Washington and has missed the past three games. "He's looking very good," Smith said. "He's moving around. It should be a go for him." Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) did not practice for the second consecutive day."
December 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons' road to the playoffs is strewn with far less obstacles than some of their NFC brethren. The Falcons have the third-weakest remaining schedule (opponents hold an aggregate 27-27 record) of the eight NFC teams with records over .500. The Falcons close out with games against Philadelphia (7-4), New Orleans (10-0), at the New York Jets (5-6), Buffalo (4-7) and at Tampa Bay (1-10). New Orleans (unbeaten before Monday's game with New England) has the weakest remaining schedule (22-33). After New England, the Saints play Washington (3-8), at Atlanta (6-5), Dallas (8-3), Tampa Bay (1-10) and at Carolina (4-7). Green Bay (7-4) has the second-weakest remaining schedule (27-28). ..."
December 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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Mike Smith admits he doesn't play poker. So when the Falcons' coach said Monday, "You have to deal with the hand that you're dealt," he chose not to expand on that thought with, "Do I have to ante twice for new cards, or is this where I bluff?" The Falcons went 11-5 last season. What went wrong? They added Tony Gonzalez and Mike Peterson and Peria Jerry to a team that went to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback who only figured to get better in season two. What happened? Are twos, fours and sixes wild? Because if so, they'll be fine. The Philadelphia Eagles and a well-known second-string quarterback come to the Georgia Dome Sunday. This game conceivably could determine the Falcons' ..."
December 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Shultz
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The New Orleans Saints just put up 38 points on the New England Patriots, who had been allowing the second-fewest points in the NFL (16.4). So what are the Saints going to do the Falcons in two weeks - and at what point would it be considered a felony? If you missed it, New Orleans body-slammed the Patriots, 38-17, Monday night. They're 11-0. When they were only 6-0 going into a game against the Falcons, I laughed at suggestions they might go undefeated. I now laugh at myself. (Feel free to join in.) The Saints are the best team in the NFL - better than the 11-0 Indianapolis Colts, better than Brett Favre and Minnesota (10-1). And about those signs of seeming slippage in recent weeks: ..."
November 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons' win over Tampa Bay came at a considerable price. Over the course of the game, quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, guard Harvey Dahl and, depending on whom you ask, offensive tackle Sam Baker all left the game with injuries. Their prognoses for Sunday's game against Philadelphia and beyond are uncertain. Ryan was out after the first series with a toe injury on his right foot, replaced by Chris Redman. Turner left in the third quarter after reinjuring his right ankle. Dahl and Baker left in the first half. According to a press box announcement, Dahl injured his right ankle and Achilles tendon. While coach Mike Smith said Baker was "banged up in a number of ..."
November 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report that was released Friday. Turner, the team's leading rusher, suffered a high ankle sprain against Carolina on Nov. 15 and did not play Sunday against the New York Giants. He has been limited this week in practice. The questionable designation means the Falcons believe Turner has a 50 percent chance of playing against Tampa Bay at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome."
November 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both practiced again on Thursday. Norwood fully participated, while Turner was limited. "Jerious is definitely ahead of Mike," Smith said. "Mike is probably going to down to the wire in terms of a game-time decision on if he's going to be able to play or not.""
November 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has been receiving continued treatment for his right high ankle sprain, returned to practice on Wednesday. "Michael was limited today and took some reps," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Hopefully, we'll get a good read on him after practice and tomorrow." Turner was injured early in the second quarter against Carolina and did not play last week against the New York Giants. The Falcons are hopeful that he will be able to play against Tampa Bay on Sunday."
November 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner has been receiving continued treatment for his right high ankle sprain, but he remains uncertain how close he is to returning to action. "I'm just taking it easy right now and hoping for the best," Turner said Monday. The team's leading rushing, Turner didn't play against the New York Giants on Sunday, nor did he test the injury, suffered against Carolina on Nov.15, by running on the field before the game. "We didn't get that far," Turner said. Jason Snelling, who filled in for Turner, is likely to do so again Sunday against Tampa Bay. But Turner doesn't want to rule himself out yet. "It's an ankle sprain," Turner said. "These injuries are kind of like ..."
November 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has not practiced since suffering a high right ankle sprain last Sunday, was listed as "doubtful" Friday for Sunday's game against the New York Gaints. The team released its NFL-mandated injury report. Also, wide receiver Brian Finneran was declared out for the game, an important NFC battle between two 5-4 teams. Under NFL rules, the "doubtful" designation means that there is a 75 percent chance that Turner will not play."
November 15
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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An extended lost of running back Michael Turner could handicap the Falcons in their bid for a second consecutive playoff trip. Turner was turning in another stellar effort before suffering a sprained right ankle. The injury was severe enough for him not to return to the game. He had nine rushes for 111 yards with just over nine minutes left in the second quarter before going down. He left the game after two runs to move the ball down to Carolina's 15 with 9:08 left in the second quarter. On a 10-yard run up the middle, he was tackled by Carolina's Jon Beason and left the game. He was seen trying to walk for the trainers on the sidelines before leaving the field to go to the locker room. ..."
