Falcons' collapse not surprising but still painful for Smith
From 4-4 to 5-10, the Atlanta Falcons have collapsed in the second half of a season that was seen as a rebuilding year from the start. “Ultimately, it’s about winning, but you can look at a lot of progress being made,” Smith said after Saturday’s 17-9 loss at Baltimore. When the Falcons bring a four-game losing streak into a likely half-full Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Arizona on Sunday, they will do so knowing they haven’t had a winning record at any point since the end of the 2017 season.
news.yahoo.comFalcons release RB Williams after injury-shortened season
The Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday released running back Damien Williams, the veteran who never returned after a rib injury in his first game with the team. The release of Williams came one day after coach Arthur Smith announced rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder will start in Sunday's game at New Orleans. Marcus Mariota has been benched, leaving his status for the remainder of the season uncertain.
news.yahoo.comFalcons put Patterson on IR, seek new starting running back
The Atlanta Falcons must find a new starting running back after placing Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury. Coach Arthur Smith said Patterson had a minor knee procedure. Patterson will miss at least four games, leaving rookie Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley as the top healthy running backs for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.
news.yahoo.comRookie WR Drake London flies home when Falcons visit LA Rams
Drake London spent the past three seasons tearing up college defenses for USC, so football fans in his native Southern California weren't surprised when the big receiver got off to a strong NFL start with the Atlanta Falcons. The Los Angeles Rams fans in that SoCal contingent are hoping their Super Bowl champions can come up with ways to slow down London for just one week when the Falcons visit SoFi Stadium on Sunday for a meeting of teams hoping to avoid 0-2 starts. London caught 160 passes for 2,153 yards and 16 touchdowns in 27 games at USC before the Falcons made him the eighth overall draft pick last spring.
news.yahoo.comLive updates: Detroit Lions host Atlanta Falcons in preseason opener
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions have been grinding away in training camp for a couple of weeks. Detroit hosts the Atlanta Falcons in its preseason opener at 6 p.m. Friday from Ford Field. Hit refresh to keep up and follow MLive’s Detroit Lions reporters on Twitter -- @BenjaminSRaven and @kmeinke. The second-year Lions head coach took a similar approach in last season’s first exhibition game. Falcons coach Arthur Smith told reporters in Atlanta that “if everybody’s healthy, we’ll play.”“I’d like to -- I talked to (Falcons head coach) Arthur Smith.
mlive.comFalcons QB Ridder early to rise — and lead — at rookie camp
Desmond Ridder's drive to be first begins with an early start at his Atlanta Falcons rookie minicamp apartment. “I told Desmond, ‘Don’t be so loud in the morning,'" FitzPatrick said after Saturday's session. Ridder, the Falcons' third-round pick from Cincinnati and the second quarterback selected in last month's NFL draft, says he knows no other way.
news.yahoo.comBills clinch playoff berth, eliminate Falcons with 29-15 win
Devin Singletary scored two touchdowns rushing in the second half to make up for Josh Allen’s sloppiness and the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills rallied to clinch their third consecutive playoff berth with a 29-15 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
How to watch Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons: Everything you need to know heading into Week 16
The Detroit Lions (2-11-1) are looking to cap the holidays with their third win in four weeks, heading south to face the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) in Week 16 action. IN CASE YOU MISSED ITAmani Oruwariye’s breakout season ends with trip to injured reserve, surgery a possibilityThe Detroit Lions announced they’ve moving the third-year cornerback to injured reserve. Linebacker Tavante Beckett, tight end Shane Zylstra and linebacker Curtis Bolton have all been elevated to play against the Falcons. Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 16There are questions concerning quarterback Tim Boyle, running back Craig Reynolds and who is left for the defensive backfield. -- Biggest needs heading into the draft offensively and defensively-- Seriously, how badly do the Lions need a studly wide receiver?
mlive.comFalcons coach Arthur Smith explains canceling job interview with Lions, Detroit’s late-season surge
ALLEN PARK -- Before the Detroit Lions chose Dan Campbell, they wanted Arthur Smith. “I was very grateful for the opportunity to talk to the Lions,” Smith said during a call on Thursday afternoon. They interviewed Smith, Campbell, then-interim Lions head coach Darrell Bevell, former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and then-49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (who later took the Jets’ head coaching job). They also reportedly offered a contract to Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, while expressing interest in Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald and Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell. A guy like Penei, you can see he’s really playing well now.
mlive.comLooking ahead: Lions get shot at third win in 4 weeks against slumping Atlanta Falcons in Week 16
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (2-11-1) are heading south for the holidays, drawing the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) in Week 16 action on the day after Christmas. Here is what kind of fires us up is Tim)’s been in it now four weeks,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “He’s been practicing and he was kind of fresh right back from the injury, really a week off the injury. Certainly, we’ll have a plan to where he can succeed as the offense will, but I don’t think we’re going to be hindered. See below for results from the previous five matchups:2020 -- Lions 23, Falcons 222017 -- Falcons 30, Lions 262014 -- Lions 22, Falcons 212012 -- Falcons 21, Lions 182011 -- Falcons 23, Lions 16
mlive.comReport: Lions ‘quietly’ pursued University of Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell before hiring Dan Campbell
Almost a year after the Detroit Lions’ head coaching search led them to Dan Campbell, another name they once considered has surfaced. The Lions also quietly spoke with University of Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell, according to NFL Network, the third college coach who has been linked to the search. The club also had reported interest in Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell. CBS Sports reported the Lions were so serious about Matt Campbell that they offered an eight-year, $68.5 million contract. I’m not going to say whether we interviewed a college coach or whether we didn’t or whether we extended an offer.
mlive.comExpected top pick Lawrence throws for Meyer, NFL teams
FILE - Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence passes against LSU during the second half of a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans, in this Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence worked out for several NFL personnel including his expected future pro coach, Urban Meyer of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While 16 NFL teams attended, the 6-foot-6 Lawrence with the cannon arm and flowing air doesn't figure to get past the Jaguars. Lawrence threw for 3,153 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions while missing two games after testing positive for COVID-19 in October. He said he wanted to perform for NFL teams to show he's no different than anyone else applying for a job.
Chiefs' Bieniemy misses out on head coach job once again
– Tyreek Hill was thrilled to hear that his first wide receivers coach, David Culley, was going to be an NFL head coach. After interviewing for six openings, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy ultimately was passed over during the annual coaching carousel. That became official when the Houston Texans hired Culley, the long-time Andy Reid assistant who had been the assistant head coach in Baltimore. “I mean, I'm not a GM or anything but I will say, Coach Bieniemy has helped me a lot,” Hill said Thursday, after the Chiefs finished their first real practice for the Super Bowl. He wants to be a head coach.
Falcons pick Titans offensive coordinator Smith as new coach
FILE - Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith instructs his players during NFL football training camp in Nashville, Tenn., in this Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, file photo. The New York Jets interviewed Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, for their head coaching vacancy. Atlanta agreed to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Friday to become the team's head coach. Smith has served on Tennessee's staff for 10 seasons, including two as offensive coordinator. He also was an offensive assistant/quality control coach (2012), offensive line/tight ends assistant (2013) and assistant tight ends coach (2014-15).
Arthur Smith’s visit to Detroit reportedly canceled, emerges as the favorite in Atlanta
That includes the Detroit Lions, who spoke to him virtually earlier this week and then scheduled another in-person interview on Friday. The club has talked to three candidates with experience on the whistle: Former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell and Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell, who once had a spell as the Dolphins’ interim head coach. Another former head coach, Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, is expected to speak with Detroit on Friday. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also landed interviews in Detroit, but Saleh has taken the Jets job. There has also been some speculation the Lions could be interested in Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, now that they’ve hired Holmes from that same team.
mlive.comNew York Jets hiring Robert Saleh, a popular candidate in Detroit, as next head coach
ALLEN PARK -- Robert Saleh, a popular candidate for Detroit’s vacant job, has agreed to become the next head coach of the New York Jets. But he seemed to fall behind with Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith becoming the first coaching candidate to book a second interview. Related: Arthur Smith becomes first head coaching candidate to earn second interview | Darrell Bevell says interview for head coaching job went ‘really well’We've reached an agreement in principle with Robert Saleh to become our head coach. Reports even indicated it was starting to look like it could be the New York job or bust for the coach. The Lions have previously interviewed Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell, ex-Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell for the job.
