Atlanta Falcons

Ravens' starting QB vs. Falcons still a tossup
Baltimore Sun | August 27, 2008
Boller out; Flacco to get call again if illness sidelines Smith Boller facing serious shoulder injury, out for preseason finale; Flacco to get call again if illness sidelines Smith Ravens Insider: Protecting the quarterbacks generateDate('Aug. 27, 2008 17:22 -0400', '5:22 PM');

Ex-Falcon Humphrey nominated for hall of fame
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 27, 2008
Canton, Ohio — Claude Humphrey and Bob Hayes were nominated by the seniors committee Wednesday as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Shockley seeks final Falcons' QB spot
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 27, 2008
A rainy Monday practice done, D.J. Shockley was the last player standing on the artificial landscape of the Falcons indoor facility. He had one little bit of extra throwing to do.

Falcons report: Roster cuts coming
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 26, 2008
Flowery Branch — The Falcons reached the league's roster limit of 75 players with relative ease Tuesday with two player moves.

Falcons defense could be Matt Ryan's best friend
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 26, 2008
Flowery Branch — With Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan expected to meander through pockets of success and inconsistency, the defense could hold the key to the team's success, or lack thereof.

Gaither back at practice, wants to play Thursday vs. Falcons
Baltimore Sun | August 26, 2008
In the second positive sign in as many weeks for the Ravens' offensive line, Jared Gaither returned to practice for the first time in nearly a month.

Gaither back, ready to prove himself
Baltimore Sun | August 26, 2008
T he Ravens received good news about their quarterback situation yesterday. No, they didn't sign Aaron Brooks or Daunte Culpepper, but they did announce that starting left offensive tackle Jared Gaither would begin practicing.

Healthy Flacco standing alone
Baltimore Sun | August 26, 2008
If recovered, QB Smith to start Thursday Health - not Harbaugh - could determine the Ravens' starting quarterback.

Falcons are finding mix of experience
Macon Telegraph | August 25, 2008
Entering his 10th year coaching in the NFL, Mike Smith knows that preseason stats are essentially meaningless.

Ryan's not 'like Mike,' but Falcons put trust in rookie QB
USA Today | August 25, 2008
In reality, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is very much a rookie as he adjusts to the warp speed of the NFL game and ...

Joey Harrington knows what Matt Ryan faces
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 25, 2008
Flowery Branch — There may not be anyone who knows more about what Matt Ryan is about to endure as a highly drafted, well-compensated, starting rookie quarterback than Joey Harrington.

Martrez Milner returns to Falcons practice
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 25, 2008
Flowery Branch — A day after the Falcons signed 14-year veteran tight end Marcus Pollard, injured tight end Martrez Milner returned to practice on Monday.

Falcons pick rookie Matt Ryan as starting QB
USA Today | August 25, 2008
Former Boston College star Matt Ryan will be the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback this season. The No. 3 overall draft pick ...

Falcons pick Ryan as QB
Detroit News | August 25, 2008
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Rather than give quarterback Matt Ryan a few games to watch from the sideline, the Falcons decided Sunday to throw the rookie into the fire as their starter.

Falcons make rookie Matt Ryan their starting QB
Kansas City Star | August 25, 2008
Rather than give Matt Ryan a few games to watch from the sideline, the Falcons decided on Sunday to throw the rookie into the fire as their starter.

UPDATE: Falcons pick Ryan as starting quarterback
Macon Telegraph | August 24, 2008
Rather than give Matt Ryan a few games to watch from the sideline, the Atlanta Falcons decided today to throw the rookie into the fire as their starter.

Falcons undecided on who will back up Ryan
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 24, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons head coach Mike Smith said that though the starting quarterback job has been decided, there are several jobs still up for grabs.

Falcons pick top draft choice Ryan to start at QB
Baltimore Sun | August 24, 2008
Rather than give Matt Ryan a few games to watch from the sideline, the Falcons decided on Sunday to throw the rookie into the fire as their starter.

Falcons name Ryan starting quarterback
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 24, 2008
Flowery Branch — It took four months, but the clarity Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he needed to name his starting quarterback came this weekend.

Falcons sign tight end Pollard
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 24, 2008
The Falcons signed tight end Marcus Pollard on Sunday, after the 14-year veteran was released by New England last Wednesday.

