HEADLINES

Atlanta Falcons News & Rumors

Falcons To Retain OC Steve Sarkisian

January 16th, 2018 at 3:57pm CST by Zachary Links

Despite some iffy play-calling decisions in 2017, Steve Sarkisian is expected to return as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator in 2018, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Steve Sarkisian (Vertical)

This news doesn’t come as a huge shock, particularly after head coach Dan Quinn shot down the notion of Sarkisian being a candidate for the Seahawks’ OC vacancy back when it was still open. Still, the Falcons offense appeared to take a step back under his watch. In 2016, Matt Ryan won the MVP trophy under Kyle Shanahan‘s guidance and the Falcons put up 415.8 yards and 33.8 poins per contest. This past season, Ryan regressed and the team averaged less than 365 yards per game with 22.1 points each week. The Falcons went 0-7 in games in which they failed to score 20 points, making Sarkisian a target for criticism.

Despite the wishes of some Atlanta fans, Sarkisian will don the headset for a second season. From the sound of Rapoport’s report, that could be made official in a year-end press conference this week.

Falcons Won’t Allow Steve Sarkisian To Take Seahawks OC Job

January 10th, 2018 at 12:06pm CST by Zachary Links

In the wake of Darrell Bevell‘s firing, many have speculated that Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian could be the man to replace him. That won’t be the case. Atlanta coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Wednesday that there is “zero chance” of Sarkisian becoming the new OC in Seattle (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Steve Sarkisian (Vertical)

[RELATED: Seahawks To Part Ways With DC Kris Richard?]

Sarkisian goes way back with Carroll, dating back to his USC days. While he would be a natural fit, Quinn is not about to gift his OC to his former boss.

The Falcons and Sarkisian have plenty on their plate already with a big divisional round matchup against the Eagles on the horizon. The winner of Saturday’s contest will face the victor of Sunday’s Saints-Vikings matchup in the NFC Championship Game.

Cardinals To Interview Keith Armstrong

January 2nd, 2018 at 2:13pm CST by Zachary Links

We have a new name in the Cardinals’ coaching search. The Cardinals will interview Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong about their vacancy, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times (on Twitter) hears. The interview will take place next week, as D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets. Keith Armstrong (vertical)

[RELATED: Cardinals To Interview DC James Bettcher]

The Falcons interviewed Armstrong for their own head coaching position in 2015, a search that ended with the hiring of Dan Quinn. In the following year, there was speculation that Todd Bowles would try and lure him to the Jets as ST coordinator, but the Falcons were unwilling to allow him to make a lateral move. The Falcons are expected to OK the interview, though it will have to take place after Atlanta’s Wild Card game on Saturday.

Armstrong has more than 20 years of professional head coaching experience and is highly respected in NFL circles, but it’s not often that a special teams coordinator makes the direct jump to HC.

Arizona defensive coordinator James Bettcher will also be interviewed for the position.

Falcons Place LG Andy Levitre On IR

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:24am CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons will head into the playoffs without the services of a starting offensive lineman. Left guard Andy Levitre has been placed on injured reserve, according to a team announcement. Andy Levitre (Vertical)

Levitre missed the bulk of December with a partially torn triceps. He attempted to return to action on Sunday against the Panthers, but he lasted only five plays. Ben Garland took over for Levitre in the winning effort against Atlanta and he’ll be the starter for the Falcons on Saturday when they face the Rams.

Levitre, 31, has been one of the NFL’s better guards since entering the league in 2009. This year, he graded out as one of the 20 best guards in the league, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics.

To take Levitre’s spot on the 53-man roster, the team has promoted running back Terrence Magee from the practice squad.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/30/17

December 30th, 2017 at 4:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are today’s minor moves.

Atlanta Falcons

New York Giants

Seattle Seahawks

Saints Claim LB Kasim Edebali

December 28th, 2017 at 4:31pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Saints have added a familiar face as the team gets ready for its first postseason appearance since 2013. The team has claimed linebacker Kasim Edebali off waivers from the Rams, according to Josh Katzenstein of the The Times-Picayune. To free up a roster spot, New Orleans has placed linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha on injured reserve.

Kasim Edebali (Vertical)

Edebali, 28, had previously been employed by the Saints from 2014-16. His best year in New Orleans came in 2015 when he racked up five sacks in a full season of work. Edebali has bounced around a bit this season, having started the year with the Broncos, before making stops with the Lions, Rams and now the Saints after being cut on three different occasions.

The Saints likely made this move to help replace Kikaha as a reserve pass rusher for the remainder of the season. The third-year player out of Washington University had appeared in 12 games with the Saints, collecting four sacks behind the likes Manti Te’o and Michael Mauti on the depth chart. The former 2015 third-round pick had suffered an ankle injury in last week’s win over the Falcons, which surely prompted his move to the IR.

Falcons TE Levine Toilolo Sprains MCL

December 25th, 2017 at 3:20pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Falcons face a win and in scenario in Week 17 when they take on the Panthers at home. However, they be could be without one of their tight ends going into the contest. Second-string tight end Levine Toilolo sprained his MCL in the team’s loss to the Saints on Sunday, making his status for next week’s game “in doubt”, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Levine Toilolo (Vertical)

Toilolo, 26, has been mostly a complementary piece in a dynamic Falcons offense over the past few seasons. He’s caught a combined 15 balls and scored three touchdowns in the last two years. Second-year tight end Austin Hooper has been one of the team’s best receiving threats after the Falcons drafted him in the third round in 2016.

The Falcons are just a win away from their second straight postseason appearance, although beating Carolina, who’s still in the running for the NFC South title, will be no walk in the park. Should Toilolo be unable to play in Atlanta’s regular season finale, third-string tight end Eric Saubert could see increased snaps. The team could also bring in a free agent tight end if the coaching staff is uncomfortable going into the contest with just two players available at the position.

Tevin Coleman Ruled Out For Week 15

December 16th, 2017 at 2:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Falcons will again have the services of only one of their two-headed running back contingent. This time, Tevin Coleman will miss a game due to a concussion.

Coleman’s head injury will keep him out of a critical contest against the Buccaneers on Monday night, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).

Devonta Freeman missed two games because of a concussion late in the season but returned last week to help Atlanta’s cause. In the concussion protocol, Coleman did not practice this week. He’s totaled 838 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns this season.

Terron Ward served as Coleman’s backup during Freeman’s hiatus and will step back into that role behind Freeman this time in Tampa.

The Falcons are 8-5 and currently hold the No. 6 spot in the NFC, but several teams are relevant members of the “In the Hunt” group, making each of Atlanta’s final three games pivotal.

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