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Falcons Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:47:48 PDT

As much as the Falcons tried to make their recent minicamp about the team, it turned out being about first-round draft pick Matt Ryan, the quarterback of the not-so-distant future.

To emphasize the point, the final exercise of the three-day session was a two-minute drill, with Ryan working with most of the No. 1 offensive personnel against the No. 3 defense. Ryan completed all five passes he threw, including a minicamp-ending touchdown.

"We are not going to rule out anything in terms of who is going to start," coach Mike Smith said. "We are not going to put a ceiling on any of our players whether if it's the quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker. We are going to let them go out and compete.

"I will say this: the quarterback position is probably one of the more...

Former Air Force star Hall tries out with Falcons (AP)

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:10:49 PDT

Chad Hall hopes he made a big impression on the Falcons coaches -- and that they have a long memory. Hall was one of a handful of players participating in Atlanta's three-day minicamp on a tryout basis, but his career options differ from other NFL hopefuls. While some undrafted prospects land in the Arena Football League or seek jobs outside football, Hall could be bound for a war zone with...

Ryan wears No. 2 as Falcons open minicamp (AP)

Sat, 10 May 2008 13:55:28 PDT

There were signs Saturday that No. 7 jerseys may become yesterday's fashion for Atlanta Falcons fans. Some fans attending the Falcons' opening day of minicamp wore No. 2 jerseys in early tribute to the team's new hope at quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan. The Falcons used a committee approach to replace Michael Vick during the 2007 season, but the team is hoping Ryan will be his long-term replacement and...

Ryan, Falcons set for 3-day minicamp (AP)

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:38:53 PDT

Matt Ryan will have his first chance to prove he can be more than just another clipboard-toting rookie observer when the new Atlanta Falcons quarterback participates in a three-day minicamp beginning Saturday. Ryan, the No. 3 overall selection in last month's NFL draft, is the Falcons' quarterback of the future.

Federal judge orders Vick to pay Canadian bank $2.4M (AP)

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:35:02 PDT

A federal judge ordered imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick to repay more than $2.4 million to a Canadian bank for defaulting on a loan. The Royal Bank of Canada sued Vick in September, arguing his guilty plea to a federal dogfighting charge -- and the resulting impact on his career -- prevented him from repaying the loan.

Vikings inserting bonus provision in new deals (Yahoo! Sports)

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:53:00 PDT

Jared Allen became the last acquisition to sign a deal that provides the team long-term financial protection.

Falcons LB Boley arrested (PA SportsTicker)

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:22:42 PDT

Michael Boley became the latest Atlanta Falcons player to run afoul of the law.

Falcons' Boley charged with battery against wife (AP)

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:47:46 PDT

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was charged with battery after his wife accused him of becoming "physical" after an argument. Boley, 25, was arrested Saturday at his Dacula home and released on $1,200 bond for the misdemeanor. The Gwinnett County Police Department issued a release but not a full report Monday, saying officers were called to the home following a verbal argument between...

Ravens' move for Flacco was bold, beautiful (SportingNews.com)

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:36:42 PDT

The Baltimore Ravens' bold move to get Joe Flacco with the 18th pick in the NFL draft was a risk worth taking.

Falcons name Caldwell college scout (PA SportsTicker)

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:47:41 PDT

The Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday named David Caldwell their director of college scouting.

Falcons take low-key approach to rebuilding process (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:39:21 PDT

The Atlanta Falcons opened the NFL draft this weekend by selecting Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan,...

Falcons pick image over substance with Ryan (PA SportsTicker)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:03 PDT

Most teams enter the NFL draft seeking to address "team needs." That phrase took on added meaning this year for the Atlanta Falcons.

NFC grades: Redskins, Panthers earn high marks (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:45:00 PDT

The two teams combined for 19 picks with plenty of potential starters on offense and defense.