Falcons sign TE Pollard, release Cooper
Kansas City Star | August 24, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran tight end Marcus Pollard on Sunday and released tight end George Cooper.

Falcons seek to regain fans' confidence this season
Macon Telegraph | August 23, 2008
The scene reminded Thomas Dimitroff of something out of "A Beautiful Mind," the movie about a mathematical genius.

Crumpler holds no bad feelings about Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 23, 2008
Falcons owner Arthur Blank politely waited to get in a word with Tennessee tight end Alge Crumpler, who stood near the players' lounge at the Georgia Dome speaking with reporters and old friends after Atlanta's 17-3, preseason victory over the Titans on Friday.

Ryan gets preseason victory for Falcons in first start
Macon Telegraph | August 23, 2008
One start, one win for Matt Ryan.

Finneran makes case to stay with Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 23, 2008
Wide receiver Brian Finneran, fighting for a roster spot after missing the past two seasons with torn knee ligaments, made a strong case for his retention against the Tennessee Titans in the Falcons' exhibition home finale Friday night.

Ryan gets win in first start as Falcons top Titans
USA Today | August 23, 2008
Matt Ryan was a winner in his first preseason start, perhaps moving the rookie closer to being named the Falcons' regular-season ...

Falcons' antics during game frustrate Titans
Tennessean | August 23, 2008
ATLANTA — The Titans pride themselves on being a physical team. The Falcons are trying to establish the same identity under new Coach Mike Smith.

Rookie linebacker Lofton impresses
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 22, 2008
Quarterback Matt Ryan was not the only key rookie making his first start for the Falcons Friday.

Matt Ryan looks good as Falcons starter
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 22, 2008
Matt Ryan, fresh off his 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of the Falcons' 17-3 preseason victory over Tennessee Friday, jubilantly jogged back to the sideline. He was met with pats on the back and high fives by a slew of players and coaches.

Falcons defensive line aims to disrupts offenses
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 22, 2008
Falcons defensive line coach Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton has options.

Preseason Preview: Titans (2-0) at Falcons (0-2)
Tennessean | August 22, 2008
• Where: Georgia Dome

Ryan's first start won't be on live TV
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 21, 2008
Atlanta fans clicking on their TVs in hopes of seeing rookie QB Matt Ryan's first NFL start Friday night will find "Jaws: The Revenge" on their screens instead.

Falcons' Anderson knows it's time to produce
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 21, 2008

Falcons react to death of union chief Upshaw
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 21, 2008
The death of NFL Hall of Famer and NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw Thursday led to widespread reaction from members of the Falcons organization.

Hartsock wants no part of comparisons
Macon Telegraph | August 21, 2008
For anyone tempted to compare the starting tight ends for Tennessee and Atlanta on Friday night, Ben Hartsock would like to make one point clear.

Lofton may get to join Falcons' starters
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 20, 2008

Falcons coaches start process of trimming roster
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 20, 2008

Falcons OT Weiner likely to play vs. Titans
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 20, 2008
Flowery Branch — Veteran right offensive tackle Todd Weiner could see his first action of the preseason Friday night against Tennessee at the Georgia Dome.

NFL: Falcons release Horn after trying to trade him
Philly.com | August 20, 2008
Horn said he was relieved that he now could pursue a job with another team.

Falcons release veteran wide receiver Joe Horn
Orlando Sentinel | August 20, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons have cut veteran WR Joe Horn.

Raiders' Hall has ligament damage in hand
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 19, 2008
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Oakland Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall has ligament damage in his right hand and may have to wear a protective cast for the rest of the preseason.

Falcons release veteran wide receiver Joe Horn
Associated Press | August 19, 2008
Joe Horn, released by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday after the team couldn't trade the veteran receiver, said he is relieved he can pursue a job with another team....

Falcons release veteran WR Horn
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 19, 2008
Flowery Branch -- The Falcons ended the standoff with unhappy wide receiver Joe Horn and released him Tuesday.

Falcons find comfort at safety spot
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 19, 2008
Flowery Branch — When Falcons backup safety Daren Stone enters the game, there are usually some bodies flying nearby.

Falcons release veteran receiver Joe Horn, stuck with paying $2.5 million salary
Star Tribune | August 19, 2008

Falcons release veteran WR Joe Horn
USA Today | August 19, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons have cut veteran wide receiver Joe Horn. The 36-year-old Horn was released on Tuesday by the Falcons, who ...

