PAUL NEWBERRY
FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Trevor Lawrence greets fans as he arrives for the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Clemson, S.C. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are expected to be the top two picks selected in the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 29, 20212, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Column: Drafting a franchise QB always a risky endeavor

By Paul Newberry Apr. 30, 2021 03:49 PM EDT
One quarterback. Then another. And yet another. For the

Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, right, holds a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons with the fourth pick in the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Falcons pick Florida TE Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in NFL draft

By Paul Newberry Apr. 29, 2021 09:08 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons decided not to pick their quarterback of the

FILE - Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws during an NFL Pro Day at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, in this Tuesday, March 30, 2021, file photo. The Division I Council meets Wednesday and Thursday, April 14-15, and at the top of the agenda — at least in terms of importance — is voting on a proposal that would grant all college athletes the right to transfer one time as undergraduates without sitting out season of competition. Some high-profile players such as quarterback Justin Fields, who transferred from Georgia to Ohio State in 2019, were granted waivers by the NCAA and it created an expectation that all players would be cleared to play right away. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)
With No. 4 pick, Falcons facing major decision in NFL draft

By Paul Newberry Apr. 23, 2021 04:01 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have their highest pick in the NFL draft

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 file photo, Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack (51) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta. Former Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is reuniting with coach Kyle Shanahan after signing a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers announced the three-year deal with Mack on Thursday, March 18, 2021 one day after agreeing to give left tackle Trent Williams a $138.1 million, six-year deal to remain in San Francisco.(AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
Falcons hope low-cost free agent class will make big splash

By Paul Newberry Mar. 25, 2021 01:46 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — With little money to spend in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons

FILE - Aug. 21, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith instructs his players during NFL football training camp in Nashville, Tenn. Smith, the new Atlanta Falcons coach, has started building his staff by hiring offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, defensive coordinator Dean Pees and special teams coach Marquice Williams. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, Pool, File)
Falcons looking to get creative as they face major overhaul

By Paul Newberry Feb. 23, 2021 05:30 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Taking over a team that has endured three straight losing

FILE- In this March 24, 2019, file photo, Memphis Express quarterback Johnny Manziel warms up before an AAF football game against the Birmingham Iron in Memphis, Tenn. After a self-destructing pro career that never close to matching his enormous potential, Manziel says he's done with the game that gave him his catchy moniker (Johnny Football), even as he's dabbling in a fledgling, fan-controlled arena league that was set to begin play Saturday night in suburban Atlanta. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
AP Interview: Manziel says he's done with football -- mostly

By Paul Newberry Feb. 13, 2021 04:23 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — No more football for Johnny Football unless it's just for kicks.

FILE- In this Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, file photo, Pacific Lutheran football players wait for the snap on the line of scrimmage during practice in Tacoma, Wash. Are you ready for some (more) football! No need to take a break from the gridiron just because the NFL season is over. Lower-division college teams are ready to kick off their seasons -- snow-covered fields and all -- after sitting out the fall because of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Column: Are you ready for some (more) football!

By Paul Newberry Feb. 12, 2021 04:53 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Are you ready for some (more) football! You

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves reacts Saturday, July 21, 1973, in Atlanta after hitting 700th career home run against the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP Photo)
Aaron's death prompts call to change name: Braves to Hammers

By Paul Newberry Jan. 23, 2021 02:29 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — As his adopted hometown mourned Hank Aaron's death, some fans

FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2016, file photo, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer shouts from the sideline in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, because a formal agreement was not yet in place. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Column: Meyer faces tough adjustment heading to NFL Jaguars

By Paul Newberry Jan. 15, 2021 03:43 PM EST
Before the good folks in Jacksonville get too fired up about the arrival of

Vanderbilt place kicker Sarah Fuller (32) kicks an extra point during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee at Vanderbilt Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. After leading Vanderbilt to the Southeastern Conference women's soccer championship, she suited up for the Commodores undermanned football team, becoming the first female to play in a Power Five game and tacking on another historic first when she scored in her next game by kicking a pair of extra points. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP)
Column: 2020 is perfect for socially distanced Newby Awards

By Paul Newberry Dec. 25, 2020 12:18 PM EST
In these scary times, it's hard to pull off an awards show.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) works in the pocket as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (96) gives pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Comeback, Part II: Brady breaks Falcons' hearts again, 31-27

By Paul Newberry Dec. 20, 2020 04:25 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Tom Brady took a knee, then headed toward the Atlanta Falcons

New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (26) and New Orleans Saints defensive back J.T. Gray (48) defend Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons look for another strong finish to lost season

By Paul Newberry Dec. 09, 2020 05:57 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The Falcons have plenty of experience at this, far more than

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara dives into the endzone past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darqueze Dennard for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Hill throws 2 TD passes, Saints hold off Falcons 21-16

By Paul Newberry Dec. 06, 2020 04:43 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Taysom Hill finally threw a touchdown pass.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) runs away from Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker L.J. Fort (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Column: In a crazy world, Steelers provide needed stability

By Paul Newberry Dec. 04, 2020 05:59 PM EST
It’s comforting to see the Pittsburgh Steelers back atop the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds celebrates a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Saints doing just fine with Brees sidelined again by injury

By Paul Newberry Dec. 03, 2020 07:48 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The New Orleans Saints can't wait to have Drew Brees taking

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley under pressure from Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Falcons show plenty of pride after 0-5 start, coach change

By Paul Newberry Nov. 30, 2020 04:32 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — After losing their first five games and firing the head coach,

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates a touchdown after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jones returns pick for TD, Falcons rout Carr, Raiders 43-6

By Paul Newberry Nov. 29, 2020 04:43 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Deion Jones took off the other way, raising the ball in the air

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Time is running short for the NHL to start its season on Jan. 1. Various pandemic-related geographic and economic issues remain unresolved. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Column: Sports hanging by the thread of the almighty dollar

By Paul Newberry Nov. 27, 2020 07:39 PM EST
The games will go on, hanging by the thread of the almighty dollar.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. The Saints won 24-9. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Raiders looking to finish strong, make run at playoffs

By Paul Newberry Nov. 27, 2020 03:16 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have positioned themselves to make a run

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan fist bumps with Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank before the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Looking ahead: Ryan plans to bounce back from dismal showing

By Paul Newberry Nov. 25, 2020 07:00 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — This is not exactly how Matt Ryan wanted to spend his golden