Blank hopes Ryan can help restore team's image (AP)

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:19:31 PDT

Matt Ryan knows the Atlanta Falcons are desperate to restore credibility after quarterback Michael Vick and coach Bobby Petrino sullied the team's image last year. Introduced on Sunday as Atlanta's new franchise quarterback, Ryan pledged to lead the Falcons from the shadows of Vick's federal imprisonment and Petrino's abrupt flight to the University of Arkansas.

No pity party for former Oregon star (Yahoo! Sports)

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:27:00 PDT

Dennis Dixon was not drafted Saturday, but that hasn't taken away from his larger achievements.

Falcons move toward future (Yahoo! Sports)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:15:00 PDT

With the selection of Matt Ryan, the Falcons marked a turning point for the program – they hope for the better.

Falcons pass on Dorsey, take big risk on Matt Ryan (SportingNews.com)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:56:37 PDT

The Falcons have put the future of their franchise in the hands of Matt Ryan. Glenn Dorsey would have been the wiser selection with the No. 2 overall pick.

'Smart' pick was risky one for Jets (Yahoo! Sports)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:37:00 PDT

The franchise might have made the draft's biggest gamble early by taking late-bloomer Vernon Gholston.

Falcons take Ryan with third overall pick (AP)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:21:45 PDT

The Atlanta Falcons have a new quarterback and -- they hope -- a new face of the franchise. So long, Michael Vick. Hello, Matt Ryan. The Falcons chose the Boston College star with the third overall pick in Saturday's NFL draft. Ryan could compete for the starting job as a rookie. He'll also give the franchise a much-needed new identity.

Falcons trade with 'Skins, draft T Baker (PA SportsTicker)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:51:31 PDT

Sam Baker will get the chance to protect Matt Ryan's blind side with the Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons take QB Ryan with 3rd pick (PA SportsTicker)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:50:01 PDT

The Atlanta Falcons did not pass up on a new franchise quarterback, selecting Matt Ryan with the third overall selection in Saturday's NFL draft.

NFL Draft First-Round Selections (AP)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:42:46 PDT

The first-round picks in Saturday NFL draft: 1) Miami Dolphins -- JAKE LONG, 6-7, 315, Michigan, OT: Bulldozer of a tackle in the run game who can also be a solid insurance policy for any franchise QB. Has the strength to move the pile and aggressiveness and smarts to clear out second-level blockers.

NFL draft questions: Potential picks, slides, trades and more (SportingNews.com)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:06:06 PDT

Here are seven questions I can't wait to see answered during this weekend's NFL draft.

32 Questions: Draft edition (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:57:00 PDT

This weekend's draft will have little effect on team rankings.

DRAFT 2008: NFL Draft Team Capsules (AP)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:29:53 PDT

1. MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-15)= LAST SEASON: The worst season in franchise history, including an 0-13 start, led to the Dolphins' fourth coaching change since 2004. New football czar Bill Parcells brought in coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland, both from the Dallas Cowboys. THEY NEED: Name a position.

Seahawks, Falcons enter Shockey sweepstakes (Yahoo! Sports)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:10:33 PDT

If the New York Giants decide to trade Jeremy Shockey this week, it won't necessarily be to the New Orleans...

Dolphins act decisively in locking up Jake Long (SportingNews.com)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:26:18 PDT

Even with the Miami Dolphins signing left tackle Jake Long as the No. 1 pick, plenty of suspense remains at the top of this year's draft.

Judge refuses NFL motion to reverse himself in Vick case (AP)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:01:26 PDT

A federal judge denied on Tuesday the NFL's motion that he vacate his earlier ruling that allows suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to keep $16.5 million in bonuses. U.S. District Judge David Doty also declined the NFL's motion that he recuse himself from the case. The league had accused him of bias.

Multitude of forces corrupt draft scouting process (Yahoo! Sports)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:52:00 PDT

There's a four-pronged recipe for disaster that muddles the process from the fall to draft season.

Parcells, Dimitroff in the draft spotlight (Yahoo! Sports)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:12:00 PDT

Among the intriguing story lines going into the weekend is how Miami and Atlanta's new decision-makers fare.