Vick's Sugarloaf home still on market
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 19, 2008
Michael Vick is still trying to sell his Sugarloaf home in an attempt to fund his bankruptcy case and make payments to creditors.

Single-game Falcons tickets go on sale Friday
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 19, 2008
Just 16 days before their regular season opener, the Falcons will put single-game tickets on sale. The team announced that starting Friday at 9 a.m., fans can purchase tickets for the eight home games. A three-game package went on sale last week.

Ryan to start, play first half against Titans
Macon Telegraph | August 18, 2008
Matt Ryan's next shot at winning the starting quarterback job for the Atlanta Falcons will come in his first preseason start.

Turner content to wait for Falcons' rebuilding progress
USA Today | August 18, 2008
Michael Turner expected a significant number of teams to pursue him as a free agent after he showed considerable promise as a ...

Ryan will start Falcons? third preseason game
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 18, 2008
Flowery Branch — The quarterback of the future will be the quarterback of the present.

Abraham returns to Falcons practice
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 18, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who injured his right ankle in the preseason opener at Jacksonville, returned to practice on Monday.

Falcons' offense takes step back in second contest
Macon Telegraph | August 18, 2008
Rookie Matt Ryan and fellow quarterbacks Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley combined for three interceptions and one lost fumble in the Atlanta Falcons' 16-9 preseason loss Saturday to Indianapolis.

Comparing the Falcons QBs
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 17, 2008
Take a look at the stats of the four Falcons QBs below, then vote for the one that you think should start the regular-season opener.

Sorgi outplays Ryan in Colts' win over Falcons
Indianapolis Star | August 17, 2008

ALL THE WAY THE OTHER WAY
Colts.com | August 17, 2008
Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden made the key play for the Colts in their 17-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons Saturday, returning an interception 67 yards for a touchdown. But because the play came in the preseason, Hayden said it only mattered to a point.

Falcons' Turner turns on burners in preseason loss
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 17, 2008
It really didn't matter who played quarterback for the Falcons Saturday. This was Michael Turner's night.

Horn misses Falcons game with leg injury
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 17, 2008

Interception for TD ruins Ryan's night
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 17, 2008
Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan had a shaky Georgia Dome debut in Saturday's preaseason game against Indianapolis.

Turner shines, Ryan struggles at Dome
Macon Telegraph | August 16, 2008
Michael Turner proved Saturday night that he's ready to be a starter.

Sorgi outplays Ryan in Colts' win over Falcons
Associated Press | August 16, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) -- Jim Sorgi eased some concerns at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts....

Sorgi outplays Ryan in Colts' win over Falcons
San Francisco Chronicle | August 16, 2008
Jim Sorgi eased some concerns at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Matt Ryan and journeyman Chris Redman made the Atlanta Falcons wonder who will run their offense in 2008. With no apparent timetable on Peyton Manning's return from knee surgery,...

Sorgi outplays Ryan in Colts' win over Falcons
San Francisco Chronicle | August 16, 2008
Jim Sorgi eased some concerns at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Matt Ryan and journeyman Chris Redman made the Atlanta Falcons wonder who will run their offense in 2008. With no apparent timetable on Peyton Manning's return from knee surgery,...

6 Colts starters being held out of game vs Falcons
Orlando Sentinel | August 15, 2008
Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney will miss their third straight preseason game for the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

Things to watch as Falcons face Colts
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 15, 2008
The Falcons play their second preseason game against Indianapolis Saturday night with Joey Harrington as the starting quarterback. With several issues unsettled, Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche analyzes the state of the team a week before the first round of player cuts (from 80 to 75). Here are seven things to look for:

Rookie QB's don't win immediately in NFL
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 15, 2008
A study of rookie quarterbacks indicates that the Falcons might as well pencil themselves in for a losing season if they start Matt Ryan from the beginning.

Harrington still finds ray of hope in Atlanta
Macon Telegraph | August 14, 2008
Joey Harrington's teammates in Detroit sometimes called him "Joey Sunshine" for staying upbeat after another crushing loss.

Shockley has advice for Dogs' QB Stafford
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 14, 2008
Athens — Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley had some advice for Georgia's Matthew Stafford with regard to playing behind a young and inexperienced offensive line.

