Falcons' third-down woes on offense concern Smith

FLOWERY BRANCH - Coach Mike Smith is giving the Atlanta Falcons four days off following a victory over the rival New Orleans Saints.

Falcons race out to big lead, hold off Saints 23-13

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons moved to the brink of clinching a division championship.

Falcons look to end skid in series against Saints

ATLANTA - On the verge of clinching their division before December, the Atlanta Falcons don't look so dominant when their longest, most intense rival is on the field with them.

Falcons have chance to make up for loss to Saints

FLOWERY BRANCH - Some Atlanta players seem uncertain about who gave the Falcons' their lone loss of the season.

Smith wants Falcons to clean up inconsistencies

FLOWERY BRANCH - Leading the NFC with a 10-1 record isn't nearly enough to satisfy Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith.

Falcons overcome mistakes to beat Buccaneers 24-23

TAMPA, Fla. - The Atlanta Falcons stumbled into a hole, only to find a way to escape again.

Falcons bracing for improved Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. - The high-flying Atlanta Falcons and surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers understand the success of their seasons will be determined by where they finish, so they insist they're not bothered by anything people outside their locker rooms say about what they've accomplished so far.

Falcons hoping for run support vs. Bucs RB Martin

FLOWERY BRANCH - This might not be the best time for the Atlanta Falcons' defense to face Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin, not with Sean Weatherspoon, Asante Samuel and Peria Jerry nursing injuries.

Falcons' Ryan: Still confident after interceptions

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan hopes he never has to endure another five-interception game.

Falcons sign lineman after Hawley suspension

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of offensive guard Harland Gunn after backup lineman Joe Hawley received a four-game suspension for violating NFL rules on performance-enhancing substances.

Falcons must address flaws for longer playoff run

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons are tied for the best record in the NFL. They have a comfortable lead in their division. They've already clinched another winning season.

Falcons backup lineman suspended 4 games for PEDs

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Joe Hawley has been suspended four games for violating NFL rules against performance-enhancing substances.

Falcons surge past Cardinals, 23-19

ATLANTA - Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons can forget about any style points.

Falcons look to shake off 1st loss vs Cardinals

ATLANTA - So much for that undefeated season. Now the Atlanta Falcons can get back to more realistic goals. Like a division championship. And home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Falcons (8-1) will be looking to shake off their first loss of the season when they host the slumping Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a game that can't come fast enough for a team dealing with the unfamiliar sting of defeat. "We're just ready to get ...

Biermann steps forward as starting DE for Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - Ray Edwards' loss is Kroy Biermann's gain for the Atlanta Falcons. Biermann took over as a starting defensive end earlier this week after the Falcons cut Edwards, but the move was a bit ceremonial. Biermann had already started three times at left end ahead Edwards, whose goodwill expired after he managed no sacks in nine games this year and just 3.5 in 16 games last season. Right end John Abraham, the NFL's ...

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.