Aug 23, 2014 - the Georgia Dome and future home of the New ..... She also oversees the corporate security and aviation d
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PRESEASON GAME 2
FALCONS vs TITANS AUGUST 23, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS FA LCO N S V S T I TA N S
PLAYBOOK SPOTLIGHT
Get your heart rate up at least 30 minutes a day.
8 Falcons Feature
65 Throwback
66 Flashback
68 Cheerleader Spotlight
4-5
Feature Photo: Making Quite An Impression
6
Key Matchups: Justin Blalock vs Kamerion Wimbley
8
Falcons Feature: Justin Blalock
NATIONAL ANTHEM Reuben Baker
COLOR GUARD American Legion
46
Opponent Spotlight: Tennessee Titans
52
Kia Motors Friday Night Lights
65
Falcons Throwback: Lynn Cain
66
Falcons Flashback: Falcons vs. Titans 2011
84
New Stadium Groundbreaking Celebration
93
A Week In London
97
Getting your heart rate up 30 minutes a day at least five days a week has countless health benefits. Why not get up and move? It’s good for the heart, blood pressure and weight control. And at the game, it helps you rock the house. Preferred Healthcare Partner of the Atlanta Falcons. And their fans.
Humphrey Gets The Call
110
Social Media Birds
northside.com
FRONT OFFICE & COACHES Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank......... 14-15 President & CEO Rich McKay....................17 General Manager Thomas Dimitroff...........18 Assistant General Manager Scott Pioli....... 19 Head Coach Mike Smith.............................20 Assistant Coaches........................ 23, 25, 26 Front Office Executives....................... 28-29 RADIO AND TV Falcons Radio Network...............................30 Falcons On The Air....................................... 32 COMMUNITY RELATIONS Beyond Football............................................40 In The Community............................... 42, 45 GAMEDAY Georgia Dome Concessions...................... 35 Birds Eye View: Falcons Landing.........36–37 AFC & NFC Schedules.......................... 50–51 Falcons Roster...............................................54 Titans Roster.................................................. 55 Depth Chart............................................ 56-57 Falcons Game Faces............................ 58–59 Falcons Stats..................................................60 Titans Stats.....................................................61 Titans Coaches..............................................62 Titans Game Faces.......................................63 Georgia Dome Seating Chart................... 88 Fan Promotions..................................... 94–95 ATLANTA
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HALFTIME Youth Football: Georgia Elite Sports Academy (2 TEAMS)
CHEERLEADERS Cheerleader Spotlight: Kelsey...................68 Cheerleaders Team Photo..........................70 HISTORY Uniform History.....................................77, 79 Falcons Ring of Honor..........................81, 82 Fulton County Stadium/ Georgia Dome History.................................91 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Reggie Roberts MANAGING EDITOR: Frank Kleha SUPPORT STAFF: Reid Ferren, DJ Blalock, I.J. Rosenberg, Stephen Black, Craig Sager II, Brian Jones, Ricky Dimon, Cameron Blackmon, Dan Mathews MARKETING & SALES: Jim Smith, Tim Zulawski, Mace Aluia, Jorge Cimadevilla, Michael Burrell, Gene Shatlock, Tameka Rish, Peyton Gallagher, Kristen Price, Julia Lauria, Maegen Moguel CREATIVE DIRECTION: Michael Benford DESIGN: Michael Benford, Tucker Brooks PHOTOGRAPHY: Jimmy Cribb PUBLISHED BY: Score Atlanta
ATLANTAFALCONS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/ATLANTAFALCONS @ATLANTA_FALCONS | @AFTICKETOFFICE
MAKING QUITE AN IMPRESSION PHOTO BY: LYNN BASS RB Devonta Freeman amassed an impressive 107 allpurpose yards in his rookie debut against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of preseason action.
By Reid Ferren
FEATURED MATCHUP JUSTIN BLALOCK VS KAMERION WIMBLEY Justin Blalock is the longesttenured offensive lineman on the current Falcons roster and is as steady as they come up front, playing in all but two games of his seven
MATT RYAN VS BERNARD POLLARD
Falcons QB Matt Ryan is the unquestionable leader of his team and entering year seven in the NFL, armed with versatile weapons all around him, he’s looking for his best year yet in a Falcons uniform. A strong litmus test for Ryan and the Falcons comes tonight in the form of the Tennessee Titans, who are headlined by hard-hitting safety Bernard Pollard. During his first season with the Titans in 2013, Pollard served as a team captain, started all 16 games, led the team with 142 tackles and ranked second on the squad with three interceptions. Falcons fans hope their team’s QB will be on-point as usual, putting the ball in places only his playmakers can get it, and from there, only good things can happen.
JAKE MATTHEWS VS ROPATI PITOITUA
It’s been just over three weeks since the Falcons hosted the Titans for a combined practice on August 4. Falcons rookie T Jake Matthews faced Titans DE Ropati Pitoitua several times, handling his own to provide Matt Ryan plenty of protection. Tonight’s matchup is amplified, however, as it’s likely the final tune-up for the team’s offensive and defensive starters prior to the opening week of the regular season. Falcons coaches and teammates have been impressed with Matthews thus far, holding to hopes that his third game will definitely be the charm of the preseason.
seasons with the team. His tough grit in the trenches will be tested against a strong Titans defense, facing the also reliable LB/DE KamerionWimbley, a nineyear pro, who has missed just one game in eight seasons and is known for his strong pass-rush ability.
DEVONTA FREEMAN VS WESLEY WOODYARD
It’s a matchup of youth against experience when Falcons rookie RB Devonta Freeman takes the field against Titans LB Wesley Woodyard, who joined the team after six years with the Denver Broncos. Freeman showcased his rushing and receiving abilities in the first preseason matchup, logging 107 all-purpose yards against the Miami Dolphins. Tonight, Freeman will stare across the line at Woodyard, who in 2012 was the only player in the NFL, and just the 12th player in the last 30 years, to record at least 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in a single season. Freeman is up for the challenge and will rely on the guys up front to give him just the little space that he needs to make things happen. ATLANTA 6
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Be U ltimate. THE ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY On the go on game day? Go to Publix first. One pass through the Bakery and Deli and you’re showing up to the tailgate fully stocked: subs, wings, sides, cookies, pies, rolls. No prep necessary. Just grab and go.
O F F I C I A L S U P E R M A R K E T O F T H E AT L A N TA FA LCO N S
zz Justin blalock zz
Consistently
Productive By: Craig Sager II
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line has new faces this year as rookie Jake Matthews and free agents Jon Asamoah and Gabe Carimi enter the mix. One thing will remain the same for another season, however, and it’s been that way since Week 15 of the 2007 season: Justin Blalock will start at right guard. Blalock was a second round pick in 2007 and has missed just two starts in the 112 games the franchise has played since. Blalock leads all NFL guards for most consecutive starts with 98. He has started in every game for the Birds over the last five seasons.
zz LIKE A ROCK zz
Atlanta’s 60 wins since the 2008 season are the third most in the NFC behind only New Orleans (63) and Green Bay (61). Blalock has started in every single one of the 60 wins, rarely missing a single snap. Starting and finishing the year is not unfamiliar territory for Blalock and it is something he’s been able do at a record-breaking pace throughout his football career. At the University of Texas, Blalock arrived on campus as a freshman and started every game through his senior year. Blalock entered the draft after setting the school record with 51 consecutive starts.
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seasons
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starts
Consistency has been matched with winning football games and Blalock helped block for Vince Young and the Longhorns’ offense in the classic BCS Championship victory over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl. He led the Longhorns as a team captain his senior year and earned consensus All-America honors and was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Blalock has not made the Pro Bowl yet, but he’s helped block for plenty of players that have ended up in the ATLANTA 9
all-star game. Blalock paved running lanes for Michael Turner during “The Burner’s” two Pro Bowl seasons (2008, 2010). Turner totaled 6,081 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns in his five years in Atlanta. He has also helped buy time for Matt Ryan while the quarterback writes his own history in Falcons annals. Every game of Ryan’s career has been spent with Blalock blocking for him and the sturdy rock of the line has always been on the lookout for his quarterback. During Ryan’s rookie season, Blalock jumped on a Ryan fumble in the Vikings end zone and recovered it for a touchdown to help lift the Falcons to a 24-17 win. The victory moved Atlanta to 10-5 and aided the young Falcons on their way to a playoff berth. Bulldozing defenders in the running game is what Blalock is made for and it is a skillset that made him one of the most sought after prospects in the country in high school. He can pack a punch and proved that in high school by tossing the shot-put 63.75 feet, a Plano, Texas City District record that still stands today. On the gridiron, he was a freight train. During his sophomore season, Blalock was already knocking defenders over and he would go on to post 151 pancake blocks that season. The trend continued his junior year as he posted 134 knockdown blocks while also not allowing a sack and driving an offense down the field that averaged nearly 300 rushing yards per game. “I was just a lot bigger than everyone in high school,” acknowledged Blalock. “We never threw the ball, maybe five or six times a day, so everything we did was firing off the ball and driving your man to the whistle. There weren’t a lot of line stunts or groupings those days. The guy lining up in front of you was pretty much the guy you were going to end up blocking.” FALCONS
ZZ I’m proud to be a part of this ZZ
team, city & franchise Blalock’s ability to drive guys off the football caught plenty of national attention in the recruiting ranks and Sporting News stamped Blalock as the No. 1 offensive line prospect in the nation his senior year. Blalock got an invite and played in the 2002 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
zz LONE STAR FALCON zz
Blalock has made himself at home in Atlanta but his success continues to be celebrated in Plano, a suburb of Dallas. Plano is where Blalock calls home and he continues making his mark in and around the Dallas community. This past July, Blalock held his annual football camp and taught the kids skills that translate far past the football field. In addition to NFL talent and top coaches, Blalock brought in professionals from eight other areas outside of sports to talk to the kids. Blalock, an excellent student and member of the community, understands the importance of developing a life other than football. He was one of five finalists for the 2002 Watkins Award, which is presented to the nation’s top African-American scholar-athlete, and he graduated from Texas with a degree in youth and community studies and a minor in business. “At my camp, we’ve always tried to do something outside the box so we aren’t harping on football all day long,” explained Blalock. “In the end it is a football camp, but I want the kids to understand how important it is to be well-rounded. I want to give them all the tips and tricks that I can but for those that don’t make it in football to the college and professional levels I want them to stress the other things, whether it be academics or culture, so you have something else going for you in your life.”
ing season. Five straight years of starting every game in football’s most physical league proves he is doing something right. “Somewhere in rebuilding your body and unwinding in the offseason is a happy medium,” said Blalock. “You definitely have to get away for some time. This game will take its toll on you, on your body and on your mind. It is important to unplug, but at the same time you have to keep building your body up to withstand the punishment of the season. There are a lot of things that factor in like nutrition, sleeping habits and luck, and I also have a lot of people back home that are praying for me, so I’ve been blessed.” Blalock was inked to a six-year extension in 2011 that made him a Falcon through the 2016 season. With 110 starts in his first seven seasons, Blalock has a chance to join elite company of Falcons all-timers in career snaps. “I do not try to look too far into the future, but it is really special to be in one spot all these years, especially in this day and age,” said Blalock. “The Falcons stuck with me even when it wasn’t the prettiest, and I’m proud to be a part of this team, city and franchise.”
Blalock leads the Justin Blalock Foundation, which targets the students from the greater Dallas and greater Atlanta areas from ages 12 to 18. The Foundation’s mission sets out to use athletics and academics as tools and motivators to develop young men and women and strengthen family relationships. During the offseason, he dedicates time within the community and back home in Texas with his family. Being able to unplug from football during this time is something that Blalock uses to recharge and refocus for another demand-
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rthur Blank understands what it takes to win in the ultra-competitive, everchanging world of the National Football League.
ARTHUR BLANK
OWNER & CHAIRMAN
“It’s important to me personally that everyone in our family of businesses understands our collective responsibility to contribute to the communities in which we all live and work.”
Since hiring the duo of General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith in 2008, the Falcons have been one of the most consistent teams in the League. The team’s impressive six-year run includes two number one seeds in the NFC playoffs (2010, 2012), a teamrecord three consecutive playoff berths (2010-12), four double-digit winning seasons (2008, 2010-12), two 13-wins seasons (2010, 2012), two NFC South Division championships (2010, 2012), and 20 players who have been named to the NFC Pro Bowl team. During the offseason leading up to the 2014 season, the Falcons committed to being bigger, faster and stronger than they were the year before. Some of this was achieved in the weight room, and some of it through free agency and the NFL Draft. “As the owner, it’s my job to listen to our personnel and coaching staffs and to provide the resources and support to help our team return to the national stage,” Blank offered. “We’ve been one of the top teams in the League for the past few years. We’ve been a big part of playoff discussions that are reserved for the NFL’s elite teams. We’ve got the internal infrastructure in place to quickly get back to where we belong. I view last year as being a speed bump. I like what Thomas said earlier this offseason: ‘We’ll be back with a vengeance.’” Blank’s confidence in his football team is well founded. Since taking what many long-time NFL observers called a calculated risk in 2008 when he hired a firsttime general manager who, in turn, hired a first-time head coach, Blank’s perceived gamble is now a widely imitated prototype. Several ATLANTA 14 FALCONS
NFL clubs subsequently followed Atlanta’s progressive model to recalibrate their football front offices. In addition, Atlanta’s sound formula of drafting and acquiring good players who are then turned over and tutored by a veteran coaching staff has produced a Falcons team that will enter the 2014 season with high expectations. Whether it’s selecting players in the draft or adding them to the roster via free agency, the Falcons believe in being collaborative. “Thomas and Mike have been together for six seasons now, and I can tell you that they approach building a football team through similar lenses,” Blank noted. “That doesn’t mean they agree all of the time – they don’t nor should they – but they both share a common vision for the longterm success of our football team.” IT TAKES A TEAM Since Blank acquired the Falcons in 2002, the team has made the playoffs six times in 12 seasons and is poised to significantly bounce back in 2014 following a productive offseason of retooling the roster. Moreover, since the start of the 2008 season, the Falcons have established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in professional football, compiling 60 wins – behind only New Orleans (63) and Green Bay (61) in the NFC. Blank’s proven ability to create successful business models has also brought about unprecedented success in the Falcons front office. Three years before he purchased the Falcons, the team averaged about 37,000 season ticket holders per year. Since 2002, the Falcons have never sold fewer than 50,000 season tickets in any year. In addition, during the same period of time the club has sold out 94 of 96 regular season games and is currently riding a streak of six consecutive sellout seasons. “I have been blessed here with a great team of people,” Blank said.
“I have always believed in bringing the best people together, creating the right environment, giving them the resources they need, being a cheerleader for them, and making sure the culture is set in place before getting out of the way and allowing them to make the decisions and do what they need to do.” Blank is also a key contributor to many of the NFL’s major committees. He currently chairs the NFL Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, and he is an active member of the League’s Finance, Legislative and Diversity committees. The sustainability and relevance of the Falcons has provided numerous opportunities for the franchise and city of Atlanta to be showcased on nationally-televised games. With two primetime games this season, Atlanta will have participated in 15 primetime regular season games over the past four years.
“Our goal is for the new building to become a destination site for sports and entertainment fans all over the world,” Blank stated. “We not only want the new stadium to become a landmark for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia, we want to be a game changer when it comes to stadium design and the guest experience inside the building.” The new stadium provides an enhanced opportunity to attract new marquee events to the city of Atlanta, such as the FIFA World Cup, College Football National Championship Game and, of course, a Super Bowl. “Atlanta has all of the attributes needed to successfully host a Super Bowl,” Blank said. “The new stadium adds another premier element to a successful bid for a future game.”
“Our exposure through prime-time games over the years speaks directly to the outstanding performances of our players and coaches,” Blank said. “Make no mistake, however, that our larger goal is to perform under the worldwide spotlight of the Super Bowl. There are 31 other teams out there that want the Lombardi Trophy just as much as we do, so we have to stay diligent to remain a relevant team.” NEW ATLANTA STADIUM PROJECT In May 2014, Blank and the Falcons broke ground on a new retractable roof stadium that will open in 2017. In addition to being a new home for the Falcons, the stadium will also be home to a new Major League Soccer team, which was awarded to Blank in April 2014. The new MLS team begins play in the spring of 2017. The facility will also host other premier sports and entertainment events throughout the year.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE/ IMPROVING LIVES Starting with The Home Depot and continuing with his current businesses – the Falcons, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and MLS Atlanta – Blank’s business and personal values underscore the importance of giving back to, and becoming part of, the community. ATLANTA 15 FALCONS
During his 23 years with The Home Depot, the company donated more than $113 million to communities, and Home Depot associates provided hundreds of thousands of personal volunteer time. In addition, since its inception in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted more than $300 million to charitable organizations, with approximately two-thirds of the total focused on metro Atlanta, including the Historic Westside neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue and Castleberry Hill. In 2013, Blank publicly committed to making further significant investments in these communities by creating the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, which will invest in catalytic projects that ignite positive change and improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods surrounding the Georgia Dome and future home of the New Atlanta Stadium. The foundation has pledged $15 million to contribute to large-scale transformational projects that result in lasting impact for community residents. Community engagement is prevalent at the Falcons, as well. The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation invests in innovative approaches to improve youth fitness and reduce childhood obesity across Georgia. Since 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $20 million in grants to non-profit organizations throughout Georgia. Additionally, Atlanta Falcons players, coaches, cheerleaders, and associates remain among the most active community citizens in the NFL, contributing an average of 3,000 hours of their collective time each season. “It’s important to me personally that everyone in our family of businesses understands our collective responsibility to contribute to the communities in which we all live and work,” Blank stressed.
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alcons President & CEO Rich McKay is entering his 11th season with the Atlanta Falcons. After serving the first eight years as President of the Falcons, McKay was promoted to President & CEO of the club by Owner & Chairman Arthur M. Blank on September 1, 2011. McKay was named President of the newly-formed AMB Sports & Entertainment Group on Jan. 27, 2014. The new entity will include the Falcons and the new stadium, which the Falcons will operate.
RICH MCKAY
PRESIDENT & CEO
McKay was the 2005 recipient of the Jack Horrigan Award. This award is presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to the club or League office executive who is the most helpful and cooperative with the local and national news media that report on the NFL.
McKay’s long-term involvement in the NFL includes many notable achievements. He has played pivotal roles in two successful stadium negotiations (Atlanta and Tampa Bay), he was the General Manager and chief football architect for a Super Bowl championship team in Tampa Bay (XXXVII), he has served as an active participant within the NFL’s committee system to help advance the game and the NFL’s business and was substantially involved in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations which led to the current multi-year agreement. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McKay is the first NFL GM in League history to have both of his first two drafts become first ballot Hall of Famers (Warren Sapp in 2013 and Derrick Brooks in 2014). Additionally, McKay has been a member of the NFL’s Competition Committee for the past 21 years. He became Co-Chairman of the committee in 1998 and on March 1, 2011, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell named McKay Chairman of the committee which is comprised of NFL head coaches and League executives who study the game and recommend rules changes and modifications to ensure player safety while promoting competitiveness among all 32 of the League’s franchises. For the past nine years, McKay has also served on the NFL Manage-
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ment Council Working Group of League executives that helps advise on collective bargaining issues. During the 2011 off-season, McKay played a pivotal role in helping to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the players that resulted in a 10-year agreement through 2020. McKay’s career as one of the top senior level executives in all of professional sports began in Tampa Bay in 1986 when he served as General Counsel for the Buccaneers before rising to General Manager in 1994. McKay served as Tampa Bay’s point man and lead negotiator in the construction of Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay’s state-of-the-art, open-air stadium which hosted Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 and Super Bowl XLII in 2009. Sixteen years after building Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, McKay, working closely with Falcons Chairman & Owner Arthur M. Blank, the city of Atlanta, and the Georgia World Congress Center stadium authority, secured approval and financing for the Falcons new stadium project after nearly two years of intense back and forth negotiations. McKay is believed to be the only current NFL executive who has been the point person for the negotiations of two successful NFL stadium deals. As a GM, 11 of McKay’s top former lieutenants have risen through the ranks to sit in the General Manager’s chair at other NFL franchises. The men currently occupying those roles in the NFL include Ruston Webster (Tennessee Titans), Dennis Hickey (Miami Dolphins), Ray Farmer (Cleveland Browns), Les Snead (St. Louis Rams), Phil Emery (Chicago Bears) and John Idzik (New York Jets).