Elam wins over teammates with 56-yard kick
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 14, 2008
Flowery Branch — All of the Falcons players stormed the field after kicker Jason Elam made a 56-yard field goal near the end of Thursday's morning practice.

Harrington to start Saturday for Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 14, 2008
Flowery Branch — It's Joey Harrington's turn – again.

Finneran attempting comeback from injuries
Macon Telegraph | August 13, 2008
The last time Brian Finneran caught a pass in a real game for the Atlanta Falcons, Jim Mora was the head coach and Michael Vick was the quarterback.

Falcons' McClure, Houston return to practice
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 13, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons starting center Todd McClure, who had been out with a back injury, took part in his first full-contact practice of training camp Wednesday.

Confident White to be key target for Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 13, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is feeling it right now. He doesn't catch passes. He snatches them. Defensive backs are going to feel him too — a stiff arm or some lip after he makes a play is how he's been inflicting most of his damage this preseason.

Horn desperately wants to leave Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 12, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn said he wants to be traded or cut so badly that he has "contemplated" restructuring or forfeiting part of the $2.5 million in guaranteed base salary he's owed.

Elam works on mechanics after 2 misses
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 12, 2008
Flowery Branch — Kicker Jason Elam smiled when asked about his Falcons debut Saturday, then he stated the obvious.

Dahl's physical play gives him advantage at guard
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 12, 2008
Flowery Branch — The Falcons' new regime is working on an extreme makeover of the team's offensive line — personnel and blocking style.

NFL Preseason Preview - Indianapolis (0-2) at Atlanta (0-1)
Kansas City Star | August 12, 2008
Quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith will be among those making their home Georgia Dome debuts on Saturday night, when the Atlanta Falcons play host to the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason matchup.

Ojinnaka showing versatility of Falcons' offensive line
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 12, 2008
Flowery Branch — Quinn Ojinnaka officially became the most versatile player with the Falcons when he was moved to third-team center Tuesday.

Coaches seeing progress in rookies Ryan, Baker, others
Macon Telegraph | August 11, 2008
Matt Ryan isn't the only rookie having a good training camp with the Atlanta Falcons.

Back injury takes another Falcons center
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 11, 2008
Flowery Branch — Alex Stepanovich, the Falcons' backup center, suffered a back injury at practice Monday and was taken off the field on a cart.

Milloy sees potential in young Falcons defense
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 11, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy isn't into rebuilding. Yet, when he looks to around that's all he can see — new guy here, young guys there, another coaching staff.

RELEASE: COLTS AT FALCONS
Colts.com | August 11, 2008
Finishing the road portion of the 2008 preseason schedule, the Indianapolis Colts, 0-2, meet the Atlanta Falcons, 0-1, on Saturday, August 16, in the Georgia Dome. Kickoff for the contest is 7:30 p.m. (EDT).

Stepanovich carted off field with injury
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 11, 2008
Flowery Branch — The Falcons suffered another injury at the center position this morning when center Alex Stepanovich hurt his back at training camp.

NFL: Falcons' Ryan is off to impressive start
Philly.com | August 11, 2008
Tra Thomas got some of the attention, too, after the starting left tackle had to leave practice because of back spasms.

Ryan shines in Falcons debut
Buffalo News | August 11, 2008
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- New Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith said he wasn't looking for a tie or a moral victory in his team's preseason opener against Jacksonville.

Steelers sign ex-Falcon QB Leftwich
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 10, 2008
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich on Sunday, choosing the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter over Daunte Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl player.

Falcons rookie Ryan 'proved himself' to teammates
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 10, 2008
In addition to learning the playbook, one of the hardest things rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has to do is win over the locker room.

Late Shockley interception starts Falcons off with a loss
Macon Telegraph | August 10, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons waited about eight minutes to launch the Matt Ryan era.

Falcons coach: 'I wanted to win that game'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 10, 2008
Jacksonville — Falcons kicker Jason Elam thought about running onto the field as Atlanta drove to the 5-yard line, down three points to Jacksonville, with 17 seconds left in Saturday's preseason opener.

Scoring drive highlights Ryan's Falcons debut
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 10, 2008
Jacksonville -- Roddy White's acrobatic touchdown catch over his back shoulder was the actual highlight. However, since the second-quarter grab was a perfectly read, 25-yard beam thrown by Falcons' rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, guess where the focus fell?

