Ryan excited that Koetter staying with Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - Quarterback Matt Ryan is enjoying his best season in five years with the Atlanta Falcons.

Smith gives positive report on injured players

FLOWERY BRANCH - Cornerback Dunta Robinson is in the NFL's mandated concussion protocol, and defensive end John Abraham is nursing a sore left ankle.

Falcons drop regular-season finale to Bucs, 22-17

ATLANTA - The Falcons heard questions all week about the best way to approach their last regular-season game: Go for the win or protect starters for the playoffs.

With home field already secured, Falcons still approaching game like business as usual

ATLANTA - Falcons starters are not expecting a short day against Tampa Bay on Sunday just because they've clinched home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

Teague scores career-high 27 for Hawks in win against Cavaliers

CLEVELAND - Atlanta coach Larry Drew had a simple message for Jeff Teague a few days ago: Be more aggressive.

Falcons' tight end Gonzalez still considering retiring

FLOWERY BRANCH - Tony Gonzalez is still 95 percent sure he will retire at the end of the season.

Falcons' Ryan closing regular season on hot streak

FLOWERY BRANCH - Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons disagree with the idea they have little to play for in Sunday's final regular-season game against Tampa Bay.

3 Atlanta Falcons named to Pro Bowl

Three Atlanta Falcons have been named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, the National Football League announced Wednesday. Quarterback Matt Ryan, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and wide receiver Julio Jones will represent the Falcons as members of the 2012 team.

Falcons will play regular season finale to win

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith rewarded his players with three days off after they earned the NFC's top seed.

Falcons clinch top seed with 31-18 win over Lions

DETROIT - Matt Ryan got what he wanted, helping the Atlanta Falcons win a game they needed to earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Falcons a win from home-field in the NFC

DETROIT - The Atlanta Falcons have proven they're good enough to dominate a division leader.

Falcons determined to avoid let down against Lions

FLOWERY BRANCH - Thursday was an ugly, rainy day at Atlanta's practice facility - a perfect setting for the Falcons to be reminded they can make sure they don't play another game outdoors this season.

Falcons look to keep Detroit's Suh away from QB Ryan

FLOWERY BRANCH - As the Atlanta Falcons' offensive line sees it, there's no need to antagonize Ndamukong Suh.

DeCoud leads the charge for Falcons secondary

FLOWERY BRANCH - After Asante Samuel intercepted Eli Manning's first pass on Sunday, the cornerback approached Falcons teammate Thomas DeCoud, who leads the team in interceptions.

Falcons trying to build momentum for playoffs

FLOWERY BRANCH - Falcons coach Mike Smith has learned that little credit is given for regular-season success when it is followed by postseason flops.

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.