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THOMAS DIMITROFF
GENERAL MANAGER
Dimitroff’s astute moves to acquire talent have helped produce 60 wins since 2008, four playoff appearances, two NFC South Division crowns and a trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2012.
ince being hired as the General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons, Thomas Dimitroff has re-worked the roster and has made Atlanta one of the most competitive teams in the NFL. His first move as GM was to hire not only a head coach, but a co-team builder and partner. He hired Mike Smith and the duo have built a solid team that has won 60 games over the last six seasons. The 60 wins are the sixth most in the NFL since 2008, and are the most over a six-year span in Falcons history. Atlanta posted five consecutive winning seasons between 2008 and 2012 and earned three consecutive playoff berths for the first time in franchise history from 2010 to 2012. Dimitroff has been named Executive of the Year by Sporting News two times (2008 & 2010) during his six seasons in Atlanta. In the draft, he has selected franchise cornerstones QB Matt Ryan, WR Julio Jones, T Sam Baker, T Jake Matthews, S William Moore and CB Desmond Trufant and he has added key veterans via free agency like RB Steven Jackson, DE Osi Umenyiora, G Jon Asamoah, DT Paul Soliai, WR Devin Hester and DT/DE Tyson Jackson to shore up key positions. Since his first day on the job, Dimitroff has brought the philosophical approach of building through the draft and supplementing with free agency. With the help of his scouting department, Dimitroff has made the Atlanta Falcons the class of the NFL when it comes to drafting and developing the players a team selects. Since 2008, the Falcons rank first in the NFL in draft retention (65.2 pct.). From 2008 through 2013, Atlanta selected 46 players in the draft and an astonishing 30 draftees remained on the roster entering the 2014 season. Also during that time, 38 of the Falcons 46 selections are active players in the NFL (82.6 pct.), which is the fourth-best mark in the League since 2008. ATLANTA 18 FALCONS
The 2013 season proved to be the most challenging for Dimitroff and the Falcons. The team faced a number of injuries to key players and finished the year with a 4-12 record. The disappointing season led to in-depth self-analysis by Dimitroff and Smith. There were changes to the coaching staff, but Dimitroff was focused on adjustments to his personnel department and the roster. He added two former general managers to his staff, Billy Devaney and Scott Pioli. Shortly after adding experienced talent evaluators to his staff, Dimitroff’s focus turned to improving the roster. Dimitroff was true to his word as he and Coach Smith re-worked the Falcons roster this offseason. On the first day of free agency, the Falcons added G Jon Asamoah, NT Paul Soliai, and DT/DE Tyson Jackson. The three men joined the previously signed OL Gabe Carimi to add grittiness and stoutness to both the offensive and defensive lines. Atlanta also re-signed five players that play along either the offensive or defensive lines. Dimitroff orchestrated 13 moves in free agency and nine of them were along the lines. Atlanta also signed the most prolific returner in NFL history when they added WR Devin Hester, and added safety Dwight Lowery and CB Josh Wilson. Once the dust settled after free agency, Dimitroff and his staff dialed into their draft preparation. He continued to stay true to the plan and selected Texas A&M tackle Jack Matthews with the sixth pick overall. At the top of the second round, Atlanta selected DE Ra’Shede Hageman from Minnesota to continue to bolster the defensive line. After making 11 total moves in the offseason to address the lines, Dimitroff’s focus in the draft switched to other positions and needs. Atlanta also added S Dezmen Southward, RB Devonta Freeman, LB Prince Shembo, CB Ricardo Allen, LB Marquis Spruill, LB Yawin Smallwood and LB Tyler Starr.
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SCOTT PIOLI
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
He has been named NFL Executive of the Year by various national media outlets five times during his career, including honors from Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and Pro Football Weekly/ PFWA in 2010.
cott Pioli brings 22 years of NFL experience to the Falcons personnel department, including four seasons as the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been named NFL Executive of the Year by various national media outlets five times during his career, including honors from Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and Pro Football Weekly/PFWA in 2010. Pioli also serves as a member of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship Advisory Council, helping to make the NFL a more diverse and inclusive league. In his second season in Kansas City, Pioli orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in Chiefs history as the club won the AFC West with a 10-6 record. It was Kansas City’s first division title and home playoff appearance since 2003. In four seasons with the Chiefs, Pioli drafted Pro Bowl players such as Eric Berry (3), Justin Houston (2), Dontari Poe, and Dexter McCluster. In addition to the Pro Bowlers he selected in the NFL Draft, four players Pioli signed to contract extensions went on to earn Pro Bowl honors. Matt Cassel (2010), Jamaal Charles (2010), Tamba Hali (2011), and Derrick Johnson (2011) all earned their first career Pro Bowl selections after Pioli signed them to extensions. Pioli joined the Chiefs after serving as the Vice President of Player Personnel with the New England Patriots where he spent six seasons working with Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff (2002-07). During his nine-year tenure in New England (200008), the Patriots compiled an NFLbest 102-42 (.708) regular season record, won Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX, claimed four AFC championships, and won six AFC East titles. With New England, the Patriots became widely recognized as one
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of the NFL’s model franchises. Working in close concert with Head Coach Bill Belichick, the duo rapidly developed the Patriots into a consistent championship contender. Pioli and Belichick’s collaborative efforts over nine seasons in New England resulted in 14 playoff victories, tying the Pittsburgh and Dallas squads of the 1970s for the most playoff wins by a franchise in a single decade. New England accumulated 11 playoff victories from 2003-07, the highest total by any team over a five-year span in NFL history. Pioli was named the George Young NFL Executive of the Year by Sporting News following the 2003 and 2004 seasons, an award voted on by other NFL executives. The youngest individual ever to win that accolade, Pioli joined Bobby Beathard (Washington ‘82-83) and Bill Polian (Carolina ‘95-96) as just the third person to ever win that honor in consecutive seasons. Pioli and Belichick became the first personnel director/head coach tandem in League history to win three Super Bowls during a four-year span (2001-04). They also helped the Patriots register nine or more victories in eight consecutive seasons, including the NFL’s first 16-0 regular season in 2007. Pioli began his NFL career when he was hired by Belichick as a Scouting Assistant for the Cleveland Browns in 1992. He spent the next three seasons working as the Browns Pro Personnel Assistant where he was responsible for the evaluation of both college prospects and veteran free agents, as well as negotiating various player contracts. He was promoted to Pro Personnel Coordinator when the team moved to Baltimore In 1996.
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ince becoming Atlanta’s head coach in 2008, Mike Smith has established his team as one of the NFL’s most consistent performing franchises that seemingly always finds itself in the national playoff discussion.
MIKE SMITH
HEAD COACH
Smith’s troops have posted a .625 winning percentage through six seasons which is the highest in club history and under his leadership the Falcons boasted the second-best home record in NFL history in his first five seasons with a 33-7 mark.
During Smith’s impressive six-year run, the Falcons have compiled a 60-36 regular season record, which is the sixth-best mark in the NFL during that time, and have captured two NFC South Division titles. Atlanta’s .625 winning percentage is the highest in team history over a six-year period. Smith’s accomplishments in his first five seasons (2008-12) as Atlanta’s head coach are unprecedented in team history and are among the best in the NFL when measured against his coaching counterparts. He reached the 50-win milestone in 71 games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he was the third-fastest head coach to accomplish the feat since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Only George Seifert (62 games) and Chuck Knox (65 games) reached 50 wins faster than Smith during that time. Smith’s 56 wins in his first five seasons as a head coach were the second-most among any firsttime head coach in NFL history (George Seifert, 62-18). He also became the first coach in franchise history to produce backto-back winning seasons (200809), and in 2012, Smith became the first coach in team history to lead his team to three consecutive playoff appearances (2010-12). The affable Smith – known as “Smitty” to his players and coaching staff – led the Falcons to an NFC-best 13-3 mark in 2012, securing the team’s third straight playof f ber th. The Falcons also hosted the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome for the first time in the franchise’s 47year history. ATLANTA 20 FALCONS
Additionally, the Falcons became the first NFC team to earn the conference’s top seed twice in three seasons (2010 & 2012) since the Philadelphia Eagles posted the NFC’s best record in three straight seasons from 2002-04. For his efforts, Smith was named the Sporting News Coach of the Year for the third time in five seasons (2008, 2010 & 2012). Smith’s steady hand at the helm includes a strong emphasis on establishing a true home field advantage and that philosophy has produced an astounding 3612 home record and .750 winning percentage during his tenure, the fifth-best mark in the NFL over the last six seasons. One of Smith’s basic coaching philosophies centers on his team displaying sustainability. He wants his Falcons to be able to maintain a certain level of performance, not just each season, but from game to game, quarter to quarter, and play to play. Smith’s overall coaching philosophy is one based on starting fast in all three phases of the game. Perhaps that explains why his Falcons have amassed a 45-16 record in games where they score first. Coupled with core principles built around playing fundamentally sound football, Smith’s disciplined teams have displayed a knack for holding onto leads and closing out the opposition. Smith’s troops have posted a 46-5 record in games where the Falcons lead at halftime (since 2008). Atlanta also owns a 45-2 mark in contests where the Birds hold the lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter since 2008. Under Smith, the Falcons were the only NFC team to post winning records for five consecutive seasons from 2008-12.
ASSISTANT COACHES
200
The Falcons coaching staff collectively boasts more than 200 years experience in the National Football League.
DIRK KOETTER | OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Koetter is entering his third season as offensive coordinator of the Falcons. In his first year at the helm in 2012, Atlanta finished second in the entire NFL in total offense. Koetter spent five years as offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously worked as a head coach in the college ranks for nine years at Boise State and Arizona State.
MIKE NOLAN | DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Nolan embarks upon his third season as defensive coordinator of the Falcons. Prior to his stint in Atlanta, Nolan held the same position with six different NFL franchises (Giants, Redskins, Jets, Ravens, Broncos and Dolphins). He was the 49ers head coach from 2005-2008. He was the NFL’s youngest defensive coordinator (at age 35) in 1993 with the Giants.
KEITH ARMSTRONG | SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR Armstrong has been the Falcons special teams coordinator since 2008. The Birds finished 10th in the NFL in kickoff return average last season and his units have ended up in the top 10 overall each season under his tutelage in Atlanta. Armstrong is in his second stint with the Falcons after having served with the team from 1994-1996.
TERRY ROBISKIE | ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/ WIDE RECEIVERS Robiskie is entering his seventh season with the Falcons. In 2012, Robiskie assumed the duties of assistant head coach. Prior to coaching for Atlanta, Robiskie had stints in Miami, Cleveland, Washington and Los Angeles (Raiders). In college, Robiskie played running back at LSU and lettered four times. In the NFL, he played for the Raiders and Dolphins.
JONAS BEAUCHEMIN | ASSISTANT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Beauchemin has been with the Falcons since 2009 as an assistant in the strength and conditioning department. Prior to joining the Falcons staff, he worked for Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Boston. There, he focused on NFL and pro hockey combine preparation. The Vermont native is a nationally certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
DEVIN BONIK | ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD COACH Bonik is entering his third season with the Falcons. His duties include assisting Head Coach Mike Smith with tasks such as managing data and coordinating the practice schedule and football calendar. Bonik previously worked with former Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and former Titans coach Mike Munchak. Bonik worked with Smith in Jacksonville from 2003-2007.
GERALD BROWN | RUNNING BACKS Brown is among the longest-tenured Falcons assistants, going into his seventh season with the club. In 2012, under Brown’s guidance, RB Jacquizz Rodgers earned a careerhigh in catches (53) and receiving yards (404). Prior to Brown’s time in Atlanta, he coached at Indiana University where he served in a variety of positions, including assistant head coach. ATLANTA 23 FALCONS
ASSISTANT COACHES
200
The Falcons coaching staff collectively boasts more than 200 years experience in the National Football League.
MARK COLLINS | OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS The 2014 season is Collins’ fifth with the Falcons and first as the outside linebackers coach. He spent his four previous seasons assisting the defensive line. In 2012, the defensive line accounted for 21 of the team’s 32 sacks. Collins started his coaching career in the college ranks at ETSU, Michigan, Elon, Georgia Southern, Georgia and Louisiana-Monroe.
BRYAN COX | DEFENSIVE LINE Cox joins the Falcons after serving as defensive front seven coach and pass rush specialist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013. Cox started his coaching career with the New York Jets as the assistant defensive line coach. Following his time in New York, Cox went to the Cleveland Browns as defensive line coach. He was a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker as a player.
JOE DANNA | DEFENSIVE BACKS This upcoming season will be Danna’s third year with the Falcons. Danna previously worked for the Falcons as a defensive assistant during the 2008-09 campaign. Prior to returning to Atlanta, Danna worked under Mike Nolan as the assistant defensive backs coach in Miami from 2010-2011. Danna coached in the college ranks from 1999-2007.
WADE HARMAN | ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE LINE Harman is entering his first season with the Falcons after spending the last 15 years with the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff. In Baltimore, Harman served as a tight ends coach and assistant offensive line coach from 1999-2007. From 1997-1998, Harman was with Minnesota. The Corydon, Iowa native began his coaching career in 1987 at Utah State.
TIM LEWIS | SECONDARY This season will be Lewis’ fifth year with the Falcons. His first pro job was with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1995-99) as Defensive Backs Coach. Lewis’ pro experience has seen him coordinate defenses for the Steelers (2000-03) and Giants (2004-06). He also has been a Secondary Coach for the Panthers (2007-08) and Seahawks (2009).
A.J. NEIBEL | HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING A graduate of Long Beach State, Neibel is entering his fourth season with the Falcons’ strength and conditioning staff and his second as head of the department. Neibel worked for the Oakland Raiders from 203-2009 as a Strength and Conditioning and Physical Therapy Associate. He holds degrees in sports psychology and physical therapy.
GLEN PIRES | LINEBACKERS
Pires will be entering his 19th season overall in the NFL and his seventh season with the Falcons in 2014. Prior to his time with the Falcons, Pires coached in Detroit, Miami and Arizona. Pires has coached collegiately at Dartmouth, Syracuse and Michigan State from 1985-1996. In addition to coaching linebackers, Pires has also helped with defensive linemen.
ATLANTA 25 FALCONS
ASSISTANT COACHES
200
The Falcons coaching staff collectively boasts more than 200 years experience in the National Football League.
CHRIS SCELFO | TIGHT ENDS Chris Scelfo has spent the last 28 years coaching football and 2014 will mark his seventh season with the Falcons. Scelfo came to Atlanta by way of Tulane University, where he spent eight years as one of the most decorated and successful head coaches in the history of Green Wave football. Before Tulane, Scelfo was an assistant head coach at Georgia from 1996-1998.
ERIC SUTULOVICH | ASSISTANT SPECIAL TEAMS Sutulovich’s NFL coaching experience began with the Houston Texans’ inaugural campaign in 2002, when he kicked off a four-year stint with that franchise as assistant special teams coach. Following a few years in the college ranks, Sutulovich worked as an offensive assistant for the Detroit Lions in 2008. He joined the Falcons after one season in Detroit.
ANDREW THACKER | DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT Thacker is entering his first year with the Falcons and also his first stint as a coach in the NFL. He began his coaching career at Central Florida later assumed the same role at Oklahoma State. Thacker is a Gainesville (GA) High School alum which he helped lead to a 13-1 record in 2002. He played his college ball at Furman University.
GLENN THOMAS | QUARTERBACKS Thomas is heading into his seventh season overall with the Falcons and third as quarterbacks coach after serving four years as an offensive assistant. Thomas gained his first taste of NFL coaching with Baltimore and Jacksonville. In the collegiate ranks, he was the offensive coordinator at Midwestern State.
ATLANTA FALCONS RADIO NETWORK
ESPN 790 THE ZONE and Star 94 (94.1 FM) are the Flagship stations for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network. Get 2 hours of pre-game coverage then Wes Durham and Dave Archer call the game followed by 90 minutes of post game analysis. ESPN 790 THE ZONE’S exclusive weekday programming: • Falcons Weekly Press Conference, Mondays at 2:30P • Coach Mike Smith Show, Mondays at 3P • The Falcons Preview, Fridays at 3P
SEC COVERAGE
The Best SEC matchups all season long plus The Paul Finebaum Show, Weekdays from 3P-7P
MIKE TICE | OFFENSIVE LINE Tice joins the Falcons after taking a year off after serving as offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2012. Tice began his coaching career with the Minnesota Vikings as the tight ends coach (1996) under Head Coach Dennis Green. Tice was promoted to offensive line coach in 1997 and served as the club’s head coach from 2002-05.
ANDREW WEIDINGER | OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT Weidinger’s NFL experience started in Atlanta as a scout in 2007 and then as an assistant to Head Coach Mike Smith before taking an offensive assistant role. After working mostly with Running Backs Coach Gerald Brown during his role as an assistant to the head coach, Weidinger now works with Wide Receivers coach Terry Robiskie. Weidinger is an Arizona grad.
ATLANTA 26 FALCONS
SEE AND HEAR MORE AT 790THEZONE.COM
WEEKLY LINE-UP • Mike and Mike, 6A-10A • Colin Cowherd, 10A-1P • SVP & Russillo, 1P-3P • Paul Finebaum, 3P-7P
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ATL ANTA FALCONS
EXECUTIVES GREG BEADLES | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL OFFICER The LSU graduate oversees all financial operations, along with logistics, facilities management, and team travel, for the Falcons. Greg also oversees technology planning and management for the Blank Family of Businesses. In addition, he is deeply involved in all aspects of the new Atlanta stadium planning and construction. Greg was named “CFO of the Year” in 2012 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
EXECUTIVES KENDYL MOSS | VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY RELATIONS Kendyl is in her 13th season with the Falcons, with responsibility for community initiatives, player outreach and youth football programming. She is a University of Texas graduate, and also holds a master’s degree from DePaul University. Prior to her role with the Falcons, Kendyl was the assistant director of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and Final Four.
DANNY BRANCH | CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
REGGIE ROBERTS | VICE PRESIDENT, FOOTBALL COMMUNICATIONS
Danny is in his 11th season with the Falcons after serving at Home Depot as Vice President of Information Services. The Georgia graduate has more than 30 years of experience in systems development, deployment and support. Danny is responsible for all business IT-related activities for the Falcons and the Blank Family of Businesses.
Reggie is in his 23rd season in the National Football League and his 11th with the Falcons, where he manages all media and football communications matters. The University of Louisiana-Monroe graduate is the team’s liaison with local, national and international media and the club contact for television and radio networks that broadcast Falcons games.
LISA CHANG | SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
DON ROVAK | VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & SERVICE
Lisa joined us in 2014 and leads human resources strategy and policy across the Blank Family of Businesses. She also oversees the corporate security and aviation departments of AMB Group. Prior to joining AMB Group, Lisa held senior human resources positions at Equifax, Turner Broadcasting and The Weather Channel.
Don worked six seasons as the team’s director of ticket sales and service before being promoted to VP of sales in 2013. He built the Falcons ticket sales department, which has led the NFL in new season tickets sales in four of his seasons with the team. Prior to joining the Falcons, Don was vice president of marketing & ticketing for the Memphis Redbirds Triple A baseball team.
ROB GEOFFROY | VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE Rob was promoted to VP in 2013 after being the Falcons controller for eight seasons. Rob’s background includes sports business management, accounting, finance, risk management and operations. Rob previously worked with the Boston Celtics, the New Jersey Devils and International Healthcare.
DAVID HOMRICH | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT
OFFICER, AMB GROUP, LLC
David is responsible for financial planning, investment strategy and management, new business analysis and development, and real estate acquisition. He also serves as treasurer of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Prior to joining AMB Group, David was co-founder and CEO of Homrich Berg, a wealth management firm.
SCOTT JENKINS | GENERAL MANAGER, NEW ATLANTA STADIUM, AMB SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Scott joined us in 2014 after spending the past seven years as the vice president of ballpark operations for the Seattle Mariners’ Safeco Field. He is currently working with a team in the planning and construction of the new Atlanta stadium and will manage its operations. Scott is an inaugural member and chairman of the Green Sports Alliance.
KIM SHRECKENGOST | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICER, AMB GROUP, LLC.
Kim is responsible for all public relations and communications at the Falcons and across the Blank Family of Businesses. In addition, she oversees human resources across the businesses and the operations of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Montana. A graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Kim is a member of the new stadium design committee.
JIM SMITH | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER The Northwestern graduate started with the Falcons in 2003 after a successful stint as president/general manager of Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew. Jim and his team are responsible for the Falcons and new stadium’s marketing, ticket sales and service, sponsorship sales and service and retail operations.
RODDY WHITE | VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS A UGA graduate, Roddy was the Falcons director of event marketing for 12 seasons before being promoted to his current role this year. Roddy’s responsibilities include managing the game presentation and the club’s special events. He was the Jaguars director of special events and promotions before coming to Atlanta.
JARED MILLER | CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, AMB SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TIM ZULAWSKI | VICE PRESIDENT, SPONSORSHIP SALES & SERVICE
Joining us in 2014, Jared leads technology planning for the new Atlanta stadium, working with a cross-functional team to integrate technology solutions into the new stadium development. He will oversee core stadium technology functions when the new stadium opens. Prior to joining AMB Sports & Entertainment, Jared served as vice president of solution management for travel at NCR Corporation.