Recap: Jacksonville vs. Atlanta
Kansas City Star | August 10, 2008
Pierson Prioleau intercepted D.J. Shockley in the end zone in the waning second of regulation and the Jacksonville Jaguars held on to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 20-17, in the preseason opener for both teams.

Falcons' Abraham leaves game
Kansas City Star | August 10, 2008
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham sustained a right ankle injury in Saturday's preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will not return.

Falcons rookie Baker shows poise of veteran
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 10, 2008
Jacksonville — Falcons rookie left tackle Sam Baker, making his pro football debut Saturday, showed the poise on a veteran.

Fumble-prone Jaguars edge Ryan, Falcons
San Francisco Chronicle | August 09, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons waited about eight minutes to launch the Matt Ryan era. They'll have to wait longer for Ryan's first win. Jacksonville rested Fred Taylor and lost three fumbles but still had enough offense to beat the Falcons 20-17 on Saturday night in...

Fumble-prone Jaguars edge Ryan, Falcons
San Francisco Chronicle | August 09, 2008
The Atlanta Falcons waited about eight minutes to launch the Matt Ryan era. They'll have to wait longer for Ryan's first win. Jacksonville rested Fred Taylor and lost three fumbles but still had enough offense to beat the Falcons 20-17 on Saturday night in...

Smith returns to Jacksonville
Macon Telegraph | August 09, 2008
No one expects the Atlanta Falcons to finish near first place in the NFC South, but players give new head coach Mike Smith credit when they say they already feel they're on top.

Q&A with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 08, 2008
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, the son of a former NFL scout, knows the importance of having a top-notch scouting department.

Falcons ticket packages to go on sale Monday
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 08, 2008
The Falcons have offered season-ticket holders first chance to purchase a three-game ticket package that will go on sale to the public on Monday.

Falcons' Finneran confident he can make return
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 08, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran hopes to clear a major hurdle to returning to the NFL after a two-year hiatus Saturday night against Jacksonville.

Preseason part of Falcons' evaluations process
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 08, 2008
Heading into Saturday night's preseason opener at Jacksonville, Falcons coaches have specific things they will evaluate from their players as they work to shape the team's roster. Some of the team's position coaches explain what they'll be keying on:

PC's Ryan is No. 2 QB for Falcons
Philly.com | August 08, 2008
Some key questions are:

Starters better bring name tags for game
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 07, 2008
Flowery Branch — The Falcons will have as many as 12 new starters in Saturday's exhibition opener against Jacksonville. There could be six on defense and six on offense from the starting lineup that closed last regular season against Seattle.

Redman to start Atlanta's preseason opener
Macon Telegraph | August 07, 2008
Chris Redman has edged out rookie Matt Ryan and will start at quarterback in the Atlanta Falcons' preseason opener Saturday night at Jacksonville.

Redman to start preseason opener
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 07, 2008
Flowery Branch — Chris Redman, who this time a year ago was fighting for a roster spot, will start the Falcons' exhibition season opener Saturday in Jacksonville, coach Mike Smith announced Thursday afternoon.

Falcons sign OL Datish, waive kicker Lovell
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 07, 2008
The Falcons made two roster moves today. The team signed free agent offensive lineman Doug Datish and waived kicker Kevin Lovell.

Falcons preseason tickets to go on sale Friday
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 07, 2008
The Falcons will put single-game tickets for both home preseason games on sale Friday.

Former Jags assistant Mike Smith aims to change the 'culture' for Falcons
Orlando Sentinel | August 07, 2008
When former Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith took over the Atlanta Falcons, he took over a team in disarray whose former quarterback was in jail and whose former coach had told his players in a memo that he was leaving.

Norwood may finally get increased role
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 06, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons running back Jerious Norwood spends a lot of his down time wearing camouflage, trying to blend into Mother Nature's tapestry while hunting.

Ex-Falcon DB Jimmy Williams suspended
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 06, 2008
Former Falcons defensive back Jimmy Williams, the team's top draft pick in 2006, has been suspended by the league for five games, his agent confirmed to Pro Football Weekly.

Lack of offensive line depth concerns Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 06, 2008

Falcons rookie Ryan signs endorsement deal with AirTran
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 06, 2008
The guy who is supposed to replace Michael Vick as the Falcons' quarterback also will replace him on AirTran Airways' billboards.

Shockley: No more waiting
Macon Telegraph | August 05, 2008
Forget any suggestion that D.J. Shockley should wait another week to make his preseason debut for the Atlanta Falcons.

Ex-UGA linebacker to start for Falcons
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 05, 2008
Flowery Branch — Tony Taylor, an undrafted free agent from the University of Georgia, will start at middle linebacker for the Falcons in their exhibition season opener at Jacksonville on Saturday.

Thomas back with a glow from Hall induction
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 05, 2008
Flowery Branch — Assistant head coach Emmitt Thomas returned to Falcons practice Tuesday after spending the previous five days in Canton, Ohio, where he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Falcons undecided on QB rotation for Jacksonville game
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 05, 2008
FLOWERY BRANCH — The quarterback rotation for Saturday's preseason opener at Jacksonville won't be set until Thursday, head coach Mike Smith said. Chris Redman, Matt Ryan, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley are in an open competition for the starting job and two backup spots.

Anderson trying to put rookie season in past
Macon Telegraph | August 04, 2008
Jamaal Anderson is willing to talk about his expectations for 2008.

Stewart says Ryan, offense good fit
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 04, 2008
Flowery Branch — Former Pro Bowl quarterback Kordell Stewart, who performed in the same offense, said Monday that rookie Matt Ryan is coming along fine in the Falcons' attack.

Wire adds strength to Falcons linebacker corps
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 04, 2008
Flowery Branch — Just beyond the midpoint of last season, Coy Wire's fingers went numb. His chisled right arm fell weak.

Falcons' new defense begins with attitude
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 04, 2008
Falcons assistant coach Brian VanGorder is still the loudest person on the practice field. But now, as defensive coordinator, he gets to yell at the entire unit and not just the linebackers. Even the assistant coaches may get an earful if they are slipping up on substitutions. After a recent practice, VanGorder, the former Georgia assistant and Georgia Southern head coach, answered questions from AJC staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter about his changing role and evolving unit.

Falcons put on show for fans
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 02, 2008
The Falcons wanted the thousands of people who attended Saturday's simulated, non-contact "game" at the Georgia Dome to have a full experience. There were autograph signings, miked referees, public-address announcements and player introductions.

Patriots signs former Falcons OL Stokes
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 02, 2008
Foxborough, Mass. — The New England Patriots have signed offensive lineman Barry Stokes and placed Anthony Clement on the injured reserve list with a knee injury.

Once unheralded Emmitt Thomas entering Hall of Fame
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 02, 2008
Canton, Ohio — He was a raw rookie from an obscure, historically black college that no longer exists. He was undrafted, unheralded and unpretentious.

Redman not willing to yield without fight
Macon Telegraph | August 02, 2008
Chris Redman already pulled off the improbable, going from insurance salesman to starting NFL quarterback.

QB Ryan thrown into fire at Falcons scrimmage
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 01, 2008
The things coaches look for in training camp aren't so much the obvious big hit or the slipping of a tackle or the beautiful long ball for a touchdown — such as the 65-yarder Falcons first-round pick Matt Ryan threw to Roddy White midway through an open scrimmage Friday night at Mill Creek High School.

Falcons rising DB following Hall of Fame coach's lead
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 01, 2008
Flowery Branch — Brent Grimes had an eye on the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Saturday.

Falcons family proud of Thomas' induction into Hall
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 01, 2008
Flowery Branch — On most days in these parts, Emmitt Thomas is the barely heard assistant head coach with the Falcons. He nurtures defensive backs for a living, but he's best at building relationships with players and coaches.

Falcons open doors to new-look Georgia Dome
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 01, 2008

Execution the key for Falcons in first scrimmage
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | August 01, 2008
Flowery Branch — What does Falcons coach Mike Smith want to see during the team's first public scrimmage of the preseason at nearby Mill Creek High School?

Turner, Falcons want to be 'nasty'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | July 31, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey offered some incentive to his linemen at the start of training camp.

Shockley starts to gain ground in QB race
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | July 31, 2008
Flowery Branch — D.J. Shockley is starting to make this quarterback competition with the Falcons more interesting.