mlive.comTitans OC Arthur Smith becomes first head coaching candidate to earn second interview with Lions
ALLEN PARK -- Arthur Smith was the last known head coaching candidate to interview with the Detroit Lions. Now he’s become the first to earn a second interview. Smith is scheduled to visit Detroit for a second interview on Friday according to NFL Network. But he also had a second interview with the Falcons today, then flew to New York to have dinner with the Jets this evening. Tennessee’s offense ranked fourth in DVOA this year, and finished among the league leaders by nearly every traditional offensive measure -- points (third), yards (second), yards per play (fourth), rushing yards (second), yards per carry (second), passing yards per play (seventh), interception rate (fourth), sack rate (10th), third-down percentage (fifth), fourth-down percentage (ninth), red-zone percentage (second), goal-to-goal percentage (first) and so on.
mlive.comDetroit Lions confirm head coaching interview with Titans OC Arthur Smith
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions confirmed their interview with one of the hottest names on the head coaching market in Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. All seven teams searching for a head coach have requested an interview with Smith, including for Philadelphia’s fresh vacancy. He coached the offensive line and tight ends before landing the offensive coordinator gig last year. I’ve gotta lot of respect for the entire coaching staff,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said before the game against Detroit earlier this season. Detroit also reportedly requested an interview with ex-Jets coach and current Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles over the weekend.
mlive.comLions to interview Titans OC Arthur Smith, Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell this week
Campbell, the New Orleans Saints’ assistant head coach, will interview with Detroit today. Smith, the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, will interview on Tuesday. Detroit has also spoken with former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The club also reportedly requested to interview Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers defensive coordinator and former head coach of the New York Jets. Detroit’s pool of known candidates for the general manager position has climbed to 11: Former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, former Texans general manager Rick Smith, former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, Saints assistant general manager for pro personnel Terry Fontenot, Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes, Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, Saints assistant general manager Jeff Ireland and internal candidates Rob Lohman, Lance Newmark and Kyle O’Brien.
mlive.comDarrell Bevell expected to interview for Lions’ head coaching job today
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have a busy week with at least seven interviews lined up for their general manager and head coaching vacancies. Interim head coach Darrell Bevell is expected to get an interview today for the full-time job. Bevell, who went 1-3 as the interim head coach, is considered a long-shot candidate for the full-time gig. They’ve already interviewed former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, former Texans general manager Rick Smith, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and internal candidates Lance Newmark, Kyle O’Brien and Rob Lohman. They also requested interviews with Saints vice president/assistant general manager for pro personnel Terry Fontenot, Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes, Vikings assistant general manager George Paton and Saints assistant general manager Jeff Ireland according to multiple reports.
mlive.comDetroit Lions request interviews with 4 potential head coaching candidates
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)DETROIT – It’s the first day of the offseason for the Detroit Lions, and they’ve reportedly requested interviews with four potential head coaching candidates. Dan Campbell -- assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the New Orleans Saints. He was named the defensive coordinator for the 49ers in February 2017 and was instrumental in the 2019 Super Bowl run. He is 41 years old and considered one of the top head coaching candidates on the market. Since joining the Titans in 2011, Smith has been a defensive intern, administrative assistant, defensive quality control coach, offensive quality control coach, offensive line assistant, tight ends assistant, tight ends coach and offensive coordinator.
Lions request head coaching interviews with Robert Saleh, Eric Bienemy; GM pool grows to 12
One interview, with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, is expected to go down today according to NFL Network. They also spoke with former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis last week and are expected to speak with interim head coach Darrell Bevell this week. The Lions have already interviewed former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, former Texans general manager Rick Smith, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and internal candidates Lance Newmark, Kyle O’Brien and Rob Lohman. That’s 12 known candidates for the general manager position, quadrupling the pool of candidates Detroit interviewed before hiring Bob Quinn in 2016. The Lions are expected to hire a general manager by mid-January, then make a move on a head coach.
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