A native of Buffalo, Tim leads the Falcons and new stadium’s development and relationship management of corporate partnerships. Prior to joining the Falcons, Tim negotiated sponsorships for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Storm and the St. Pete Times Forum. His NFL career started in public relations with the Buffalo Bills as a high school senior.
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AT L A N TA FA LCO N S
RADIO NETWORK
FALCONS PROGRAMMING
ESPN 790 The Zone (790 AM) teams up with the 100,000 watt reach of Star 94 (94.1 FM) to deliver Atlanta Falcon fans complete team coverage.
MONDAYS @ 2:30 P.M. COACH MIKE SMITH’S LIVE PRESS CONFERENCE
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ON ESPN 790 THE ZONE
MONDAYS @ 3:00 P.M. THE COACH MIKE SMITH SHOW Featuring Coach Smith at 3:00 p.m. and a key player at 3:30 p.m.
ame day programming starts two hours before kickoff with in depth analysis, player updates and breaking news from across the League before Wes Durham and former Falcons quarterback Dave Archer take over for live Falcons play-by-play coverage including live reports direct from the sidelines. You’ll be the first to hear Coach Mike Smith’s and Matt Ryan’s reactions to the game as well as game analysis and news from the League during the 90 minute postgame show on ESPN 790 The Zone and Star 94. The latest updates on all Falcons programming can be found at 790thezone.com.
FRIDAYS @ 3:00 P.M. FALCONS PREVIEW ESPN 790 The Zone breaks down the key points to this week’s game including critical player matchups game day strategies and interviews with Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, President & CEO Rich McKay, Matt Ryan and this week’s opposing coaches and players.
PREGAME SHOW
POSTGAME SHOW
In depth analysis of today’s game, key matchups and an exclusive conversation with Atlanta Falcons President & CEO, Rich McKay.
Hear Dave Archer’s exclusive post-game interview with Head Coach Mike Smith and Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan direct from the Falcons locker room followed by in depth game analysis and news from around the NFL.
2-HOURS BEFORE KICKOFF
ATLANTA 30 FALCONS
90-MIN. AFTER GAME ENDS
FALCONS ON THE AIR
WATCH WEEKLY FALCONS PROGRAMMING ON ATLANTA’S CW69 (COMCAST 10/819HD WUPA-TV)
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FALCONS PRESEASON MIAMI FRI., AUG. 8 7:00 PM
@HOUSTON SAT., AUG. 16 8:00 PM
IF YOU DON’T SEE HOPE & WILL,
IT’S NOT CHILDREN’S.
TENNESSEE SAT., AUG. 23 7:00 PM
FALCONS RISE UP WEEKLY SATURDAY 6:00 PM
FALCONS INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME
FALCONS PLAYBACK MONDAY 6:00 PM
Fun, energetic show hosted by Coy Wire and Rashan Ali, featuring the team “out of their natural habitat.” It’s an entertaining hour, full of fun player challenges, fan interaction and a few surprises along the way.
CW69 is the first stop for player/coach interviews after the game. Dave Archer and Wes Durham are “Inside The Locker Room” with the playmakers. Get first reaction and analysis from the game and J.P. Peterson in studio.
Randy Waters and D.J. Shockley break down the previous game with highlights and analysis. Jenn Hobby will be on hand showcasing what’s trending and what fans are saying. It’s a chance to have your voice heard and your questions answered.
ATLANTA 32 FALCONS
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@JACKSONVILLE THUR., AUG. 28 6:00 PM
LOYALTY PAYS
GEORGIA DOME CONCESSIONS
HUNGRY? WITH THE GEORGIA DOME’S PREMIUM CONCESSIONS, WE ARE SURE TO HAVE WHAT YOU ARE CRAVING.
WITH THE
ULTIMATE DINING CARD Before or after the game, for business or for pleasure, the Ultimate Dining Card is your ticket to fine dining and value.
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MAIN CONCOURSE
MEZZANINE LEVEL
High Steaks
Snack Zone
SECTIONS 102 & 122
SECTIONS 205 & 232
Philly Cheesesteak
Loaded Nachos, Smoked Sausage, Chili Cheese Dog
Cantina SECTIONS 104 & 125
Rojo Tacos, Loaded Nachos, Flautas
The Ultimate Card is valid at all Buckhead Life restaurants:
ATLANTA FISH MARKET, BISTRO NIKO, BUCKHEAD DINER, CHOPS LOBSTER BAR, CORNER CAFÉ & BUCKHEAD BREAD CO., KYMA, PRICCI and VENI VIDI VICI.
Red Hots
Burger “Q”, Backyard Dog, Bolt Burger
Artisan Pasta Co. NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
Build Your Own Pasta, Grilled Sausage & Peppers, Meatball Hoagie
Tailgaters NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
Georgia Dog, Chili Cheese Dog
UPPER CONCOURSE
Half Pound Burger, Chicken Tenders and Fries, Veggie Burger, Thai Chili Burger
Bolt Burger
Extreme Loaded Dogs
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
SECTION 337
NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
The Heater, Nach Yo’ Dog, Big Kid Dog
Loaded Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken & Pork Sandwich
Pita Hut
Rojo
SECTIONS 320 & 346
NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
Gyro, Philly Cheesesteak, Fried Shrimp, Fried Chicken, Loaded Nachos, Fries
Tacos, Flautas, Loaded Nachos
SECTIONS 116 & 136
Chicken Tenders, Fries, Bolt Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich
SECTIONS 124
BBQ Ribs, Wings, Polish Sausage, Pork & Chicken Sandwich, Hickory Fries
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q SECTIONS 103 & 126
Loaded Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken & Pork Sandwich
Papa John’s SECTIONS 106 & 126
Shop at any of our restaurants, online or by phone at: buckheadrestaurants.com | 404 . 237. 2060
SECTION 238
SECTIONS 109 & 130
Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q "Best Steakhouse" - Chops Lobster Bar "Best Seafood" - Atlanta Fish Market "Best Italian" - Pricci ~ Jezebel Reader's Choice 2014 ~
Kickoff Corner
VERIZON WIRELESS CLUB LEVEL*
Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza
Grid Iron Grill SECTION 322 & 348
Bolt Burger, Chicken Tenders, Fries
Papa John’s SECTION 320 & 347
Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza
Club Carvery NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
Hand Carved Turkey Sandwich, Turkey Pressed Sandwich, Ham Pressed Sandwich
Hops and Yolks NORTH AND SOUTH CLUB
Eggs Benedict, Steak & Eggs, Ham & Eggs *Club Access Required
ATLANTA 35 FALCONS
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
STATE FARM FALCONS LANDING SERVES AS THE PRE-GAME EPICENTER FOR FALCONS FANS PRIOR TO ENTERING THE GEORGIA DOME.
LOCATION: Between Georgia Dome & Philips Arena OPENS: 3 hours prior to kickoff
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eginning Sunday, September 7, 2014 State Farm Falcons Landing opens three hours prior to each regular season home game and is free of charge.
Fans will want to exit at The Georgia Dome/Philips Arena Marta Station and take the escalator up which exits directly on to State Farm Falcons Landing.
Premium item giveaways, appearances by Freddie Falcon and the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and performances by the Atlanta Falcons Drumline are all staples of the State Farm Falcons Landing experience.
NEED NEW FALCONS GEAR FOR GAMEDAY?
Falcons fans heading to the Georgia Dome via Marta, State Farm Falcons Landing is a great destination for pre-game entertainment with friends and family.
FEATURES: Interactive games, live performances, premium giveaways & more ATLANTA 36 FALCONS
Stop by State Farm Falcons Landing and visit the merchandise trailer to secure the Official Falcons Gear of the Atlanta Falcons. So next time you make your way into the Georgia Dome, check out State Farm Falcons Landing.
ATLANTA 37 FALCONS
SAVING IS A SNAP. TEAM UP WITH SCANA ENERGY AND GET UP TO $100.
Winning Teams alWays Rise Up. As an Official Partner of the Atlanta Falcons, Windstream is proud to celebrate the players, the coaches and the fans that make every game a team effort. It’s your commitment to excellence that we admire. Here’s to you, Falcons. Rise Up! Discover smart solutions and personalized service for your enterprise at windstreambusiness.com/falcons.
SCANA Energy is proud to be an official partner of the Atlanta Falcons. Visit SCANAENERGY.COM/SCORE or call 1-877-722-6244 and save up to $100 with promo code SCORE.
SCANA Energy. The Official Natural Gas Provider of the Atlanta Falcons.
Limited time offer in the form of $10 credit per bill for the first 10 bills, for a total of up to $100, available for new residential accounts only, subject to credit requirements. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. Visit scanaenergy.com/score for details.
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MEET THE ATLANTA FALCONS TAILGATE TEAM AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIX THROUGHOUT THE 2014 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN GAME TICKETS, MEET FALCONS PLAYERS AND CHEERLEADERS AND EVEN CATCH SOME COOL FALCONS SWAG.
BEYOND FOOTBALL: ATLANTA FALCONS IN THE COMMUNITY
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he Atlanta Falcons create a winning team off the field by building a strong bond in the community. Players, coaches, cheerleaders, associates and the Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association all contribute to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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Through the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, the team contributes more than $1 Million annually to improve fitness and reduce youth obesity in the state of Georgia.
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APPEARANCES BY FALCONS PLAYERS, CHEERLEADERS & FREDDIE FALCON CHANCES TO WIN PRIZES FREE FALCONS GIFTS WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE
FOR APPEARANCE SCHEDULE FOLLOW THE ATLANTA FALCONS TAILGATE TEAM
ATLANTA 40 FALCONS
@Tailgate Team
Atlanta Falcons Tailgate Team
@Tailgate Team
ATL ANTA FALCONS
IN THE COMMUNITY USA FOOTBALL MONTH
Atlanta Falcons and USA Football Partner for Annual Youth Football Campaign
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or the 11th consecutive year, the Atlanta Falcons and USA Football have partnered to celebrate USA Football Month. USA Football, through its Head Up Football program provides accredited Level 1 Coach Certification, Heads Up Tackling techniques, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concussion recognition and response protocols, instruction on proper helmet and shoulder pad fitting as a comprehensive approach to a better and safer game and to encourage more young athletes to play football. During tonight’s game 1,500 youth football participants and cheerleaders will be in attendance.
YOUTH WEEKEND
The Falcons rely on Specialty Car Company to get up and down the field.
Join the team! Call Specialty Car Company for all your golf and utility vehicle needs. Official Utility Vehicle Provider for the Atlanta Falcons
Sales - Rentals - Service - Parts - Accessories Atlanta Falcons Host Youth Weekend During Training Camp
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outh Weekend at the 2014 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp reached record attendance numbers and provided a special time for kids 17 and under. Each day kids had the chance to get autographs from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and the opportunity to “Look Like a Pro” as they tried on real Falcons equipment. Activities during youth weekend included “Helmet and Jersey Frenzy” with the chance to win signed mini-helmets and jerseys and on the final day at the “Rise Up and Football Flurry” station kids received Rise Up wristbands, pencils and the chance to win signed white panel footballs. ATLANTA 42 FALCONS
770-446-3444 www.SpecialtyCarCo.com
ATL ANTA FALCONS
IN THE COMMUNITY COMCAST 10/810 HD
The Official Home of the Atlanta Falcons We Proudly Present
YOUTH FOOTBALL
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AFTER EVERY GAME
he Atlanta Falcons conduct Gatorade Junior Training Camps in schools and parks across Georgia with a special emphasis on introducing youth to the fundamentals of football through basic drills as well as expose them to hydration maintenance. Over 130 camps were conducted across the state and nearly 30,000 children had the opportunity to participate.
ATLANTA FALCONS JUNIOR CHEERLEADERS
MONDAYS AT 6PM
SATURDAYS AT 6PM
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irls ages 5-16 have the opportunity to cheer for their home team by participating in the Atlanta Falcons Junior Cheerleaders Program. Participants of the program receive a game day uniform, an autographed Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader poster, pompoms, practice t-shirt, three instructional clinics taught by the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and a tailgate party on performance day. In 2013, nearly 300 young girls performed in front of tens of thousands of fans during halftime of an Atlanta Falcons home game. Participants also contributed to a letter writing campaign to U.S. troops overseas and Toys for Tots. There are no tryouts required to participate in this program and all skill levels are accepted.
ATLANTA 45 FALCONS
TENNESSEE TITANS
By: Craig Sager II
WR Nate Washington
7–6
399-415-6
2011
SERIES RECORD TENNESSEE LEADS
TITANS/OILERS ALL-TIME RECORD 1960-PRESENT
LAST MEETING: FALCONS 23, TITANS 17
The combo of Wright and Washington accounted for 1,998 of Tennessee’s 3,710 yards last season. Tight end Delanie Walker was brought in from San Francisco last season and
back will support that. A dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield, McCluster accounted for 53 catches for 511 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Chiefs.
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he Titans last AFC South Division title came in 2008 when rookie running back Chris Johnson helped spark the club to a 13-3 record. Johnson was released by the Titans in April and picked up by the New York Jets. Johnson’s departure marks the firsttime in six seasons that Tennessee will be without the NFL record holder for most yards from scrimmage in a season (2,509 yards in 2009). An improving passing attack will headline this year’s offense and staying healthy will be key after last year’s starting quarterback Jack Locker suffered injuries that derailed Tennessee’s 3-1 start. Wideout Kendall Wright posted 1,079 receiving yards on 94 receptions last year. Wright’s receptions and yardage last year each rank him fifth all-time in Titans annals. In four seasons, wide receiver Nate Washington has tallied 3,944 yards and sits ninth on the all-time receiving yards list in franchise history.
THE TITANS NEED TO REPLACE
ALTERRAUN VERNER A 2013 PRO BOWL CORNERBACK led the Titans with a career-high and team-high six receiving touchdowns in his Titans debut. The nine-year pro also set career highs in receptions (60) and yardage (571) last year. Look for the Titans to continue favoring the pass this season. The addition of Dexter McCluster at running
ATLANTA 46 FALCONS
The defense operates in a 3-4 base technique and Ropati Pitoitua, Sammie Lee Hill and Jurrell Casey start in the trenches. Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley add depth to the linebacking corps. In the secondary, the Titans need to replace Alterraun Verner, a 2013 Pro Bowl cornerback that led the team with five interceptions last season and now suits up for Tampa Bay. Former Clemson standout Coty Sensabaugh has been taking a lot of reps at cornerback and he recorded six pass defenses and two recovered fumbles in his reserve role last season. Atlanta’s last regular season meeting with Tennessee resulted in a 23-17 victory in 2011. The Falcons visited Tennessee last August in their third preseason game, but fell short 27-16.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
2014 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
2014 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
ARIZONA CARDINALS
DALLAS COWBOYS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
DENVER BRONCOS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
9/8 ...... Chargers ..........10:20 PM ET 9/14 .... at Giants .............1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... 49ers ..................4:05 PM ET 10/5 .... at Broncos .........4:05 PM ET 10/12 .. Redskins ............ 4:25 PM ET 10/19 .. at Raiders .......... 4:25 PM ET 10/26 .Eagles .................4:05 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Cowboys ........1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... Rams ................... 4:25 PM ET 11/16 ... Lions ................... 4:25 PM ET 11/23 ... at Seahawks .....4:05 PM ET 11/30 .. at Falcons ..........4:05 PM ET 12/7 .... Chiefs .................4:05 PM ET 12/11 ... at Rams .............. 8:25 PM ET 12/21 .. Seahawks ..........8:30 PM ET 12/28 .. at 49ers ............. 4:25 PM ET
9/7 ...... 49ers .................. 4:25 PM ET 9/14 .... at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... at Rams ...............1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Saints ..................8:30 PM ET 10/5 .... Texans .................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET 10/19 .. Giants ................. 4:25 PM ET 10/27 . Redskins ............8:30 PM ET 11/2 ..... Cardinals ............1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Giants ............8:30 PM ET 11/27 ... Eagles .................4:30 PM ET 12/4 .... at Bears .............. 8:25 PM ET 12/14 .. at Eagles ............8:30 PM ET 12/21 .. Colts .................... 4:25 PM ET 12/28 .. at Redskins ........1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Falcons ...........1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at Cowboys .......8:30 PM ET 10/5 .... Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Lions ................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Packers ...............8:30 PM ET 10/30 .at Panthers ....... 8:25 PM ET 11/9 ..... 49ers ...................1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 11/24 .. Ravens ................8:30 PM ET 11/30 .. at Steelers ..........1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Panthers .............1:00 PM ET 12/15 .. at Bears ..............8:30 PM ET 12/21 .. Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Cowboys ....... 4:25 PM ET 9/14 .... Bears ...................8:30 PM ET 9/21 .... at Cardinals ......4:05 PM ET 9/28 ... Eagles ................. 4:25 PM ET 10/5 .... Chiefs ................. 4:25 PM ET 10/13 .. at Rams ..............8:30 PM ET 10/19 .. at Broncos .........8:30 PM ET 11/2 ..... Rams ...................4:05 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Giants .............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Redskins ............ 4:25 PM ET 11/27 ... Seahawks ..........8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... at Raiders .......... 4:25 PM ET 12/14 .. at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET 12/20 .Chargers ............4:30 PM ET 12/28 .. Cardinals ........... 4:25 PM ET
9/7 ...... Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 9/11...... Steelers .............. 8:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Panthers .............1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Bengals ...........1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Steelers .........8:30 PM ET 11/9 ..... Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 11/24 .. at Saints .............8:30 PM ET 11/30 .. Chargers .............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Texans ............1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Browns ................1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Colts ....................8:30 PM ET 9/14 .... Chiefs ................. 4:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET 10/5 .... Cardinals ...........4:05 PM ET 10/12 .. at Jets ..................1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. 49ers ..................8:30 PM ET 10/23 . Chargers ............ 8:25 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Patriots .......... 4:25 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Raiders ..........4:05 PM ET 11/16 ... at Rams ...............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Dolphins ............ 4:25 PM ET 11/30 .. at Chiefs ............8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... Bills ......................4:05 PM ET 12/14 .. at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 12/22 .. at Bengals ..........8:30 PM ET 12/28 .. Raiders ............... 4:25 PM ET
9/7 ...... Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Broncos ......... 4:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Dolphins ....... 4:25 PM ET 9/29 ... Patriots ..............8:30 PM ET 10/5 .... at 49ers ............. 4:25 PM ET 10/19 .. at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 10/26 .Rams ....................1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Jets .......................1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... Seahawks ...........1:00 PM ET 11/20 .. at Raiders .......... 8:25 PM ET 11/30 .. Broncos ..............8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... at Cardinals ......4:05 PM ET 12/14 .. Raiders ................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Steelers ..........1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Chargers .............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Jets ..................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Texans ................ 4:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Patriots ...........1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Dolphins .............1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Chargers ............4:05 PM ET 10/19 .. Cardinals ........... 4:25 PM ET 10/26 .at Browns .......... 4:25 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET 11/9 ..... Broncos ..............4:05 PM ET 11/16 ... at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 11/20 .. Chiefs ................. 8:25 PM ET 11/30 .. at Rams ...............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... 49ers .................. 4:25 PM ET 12/14 .. at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. Bills ...................... 4:25 PM ET 12/28 .. at Broncos ......... 4:25 PM ET
ATLANTA FALCONS
DETROIT LIONS
NEW YORK GIANTS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
BUFFALO BILLS
HOUSTON TEXANS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
9/7 ...... Saints ...................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Bengals ...........1:00 PM ET 9/18 .... Buccaneers ....... 8:25 PM ET 9/28 ... at Vikings .......... 4:25 PM ET 10/5 .... at Giants .............1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Bears ....................1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Lions .................. 9:30 AM ET 11/9 ..... at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Browns ................1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Cardinals ...........4:05 PM ET 12/8 .... at Packers ..........8:30 PM ET 12/14 .. Steelers ...............1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Panthers .............1:00 PM ET
9/8 ...... Giants .................. 7:10 PM ET 9/14 .... at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Packers ................1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at Jets ..................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... Bills .......................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. Saints ...................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Falcons ......... 9:30 AM ET 11/9 ..... Dolphins .............1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Cardinals ...... 4:25 PM ET 11/23 ... at Patriots ...........1:00 PM ET 11/27 ... Bears ................. 12:30 PM ET 12/7 .... Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Bears ...............1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Packers ...........1:00 PM ET
9/8 ...... at Lions ................ 7:10 PM ET 9/14 .... Cardinals ............1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Texans .................1:00 PM ET 9/25 ... at Redskins ....... 8:25 PM ET 10/5 .... Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Eagles ............8:30 PM ET 10/19 .. at Cowboys ....... 4:25 PM ET 11/3 ..... Colts ....................8:30 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET 11/16 ... 49ers ...................1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Cowboys ............8:30 PM ET 11/30 .. at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Redskins .............1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Rams ..............4:05 PM ET 12/28 .. Eagles ..................1:00 PM ET
9/4 ...... Packers ...............8:30 PM ET 9/14 .... at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 9/21 .... Broncos .............. 4:25 PM ET 10/6 .... at Redskins .......8:30 PM ET 10/12 .. Cowboys ............ 4:25 PM ET 10/19 .. at Rams ...............1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Raiders ............... 4:25 PM ET 11/9 ..... Giants ................. 4:25 PM ET 11/16 ... at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Cardinals ...........4:05 PM ET 11/27 ... at 49ers .............8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... at Eagles ............ 4:25 PM ET 12/14 .. 49ers .................. 4:25 PM ET 12/21 .. at Cardinals...... 8:30 PM ET 12/28 .. Rams ................... 4:25 PM ET
9/7....... at Bears................1:00 PM ET 9/14..... Dolphins..............1:00 PM ET 9/21..... Chargers..............1:00 PM ET 9/28.... at Texans.............1:00 PM ET 10/5..... at Lions.................1:00 PM ET 10/12... Patriots.................1:00 PM ET 10/19... Vikings.................1:00 PM ET 10/26.. at Jets...................1:00 PM ET 11/9...... Chiefs...................1:00 PM ET 11/13.... at Dolphins........ 8:25 PM ET 11/23.... Jets........................1:00 PM ET 11/30... Browns.................1:00 PM ET 12/7..... at Broncos..........4:05 PM ET 12/14... Packers.................1:00 PM ET 12/21... at Raiders........... 4:25 PM ET 12/28... at Patriots ...........1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Redskins .............1:00 PM ET 9/14..... at Raiders .......... 4:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Giants .............1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Bills .......................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Cowboys ........1:00 PM ET 10/9 .... Colts .................... 8:25 PM ET 10/20.. at Steelers .........8:30 PM ET 10/26 .at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Eagles ..................1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Patriots ...............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Chiefs ................. 4:25 PM ET 9/28 ... at Raiders ...........1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Packers ................1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Bears ...............1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Chargers .............1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Lions ................1:00 PM ET 11/13 ... Bills ...................... 8:25 PM ET 11/23 ... at Broncos ......... 4:25 PM ET 12/1 ..... at Jets .................8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Patriots ...........1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Jets .......................1:00 PM ET
9/7....... Browns.................1:00 PM ET 9/11...... at Ravens............ 8:25 PM ET 9/21..... at Panthers........8:30 PM ET 9/28.... Buccaneers.........1:00 PM ET 10/5..... at Jaguars............1:00 PM ET 10/12... at Browns............1:00 PM ET 10/20.. Texans.................8:30 PM ET 10/26.. Colts..................... 4:25 PM ET 11/2...... Ravens.................8:30 PM ET 11/9...... at Jets...................1:00 PM ET 11/17.... at Titans..............8:30 PM ET 11/30... Saints....................1:00 PM ET 12/7..... at Bengals............1:00 PM ET 12/14... at Falcons............1:00 PM ET 12/21... Chiefs...................1:00 PM ET 12/28... Bengals................1:00 PM ET
CAROLINA PANTHERS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
9/7 ...... at Buccaneers .. 4:25 PM ET 9/14 .... Lions ....................1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Steelers ..............8:30 PM ET 9/28 ... at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... Bears ....................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Bengals ...........1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Packers ...........1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Seahawks ...........1:00 PM ET 10/30 .Saints .................. 8:25 PM ET 11/10 ... at Eagles ............8:30 PM ET 11/16 ... Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. Browns ................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Falcons ...........1:00 PM ET
9/4 ...... at Seahawks .....8:30 PM ET 9/14 .... Jets ...................... 4:25 PM ET 9/21 .... at Lions ................1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at Bears ...............1:00 PM ET 10/2 .... Vikings ............... 8:25 PM ET 10/12 .. at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. Panthers .............1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Saints .............8:30 PM ET 11/9 ..... Bears ...................8:30 PM ET 11/16 ... Eagles ..................1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Patriots .............. 4:25 PM ET 12/8 .... Falcons ...............8:30 PM ET 12/14 .. at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Lions ....................1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 9/15 .... at Colts ...............8:30 PM ET 9/21 .... Redskins .............1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at 49ers ............. 4:25 PM ET 10/5 .... Rams ....................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Giants .................8:30 PM ET 10/26 .at Cardinals ......4:05 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Texans ............1:00 PM ET 11/10 ... Panthers ............8:30 PM ET 11/16 ... at Packers ...........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 11/27 ... at Cowboys .......4:30 PM ET 12/7 .... Seahawks .......... 4:25 PM ET 12/14 .. Cowboys ............8:30 PM ET 12/20 .at Redskins .......4:30 PM ET 12/28 .. at Giants .............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Panthers ............ 4:25 PM ET 9/14 .... Rams ...................4:05 PM ET 9/18 .... at Falcons .......... 8:25 PM ET 9/28 ... at Steelers ..........1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Redskins ........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Bears ...............1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Lions ................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. Packers............... 1:00 PM ET 12/28... Saints ...................1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Falcons ................1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Patriots ..........8:30 PM ET 10/12 .. Panthers .............1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 11/6 ..... Browns ............... 8:25 PM ET 11/16 ... at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Texans ............1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Steelers ...............1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 12/22 .. Broncos ..............8:30 PM ET 12/28 .. at Steelers ..........1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Broncos .........8:30 PM ET 9/15 .... Eagles .................8:30 PM ET 9/21 .... at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 10/9 .... at Texans ........... 8:25 PM ET 10/19 .. Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Steelers ......... 4:25 PM ET 11/3 ..... at Giants ............8:30 PM ET 11/16 ... Patriots ..............8:30 PM ET 11/23 ... Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Redskins .............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Browns ...........1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Texans .................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Cowboys ....... 4:25 PM ET 12/28 .. at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Raiders ................1:00 PM ET 9/29 ... at Chiefs ............8:30 PM ET 10/5 .... Bengals ..............8:30 PM ET 10/12 .. at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 10/16 .. Jets ...................... 8:25 PM ET 10/26 .Bears ....................1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Broncos .............. 4:25 PM ET 11/16 ... at Colts ...............8:30 PM ET 11/23 ... Lions ....................1:00 PM ET 1/30 .... at Packers .......... 4:25 PM ET 12/7 .... at Chargers .......8:30 PM ET 12/14 .. Dolphins .............1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Jets ..................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Bills .......................1:00 PM ET
9/8 ...... at Cardinals ....10:20 PM ET 9/14 .... Seahawks ..........4:05 PM ET 9/21 .... at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Jaguars ...............4:05 PM ET 10/5 .... Jets ...................... 4:25 PM ET 10/12 .. at Raiders ..........4:05 PM ET 10/19 .. Chiefs .................4:05 PM ET 10/23 . at Broncos ......... 8:25 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... Raiders ...............4:05 PM ET 11/23 ... at Seahawks .....4:05 PM ET 11/30 .. at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Patriots ..............8:30 PM ET 12/14 .. Broncos ..............4:05 PM ET 12/20 .at 49ers .............4:30 PM ET 12/28 .. at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET
CHICAGO BEARS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
NEW YORK JETS
TENNESSEE TITANS
9/7 ...... Bills .......................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at 49ers .............8:30 PM ET 9/22 ... at Jets .................8:30 PM ET 9/28 ... Packers ................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Falcons ...........1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Patriots ...........1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Packers ..........8:30 PM ET 11/16 ... Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 11/27 ... at Lions ............. 12:30 PM ET 12/4 .... Cowboys ............ 8:25 PM ET 12/15 .. Saints ..................8:30 PM ET 12/21 .. Lions ....................1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Rams ...............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Patriots ...............1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... at Saints ..............1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... Falcons ............... 4:25 PM ET 10/2 .... at Packers .......... 8:25 PM ET 10/12 .. Lions ....................1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Buccaneers ...1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... Redskins .............1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... at Bears ...............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... Packers ................1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Panthers .............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Jets .......................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Lions ................1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. Bears ....................1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Vikings ................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Buccaneers ..4:05 PM ET 9/21 .... Cowboys .............1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Eagles .............1:00 PM ET 10/13 .. 49ers ..................8:30 PM ET 10/19 .. Seahawks ...........1:00 PM ET 10/26 .at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... at 49ers .............4:05 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Cardinals ...... 4:25 PM ET 11/16 ... Broncos ...............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 11/30 .. Raiders ................1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... at Redskins ........1:00 PM ET 12/11 ... Cardinals ........... 8:25 PM ET 12/21 .. Giants .................4:05 PM ET 12/28 .. at Seahawks ..... 4:25 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Texans ............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... at Eagles .............1:00 PM ET 9/25 ... Giants ................. 8:25 PM ET 10/6 .... Seahawks ..........8:30 PM ET 10/12 .. at Cardinals ...... 4:25 PM ET 10/19 .. Titans ..................1:00 PM ET 10/27 . at Cowboys .......8:30 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 11/16 ... Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at 49ers ............. 4:25 PM ET 11/30 .. at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Rams ....................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Giants .............1:00 PM ET 12/20 .Eagles .................4:30 PM ET 12/28 .. Cowboys .............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Steelers ..........1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Saints ...................1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Ravens .................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Steelers ...............1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Jaguars ...........1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Raiders ............... 4:25 PM ET 11/2 ..... Buccaneers ........1:00 PM ET 11/6 ..... at Bengals .......... 8:25 PM ET 11/16 ... Texans .................1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Falcons ...........1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Colts .....................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Bengals ...............1:00 PM ET 12/21 .. at Panthers ........1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Eagles .............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Redskins ........1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... Colts .....................1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at Chargers .......4:05 PM ET 10/5 .... Steelers ...............1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. at Titans ..............1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. Browns ................1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Dolphins .............1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Bengals ...........1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... Cowboys .............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. Giants ..................1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Texans .................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 12/18 .. Titans ................. 8:25 PM ET 12/28 .. at Texans ............1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... Raiders ................1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... at Packers .......... 4:25 PM ET 9/22 ... Bears ...................8:30 PM ET 9/28 ... Lions ....................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... at Chargers ....... 4:25 PM ET 10/12 .. Broncos ...............1:00 PM ET 10/16 .. at Patriots .......... 8:25 PM ET 10/26 .Bills .......................1:00 PM ET 11/2 ..... at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... Steelers ...............1:00 PM ET 11/23 ... at Bills ..................1:00 PM ET 12/1 ..... Dolphins ............8:30 PM ET 12/7 .... at Vikings ...........1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. at Titans .............4:05 PM ET 12/21 .. Patriots ...............1:00 PM ET 12/28 .. at Dolphins ........1:00 PM ET
9/7 ...... at Chiefs .............1:00 PM ET 9/14 .... Cowboys .............1:00 PM ET 9/21 .... at Bengals ...........1:00 PM ET 9/28 ... at Colts ................1:00 PM ET 10/5 .... Browns ................1:00 PM ET 10/12 .. Jaguars ................1:00 PM ET 10/19 .. at Redskins ........1:00 PM ET 10/26 .Texans .................1:00 PM ET 11/9 ..... at Ravens ............1:00 PM ET 11/17 ... Steelers ..............8:30 PM ET 11/23 ... at Eagles .............1:00 PM ET 11/30 .. at Texans ............1:00 PM ET 12/7 .... Giants ..................1:00 PM ET 12/14 .. Jets ......................4:05 PM ET 12/18 .. at Jaguars .......... 8:25 PM ET 12/28 .. Colts .....................1:00 PM ET
ATLANTA 50 FALCONS
ATLANTA 51 FALCONS
K IA MOTO R S
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Free event provides fans unique opportunity to watch, celebrate the Falcons By: Dan Mathews
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS HOSTS 2008
2009
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2011
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2014
Mill Creek High School
Brookwood High School
North Gwinnett High School
Norcross High School
Peachtree Ridge High School
Gainesville High School
Archer High School
O
place in Flowery Branch, this practice was underneath the lights of a local high school stadium. While the Falcons have reached the highest level of football, Friday Night Lights takes them back to the days when they were suiting up in front of just their friends, neighbors and families. This night definitely made players like veteran wide receiver/ Jonesboro native Harry Douglas a little nostalgic.
n August 1, the Falcons held their seventh-annual Kia Motors Friday Night Lights practice in front of a crowd of more than 12,000 fans at Archer High School in Lawrenceville. Fans got an up close and personal opportunity to check out the 2014 Atlanta Falcons. The weather couldn’t have been any better with fans, players, coaches and staff being treated to milder than usual temperatures. This provided an even better atmosphere for the team to go through their workout in front of the crowd. Percy Vaughn, the Executive Director of Southern Region Operations of Kia Motors America, Inc., was happy to have his company part of this great event. “Kia Motors and the Atlanta Area Kia dealers are honored to be the title partner of the 7th annual Kia Motors Friday Night Lights event,” Vaughn said. “This grassroots event always proves to bring excitement to the local community and I know the
players enjoy getting back to the high school environment under the lights.” Kia Motors was title sponsor for the event, while Xfinity and Under Armour shared presenting sponsor honors. Verizon Wireless, SunTrust, Coca-Cola and King’s Hawaiian also joined in as associate sponsors. Even though, on the field, it was essentially a normal training camp practice, it wasn’t so normal off the field. While training camp takes ATLANTA 52 FALCONS
Intruders Beware thIs Is OUR house Let Arrow intercept, tackle and eliminate pests in YOUR house!
“I played here in high school, not at this particular high school, but in Georgia,” Douglas said. “Friday Night Lights kind of mimics playing on Friday nights like you did in high school. It’s a great thing and it’s a great event every year.” The event always ends with fans lining up around the field, hoping their favorite Falcons player heads over their direction for an autograph. As always at Friday Night Lights, the fans were treated to a spectacular fireworks show to end the night.
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G JUSTIN BLALOCK HAS STARTED IN 98 STRAIGHT GAMES DATING BACK TO HIS ROOKIE CAMPAIGN OF 2007. NO. PLAYER
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2...............Matt Ryan....................................... QB............. 6-4................217.............. 5/17/85...................7.................. Boston College...............................D1a ‘08.............................................................Exton, PA 3...............Matt Bryant.................................... K................ 5-9................203............. 5/29/75..................13................. Baylor...............................................FA ‘09............................................................Orange, TX 5...............Matt Bosher................................... P................ 6-0................208............. 10/18/87................4.................. Miami (Fla.)....................................D6 ‘11...............................................................Jupiter, FL 7...............Jeremy Ebert.................................. WR............ 6-0................195.............. 4/6/89....................2.................. Northwestern.................................FA ‘14............................................................ Hilliard, OH 8...............Jabin Sambrano............................. WR............ 5-11................190.............. 3/12/90..................1................... Montana..........................................FA’ 14.........................................................Temecula, CA 9...............Jeff Mathews.................................. QB............. 6-4................229............. 8/25/91..................R.................. Cornell..............................................FA ‘14.........................................................Camarillo, CA 11...............Julio Jones...................................... WR............ 6-3.................220............. 2/3/89....................4.................. Alabama...........................................D1 ‘11.................................................................. Foley, AL 12..............Sean Renfree.................................. QB............. 6-5................225.............. 4/28/90.................1................... Duke..................................................D7c ‘13.....................................................Scottsdale, AZ 13..............T.J. Yates......................................... QB............. 6-4................217.............. 5/28/87..................4.................. North Carolina................................TR ‘14 (Hou)..............................................Marietta, GA 14..............Geraldo Boldewijn......................... WR............ 6-4 ...............220............. 2/14/91...................R.................. Boise State......................................FA ‘14................................................................. Boise, ID 15..............Courtney Roby............................... WR............ 6-0................189.............. 1/10/83...................8.................. Indiana.............................................FA ‘14.....................................................Indianapolis, IN 16..............Julian Jones.................................... WR............ 6-0................202............. 3/26/91...................R.................. Arkansas State...............................FA ‘14......................................................... Memphis, TN 17..............Devin Hester................................... WR............ 5-11................190.............. 11/4/82...................9.................. Miami (Fla.)....................................FA ‘14.................................................. Riviera Beach, FL 18..............Freddie Martino............................. WR............ 6-0................195.............. 9/7/91.....................R.................. North Greenville............................FA ‘14................................................................ North, SC 19..............Drew Davis...................................... WR............ 6-1.................205............. 1/4/89.....................3.................. Oregon.............................................FA ‘12............................................................. Denver, CO 20.............Dwight Lowery............................... S................ 5-11................212.............. 1/23/86..................7.................. San Jose State................................FA ‘14...................................................... Santa Cruz, CA 21..............Desmond Trufant........................... CB............. 6-0................190.............. 9/10/90..................2.................. Washington.....................................D1 ‘13............................................................Tacoma, WA 22.............Zeke Motta..................................... S................ 6-2.................215.............. 5/14/90..................2.................. Notre Dame.....................................D7b ‘13.....................................................Vero Beach, FL 23.............Robert Alford................................. CB............. 5-10...............186.............. 11/1/88....................2.................. Southeast Louisiana......................D2 ‘13........................................................Hammond, LA 24.............Jordan Mabin................................. CB............. 5-11................180.............. 10/31/88................2.................. Northwestern.................................FA ‘13..........................................Northfield Center, OH 25.............William Moore............................... S................ 6-0................221.............. 5/18/85..................5.................. Missouri...........................................D2 ‘09..............................................................Hayti, MO 26.............Josh Wilson.................................... CB............. 5-9................188.............. 3/11/85...................8.................. Maryland.........................................FA ‘14............................................Upper Marlboro, MD 27.............Robert McClain.............................. CB............. 5-9................195.............. 7/22/88..................5.................. Connecticut.....................................FA ‘12....................................................Philadelphia, PA 28.............Javier Arenas.................................. CB............. 5-9................197.............. 10/28/87................5.................. Alabama...........................................FA ‘14............................................................... Tampa, FL 29.............Sean Baker...................................... S................ 6-0................209............. 11/6/88...................1................... Ball State.........................................FA ‘13...................................................Youngstown, OH 30.............Josh Vaughan................................. RB............. 6-0................225.............. 12/3/86..................4.................. Richmond........................................FA ‘12........................................................Richmond, VA 32.............Jacquizz Rodgers.......................... RB............. 5-6................196.............. 2/6/90...................4.................. Oregon State...................................D5 ‘11........................................................ Richmond, TX 33.............Devonta Freeman.......................... RB............. 5-8................206............. 3/15/92...................R.................. Florida State...................................D4a ‘14.............................................................Miami, FL 34.............Jerome Smith................................. RB............. 6-0................226............. 4/6/91.....................R.................. Syracuse..........................................FA ‘14.................................................................. Bear, DE 35.............Antone Smith................................. RB............. 5-9................192.............. 9/17/85...................5.................. Florida State...................................FA ‘09...........................................................Pahokee, FL 36.............Kemal Ishmael................................ S................ 6-0................206............. 5/6/91.....................2.................. Central Florida................................D7a ‘13..............................................................Miami, FL 37.............Ricardo Allen.................................. CB............. 5-9................186.............. 12/18/91.................R.................. Purdue..............................................D5a ‘14.............................................Daytona Beach, FL 38.............Tyrell Johnson................................ S................ 6-0................207............. 5/19/85..................6.................. Arkansas State...............................FA ‘14................................................................Rison, AR 39.............Steven Jackson............................... RB............. 6-2.................240............. 7/22/83..................10................ Oregon State...................................FA ‘13........................................................Las Vegas, NV 40............Kimario McFadden........................ S................ 5-11................197.............. 4/13/91...................R.................. South Carolina State.....................FA’ 14.........................................................Riverdale, GA 41..............Dezmen Southward....................... S................ 6-2.................210.............. 10/1/91...................R.................. Wisconsin........................................D3 ‘14..............................................................Sunrise, FL 42.............Patrick DiMarco............................. FB............. 6-1.................234............. 4/30/89.................3.................. South Carolina................................FA ‘13......................................... Altamonte Springs, FL 43.............Devonta Glover-Wright................ CB............. 6-0................175.............. 6/28/92..................R.................. Utah State.......................................FA ‘14............................................................ Smyrna, GA 43.............Roosevelt Nix................................. FB............. 5-11................260............. 3/30/92..................R.................. Kent State........................................FA ‘14................................................ Reynoldsburg, OH 44.............Pat Angerer.................................... LB............. 6-0................236............. 1/31/87...................5.................. Iowa..................................................FA ‘14....................................................... Bettendorf, IA 45.............Maurice Hagens............................. FB............. 5-11................250............. 6/28/92..................R.................. Miami (Fla.)....................................FA ‘14......................................................... Riverview, FL 45.............Jacques Smith................................ OLB........... 6-2.................258............. 12/31/91..................R.................. Tennessee........................................FA ‘14...................................................Chattanooga, TN 46.............Walker May.................................... OLB........... 6-5................250............. 9/4/90....................R.................. Vanderbilt.......................................FA ‘14.....................................................Birmingham, AL 47.............Josh Harris...................................... LS.............. 6-1.................224............. 4/27/89..................3.................. Auburn.............................................FA ‘12....................................................... Carrollton, GA 48.............Brenden Daley................................ LB............. 6-3.................250............. 5/30/91..................R.................. Hawaii..............................................FA ‘14........................................................ Moorpark, CA 49.............Tyler Starr....................................... LB............. 6-5................250............. 1/25/91...................R.................. South Dakota..................................D7b ‘14.....................................................Little Rock, IA 49.............Brian Wozniak................................ TE............. 6-4................255.............. 8/9/90...................R.................. Wisconsin........................................FA ‘14......................................................... Loveland, OH 50.............Osi Umenyiora............................... DE............. 6-3.................255.............. 11/16/81..................12................. Troy...................................................FA ‘13................................................... London, England 51..............Marquis Spruill.............................. LB............. 6-0................224............. 5/14/91...................R.................. Syracuse..........................................D5b ‘14.......................................................... Hillside, NJ 52.............Tim Dobbins................................... LB............. 6-1.................234............. 12/10/82.................9.................. Iowa State.......................................FA ‘14......................................................... Nashville, TN 53.............Prince Shembo............................... LB............. 6-0................253.............. 12/24/91.................R.................. Notre Dame.....................................D4b ‘14......................................................Charlotte, NC 54.............Yawin Smallwood.......................... LB............. 6-4................236............. 12/25/91.................R.................. Connecticut.....................................D7a ‘14.................................................... Worcester, MA 55.............Paul Worrilow................................ LB............. 6-0................230............. 5/1/90....................2.................. Delaware..........................................FA ‘13.....................................................Wilmington, DE 59.............Joplo Bartu..................................... LB............. 6-2.................230............. 10/3/90..................2.................. Texas State......................................FA ‘13.............................................................. Waller, TX 61..............Joe Hawley...................................... C................ 6-3.................302............. 10/22/88................5.................. UNLV.................................................D4 ‘10................................................... Yorba Linda, CA 62.............James Stone.................................... C................ 6-3.................291.............. 4/26/92..................R.................. Tennessee........................................FA ‘14......................................................... Nashville, TN 63.............Justin Blalock................................. G............... 6-4................326.............. 12/20/83................8.................. Texas................................................D2a ‘07............................................................ Dallas, TX 64.............Nosa Eguae..................................... DE............. 6-3.................269............. 8/15/91...................R.................. Auburn.............................................FA ‘14........................................................Mansfield, TX 65.............Donte Rumph................................. DT............. 6-3.................320............. 1/15/90...................R.................. Kentucky..........................................FA ‘14.................................................. St. Matthews, SC 66.............Peter Konz...................................... C................ 6-5................317.............. 12/20/89................3.................. Wisconsin........................................D2 ‘12............................................................ Neehan, WI 67.............Adam Replogle.............................. OL............. 6-3.................294............. 10/10/90................1................... Indiana.............................................FA ‘13......................................................Centerville, OH 68.............Gabe Carimi.................................... OL............. 6-7.................316.............. 6/13/88..................4.................. Wisconsin........................................FA ‘14....................................................... Lake Forest, IL 69.............Harland Gunn................................. G............... 6-2.................310.............. 8/30/89.................2.................. Miami (Fla.)....................................FA ‘12..............................................................Omaha, NE 70.............Jake Matthews............................... T................ 6-5................309............. 2/11/92...................R.................. Texas A&M......................................D1 ‘14.................................................. Missouri City, TX 71..............Kroy Biermann............................... DE............. 6-3.................255.............. 9/12/85..................7.................. Montana..........................................D5b ‘08......................................................... Hardin, MT 73.............Ryan Schraeder.............................. T................ 6-7.................300............. 5/4/88....................2.................. Valdosta State................................FA ‘13............................................................ Wichita, KS 74.............Terren Jones................................... T................ 6-7.................341.............. 11/19/91..................2.................. Alabama State................................FA ‘13............................................ Ft. Walton Beach, FL 74.............Theo Agnew................................... DT............. 6-4................280............. 10/10/91.................R.................. Georgia State..................................FA ‘14........................................................... Windsor, CT 75.............Jon Asamoah.................................. G............... 6-4................305............. 7/21/88...................5.................. Illinois..............................................FA ‘14....................................................... Park Forest, IL 76.............Lamar Holmes................................ T................ 6-6................333.............. 7/8/89....................3.................. Southern Mississippi....................D3 ‘12..........................................................Gastonia, NC 77.............Ra’Shede Hageman....................... DE............. 6-6................318.............. 8/8/90...................R.................. Minnesota.......................................D2 ‘14.................................................. Minneapolis, MN 79.............Mike Johnson................................. OL............. 6-6................304............. 4/2/87....................4.................. Alabama...........................................D3b ‘10......................................................Pensacola, FL 80............Levine Toilolo................................. TE............. 6-8................265............. 7/30/91..................2.................. Stanford...........................................D4b ‘13........................................................ La Mesa, CA 81..............Jacob Pedersen.............................. TE............. 6-5................240............. 4/27/91...................R.................. Wisconsin........................................FA ‘14.....................................................Menominee, MI 82.............Mickey Shuler................................ TE............. 6-4................247.............. 10/9/86..................4.................. Penn State.......................................FA ‘13................................................................ Enola, PA 83.............Harry Douglas................................ WR............ 6-0................183.............. 9/16/84..................6.................. Louisville.........................................D3b ‘08................................................... Jonesboro, GA 84.............Roddy White.................................. WR............ 6-0................211............... 11/2/81....................10................ Alabama-Birmingham...................D1 ‘05.................................................. James Island, SC 86.............Bear Pascoe.................................... TE............. 6-5................265............. 2/23/86..................6.................. Fresno State....................................FA ‘14.......................................................Porterville, CA 87.............Tramaine Thompson..................... WR............ 5-8................167.............. 4/10/90.................R.................. Kansas State...................................FA ‘14................................................................Jenks, OK 89.............Bernard Reedy............................... WR............ 5-9................175.............. 12/31/91..................R.................. Toledo..............................................FA ‘14................................................. St. Petersburg, FL 90............Stansly Maponga........................... DE............. 6-2.................265............. 3/5/91.....................2.................. Texas Christian...............................D5 ‘13........................................................Carrollton, TX 91..............Corey Peters................................... DT............. 6-3.................305............. 6/8/88....................5.................. Kentucky..........................................D3a ‘10......................................................Louisville, KY 92.............Travian Robertson......................... DT............. 6-4................304............. 12/9/88..................3.................. South Carolina................................D7 ‘12...................................................... Laurinburg, NC 93.............Malliciah Goodman....................... DE............. 6-4................276.............. 1/4/90....................2.................. Clemson...........................................D4a ‘13........................................................Florence, SC 94.............Jonathan Massaquoi..................... DE............. 6-2.................264............. 5/18/88..................3.................. Troy...................................................D5b ‘12..............................................Lawrenceville, GA 95.............Jonathan Babineaux..................... DT............. 6-2.................300............. 10/12/81.................10................ Iowa..................................................D2 ‘05.................................................... Port Arthur, TX 96.............Paul Soliai....................................... DT............. 6-4................345............. 12/30/83................8.................. Utah..................................................FA ‘14..............................Pago Pago, American Samoa 97.............Darin Drakeford............................. LB............. 6-1.................250............. 7/5/91.....................1................... Maryland.........................................FA ‘14.................................................... Washington, DC 98.............Cliff Matthews............................... DE............. 6-4................268............. 8/5/89....................4.................. South Carolina................................D7b ‘11........................................................... Cheraw, SC 99.............Tyson Jackson................................ DE............. 6-4................296............. 6/6/86....................6.................. Louisiana State...............................FA ‘14..............................................................Edgard, LA
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FROM 20 2 3 WR KENDALL WR GHT RECORDED 58 RECEPT ONS MORE THAN ANY OTHER PLAYER N FRANCH SE H STORY DUR NG THE PLAYER S F RST TWO SEASONS NO. PLAYER
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ACQUIRED
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3...............Maikon Bonani............................... K................ 5-10...............183.............. 1/29/89..................1................... South Florida..................................FA-’14........................................................ Matáo, Brazil 4...............Travis Coons................................... K................ 6-1.................194.............. 2/6/92....................R.................. Washington.....................................FA-’14.......................................................Alta Loma, CA 6...............Brett Kern....................................... P................ 6-2.................214.............. 2/17/86..................7.................. Toledo..............................................W (DEN)-’09......................................Grand Island, NY 7...............Zach Mettenberger....................... QB............. 6-5................224............. 7/16/91...................R.................. Louisiana State...............................D6-’14.................................................. Watkinsville, GA 10.............Jake Locker..................................... QB............. 6-3.................223.............. 6/15/88..................4.................. Washington.....................................D1-’11..........................................................Ferndale, WA 11...............Isaiah Williams.............................. WR............ 6-2.................201.............. 1/30/87..................1................... Maryland.........................................FA-’14........................................................ Montclair, NJ 12..............Charlie Whitehurst....................... QB............. 6-5................226............. 8/6/82....................9.................. Clemson...........................................UFA (SD)-’14.................................................Duluth, GA 13..............Kendall Wright............................... WR............ 5-10...............191............... 11/12/89.................3.................. Baylor...............................................D1-’12......................................................... Pittsburg, TX 14..............Michael Preston............................ WR............ 6-5................213.............. 6/1/89....................2.................. Heidelberg......................................FA-’11...............................................................Euclid, OH 15..............Justin Hunter.................................. WR............ 6-4................203............. 5/20/91..................2.................. Tennessee........................................D2-’13................................................Virginia Beach, VA 16..............Jaz Reynolds................................... WR............ 6-2.................201.............. 2/26/91..................R.................. Oklahoma........................................FA-’14..........................................................Houston, TX 17..............Brian Robiskie................................ WR............ 6-4................212.............. 12/3/87...................6.................. Ohio State.......................................FA-’14.......................................................Cleveland, OH 18..............Julian Horton.................................. WR............ 6-1.................205............. 12/12/91..................R.................. Arkansas..........................................FA-’14........................................................ Norcross, GA 19..............Derel Walker.................................. WR............ 6-1.................188.............. 6/29/91..................R.................. Texas A&M......................................FA-’14.........................................................Hillsboro, TX 20.............Bishop Sankey................................ RB............. 5-10...............209............. 9/15/92...................R.................. Washington.....................................D2-’14................................................... Wadsworth, OH 21..............George Wilson............................... S................ 6-0................210.............. 3/14/81...................9.................. Arkansas..........................................FA-’13...........................................................Paducah, KY 22.............Dexter McCluster.......................... RB............. 5-8................170.............. 8/25/88.................5.................. Mississippi......................................UFA (KC)-’14....................................................Largo, FL 23.............Shonn Greene................................. RB............. 5-11................233.............. 8/21/85..................6.................. Iowa..................................................UFA (NYJ)-’13.........................................Sicklerville, NJ 24.............Coty Sensabaugh........................... CB............. 5-11................187.............. 11/15/88.................3.................. Clemson...........................................D4-’12.......................................................Kingsport, TN 25.............Blidi Wreh-Wilson......................... CB............. 6-1.................198.............. 12/5/89..................2.................. Connecticut.....................................D3a-’13....................................................... Edinboro, PA 26.............Ri’Shard Anderson........................ CB............. 5-11................194.............. 4/3/91.....................R.................. Syracuse..........................................FA-’14...........................................................Miramar, FL 28.............Marqueston Huff........................... DB............. 5-11................196.............. 4/6/92....................R.................. Wyoming.........................................D4b-’14....................................................Texarkana, TX 29.............Leon Washington.......................... RB............. 5-8................192.............. 8/29/82..................9.................. Florida State...................................FA-’13..................................................... Jacksonville, FL 30.............Jason McCourty............................. CB............. 6-0................193.............. 8/13/87..................6.................. Rutgers............................................D6a-’09............................................................Nyack, NJ 31..............Bernard Pollard.............................. S................ 6-1.................226............. 12/23/84................9.................. Purdue..............................................FA-’13...................................................... Fort Wayne, IN 32.............Micah Pellerin................................ DB............. 6-0................192.............. 11/23/88.................2.................. Hampton..........................................W (DAL)-’13....................................... New Orleans, LA 33.............Michael Griffin............................... S................ 6-0................215.............. 1/4/85.....................8.................. Texas................................................D1-’07............................................................. Austin, TX 35o...........Antonio Andrews........................... RB............. 5-10...............225.............. 11/14/89.................R.................. Western Kentucky.........................FA-’14............................................... Fort Campbell, KY 35d...........Marc Anthony................................ CB............. 5-11................196.............. 8/17/92...................1................... California.........................................FA-’14......................................................... Chandler, AZ 36.............Khalid Wooten............................... DB............. 5-11................212.............. 2/19/90..................1................... Nevada.............................................D6-’13.............................................................. Rialto, CA 37.............Tommie Campbell......................... CB............. 6-3.................198.............. 9/19/87..................4.................. California (Pa.)...............................D7b-’11.......................................................Aliquippa, PA 38.............Hakeem Smith................................ S................ 6-0................194.............. 11/9/89...................R.................. Louisville.........................................FA-’14...................................................... Jonesboro, GA 39.............Daimion Stafford........................... S................ 6-1.................218.............. 2/18/91...................2.................. Nebraska..........................................D7-’13.........................................................Riverside, CA 40............Winston Wright............................. CB............. 5-10...............190.............. 3/16/91...................R.................. South Dakota State........................FA-’14................................................Lee’s Summit, MO 42.............Collin Mooney................................ FB............. 5-10...............238............. 4/3/86....................2.................. Army.................................................FA-’12.................................................................. Katy, TX 44.............Jackie Battle................................... FB/RB...... 6-2.................240............. 10/1/83...................7.................. Houston...........................................FA-’13...........................................................Houston, TX 45.............Waymon James.............................. RB............. 5-8................203............. 1/24/91...................R.................. Texas Christian...............................FA-’14......................................................... Sherman, TX 47.............David Hinds.................................... LB............. 6-0................235.............. 2/25/90.................1................... Florida Atlantic..............................FA-’14...............................................................Miami, FL 48.............Beau Brinkley................................. LS.............. 6-4................248............. 1/25/90..................3.................. Missouri...........................................FA-’12.......................................................... Kearney, MO 48d..........Kendrick Adams............................. LB............. 6-5................244............. 11/3/88...................1................... Louisiana State...............................FA-’14.................................................... Enterprise, Ala. 49.............Jonathan Willard........................... LB............. 6-2.................231.............. 1/10/90..................1................... Clemson...........................................FA-’13..................................................................Loris, SC 50.............Zaviar Gooden................................ LB............. 6-1.................231.............. 8/31/90..................2.................. Missouri...........................................D3b-’13.................................................. Pflugerville, TX 51..............Brandon Copeland......................... LB............. 6-3.................260............. 7/2/91.....................1................... Pennsylvania...................................FA-’13.......................................................Sykesville, MD 52.............Colin McCarthy.............................. LB............. 6-1.................243.............. 5/30/88.................4.................. Miami (Fla.)....................................D4a-’11............................................................ Tampa, FL 53.............Moise Fokou................................... LB............. 6-1.................243.............. 8/28/85.................6.................. Maryland.........................................UFA (IND)-’13.......................................... Rockville, MD 54.............Avery Williamson.......................... LB............. 6-1.................246............. 3/9/92....................R.................. Kentucky..........................................D5-’14...............................................................Milan, TN 55.............Zach Brown..................................... LB............. 6-1.................248............. 10/23/89................3.................. North Carolina................................D2-’12..................................................................Estill, SC 56.............Akeem Ayers.................................. LB............. 6-3.................255.............. 7/10/89..................4.................. UCLA.................................................D2-’11.................................................... Los Angeles, CA 57.............Patrick Bailey................................. LB............. 6-4................243.............. 11/19/85..................7.................. Duke..................................................W (PIT)-’10............................................ Elmendorf, TX 58.............Shaun Phillips................................. LB............. 6-3.................255.............. 5/13/81...................11................. Purdue..............................................UFA (DEN)-’14..................................... Willingboro, NJ 59.............Wesley Woodyard......................... LB............. 6-0................233.............. 7/21/86...................7.................. Kentucky..........................................UFA (DEN)-’14........................................ LaGrange, GA 60............Chris Spencer................................. G/C........... 6-3.................308............. 3/28/82..................10................ Mississippi......................................UFA (CHI)-’13.................................................. Flora, MS 61..............Gabe Ikard...................................... C................ 6-4................304............. 9/26/90.................R.................. Oklahoma........................................FA-’14.............................................. Oklahoma City, OK 62.............Brian Schwenke............................. C................ 6-3.................318.............. 3/22/91...................2.................. California.........................................D4-’13...................................................... Oceanside, CA 64.............Justin McCray................................ G............... 6-3.................321.............. 5/31/92...................R.................. Central Florida................................FA-’14...............................................................Miami, FL 66.............Eric Olsen........................................ G/C........... 6-3.................305............. 6/16/88..................3.................. Notre Dame.....................................UFA (PIT)-’14....................................Staten Island, NY 67.............Andy Levitre................................... G............... 6-2.................303............. 5/15/86..................6.................. Oregon State...................................UFA (BUF)-’13....................................... Santa Cruz, CA 68.............Byron Stingily................................ T................ 6-5................318.............. 9/9/88....................4.................. Louisville.........................................D6-’11...........................................Country Club Hills, IL 69.............Tyler Horn....................................... G/C........... 6-4................305............. 3/1/89.....................1................... Miami (Fla.)....................................FA-’13......................................................... Memphis, TN 70.............Chance Warmack........................... G............... 6-2.................323.............. 9/14/91...................2.................. Alabama...........................................D1-’13............................................................ Atlanta, GA 71..............Michael Roos.................................. T................ 6-7.................313.............. 10/5/82..................10................ Eastern Washington......................D2-’05....................................................Vancouver, WA 72.............Michael Oher.................................. T................ 6-4................315.............. 5/28/86.................6.................. Mississippi......................................UFA (BAL)-’14.......................................... Memphis, TN 73.............Will Poehls...................................... T................ 6-8................334............. 11/27/91..................R.................. Montana..........................................FA-’14......................................................... Chandler, AZ 75d...........DaQuan Jones................................ DL............. 6-4................322.............. 12/17/91..................R.................. Penn State.......................................D4a-’14................................................Johnson City, NY 75o...........Steve Vallos.................................... C................ 6-3.................307............. 3/14/86..................7.................. Wake Forest....................................FA-’14............................................... Youngstown, Ohio 76o...........Jeff Adams...................................... T................ 6-7.................305............. 9/6/89....................1................... Columbia..........................................FA-’13.............................................................. Berwyn, IL 76d...........Lanier Coleman.............................. DL............. 6-5................296............. 12/21/86.................1................... Louisiana-Lafayette......................FA-’14.................................................. New Orleans, LA 77.............Taylor Lewan.................................. T................ 6-7.................309............. 7/22/91...................R.................. Michigan..........................................D1-’14......................................................Cave Creek, AZ 78d...........Chigbo Anunoby............................ DL............. 6-4................324.............. 1/4/89.....................1................... Morehouse......................................FA-’13............................................... Jefferson City, MO 78o...........Kevin Danser.................................. G............... 6-5................290............. 5/1/90....................R.................. Stanford...........................................FA-’14.........................................................Saratoga, CA 79d...........Marcus Dixon................................. DE............. 6-4................295............. 9/16/84..................3.................. Hampton..........................................FA-’14.............................................................. Rome, Ga. 79o...........Viondy Merisma............................ G/T........... 6-2.................294............. 6/20/91..................R.................. American International................FA-’14........................................................Waltham, MA 80............Derek Hagan................................... WR............ 6-2.................210.............. 9/21/84..................8.................. Arizona State..................................FA-’14........................................................ Palmdale, CA 81..............Rico Richardson............................. WR............ 6-1.................185.............. 7/1/91......................1................... Jackson State..................................FA-’14..........................................................Natchez, MS 82.............Delanie Walker.............................. TE............. 6-0................248............. 8/12/84..................9.................. Central Missouri............................UFA (SF)-’13............................................... Pomona, CA 83.............Marc Mariani.................................. WR............ 6-1.................187.............. 5/2/87....................5.................. Montana..........................................D7a-’10............................................................Havre, MT 84.............Taylor Thompson........................... TE............. 6-6................268............. 10/19/89................3.................. Southern Methodist......................D5-’12........................................................... Prosper, TX 85.............Nate Washington.......................... WR............ 6-1.................183.............. 8/28/83..................10................ Tiffin.................................................UFA (PIT)-’09.............................................. Toledo, OH 86.............Chase Coffman............................... TE............. 6-6................250............. 11/10/86.................5.................. Missouri...........................................FA-’14......................................................... Peculiar, MO 88.............Craig Stevens................................. TE............. 6-3.................263.............. 9/1/84....................7.................. California.........................................D3-’08......................................................San Pedro, CA 89.............Jason Schepler............................... TE............. 6-2.................262............. 2/6/90...................1................... Northern Illinois.............................FA-’14......................................................... Sycamore, IL 90............Antonio Johnson............................ DL............. 6-3.................328.............. 12/8/84..................8.................. Mississippi State............................UFA (IND)-’13............................................... Leland, MS 91..............Derrick Morgan.............................. LB/DE....... 6-3.................261.............. 1/6/89.....................5.................. Georgia Tech...................................D1-’10..................................................... Coatesville, PA 92.............Ropati Pitoitua............................... DE............. 6-8................298............. 4/6/85....................5.................. Washington State..........................UFA (KC)-’13...........................................Lakewood, WA 93.............Mike Martin.................................... DL............. 6-1.................298............. 9/1/90....................3.................. Michigan..........................................D3-’12............................................................ Detroit, MI 94.............Sammie Hill..................................... DL............. 6-4................328.............. 11/8/86...................6.................. Stillman............................................UFA (DET)-’13...................................West Blocton, AL 95.............Kamerion Wimbley....................... LB/DE....... 6-4................258............. 10/13/83.................9.................. Florida State...................................FA-’12............................................................ Wichita, KS 96.............Al Woods......................................... DL............. 6-4................307............. 3/25/87..................5.................. Louisiana State...............................UFA (PIT)-’14................................................... Elton, LA 97.............Karl Klug......................................... DE............. 6-3.................278............. 3/31/88..................4.................. Iowa..................................................D5-’11.......................................................Caledonia, MN 98.............Lavar Edwards................................ DE............. 6-4................278............. 4/29/90.................2.................. Louisiana State...............................D5-’13.................................................. New Orleans, LA 99.............Jurrell Casey................................... DL............. 6-1.................305............. 12/5/89..................4.................. Southern California.......................D3-’11
N
55
ON
DE
NT
30 | McCourty 37 | Campbell 32 | Pellerin
OLB S
31 | Pollard 39 | Stafford 38 | Smith
ILB
99 | Casey 93 | Martin 97 | Klug
ILB
55 | Brown 50 | Gooden 47 | Hinds
95 | Wimbley 56 | Ayers 57 | Bailey
DE
DT
DT
DE
95 | Babineaux 94 | Massaquoi 93 | Goodman
96 | Soliai 91 | Peters 92 | Robertson
99 | Jackson 77 | Hageman 98 | C. Matthews
71 | Bierman 50 | Umenyiora 90 | Maponga
DT
94 | Hill 90 | Johnson 78 | Anunoby
92 | Pitoitua 96 | Woods 98 | Edwards
LCB
RCB
CB
24 | Sensabaugh 25 | Wreh-Wilson 28 | Huff
21 | Trufant 37 | Allen 43 | Glover-Wright
LB
OLB
59 | Woodyard 53 | Fokou 54 | Williamson
91 | Morgan 58 | Phillips 51 | Copeland
FS
33 | Griffin 21 | Wilson 36 | Wooten
25 | Moore 36 | Ishmael 22 | Motta
FALCONS DEPTH CHART
TITANS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
OFFENSE
WHEN THE TITANS HAVE THE BALL
WR
WR RB
QB
39 | Jackson 32 | Rodgers 35 | Smith
TE
RT
2 | Ryan 13 | Yates 12 | Renfree
42 | DiMarco 45 | Hagens
RG
70 | Matthews 68 | Carimi 73 | Schraeder
75 | Asamoah 69 | Gunn 68 | Carimi
84 | White 83 | Douglas 19 | Davis
FB
C
61 | Hawley 66 | Konz 62 | Stone
LG
63 | Blalock 79 | Johnson 67 | Replogle
WR
WR
85 | Washington 80 | Hagen 83 | Mariani
LT
TE
76 | Holmes 74 | Jones 73 | Schraeder
82 | Walker 88 | Stevens 84 | Thompson
K
P
5 | Bosher
LS
47 | Harris
QB
23 | Greene 22 | McCluster 20 | Sankey
10 | Locker 12 | Whitehurst 7 | Mettenberger
RT
13 | Wright 15 | Hunter 14 | Preston
FB
44 | Battle 42 | Mooney
RG
C
70 | Warmack 66 | Olsen 64 | McCray
62 | Schwenke 60 | Spencer 61 | Ikard
LG
67 | Levitre 69 | Horn 78 | Danser
LT
71 | Roos 77 | Lewan 76 | Adams
SPECIAL TEAMS
H
5 | Bosher
RB
72 | Oher 68 | Stingily 73 | Poehls
SPECIAL TEAMS
3 | Bryant
S
20 | Lowery 41 | Southward 29 | Baker
DEFENSE
11 | Jones 17 | Hester 15 | Roby
80 | Toilolo 86 | Pascoe 82 | Shuler
55 | Worrilow 52 | Dobbins 44 | Angerer
DEFENSE
WHEN THE FALCONS HAVE THE BALL
CB
26 | Wilson 27 | McClain 28 | Arenas
LB
59 | Bartu 53 | Shembo
S
CB
23 | Alford 28 | Arenas 24 | Mabin
KR
17 | Hester 32 | Rodgers
PR
17 | Hester 27 | McClain
K
3 | Bonani 4 | Coons
P
6 | Kern 4 | Coons
LS
48 | Brinkley 84 | Thompson
H
6 | Kern 21 | Wilson
KR
PR
29 | Washington 22 | McCluster
22 | McCluster 29 | Washington
Probable starters are listed in team’s primary color
Probable starters are listed in team’s primary color
ATLANTA 56 FALCONS
ATLANTA 57 FALCONS
ATLANTA FALCONS
23
37
28
11
66
20
90
94
CB | Robert Alford
CB | Ricardo Allen
CB | Javier Arenas
WR | Julio Jones
C | Peter Konz
S | Dwight Lowery
DE | Stansly Maponga
DE | Jonathan Massaquoi
75
95
59
98
70
27
25
86
G | Jon Asamoah
DT | Jonathan Babineaux
LB | Joplo Bartu
DE | Cliff Matthews
T | Jake Matthews
CB | Robert McClain
S | William Moore
TE | Bear Pascoe
71
63
5
92
15
32
2
73
DE | Kroy Biermann
G | Justin Blalock
P | Matt Bosher
DT | Travian Robertson
WR | Courtney Roby
RB | Jacquizz Rodgers
QB | Matt Ryan
T | Ryan Schraeder
2014 HEAD SHOTS
117 POINTS The Falcons offense thrived on long drives in 2013, scoring 117 points on 33 drives lasting 10-ormore plays. Atlanta’s 23 scores on 10-play drives rank tied for 5th in the NFL last season.
76 TD’S
Since 2008, the Falcons have totaled 176 drives of 10 plays or longer, with 142 scores and an NFC-leading 76 touchdowns.
3
42
52
83
33
53
54
35
96
41
K | Matt Bryant
FB | Patrick DiMarco
LB | Tim Dobbins
WR | Harry Douglas
RB | Devonta Freeman
LB | Prince Shembo
LB | Yawin Smallwood
RB | Antone Smith
DT | Paul Soliai
S | Dezmen Southward
93
77
47
61
17
51
49
80
21
50
DE | Malliciah Goodman
DE | Ra’Shede Hageman
LS | Josh Harris
C | Joe Hawley
WR | Devin Hester
LB | Marquis Spruill
LB | Tyler Starr
TE | Levine Toilolo
CB | Desmond Trufant
DE | Osi Umenyiora
76
36
39
99
79
84
26
55
13
T | Lamar Holmes
S | Kemal Ishmael
RB | Steven Jackson
DE | Tyson Jackson
OL | Mike Johnson
WR | Roddy White
CB | Josh Wilson
LB | Paul Worrilow
QB | T.J. Yates
ATLANTA 58 FALCONS
ATLANTA 59 FALCONS
83
ATLANTA FALCONS 2013 TEAM STATS KEY:
FALCONS
OPPONENTS
Unless noted otherwise.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
SCORING LEADERS PLAYER
PTS
TEAM SCORING
M. Bryant
111 50 42 24 24
49
T. Gonzalez S. Jackson J. Snelling J. Rodgers
REC 443
40
353
34
YDS
24 DOUGLAS
TD
FG
49
TOTAL
94 328
1,067
1,079
4,541
3,710
2
2
26
22
31
RUSHING
WRIGHT
4
PASSING
RETURNS
40
17
M. Bryant
41
40
39
362 381
29
TD
FG
PTS
TEAM SEASON TOTAL
A. Ayers
15
RUSHING
13
B. Pollard
22 4
3 TOTAL
ATTEMPTS
TEAM SCORING
A. Verner
16
O. Umenyiora MADE
116 60 36 24 24
INTERCEPTIONS
21
S. Weatherspoon
PTS
R. Bironas
J. Hunter
TEAM
Unless noted otherwise.
TEAM LEADERS
D. Trufant 3
PLAYER
S. Greene
TDS
OPPONENTS
SCORING LEADERS
D. Walker
10
R. Alford
TITANS
C. Johnson
YDS
TOUCHDOWNS 41
FIELD GOALS
YARDS
REC
TEAM SEASON TOTAL
W. Moore
14
11
KEY:
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
85
INTERCEPTIONS TEAM LEADERS 26
2013 TEAM STATS
KENDALL WRIGHT
445
TDS
TEAM
TENNESSEE TITANS
PTS
TOUCHDOWNS 40
HARRY DOUGLAS
13
PASSING
RETURNS
16
Z. Brown C. McCarthy
FIELD GOALS
MADE
ATTEMPTS
R. Bironas
| 1–19
| 20–29
| 30–39
| 40–49
| 50+
YARDS
Opponents
| 1–19
| 20–29
| 30–39
| 40–49
| 50+
Opponents
RECEIVING
RUSHING
RECEIVING
RUSHING
NUMBER: 349
NUMBER: 349
NUMBER: 349
NUMBER: 349
NUMBER: 462
NUMBER: 446
NUMBER: 328
NUMBER: 344
YARDS: 1,400
YARDS: 1,400
YARDS: 1,400
YARDS: 1,400
YARDS: 1,894
YARDS: 1,795
YARDS: 3,710
YARDS: 3,839
TDS: 8
TDS: 8
TDS: 8
TDS: 8
TDS: 16
TDS: 21
TDS: 22
TDS: 15
TEAM LEADERS
NO.
YDS
TDS
TEAM LEADERS
NO.
YDS
TDS
TEAM LEADERS
NO.
YDS
TDS
TEAM LEADERS
NO.
YDS
TDS
S. Jackson J. Rodgers J. Snelling A. Smith M. Ryan
157 96 44 5 17
543 332 164 145 55
6 2 1 2 0
H. Douglas T. Gonzalez R. White J. Rodgers J. Jones
85 83 63 52 41
1,067 859 711 341 580
2 8 3 2 2
C. Johnson S. Greene R. Fitzpatrick J. Locker J. Battle
279 77 43 24 36
1,077 295 225 155 142
6 4 3 2 1
K. Wright D. Walker N. Washington C. Johnson J. Hunter
94 60 58 42 18
1,079 571 919 345 354
2 6 3 4 4
SCORE BY PERIODS Q1 150 125 100 75 50 25 0
Q2 169
122 79 54
SCORE BY PERIODS
AVERAGE TIME OF POSSESSION Q3
93
Q4
OT
Q1
127
FALCONS
93
30:15
56 3 0
ATLANTA 60 FALCONS
29:45 OPPONENTS
150 125 100 75 50 25 0
Q2
AVERAGE TIME OF POSSESSION Q3
Q4
OT
149 125 71
76
77 83
TITANS
30:00
88 65 0
9
ATLANTA 61 FALCONS
30:00 OPPONENTS
TENNESSEE TITANS
2014 COACHES/PLAYERS
KEN WHISENHUNT HEAD COACH
BOB BOSTAD Offensive Line
STEVE HOFFMAN Assistant Special Teams
JOHN MCNULTY Quarterbacks
GIFF SMITH Defensive Line
STEVE BROWN Assistant Secondary
RAY HORTON
Defensive Coordinator
JASON MICHAEL Offensive Coordinator
LOU SPANOS Linebackers
17
YEARS
The Titans are in their first season under veteran Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt, who has 17 years of NFL coaching experience. He also played for the Falcons and at nearby Georgia Tech.
»»
Named 17th head coach in franchise history in January.
»»
Served as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2007-2012.
»»
Was San Diego’s offensive coordinator last year.
»»
Led the Cardinals to the franchise’s first Super Bowl during the 2008 season.
»»
Won a Cardinals-best 49 games during his tenure in Arizona.
»»
Named the Professional Football Writers of America’s 2013 Assistant Coach of the Year.
LOUIE CIOFFI Defensive Backs
SHAWN JEFFERSON Wide Receivers
MIKE MULARKEY Tight Ends
LUKE STECKEL Offensive Assistant
ATLANTA 62 FALCONS
SYLVESTER CROOM Running Backs
NATE KACZOR Special Teams
KEVIN PATULLO
Assistant Wide Receivers
MIKE SULLIVAN Assistant Offensive Line
NICK EASON
Assistant Defensive Line
CANNON MATTHEWS Defensive Quality Control
ARTHUR SMITH
Offensive Assistant/Tight Ends
STEVE WATTERSON Strength & Conditioning
55
99
23
33
94
ILB | Zach Brown
DT | Jurrell Casey
RB | Shonn Greene
FS | Michael Griffin
NT | Sammie Hill
15
6
67
10
22
WR | Justin Hunter
P | Brett Kern
LG | Andy Levitre
QB | Jake Locker
RB | Dexter McCluster
30
91
72
58
92
CB | Jason McCourty
OLB | Derrick Morgan
RT | Michael Oher
OLB | Shaun Phillips
DE | Ropati Pitoitua
31
71
20
62
24
SS | Bernard Pollard
LT | Michael Roos
RB | Bishop Sankey
C | Brian Schwenke
CB | Coty Sensabaugh
88
82
70
85
12
TE | Craig Stevens
TE | Delanie Walker
RG | Chance Warmack
WR | Nate Washington
QB | Charlie Whitehurst
21
95
59
25
13
S | George Wilson
OLB | Kamerion Wimbley
ILB | Wesley Woodyard
CB | Blidi Wreh-Wilson
WR | Kendall Wright
ATLANTA 63 FALCONS
Atlanta Falcons
THROWBACK
By Craig Sager II RUNN
1 97 9 –1 9 8
21
L
ynn Cain was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 100 overall pick of the 1979 Draft. The Falcons knew they were getting a playmaker with a broad range of skills and also knew Cain was the ideal fit for a two-headed running attack. Twenty-one picks before Cain, the Falcons selected former Auburn running back William Andrews. Cain and Andrews broke the huddle together as one of the most productive backfield tandems the game has seen.
CK IN G B A
4
NO.
FALCONS STA TIST
ICS
YEAR TEA M 1984 ATLANTA 198 3 ATLANTA 198 2 ATLANTA 198 1 ATLANT 198 0 ATLANT A A 197 9 ATLANTA CAREER STATIST ICS
89
GAMES PLAYED
19
RUSH TDS
Lyn n Cai n He igh t: 6’1 | We igh t: 20 5 Ho me tow n: Los An gel es, CA G 15 16 9 16 16 10
ATT 77 19 54 156 235 63
YDS AVG TD 276 3.6 3 63 3.3 1 173 3.2 1 542 3.5 4 914 3.9 8 295 4.7 2
615 2,,3 3 09 ATTEMPTS
1 0 61 1, REC YARDS
RUSH YARDS
127
RECEPTIONS
Cain’s ability to run the ball, catch out of the backfield and block for quarterback Steve Bartkowski was a key to the offense. His versatility is something that was developed throughout his journey to the NFL. Cain grew up with three older brothers who were always taking him along with them to learn a new trick or skill. He watched his older brother work his way through the minor league baseball system with the Oakland A’s organization and learned how to throw a knuckle ball from him. “The first time I threw it, that ball just dropped,” laughed Cain. “The catcher caught it and stood up, ran up to the mound and said ‘What was that?’” ATLANTA 65 FALCONS
Cain was an excellent basketball player as well and when he arrived at East Los Angeles Junior College, he used another sport to build a skillset that would take him to the University of Southern California. There, he shared the backfield with Heisman winner Charles White and helped lead the Trojans to the 1978 national championship. “We didn’t have spring practice, so I’d play rugby,” said Cain. “It was fun learning the scrum and pitching the ball. …We ran the option, so what better way to learn the option game than playing rugby?” Staying active and well-rounded is a philosophy Cain lives by and his recent endeavors involve teaching these traits to the youth. Cain is the uncle of The Black Eyed Peas rapper/singer/producer will.i.am and the two are looking to bring some of the things the Falcons are doing in the Atlanta community to Los Angeles, which lacks a professional football team. “The Falcons are big with the Heads Up Football (initiative) and we are trying to bring it to the Los Angeles area to help teach these kids those things,” said Cain.
November 20, 2011
FLASHBACK
By: Craig Sager II
FALCONS 23 -VS-
TITANS 17
100 RUSHING YARDS by Michael Turner
316 PASSING YARDS
by Matt Ryan
T
he Falcons 23-17 victory over the Titans in 2011 was a memorable performance that reflects how Atlanta was able to post its seventh double-digit win season in franchise history. The game was played in Week 11 of that season and the Falcons were fresh off a heartbreaking 26-23 overtime loss to the Saints that dropped them to 5-4. The Titans were also 5-4, but entered the week confident after their 30-3 rout over Carolina the previous Sunday. The Titans received the opening kickoff but Jonathan Babineaux set the tone for the Falcons on the first snap when he brought down Chris Johnson for a 3-yard loss. The Titans punted and gave Matt Ryan the football at the 44-yard line. Six plays later, Ryan found Tony Gonzalez for a 17-yard touchdown and the Birds were in business. Atlanta frustrated the Tennessee offense with a total team effort on the defensive side of the ball. The unit posted five tackles for loss and nine pass deflections and did not allow the Titans to cross midfield until late in the first half. First-year Titans coach Mike Munchak burned a timeATLANTA 66 FALCONS
The Preferred Salon of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders
out when he challenged the ruling on the field after a diving interception by cornerback Dunta Robinson. The Titans sideline was in disbelief when the replay showed that somehow Robinson was able to pluck the Matt Hasselback pass inches before hitting the turf. Meanwhile, Ryan and the Falcons took advantage of the field position. Two long drives in the second quarter resulted in a pair of Matt Bryant field goals and Atlanta went into the half leading 13-3. Ryan was dialed in and finished the game 22-of-32 passing for 319 yards and a touchdown, while the line kept him upright without a single sack. Roddy White was leading receiver with seven catches for 147 yards and opening drive of the second half was fueled by a 47-yard reception by White before Michael Turner plowed his way to a 4-yard touchdown run. Turner, who would lead the NFC in rushing in both 2010 and 2011, finished with 100 yards on 21 carries. It marked the 24th occasion that Turner eclipsed the century mark with the Falcons.
Perimeter Mall 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30346 North Point Mall 1000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, GA 30022
770.393.8303 DASS.tv
Kelsey Years with Squad: 3 Favorite Falcon: Spoon Follow Hope: @AFC_Kelsey What is your favorite sports team besides the Falcons? UGA....Go Dawgs!
If you could travel anywhere in the world for vacation, where would you go? I’m dying to go to Greece. It looks incredible, and I love Greek food.
What is your favorite part of being a cheerleader?
Performing on the field is such a rush! And, of course, having the best seats in the house for the game isn’t too shabby either.
How did you get into cheering/ dancing? I started ballet when I was 4. My mom enrolled me to improve my coordination after I failed my preschool PE test because I couldn’t hop on my left foot. I’ve loved it ever since!
What type of music do you most enjoy dancing to? I love country music!
What do you like to do off the field? I like to stay busy. I have a full time Account Management position at an IT company. I’m a recent homeowner, so I’m constantly working on home improvement projects. I love being outside playing golf or tennis, or borrowing my boyfriend’s black lab to take to the park. Life is too short to sit on the couch.
What is your most memorable game as a cheerleader and why? My favorite game was the playoff game against the Seahawks during the 2012 season. The energy in the Dome was amazing! My ears were ringing for days.
