Abraham, Babineaux questionable for Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons plan on having defensive end John Abraham ready to lead their pass rush on Sunday in the NFC title game.

Gonzalez one step closer to going out a champ

FLOWERY BRANCH - Tony Gonzalez remembers talking to Michael Strahan after the former New York Giants defensive lineman won a Super Bowl title in his final game.

Falcons say 49ers' Kaepernick poses new challenges

FLOWERY BRANCH - Michael Turner's trademark high-pitched laugh filled the Falcons' locker room.

Smith expects injured Abraham to start vs. 49ers

FLOWERY BRANCH - It's too early for the Atlanta Falcons to know how much defensive end John Abraham will play in Sunday's NFC title game.

Bryant keeps coming through in clutch for Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - When Matt Bryant is on the sideline, fully aware the game might be decided by his right leg, he'll drape a towel over his head to shut out the world.

Falcons' coach Nolan to face former team

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Mike Nolan's 3½-year tenure as coach for the San Francisco 49ers offered few highlights on the field.

Smith: 1 playoff win not the Falcons' goal

FLOWERY BRANCH - A slip of the tongue gave away Atlanta coach Mike Smith's focus. Smith was just starting his review Monday of the Falcons' 30-28 win over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC divisional playoffs when it became clear his thoughts were on this week's NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. "We knew the San Francisco Forty ... excuse me, the Seattle Seahawks, were a very good football team and they showed ...

Falcons blow lead, then rally past Seahawks 30-28

ATLANTA - Matt Bryant kicked a 49-yard field goal with 8 seconds left and the Atlanta Falcons bounced back after blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, defeating Russell Wilson and the gutty Seattle Seahawks 30-28 in an NFC divisional playoff game Sunday.

Falcons try to end playoff woes against Seahawks

ATLANTA - It's 2010 all over again for the Atlanta Falcons. Just like two seasons back, the Falcons finished 13-3 in the regular season. Once again, they have the top seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. This time, they vow they're mature enough to make the most of the opportunity. The Falcons will try to end their recent trend of first-game postseason exits Sunday when they play the streaking Seattle Seahawks in the ...

Jones, Robiskie form tight bond with Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - Nearly every time Julio Jones reports to work, the second-year Atlanta receiver seeks out position coach Terry Robiskie.

No more 2nd chances for Falcons TE Gonzalez

FLOWERY BRANCH - Tony Gonzalez has no intention of pulling a Ray Lewis before retirement.

Georgia thumped by Florida, 77-44

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Mike Rosario scored 19 points, Erik Murphy added 11 despite playing with a broken rib and No. 11 Florida opened Southeastern Conference play with a 77-44 victory over Georgia on Wednesday night.

Falcons eager to end playoff drought vs. Seahawks

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons know what it takes to win in the regular season.

New coordinators bring balance to Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - Last year's playoff disappointment hit so hard that Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith needed to change his staff from the top.

Falcons's White focused on playoffs, not pro bowl

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White has gotten over his initial disappointment of missing out on the Pro Bowl for the first time in five years.

NFL approves $200 million for Falcons' stadium

Falcons sign 4 draft picks

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons have signed four NFL draft picks, including defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga.