Falcons' new defensive coordinator to keep 4-3 scheme

FLOWERY BRANCH - Mike Nolan has no plans to switch the Atlanta Falcons to a 3-4 scheme in his first year as defensive coordinator. During job discussions earlier this week with coach Mike Smith, Nolan agreed that the Falcons were better suited to stay with a 4-3, which deploys four linemen and three linebackers, instead of switching to his preferred 3-4. As Nolan sees it, Atlanta doesn't need an overhaul to become ...

Falcons hire Nolan as defensive coordinator

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons hired former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator on Wednesday, hoping he can toughen up a unit that has rarely ranked among the NFL elite. Nolan spent the last two seasons as Miami's defensive coordinator. Prior to that, he served four years as the 49ers head coach, following in the footsteps of his father. In all, Nolan has been an NFL coordinator for ...

Koetter eager to help Falcons' offense succeed

ATLANTA - Dirk Koetter believes the Atlanta Falcons already have the pieces they need to become an elite offense. Now it will be his job as offensive coordinator to make Atlanta reach that level. "The Falcons have done very well the last four years," Koetter said during a teleconference with reporters Monday. "You've got to make it to the playoffs first, and they've done a good job of that. I've got to ...

Falcons owner disappointed with his team

ATLANTA - Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is disappointed the team is "not where we need to be," but he said turnover on the coaching staff may help. Following a 10-6 regular season, Atlanta lost at the New York Giants on Sunday, 24-2. The lopsided loss left the Falcons 0-3 in the playoffs in four seasons with general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith. Since the loss, the Falcons ...

Falcons' defense could take big hit in free agency

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Falcons are in danger of losing many of their top defensive players as free agents. Atlanta's defensive statistical leaders who could be free agents are linebacker Curtis Lofton (tackles), defensive end John Abraham (sacks), safety Thomas DeCoud (interceptions) and cornerback Brent Grimes (passes defensed). The Falcons have 20 players who can become free agents on March 13, including 17 who would be unrestricted free agents. The unusually long ...

Falcons 'didn't get the job done'

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - After another one-and-done in the playoffs, Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday his team's season can't be called a success.

NY's momentum vs. ATL's experience

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Giants are only four years removed from their last Super Bowl victory, and they have nothing on the Atlanta Falcons in terms of postseason experience.

Falcons, Giants: Big-play offenses

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Anyone looking for the big play this weekend, the coast-to-coast catch and run, should turn on the NFC wild-card game with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants.

Linebackers pumped up

FLOWERY BRANCH - Curtis Lofton isn't worried that the Atlanta Falcons have depth issues at linebacker entering the playoffs. When the Falcons visit the New York Giants on Sunday, Lofton, the team's defensive captain and starting middle linebacker, says Atlanta will be just fine. Lofton believes Atlanta (10-6) can contain the Giants (9-7) without having to compromise its defensive schemes, particularly after starting weakside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon returned to practice Thursday after ...

Ryan focused, ready

FLOWERY BRANCH - Matt Ryan says he's "a lot more mature" than in his first two NFL playoff appearances. Ryan is bringing the best passing numbers of his career into the Falcons' wild-card playoff game at the New York Giants on Sunday. He said Wednesday he's also bringing his best focus and wouldn't be deterred by outside distractions. "I think one of the biggest things I've learned in my two appearances in ...

Falcons' Smith hopes to learn from losses

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Mike Smith wants his first two playoff losses with the Falcons to be "growing experiences" that will help his team prepare for Sunday's first-round game at the New York Giants.

Falcons beat Bucs, clinch NFC's No. 5 seed

ATLANTA - Michael Turner and the Falcons didn't want to settle for just making the playoffs.

Falcons seek answers

FLOWERY BRANCH - Coach Mike Smith has led the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs in three of his four seasons. Right now, he couldn't care less. Smith spent Tuesday trying to find answers for major breakdowns following the Falcons' blowout loss the night before in New Orleans. A 45-16 defeat left him determined to fix these problems before the postseason begins in two weeks. The Falcons (9-6) host Tampa Bay ...

Brees breaks record, leads Saints over Falcons 45-16

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - After Drew Brees broke an NFL passing record that stood for nearly three decades, his teammates called on him to make a speech in the Saints' locker room.

Falcons' Grimes returns to practice

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Falcons are closer to having a healthy secondary against Drew Brees and the Saints. Starting cornerback Brent Grimes, who has missed three games following surgery on his right knee, returned to practice on Tuesday but has not yet been cleared for Monday night's game at New Orleans. Coach Mike Smith gave an encouraging report on Grimes. "We have not gotten final confirmation if he's going to be ...

Konz impresses on first day of camp

Falcons release fullback Mughelli

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons cleared an opening for rookie fullback Bradie Ewing on Tuesday when they released veteran Ovie Mughelli in a move that also frees salary cap space. The move was not a surprise after the Falcons traded for cornerback Asante Samuel before last month's draft and selected Ewing in the fifth round. The Falcons needed to cut payroll, and Mughelli was an obvious target. Mughelli, 31, was due to ...

Falcons in line for new stadium

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons didn't have a pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

Falcons acquire Samuel

ATLANTA - Asante Samuel was willing to restructure his contract to play for the Atlanta Falcons. "I wanted to be a Falcon, so we made it work," Samuel said. The Falcons gave up only a seventh-round draft pick Wednesday when they acquired the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Falcons announced the trade after Samuel agreed to restructure his contract to a three-year, $18.5 million deal. His contract ...

Falcons low key for NFL Draft

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons made quite a splash in last year's NFL draft. This year, they'll likely spend a lot of time sitting around. The Falcons are one of three teams that does not have a pick in tonight's first round. Considering what they gave up to get receiver Julio Jones, there's little chance of the team moving up to make another high-profile selection. "Needless to say, I don't ...

Falcons look to build new stadium

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons have changed their mind in wanting to build a new retractable-roof stadium that would result in the demolition of the Georgia Dome.

Falcons hope to acquire Samuel

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons were in negotiations Tuesday to acquire cornerback Asante Samuel from the Philadelphia Eagles. A trade for Samuel would provide a highlight to what has been a quiet offseason for the Falcons, who have worked to retain their free agents instead of making a splash through trades or free agency. The Falcons have six picks but no first-round selection in the NFL draft.