FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons are an imperfect 4-0.
That was the message from coach Mike Smith on Monday, one day after Atlanta's 30-28 win over Carolina.
Matt Ryan, whose health is crucial to the Falcons' continued success, was sacked a career-high seven times. Smith says pass protection must improve but the line doesn't deserve all the blame.
Smith says the defense gave up too many explosive plays to Cam Newton and the Panthers.
Smith also critiqued himself. He says he was too emotional when he grabbed assistant coach Ray Hamilton as the Falcons had only 10 defensive players on the field in the closing seconds.
Despite the imperfections, Atlanta leads second-place Carolina and Tampa Bay by three games in the NFC South.
The Falcons play Sunday at Washington.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:48:40 GMT
The committee overseeing the new Atlanta Falcons stadium plans chose a preliminary stadium design on Monday.Back in April, a tentative agreement for the Kansas City-based 360 Architecture was approved
The committee overseeing the new Atlanta Falcons stadium plans chose a preliminary stadium design on Monday.Back in April, a tentative agreement for the Kansas City-based 360 Architecture was approved
Tuesday, June 11 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-11 22:07:21 GMT
Starting today, a government watchdog group will start collecting signatures to force a vote on using public funds to pay for the Falcons new football stadium onto the November ballot.
Starting today, a government watchdog group will start collecting signatures to force a vote on using public funds to pay for the Falcons new football stadium onto the November ballot.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