2014-15 Swimsuit Calendar Available September 2014 ATLANTA 68 FALCONS
atlantafalcons.com/cheerleaders
@ATLCheerleaders
CheerleaderS
(Front) Row 1: Dana, Ariel, Kat, Denita, Alice, Cecilia, Sydney, Natalie, Kristen Row 2: Rie, Brianna, Hope, Naiz, Jasmine ,Jess, Micki, Leslie, Kiley Row 3: Aleria, Amy, Bethany, Cara, Alexa, Kelsey, Kayla, Allison, Macy Row 4: Megan, Cayla, Colleen, Kiva, AnneMarie, Nicole, Taneshia, Lindsey, Alexandria Cheerleader Coordinator: Chato B. Hendrix Cheerleader Choreographer: Jakene T. Ashford Sponsors: Atlanta Dental Spa, Flywheel, Gotta Dance Atlanta, GTM Sportswear, DASS Hair Salon, LA Fitness, Midtown Athletic Club, Palm Beach Tan, Inc, Pur Minerals Cosmetics, Rebel Athletic, StylePlus/Algy Team Shoes, Ultratress
2014 ATLANTA FALCONS
YOUR FALCONS. YOUR WAY. NOW.
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HEADS UP FOOTBALL THE SOUTHEAST’S #
NAME IN LASIK.
Buddy Curry
CREATING A SAFER GAME FOR THE FUTURE
T
he Atlanta Falcons are leading the conversation around youth football safety by implementing the Heads Up Football initiative throughout the state of Georgia. Heads Up Football, developed by USA Football, educates parents and athletes on proper tackling, correct equipment fitting and concussion awareness, with a large focus aimed at the youth and high school level. In an effort to bring education directly to parents of athletes and athletes themselves, the Falcons completed a six-city Heads Up Football Safety Clinic and Parent Informational Session tour around Georgia from February to May, which included stops in Albany, Macon, Columbus, Athens, Gainesville and Augusta. During these free, one-day clinics, more than 600 student-athletes and 500 parents showed up to learn Heads Up tackling techniques, position-specific training and character-based lessons.
Led by former Falcons linebacker and USA Football Master Trainer Buddy Curry, the parent informational sessions focused on improving player safety, while athletes participated in on-field drills emphasizing the step-by-step Heads Up Football tackling protocol. Five fundamentals, including breakdown, buzz, hit, shoot and rip, were taught through a series of drills that help reiterate proper tackling mechanics, ultimately reducing helmet contact. Each of the fundamental skills can be found in greater detail by logging on to USA Football’s website at usafootball.com. Additionally, the Falcons hosted four Moms Football Safety Clinics throughout the Spring and Summer, including the first-ever NFL out-of-market clinic in Livingston, Montana. The Moms Football Safety Clinics are designed to further educate moms who may have a child that plays football or is interested in playing football on proper equipment fitting, concussion awareness ATLANTA 72 FALCONS
and hydration. Moms are led in an interactive classroom discussion allowing for all questions to be addressed as well as on field drills, just as their child experiences at practice. Guests such as Stephanie Douglas, mother of wide receiver Harry Douglas, and Melissa Bryant, wife of kicker Matt Bryant, Chris Golic, Heads Up Football Advisory member and wife of ESPN’s Mike Golic, were on hand throughout the clinics to offer advice. This fall, the team will continue to serve as a resource and spread the word on youth and prep football safety with additional Heads Up Football clinics in a variety of cities around the state. For more information on future Heads Up Football clinics, please visit: atlantafalcons.com/headsupclinics Follow the Atlanta Falcons on Twitter at @Atlanta_Falcons for up-to-date information on when clinic sign-ups become available.
Trust the doctor the doctors trust. For a free consultation, call 1-866-LASER22 or visit woolfsoneye.com
Quarterbacks aren’t the only things being crunched this Sunday.
Pick up some of America’s favorite game-time snacks and do some crunching of your own. Snyder’s-Lance is proud to be the Official Salty Snack & Sandwich Cracker of the Atlanta Falcons. Share the flavor with your whole team!
AT L A N TA FA LCO N S
UNIFORM HISTORY
The Atlanta Falcons uniform history has evolved over the years to include many versions from the original uniforms of 1966.
LOGO EVOLUTION 1966–2002
2003–PRESENT
I
n that inaugural campaign of ’66, the team started with red helmets, black jerseys and white pants at home games. Some minor alterations to the home jersey took place over a two-year span from 1968-70. But the first significant change to the uniform didn’t occur until 1971 when the club switched to red jerseys for the home crowd. The next new phase included adding silver pants to those jerseys in 1978. The red jersey would remain for 19 seasons through 1989. To commemorate their 25th anniversary in 1990, the Falcons radically changed their uniform back to black jerseys with an accompanying black helmet for the first time. This look would stay intact until the 2003 season. Under new Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank,
the Birds completed a huge makeover by changing their logo to a “more powerful, aggressive Falcon” for that ’03 campaign. It was the first major logo change in team history. A new style black jersey with white pants also made an appearance on players during home games in 2003. In 2004, the Falcons announced another change through the help of their fans. Through an outpouring of fan generated support, there was strong sentiment for the return to the red jerseys. The Falcons organization listened and responded to their fan base as they moved back to a red jersey (with a similar style as the black jerseys). Last season, the club created a “throwback uniform” as their alternate uny and wore it for two games. The throwback look was the original 1966 uniforms and members of that first team were invited back for alumni weekend and recognized on the field at halftime. The Falcons will continue to wear these throwback uniforms for two games in 2013.
1966 – 1967 Black jerseys with white numbers and red trim at home with a white Falcon crest on the sleeves. The away jersey was white with black numbers trimmed in red and a black Falcon crest on the sleeves. The Falcons had white pants with a red strip bordered by two black stripes for
ATLANTA 77 FALCONS
both home and away games. The helmet was red with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in white, and there was a black strip trimmed in white and gold down the middle of the helmet.
1968 – 1970
In 1968, the Falcons removed the Falcon crest logo from the sleeves and replaced it with red and white stripes. Also, a red-black-red stripe combination was added to the sleeves.
1971 – 1989 In 1971, the Falcons switched to red jerseys for the first time and wore them all the way up to the 1989 season. The only other significant change to this uniform was the addition of silver-gray pants in 1978. Also in 1984, the Falcons switched to a black face mask. The home jersey was red with white numbers and black trim with whiteblack-white sleeve stripes. The away jersey was white with red numbers and black trim with red and black stripes on the sleeves. In 1979, the Falcon crest logo was added to the sleeves.
1990 – 2002 In 1990, the Falcons once again wore black jerseys as they did in their inaugural years. The 1990 season marked Atlanta’s 25th anniversary season in the NFL, and the team wore a commemorative patch on the left shoulder. In addition, the Falcons switched to a black helmet with a black face mask and a white Falcon crest logo. From 1990–
2002, the home jersey was black with white numbers trimmed in red with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in red on the sleeves. The away jersey was white with red numbers trimmed in black with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in red on the sleeves. The pants were Falcon silver with a black stripe down the middle trimmed in white and red.
2003 – 2013 The year 2003 continued to bring about many new changes for the Atlanta Falcons. Perhaps the biggest changes came with the introduction of the team’s new logo and uniforms unveiled over the course of a two-month period. On March 19, 2003, before a large gathering of media and the entire Falcons organization, the Birds presented their new logo. “The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise,” said Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank. “The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon - one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team.” The logo was designed in conjunction with NFL Properties after a lengthy research process, which included conducting focus groups and polls with many fans. In addition, Falcons players, coaches and staff had the opportunity to give their thoughts.
U N I FO R M E VO LU T I O N
1966 -
1971 -
1970
1989
1990 -
2003 -
2002
JOCK TAG
ATLANTA 79 FALCONS
JOCK TAG
PRESENT
The Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor pays tribute to retired players who made significant contributions to the organization during their playing careers.
THE HONOREES
10
Steve Bartkowski 1975–1985
60
Tommy Nobis 1966–1976
58
Jessie Tuggle 1987–2000
D
uring the 2003 season, long–time Falcons season– ticket holders nominated a group of players they would like to see inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor. The nine players receiving the highest number of nominations were then placed on a ballot for Falcons fans to cast their votes. The inaugural winners were QB Steve Bartkowski, LB Tommy Nobis, LB Jessie Tuggle and RB William Andrews. In 2006, a local media contingent nominated four players; DE Claude Humphrey, T Mike Kenn, RB Gerald Riggs and C Jeff Van Note for induction into the Ring of Honor. Falcons fans then voted and elected C Jeff Van Note as the fifth member of this exclusive club. On October 1, 2006, Van Note was honored at the Georgia Dome with a special halftime ceremony as his likeness was raised to rooftops with the original four members. In a Ring of Honor vote in 2008, DE Claude Humphrey and OT Mike Kenn became the sixth and seventh members to be hoisted in the Georgia Dome rafters. ATLANTA 81 FALCONS
CB Deion Sanders became a member in 2010 and RB Gerald Riggs joined the exclusive club as the ninth member last year. The Falcons selected Bartkowski (1975–85) as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1975 out of California. He was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bartkowski overcame numerous knee injuries to set every club record in passing, which included 23,468 yards and 154 touchdown passes in his 123 Falcons games. He produced three seasons of 3,000 yards or more passing, 12 games of more than 300 yards passing, and two seasons of 30 or more touchdown passes. Nobis (1966–76) was the first player ever drafted by the Falcons in 1966. Later that year, he became the first Falcons player to be voted to the Pro Bowl in a season that also included Rookie of the Year honors. Nobis would go on to lead the Falcons in tackles in nine of 11 seasons. A five–time Pro Bowl selection, Nobis also intercepted 11 passes dur-
ing his pro career, returning two of them for touchdowns.
31
William Andrews 1979–1986
57
Jeff Van Note 1969–1986
87
Claude Humphrey 1968–1974, 1976–1978
78 Mike Kenn 1978–1994
Nicknamed “The Hammer” for the vicious way in which he pounded ball carriers, Tuggle (1987–2000) would go on to become the Falcons career leader in tackles with 2,065 during his illustrious 209–game career. A five–time Pro Bowl selection, Tuggle finished his career third on the team’s all-time lists in most seasons played (14), most games played (209) and started (189), fourth in most consecutive games played (110) and seventh in most consecutive games started (89). Tuggle led the Falcons in tackles for nine straight seasons from 1988–97 and recorded more than 100 tackles for a team-record 12 consecutive seasons. A third-round draft choice of the Falcons in 1979 out of Auburn, Andrews (1979–86) was among the NFL’s elite runners when a shocking knee injury prematurely ended one of the NFL’s great playing careers. Andrews set 19 Falcons records that began in his very first NFL game in 1979 when he ran for 167 yards at New Orleans. In his first five seasons in the NFL (1979–83), he outgained every other back in the NFL. During that span, he helped lead the Falcons to the playoffs three times, including their first division title in 1980. Van Note, a six–time Pro Bowler, played the most seasons (18) and
most consecutive games (155) in Falcons history. His 246 career games played and 225 overall starts are second in team annals. Van Note continued to be a presence in the Atlanta community upon his retirement in 1986.
J U S T H E A D N O RT H E A S T. A S T H E FA L C O N F L I E S .
Humphrey was a first-round pick by the Falcons in the 1968 NFL Draft and completed his career as the all-time sack leader in franchise history with 94.5. Humphrey also ranks third in Atlanta annals with 15.0 sacks in a single season. He is tied for the franchise lead with six Pro Bowl selections, including five straight from 1970-74. Kenn was a mainstay on the Falcons offensive line as the Michigan alum holds Falcons records in most games played and started (251) while ranking second in most seasons played with Atlanta (17). Kenn also posted a streak of 94 consecutive games played and earned Pro Bowl selections from 1980-84. Sanders was a three-time Pro Bowl starter and totaled 24 interceptions in a Falcons uniform. “Prime Time” scored 10 touchdowns and set 12 new club records from 1989-93. Riggs was a three-time Pro Bowler in his seven seasons in Atlanta and finished his Falcons career as the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with 6,631 yards. Riggs is second overall still in career rushing TD’s with 48.
21
Deion Sanders 1989–1993
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FALCONS BREAK GROUND ON WORLD-CLASS
STADIUM
“We’re not trying to build the next stadium, we’re trying to build an iconic stadium...”
WITH EPIC CELEBRATION
- Rich McKay, President & CEO
BY STEPHEN BLACK
T
he New Falcons Stadium will not just be another football arena. It won’t just be for football, either. A bevy of national sports personalities and local celebrities were in attendance on May 19 near the site of the new stadium to celebrate the opening of what the Falcons are aiming to be the worldwide standard for sports facilities.
McKay was joined by all of the Falcons top brass, including, of course, Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank. As he appeared at the MLS announcement last month, Blank seemed giddy that the day had finally arrived. The dapper owner made it clear that the stadium was being built not just for the Falcons, but to host many other opportunities as well.
in the United States, as a host city and maybe a Super Bowl as well.”
to icy conditions and poor weather around the city.
The Super Bowl theme was obvious throughout the evening as important speakers such as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, as well as Blank, mentioned it in their brief monologues. Reed and Blank made references during their speeches about getting the NFL’s crowning jewel of a game back to Atlanta for the third time.
“This weather is normal for Atlanta year-round,” he said of the perfect 70-degree weather in May.
“Our goal was real high,” said “Atlanta needs a stadium for a variFalcons President & CEO Rich ety of reasons,” said Blank. “One McKay. “We’re not trying to build is to secure the National Football the next stadium, we’re trying League franchise here for the next “I’d like to extend an open invitation to build an iconic stadium that 35-40 years. We wanted to be able for (Goodell) to come back any makes a statement for Atlanta, to attract a Major League Soccer time he likes, especially if he wants not for the next five years, 10 franchise here, have a competi- to announce that we’re going to years, 15, but for a long, long time. tive environment here so that we win the Super Bowl (host bid),” There are plenty of elements to can compete (to host) the SEC joked Reed. the stadium that are really cool, Championship game, the Chickbut to take it as an entire package, fil-A (Peach) Bowl, NCAA Final Blank tried to dispel the memory we’re trying to build something Fours, and, hopefully, compete for of Atlanta’s last Super Bowl that’s truly world class.” the FIFA World Cup, when it’s back (2000), which was criticized due ATLANTA 84 FALCONS
Another comical part of the evening came from a group of the new “Terminus Legion,” loyal fans of Atlanta’s MLS franchise. They yelled and clapped loudly for anything and everything seen or mentioned that referred to their team. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, another speaker at the event, referred to them during his speech and joked that he paid them to come and make noise. But Blank was clearly the group’s favorite person there; they chanted “Uncle Arthur” as he took the stage. “He is Atlanta’s uncle,” said one of the Terminus Legion members of
Blank. “We were really touched when, at the (MLS) announcement, he turned during his speech and said, ‘We’re here for the fans,’ and that was not lost on us. We saw that and we want to thank him and let him know that we consider him family as well.” The ceremony itself was a sight to behold. The audience was given 3D glasses to wear during a short video presentation that featured a Falcon flying through Atlanta and eventually ending up at midfield of the new stadium. Flame-shooting machines and fireworks surrounded the screen throughout the presentation. The podium from which the speakers presided was shaped like a large Falcons logo, which sank into the stage before the video. It made for a groundbreaking like no other. “I’ve been to about three or four ATLANTA 85 FALCONS
of them, but none quite like this,” said McKay. “They did a really nice job. The “other” Roddy White (the Falcons Vice President of Events) did a real nice job.” Following the video and fireworks, Blank, McKay, Reed, Goodell and several other key members of the stadium project donned shiny silver work helmets, grabbed brand-new shovels and began the ceremonial digging. The event took place just across the street from the actual location of the new stadium, as preliminary construction work was taking place on the future stadium grounds. The $1.2 billion facility will seat 71,000 fans for football games, although temporary seating will be brought in for events like the Super Bowl and World Cup. It is scheduled to open in 2017.
SELECT SEATS BEFORE THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Waitlist participants seat selection begins Spring 2015, before the general public.
In addition to Falcons regular and post-season home games, the New Stadium will host Major League Soccer’s Atlanta franchise set to kick-off in March 2017, as well as continue to host Georgia Dome legacy events, such as the SEC Championship Game, Chick-fil-A Kickoff, Chick-fil-A Bowl Game(s) and the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.
Nearly 64,000 square feet of LED, the New Stadium video halo will be the largest in the world.
JOIN THE WAITLIST TODAY WWW. NE WAT LA N TASTA D IU M .COM / WAI T L I ST
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@ATLANTA_FALCONS | @NEWATLSTADIUM
ATLANTAFALCONS
NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOWis the time for action
COMCAST 10/810 HD
GEORGIA DOME SEATING CHART
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS
THE GEORGIA DOME IS THE LARGEST CABLE-SUPPORTED DOME IN THE WORLD.
SIMPSON STREET 317
316 315
215
NORTHSIDE DRIVE
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121 122
FALCONS BENCH
231
106
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234
105
126
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127
102 101
203
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337 338
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VERIZON WIRELESS CLUB SEATS
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In addition to being recognized on atlantafalcons.com/community, each of the 10 selected teams/ squads will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support their organization. Each winning team/squad will also receive up to 30 t-shirts. atlantafalcons.com/ youthteamcheersquad
Each winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to help his school maintain and upgrade it’s football program.
All Captains in the Community are listed on atlantafalcons.com/ community and their school receives a $1,000 grant in the student-athlete’s name to support future community initiatives.
atlantafalcons.com/coach
atlantafalcons.com/ captaininthecommunity
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301 352
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335 336
238 239
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VISITORS BENCH
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123 124
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329 228
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206 306
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MANGUM STREET
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VERIZON WIRELESS CLUB SEATS
314 313
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GEORGIA DOME DRIVE
GEORGIA DOME FACTS
1992
110,000
1.6M
The year the Falcons began playing home games in the Dome.
Cubic yards of concrete used to build the Dome.
Square feet inside the Dome’s seven levels.
Now through mid-November, you can submit your nominations for Youth Football Team/Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week and Captain in the Community weekly at AtlantaFalcons.com
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STADIUM HISTORY
All birds need a nest. And the Falcons have enjoyed two such dwellings since their NFL debut in 1966: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and the Georgia Dome
By Stephen Black
F
rom Beatles concerts to the World Series to the Olympics, the circular stadium on Capital Avenue hosted a wide array of major events in addition to Falcons home games. From 1966 to 1997, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium served as one of the region’s most important venues.
ATLANTA FULTONCOUNTY STADIUM
The Falcons began their tenure there during the 1966 season and won their first home game on Dec. 11 against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 16-10 affair. Atlanta’s NFL team used the facility through the 1991 season, winning games and exciting fans in a variety of ways.
Years Used: 1966-1991
Playoff Berths: 4 (1-1 at home)
Falcons Record: 85-106-2
Division Titles: 1 (1980)
2014 ATLANTA FALCONS HOME OPPONENTS
W
hen it opened in 1992, the Georgia Dome was the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world. It also became the Falcons first true home that they did not have to share with another professional franchise.
GEORGIA DOME
The Dome was built just west of downtown to give the Falcons a slightly different neighborhood to play in than their previous location on the south side of the city. The Falcons opened the building in style, defeating the Jets 20-17 in the regular season opener and concluded their first season in their new nest with a winning record at home. Just a few years later, Head Coach Dan Reeves’ team beat San Francisco in the Dome to advance to the franchise’s first NFC Championship Game.
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The Dome and the Falcons played host to their first NFC Championship Game during the 2012 season.
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The stadium witnessed Tommy Nobis making bonecrushing tackles, Steve Bartkowski hitting receivers for numerous bombs and Deion Sanders electrifying fans with big plays. The first Falcons playoff game ever was held at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1978 when Atlanta outlasted Philadelphia 14-13 on Christmas Eve. The Birds won their final game in the stadium on Dec. 15, 1991 when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-13.
Years Used: 1992-Present
Playoff Berths: 8 (3-2 at home)
Falcons Record: 101-68
Division Titles: 4 (1998, 2004, 2010, 2012)
Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank bought the team in 2002 and ushered in a new era of Falcons football. Since then, Atlanta has made the playoffs six times, won the NFC South three times and played in two conference championship games. The Falcons will continue to use the stadium through the 2016 season before moving next door to the New Atlanta Stadium in 2017.
ATLANTA 91 FALCONS
VERSUS
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By Dan Mathews
T
he Falcons are trying to enhance their brand not only nationally, but also across the globe. This is definitely a goal of team Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank. “We are excited and honored to serve as ambassadors for our city, our state and the National Football League,” Blank said in statement distributed by the team. “Playing in London will provide tremendous exposure to our team, as well as provide the opportunity to showcase the great international city of Atlanta. We are looking forward to representing the NFL on a global stage by playing in historic Wembley Stadium in what we are sure will be an entertaining game for NFL fans everywhere.”