November 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons wide receiver Roddy White and offensive tackle Sam Baker returned to practice Friday. White (knee) and Baker (ankle) did not practice Thursday, but were limited in their participation on Friday. "I anticipate them being ready to go on Sunday afternoon," Falcons coach Mike Smith said."
October 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons are set to give tryouts to three defensive linemen on Tuesday, the team confirmed. Antwan Lake, Orpheus Roye and Paul Spicer set to visit and workout. Lake, 30, is a former Falcon. He has played 79 games in the league including 12 starts. He played 29 games for the Falcons, with four starts in 2004 and 2005. Oprheus Roye, 36, has played for Pittsburgh and Cleveland since 1996. He's played defensive end and tackle. He has 180 games and 128 starts in the league."
September 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Jerious Norwood did not practice Wednesday and might not be available for the game against New England on Sunday. Norwood suffered a head injury Sunday against Carolina, and coach Mike Smith said Norwood was "day by day." Norwood initially suffered a head injury in the preseason when he took a crushing hit from San Diego's Antonio Cromartie. He missed the final exhibition game. Norwood caught a career-high six passes in the season opener against Miami but did not return kicks. Last week, he took back his kickoff-return duties before leaving the game with a head injury. Against the Panthers, Jason Snelling took over the backup running back role for Norwood. He had 37 ..."
August 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White signed a contract extension Saturday night, ending his holdout that began July 31. "We're always going to be an organization that rewards players for being productive on the field and good citzens off of it," said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff. "We are glad to get this contract situation resolved and look forward to a long association with Roddy." Terms were not available. Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald is the NFL's top-paid receiver with a four-year, $40 million contract. The deal ends White's eight-day holdout. He was fined $15,888 per day during the holdout. White is expected to attend practice Monday. "Roddy is extremely happy that ..."
August 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The tone of Roddy White's negotiations with the Falcons has taken a turn for the worse. "I'm a little bit disappointed with the direction that the negotiations are going at this point," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Wednesday. "It's one of those situations where both parties are digging in and feel strongly about their case." There were discussions Tuesday that went well into the evening. White, who is under contract for the 2009 season, wants a contract in the financial neighborhood of Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, who recently signed a four-year $40 million deal. The Falcons apparently are not willing to go that high. Before Tuesday's talks, Dimitroff thought things were ..."
August 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The tone of Roddy White's negotiations with the Falcons has taken a turn for the worse. "I'm a little bit disappointed with the direction that the negotiations are going at this point," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Wednesday. "It's one of those situations where both parties are digging in and feel strongly about their case." There were discussions Tuesday that went well into the evening. White, who is under contract for the 2009 season, wants a contract in the financial neighborhood of Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, who recently signed a four-year $40 million deal. The Falcons apparently are not willing to go that high. Before Tuesday's talks, Dimitroff thought things were ..."
July 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Michael Vick could be on his way back to the NFL if a team signs him before, during or following a four-game suspension levied by Commissioner Roger Goodell. ESPN.com reported Thursday that Goodell issued a conditional reinstatement for the suspended former Falcons quarterback that will allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team, but will still suspend Vick for the first four games of the 2009 season. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, however, told The Associated Press on Thursday no decisions on Vick's future have been made. "This is a serious matter," Aiello said in an e-mail. "We are engaging in a careful and thoughtful process." Vick, fresh from serving 23-months in federal ..."
July 14
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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When the Falcons take the field to start training camp on Aug. 1, defensive end John Abraham will be right there. Rich Rosa, Abraham's agent, disputed a report that Abraham was unhappy with his contract and was considering a holdout. A report surfaced on NFL Network last week that there were "rumblings" of an Abraham holdout. The Falcons, who don't comment about player contracts, acknowledged that they had not been approached by Abraham's agent about re-doing his six-year, $45 million contact. "It's a long offseason and they have to stir the pot," Rosa said. "We don't know where that is coming from. There won't be a holdout. He'll be there when camp opens." Abraham was traded to the ..."
June 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Mark Bradley
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It has been speculated for some time that Michael Vick, of whom you've heard, is apt to play in the UFL before he returns to the NFL. The UFL, as you might not know, stands for the United Football League, a start-up that includes all of four teams. On ESPN.com, Pat Yasinskas speculates that Vick would most likely land in Orlando. (The other three franchises are based in New York/Hartford, Los Angeles/Las Vegas and Sacramento/San Francisco. If this sounds confusing, here's a fine explanation of the UFL from Ted Fleming on the Tampa Bay Sports Examiner.) Yasinskas' reasoning: The UFL operates on a regional basis, and Orlando would get dibs on anyone who has played in the NFC South. Also: ..."