ARTHUR 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.

The New Orleans Saints remained still in the hunt for the NFC South title on Sunday with a three-point victory against the Atlanta Falcons at home.

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees was put onto a backboard and carted off the field after being in a pregame collision on Sunday.

Marcus Mariota is scheduled to have surgery on his knee, which will put the Atlanta Falcons quarterback on injured reserve, head coach Arthur Smith said.

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.

"There will be changes made. We've got to look at everything," Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said after Sunday's loss. Could QB Desmond Ridder replace Marcus Mariota?

The Atlanta Falcons are 5-7 and seemingly just began rebuilding. But they're within striking distance of the NFC South lead and trying to make a push.

The Atlanta Falcons have placed star tight end Kyle Pitts on the injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the next four games due to a MCL injury.

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson topped Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington with his ninth kickoff return for a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bars.

Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson returned a kickoff 103 yards to become the NFL career leader with nine touchdowns.

A vast majority of the quarterback changes made in the offseason have not worked out for NFL contenders looking to stabilize the position and win right away.

For all the talk of how the NFL has become a passing league, the run game is having a bit of a renaissance in 2022.

For Marcus Mariota, the loss of confidence was the biggest blow.

Grady Jarrett was flagged for roughing the passer after what many observed to be a typical sack of Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Falcons' 21-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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.

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.

Wil Lutz kicked a 51-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining to cap a stunning fourth-quarter comeback by the New Orleans Saints.

Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jared Bernhardt with 1:30 left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

Ridley says he needs to take some time away from the game to focus on his own mental well-being.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley has missed his second game of the season and says he's dealing with mental health issues.

Younghoe Koo kicked a 40-yard field goal on the final play and the Atlanta Falcons beat the New York Giants 17-14 to give coach Arthur Smith his first NFL win Sunday.

Matt Ryan has watched Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady switch teams, so he knows there’s a possibility he won’t finish his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers is having a rough second half.

Logan Woodside and Matt Barkley each threw touchdown passes to open Tennessee’s backup quarterback competition and the Titans beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-3 in each team’s preseason opener.

Matt Ryan feels like the last man standing with the Atlanta Falcons, not that it’s a bad thing.

From players getting COVID-19 vaccinations to relaxed coronavirus protocols to lineup issues, particularly at quarterback, the NFL faces a multitude of questions as training camps open.

Aaron Rodgers was a no-show and Tom Brady was full-go.

The Atlanta Falcons have launched their mandatory minicamp.

The Atlanta Falcons began their offseason training program without longtime star receiver Julio Jones, who apparently has no intention of returning to a rebuilding team that is still struggling to get under the salary cap.

Matt Ryan acknowledges his age has many wondering how long he’ll continue to lead the Atlanta Falcons offense.

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.

– 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.