TRIP OF A LIFETIME The Falcons players and Head Coach Mike Smith are excited about playing overseas. For some of the players this will be the first time they’ve even been to London. Second-year cornerback Desmond Trufant is one of those guys.
“I’m very excited,” Trufant said. “I’ve never been over there to that side of the world. So it should be a pretty cool experience. I assume it’s a soldout game, so it should be pretty loud. It should be a fun time.” Trufant has a teammate that agrees with him in veteran wide receiver Harry Douglas. The Atlanta native is looking forward to the opportunity to enhance not only the Falcons’ brand, but football in general. “Anytime you can showcase the NFL and get the brand out there it’s great,” Douglas said. “Going over to London is a great thing. (We get) to show the world how we play football in other countries and outside of the US.” The NFL is a league that is run by routines and having a consistent schedule from week to week. ATLANTA 93 FALCONS
Games like this one has made some teams nervous about taking part in these international series contests. That said, it doesn’t make Smith nervous. The game is still a few months away from kicking off. However, Smith and his staff have already put together their plan for handling the before, during and after London game schedule. “When we play in Baltimore (the week before), we’re going to go to a nice restaurant to have a nice dinner, then about 8:309:00 o’clock we’ll get on the plane and fly across to get there in the morning,” Smith said. Smith continued to say that the team will be staying outside of London, until the day before the game. They are treating the preparation for this game just like any road contest.
2014 FAN PROMOTIONS
2014 FAN PROMOTIONS
Symetra Heroes In The Classroom
Ford
The Atlanta Falcons and Symetra will recognize teachers across the State of Georgia for their selfless commitment to education and dedication to Georgia’s youth. Sixteen Heroes in the Classroom will be selected throughout the 2014 regular season. Each teacher will receive $1,000 to go towards school supplies and will be recognized during an on-field presentation at a 2014 regular season home game. Log onto www.atlantafalcons.com/heroes to nominate your hero today!
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DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE PROGRAMS OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY TO FALCONS FANS.
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Papa John’s Pizza WHEN THE FALCONS WIN YOU WIN! Falcons fans get 50% off regular menu price online orders the next day! Go to www.papajohns.com and enter promo code: FALCONSWIN. Also, don’t forget to enroll in Papa Rewards today at www.papajohns.com for great specials and prizes. Offer valid at participating locations in Atlanta and Macon.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE PROGRAMS OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY TO FALCONS FANS.
Xfinity Hey Falcons fans, with the XFINITY TV Go app, you can download TV shows and movies from SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, Encore and Movieplex to your phone or tablet. Watch anytime, anywhere, even when you’re offline. Plus, you can stream live sports and TV shows, or watch your favorites with XFINITY On Demand™. It’s only available with XFINITY® from Comcast.
Quikrete QuickCash In association with each Falcons regular season home game, QUIKRETE will provide one lucky fan the opportunity to win $1,000 for each first down achieved by the Falcons on their first offensive possession. But that’s not all – the winning fan will also receive two (2) lower level game tickets, a parking pass and pre-game sideline passes to watch your Falcons warm up for the game! For official rules and to register visit www. atlantafalcons.com/quickcash.
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ATLANTA 94 FALCONS
ATLANTA 95 FALCONS
PRO BOWLER 6 TIME
ATLANTA’S 1976 VOTED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
I
n the future, Atlanta Falcons in the Pro Football Hall of Fame may be a common sight. We already know recently-retired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on his way to Canton. The current roster, much of which has been around to see the team post five winning seasons since the start of the 2008 campaign, looks like it could be featuring a few more.
SACKS 112 CAREER
played his way to a first-team All-Pro selection five times; 1971-74 and again in his final season in Atlanta in 1978. He was also a six-time Pro Bowler, which still has him tied for the franchise lead.
When the 2014 calendar turned to August, you can add the name Claude Humphrey to those two lists. Humphrey, a defensive end who played in all or parts of 11 seasons (1968-78) as an Atlanta Falcon, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on August 2.
Humphrey became an increasingly dangerous force on the defensive line as his career progressed by learning the effectiveness of the then-legal head-slap and perfecting its technique. He would use his impressively large hands to batter the helmets of opposing offensive linemen, facilitating his way into backfields. Sacks were not part of the League’s official statistics during Humphrey’s era, but video review now credits him with 94.5 during his Atlanta career, putting him atop the franchise chart in that prestigious category and he finished his career with 122 overall sacks. After missing the 1975 season due to injury, he recorded a career-best 15.5 sacks in 1976—a mark that leaves him in third on the Falcons’ single-season sack list.
HUMPHREY’S CAREER The Falcons selected Humphrey out of Tennessee State University in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft and he wasted no time in making his presence felt. He earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1968. In 1969, he was a second-team All-Pro, the first of three such teams he made during his career. Additionally, Humphrey
Teammates, on the other hand, obviously loved what Humphrey brought to the football field. They voted him Atlanta’s Most Valuable Player in 1976. In 1977, he was a key cog in the Falcons’ “Grits Blitz” defense under first-year head coach Leeman Bennett. That unit set an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a season at 129 points and per game (9.2) while racking up 42 sacks and intercepting 42 passes.
For now, however, Falcons of fame are few and far between. Only Hall members Tommy McDonald (1967), Eric Dickerson (1993), Chris Doleman (1994-95) and Deion Sanders (19891993) played with Atlanta. Sanders is currently the only man drafted by the franchise to be enshrined in Canton.
ATLANTA 97 FALCONS
OUR FRONT LINE CAN HANDLE 15 MILLION TONS OF ONRUSHING RECYCLABLES
Bottles, cans, paper, plastics … bring it on. As North America’s largest residential recycler, we’re committed to a more sustainable future. HERE’S TO A WINNING GAME PLAN - ON THE FIELD AND OFF.
NFL FAN CODE OF CONDUCT The National Football League, Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Dome are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable game-day experience within the Georgia Dome and surrounding property. We want fans of all ages to enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm of game days; therefore, all fans are encouraged to respect the rights of others by displaying proper etiquette.
CLEAR BAG POLICY APPROVED BAGS
TASTE.
THE FAN CODE OF CONDUCT INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ABSTAINING FROM THE FOLLOWING: »» Behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal in nature »» Intoxication or other signs of alcohol or substance impairment that results in irresponsible behavior »» Fighting, foul or abusive language and/or obscene gestures
»» Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field) »» Failing to follow instructions of stadium or parking personnel »» Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans
The Atlanta Falcons Code of Conduct applies to all ticket holders and patrons of the Georgia Dome and Georgia Dome property. Ticket holders and patrons are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests. Stadium staff will promptly intervene when necessary to ensure the Code of Conduct is enforced. Ticket holders and/or patrons who choose not to adhere to these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund, revocation of season tickets, revocation of parking privileges and possible arrest and prosecution for violations of city ordinances.
CRISP , REFRESHING
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NON-APPROVED BAGS
PROHIBITED ITEMS: »» Alcohol »» Animals (except certified, leashed service animals) »» Artificial noisemakers (including air horns) »» Back Packs »» Balloons »» Bottles and cans »» Bicycles and skateboards »» Confetti »» Coolers »» Fireworks, sparklers or smokeproducing devices of any kind
»» Flagpoles or sticks »» Frisbees »» ‘Heelies’, rollerblades or scooters »» Illegal drugs »» Inflatable balls »» Large bags »» Laser pointers »» Silly String »» Video Cameras, unless expressly permitted »» Weapons
BE CLEAR ON GAME DAY:
BACKPACK
CLEAR BACKPACK
BINOCULARS CASE
CAMERA CASE
TINTED PLASTIC BAG
SEAT CUSHION
FANNY PACK
PRINTED PATTERN PLASTIC BAG
PURSE
Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium: »» Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” »» One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
»» Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags
OVERSIZED TOTE BAG
MESH BAG
DIAPER BAG
©2014 A-B, Bud Light® Beer, St. Louis, MO
ATLANTA 100 FALCONS
PROUD PARTNER
ATLKia.com
Impressive stat line comes standard.
The Falcons have partnered with Hands On Atlanta in an effort to encourage volunteerism across the city. All year long, special Rise Up Atlanta volunteer projects will be featured on the Hands on Atlanta Volunteer Calendar. We hope you will sign up, show up and watch our city Rise Up. For more information, please go to riseupatlanta.com.
B:8.5”
T:8.25”
S:7.75”
Built in the U.S.A.�
The 2015 Kia Optima Starting at $22,450 MSRP1
The Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) is assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts. 1 2015 Optima Limited with optional features shown. Not all optional features are available on all trims. MSRP $22,450 for Optima LX model with A/T. MSRP $36,300 for Optima Limited shown. MSRPs include destination and handling fees and exclude taxes, title, license fees, options, and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary. �
ATLANTA 103 FALCONS
DRAFT RECAP
FALCONS 2014 DRAFT PICKS
By Craig Sager II
ROUND 1
ROUND 2
ROUND 3
6
37
68
DRAFT PICK
JAKE MATTHEWS
COLLEGE TEAM
ROUND 4
S
ince Tommy Nobis set the standard as Atlanta’s firstever draft pick in 1966, Hall-of-Famers, Pro Bowlers and fan favorites have been selected since. Each season when the Falcons bring in a new class of draftees, they stand in the same shoes as the team’s all-time greats that did it before them. There are draft picks that have a lasting and, in some cases, living legacy with the Falcons. Those types of players set the bar high for every incoming rookie.
The Birds selected offensive tackle Jake Matthews with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 draft. The polished 6-foot-5, 305-pounder became just the second offensive lineman taken by the franchise in the first round during the past 22 seasons. The selection was a perfect fit as the Falcons were getting an offensive lineman with overall No. 1 pick talent and Matthews was sent to a franchise that can contend for a Super Bowl despite being one of the draft’s first picks. “I feel that I’m aggressive,” Matthews said about his playing style. “I’m a guy that knows what it takes to finish, but at the same time not being overly aggressive and doing something stupid. Also, I think I’m a big technician. I take a lot of pride in what it takes to play offensive line and there’s a ATLANTA 104 FALCONS
lot more that goes into it than just having a hot head.” Jake, the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews and the cousin of Green Bay’s Clay Matthews, was born to play the game. His family’s success on the gridiron places heavy expectations on the rookie, but also was the high standard fueling Matthews to greatness throughout his collegiate career. Matthews seems to be the perfect fit for an offensive line that prides itself on execution and mistakefree football. Veteran guard Jon Asamoah is slated to play right guard adjacent to Matthews at the right tackle position. The Falcons only other offensive selection was running back Devonta Freeman in the fourth round. Freeman is a proven playmaker that helped Florida State claim the 2014 BCS national title.
COLLEGE TEAM
COLLEGE TEAM
DRAFT PICK
ROUND 5
ROUND 7
ROUND 7
253
255
MARQUIS SPRUILL
COLLEGE TEAM
Freeman earned All-ACC firstteam honors his senior season and rushed for 1,106 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns in becoming the first FSU running back since Warrick Dunn in 1996 to rush for 1,000 yards. He is also tied for third in school history with 30 rushing touchdowns.
DRAFT PICK
YAWIN SMALLWOOD
COLLEGE TEAM
“He (Cox) definitely gave us tips on the future and what to work on during those practices,” Hageman said. “So, I feel like me and him connected and bonded based off the Senior Bowl.” The Falcons delved into the Big 10 again when they selected Dezmen Southward out of Wisconsin with the No. 68 pick in the third round.
GETTING DEFENSIVE Seven of Atlanta’s nine picks were on the defensive side of the football and Ra’Shede Hageman at pick No. 37 was the first taken this year. Hageman has the athleticism needed on the defensive line and at 6-foot-6, 310-pounds can line up as a tackle or end. Hageman got experience working with new Falcons Defensive Line Coach Bryan Cox at Senior Bowl practices and developed a bond with his now position coach.
COLLEGE TEAM
RICARDO ALLEN
COLLEGE TEAM
TYLER STARR
COLLEGE TEAM
147 PRINCE SHEMBO
DRAFT PICK
DEZMEN SOUTHWARD
ROUND 5
139 DEVONTA FREEMAN
DRAFT PICK
168 DRAFT PICK
TOP TACKLE
COLLEGE TEAM
ROUND 4
103 DRAFT PICK
RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN
DRAFT PICK
Southward, a two-time consensus All-Big Ten honorable mention, finished his career with 152 tackles, four forced fumbles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. Southward was a basketball star at powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida and did not play organized football until his senior season.
TACKLING MACHINES Prince Shembo was the first of four linebackers taken in this year’s ATLANTA 105 FALCONS
DRAFT PICK
draft and the Falcons have moved the former Notre Dame standout to the interior linebacker role. Shembo proved to be a capable pass rusher at the college level and the move to the inside is something that Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan hopes will get the best out of Shembo’s skill-set. The Falcons took cornerback Ricardo Allen in the fifth round and added depth to the position and a hard-nosed ballhawk that proved his ability to produce game-changing plays while at Purdue. Allen finished his career with 13 interceptions and included four interception returns for touchdowns. The final three picks of the draft were linebackers as Atlanta added Marquis Spruill, Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr. This trio along with Shembo have made the linebacker corps one of the most heated position battles during training camp.
Falcons vs. Saints
HOME OPENER
SU
• Atlanta, Ga.•
N D AY
THE GEORGIA DOME
September 7 2 0 14
1:00 pm
RISE UP
By: Stephen Black
T
he Falcons and Saints go back a long way. The teams have been arch rivals since the Saints began playing football in 1967, a year after their southern neighbors from Georgia had already played a season. There are many rivalries in the NFL, but perhaps no other has been as competitive and consistently heated as Falcons-Saints. Sure, neither team did much in their first few years in the League, but they still had each other to hate. This year is the first since 1981 that the Falcons have hosted New Orleans in the season-opener. While the Birds have travelled to New Orleans to open the season in 1984 and 2013, Atlanta has waited quite some time to get its arch rival at home in Game 1. In addition to the obvious emotional aspect at stake in this game, there is also the mathematical angle. The Falcons and Saints have combined to win four of the last five division titles and come into the 2014 season as threats to win it again. “It’s very important on a couple levels,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith of the rare home-opener
against New Orleans. “First, it’s the opening game of the season and you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. Second, it’s a division game and we weigh the division games about one-and-a-half times as much as a non-division game. It’s just one of the best rivalries in all of football.”
HOME COOKIN’ Aside from the team Atlanta opens with, one exciting factor about this game is the fact that the opener is at home. Smith’s teams have kicked off the regular season in Atlanta just twice in his tenure in Atlanta, which began in 2008. In fact, the past four seasons have seen the Falcons travel for the season-opener. Opening at home will be a relief for the Falcons, according to Smith. “There’s nothing like starting the season out at home,” he said during mini-camp. “It’s nice to be in front of your home fans with a new team and a new roster.” In Smith’s first two years in Atlanta, the Falcons beat Detroit and Miami in season-openers at home. But
ATLANTA 106 FALCONS
they haven’t opened a season in the Georgia Dome since. The Saints affair is just the second time the Falcons have ever hosted New Orleans to open the season. The other was in 1981, a 27-0 shellacking in what was an NFC West game at the time. Despite only hosting New Orleans once in an opener, the Falcons have traveled to the Pelican State to open the season six times. Last season’s narrow 23-17 defeat was the Falcons first-ever loss to the Saints in seven total season-openers.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH The opener against New Orleans is one of the most anticipated games in franchise history by Falcons fans. Atlanta sports fans count the Saints as one of their most disliked teams in all of sports. Add the Saints’ recent success against Atlanta and you have the recipe for a cauldron of vitriol awaiting New Orleans on September 7. But the Falcons players, especially the rookies, have a different perspective. While divisional games are important, the rivalries sometimes don’t factor into it as much. Preparing for another team and being
physically and mentally ready for an NFL game is each player’s job every week throughout the season. For the rookies, just getting used to the NFL lifestyle overtakes any ancillary thoughts. “I’ve got to go out and perform and do well,” said rookie offensive tackle Jake Matthews. “Obviously, they are two great teams going at it and I’ve known that from long ago, but I’ve got enough things to work on myself, not as much the rivalry.” In the college game, some clashes are treated differently as conference and in-state rivals tend to take the brunt of the year’s preparation. In the NFL, however, every game counts and every team is capable of beating anyone. It is made clear early on to NFL rookies that while some teams are bigger rivals than others, every game is vital. “Just being out in the community, meeting some of the fans out in the mall, people walk up to me and the first thing they want to talk about is beating the Saints,” said rookie defensive back Dezmen Southward. “So obviously, it’s a big deal, but we as players know that we approach every game as one single game.”
ATLANTA 107 FALCONS
proud partner
IT’S NOT JUST THE MEAT THAT MAKES A GREAT TAILGATE. IT’S ALSO THE BUN.
MIKE GANN
IN THE DELI OR BAKERY SECTION
Mike Gann was a second round draft pick of the Falcons out of Notre Dame in 1985. The 6-5, 270 pound versatile defensive lineman played both end and tackle during his productive nine-year career, totaling over 700 tackles and 29.5 sacks.
S CIAL BIRDS
Falcons players give their thoughts directly to the fans on the social media phenomenon known as Twitter.
As a team we got better today in our meetings, running, & lifting weights...The sky is NEVER the limit bcuz a man has walked the moon. - Harry Douglas | @HDouglas83
Thank you God for this opportunity to meet Brian Banks and Ricky Williams. My heart has never been so heavy listening to them.
FALCONS ON TWITTER CB Robert Alford................................ @rockorocky CB Ricardo Allen...........................@Ricardo21Allen LB Joplo Bartu..................................... @WhoIsJoplo DE Kroy Biermann............................. @biermann71
- Prince Shembo | @Your_Highness55
P Matt Bosher.................................. @MattBosher5 K Matt Bryant................................. @Matt_Bryant3 G Justin Blalock.................................. @justblaze63 FB Patrick DiMarco........................... @dimarc47sc
Game day! Excited to be back at the dome tonight. #RiseUp - Matt Ryan | @M_Ryan02
WR Harry Douglas.......................... @HDouglas83 RB Devonta Freeman......................... @V8Freeman DE Malliciah Goodman........................... @MalG93 DE Ra’Shede Hageman..........@Rashedehageman LS Josh Harris........................................... @aujharris
WITH NFL MOBILE, NEVER BE WITHOUT THE FALCONS.
C Joe Hawley........................................ @JHawley61 WR Devin Hester..................................@D_Hest23
Good to see me and my dawgs on Hard Knocks tonight.
OT Lamar Holmes................ @TeamHolmes7256
- Robert Alford | @rockorocky
OT Mike Johnson........................... @MPJohnson79
S Kemal Ishmael................................... @B4_Kemal RB Steven Jackson........................................... @sj39 WR Julio Jones.................................. @juliojones_11 OT Terren Jones..................................... @OTeeJay_ CB Jordan Mabin................................. @Mr_Mabin
It just got serious. No turning back. - Ra’Shede Hageman | @Rashedehageman
DE Stansly Maponga............... @BeAst_MoDe90 DE Jonathan Massaquoi........... @JohnnyMass96 DE Cliff Matthews...................... @Mr_Matthews_ OT Jake Matthews....................@jakematthews70 CB Robert McClain........................ @bobbymac36 S William Moore............................... @WillyMo_25 S Zeke Motta......................................... @zekemotta TE Bear Pascoe.................................... @BearPascoe
I spent a lot of camp falling over. Hope #HardKnocks didn’t catch it.
DT Corey Peters............................ @CoreyPeters91 DT Travian Robertson..... @ROBERTSON_9TWO RB Jacquizz Rodgers.................... @Qui22Rodgers
- Pat Angerer | @PAngererUSA
QB Matt Ryan...................................... @M_Ryan02 T Ryan Schraeder................... @RyanSchraeder78 LB Prince Shembo....................@Your_Highness55 TE Mickey Shuler......................... @Mickey_Shuler
Love getting fan mail! Best fans in the NFL! #RiseUp #AtlantaFalcons
LB Yawin Smallwood.............................. @Yeeezy33
- Patrick DiMarco | @sj39
LB Marquis Spruill..................................... @Sprui11z
S Dezmen Southward................ @D_Southward12
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LB Tyler Starr..............................................@T11Starr TE Levine Toilolo.............................. @LevineToilolo CB Desmond Trufant.............. @DesmondTrufant
Crazy how today was the first time (Jeremy Ebert) & I ever lined up against each other. #NU #ATL #RiseUp
DE Osi Umenyiora........................ @OsiUmenyiora LB Sean Weatherspoon.......... @SeanWSpoon56 WR Roddy White........................... @roddywhitetv CB Josh Wilson...............................@thejoshwilson LB Paul Worrilow........................... @PaulWorrilow
- Jordan Mabin | @Mr_Mabin
QB T.J. Yates..............................................@TJ_Yates
ATLANTA 110 FALCONS
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