http://www.mail.com/organizations/3670-atlanta-falcons.html Mail.com - the best personalized free web-based Email en en http://sec-s.uicdn.com/mail.com/2.28/img/mailcom_logo_rss.png http://www.mail.com/organizations/3670-atlanta-falcons.html http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1983676-falcons-agree-to-2-year-deal-with-osi-umenyiora.html ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons found a replacement for John Abraham on Wednesday by reaching an agreement with free-agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora on a two-year, $8.5 million contract. The Falcons released the 34-year-old Abraham, the team leader with 10 sacks in 2012, on March 1, the same day they also released running back Michael Turner and corn... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:30:31 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1983676-falcons-agree-to-2-year-deal-with-osi-umenyiora.html 2013-03-28T02:30:31Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1955902-falcons-agree-to-3-year-deal-with-steven-jackson.html ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have found their replacement for Michael Turner by agreeing to terms with free agent Steven Jackson on a three-year, $12 million deal. The 29-year-old Jackson had 1,042 yards rushing and four touchdowns with the Rams last season. It was his eighth straight season with more than 1,000 yards rushing. Jackson has 10,135 yar... Fri, 15 Mar 2013 02:58:08 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1955902-falcons-agree-to-3-year-deal-with-steven-jackson.html 2013-03-15T02:58:08Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1955948-falcons-steven-jackson-matt-cassel-to-vikings.html The Atlanta Falcons replaced Michael Turner with another proven, productive running back. Steven Jackson, the top running back in free agency, agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the Falcons on Thursday. Also getting new deals were backup quarterback Matt Cassel in Minnesota, pass rusher Cliff Avril in Seattle and cornerback Keenan Lewis in New ... Fri, 15 Mar 2013 02:44:49 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1955948-falcons-steven-jackson-matt-cassel-to-vikings.html 2013-03-15T02:44:49Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949618-gonzalez-to-falcons-fitzpatrick-cut-bills.html The Baltimore Ravens are paying the price for winning a Super Bowl. The NFL champions lost two key components of their defense, linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe, as free agency began Tuesday. On Monday, they traded star receiver Anquan Boldin, a key to their title run, to San Francisco — the team the Ravens beat 34-31 to win the championship. ... Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:16:02 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949618-gonzalez-to-falcons-fitzpatrick-cut-bills.html 2013-03-13T05:16:02Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949506-tony-gonzalez-hes-returning-to-falcons.html FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Falcons have some big holes at the start of free agency. Tight end isn't one of them. Tony Gonzalez announced Tuesday he is returning for another year after his near-retirement, a move that has coach Mike Smith smiling. "I can assure you we're a lot better football team this afternoon than we were this morning," Smith said s... Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:11:53 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949506-tony-gonzalez-hes-returning-to-falcons.html 2013-03-12T22:11:53Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1939336-financing-terms-reached-falcons-stadium.html ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta's mayor and Falcons owner Arthur Blank have agreed to financing terms for a new $1 billion, retractable-roof stadium to replace the 20-year-old Georgia Dome and keep the team's home games in the city's downtown, the two men said Thursday. Mayor Kasim Reed said the city would provide $200 million of construction costs through bonds b... Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:45:43 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1939336-financing-terms-reached-falcons-stadium.html 2013-03-07T23:45:43Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1924778-falcons-release-3-key-players-to-help-salary-cap.html FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons started their youth movement Friday by ditching three key players from the most successful era in franchise history. The Falcons released running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson, moves that were not unexpected given their age (all in their 30s) and hefty salaries.... Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:16:08 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1924778-falcons-release-3-key-players-to-help-salary-cap.html 2013-03-02T00:16:08Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1866728-kaepernick-leads-49ers-comeback.html NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Under pressure and off balance, Colin Kaepernick released a fourth-down throw into the end zone with the outcome of the Super Bowl hanging in the balance. Everyone in the Superdome could see that the ball wasn't caught as it sailed over Michael Crabtree. Enraged San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh argued for why: He thought Crabtree got he... Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:37:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1866728-kaepernick-leads-49ers-comeback.html 2013-02-04T07:37:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1863338-balanced-49ers-offense-aims-to-lead-super-bowl-win.html NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Colin Kaepernick is a mystery man under center, a strong-armed passer one moment and a 25-year-old kid who can run right out of the pocket for a huge gain the next. Baltimore must brace for the unexpected on every snap in Sunday's Super Bowl. There's flashy Michael Crabtree on the edges and Vernon Davis down the middle, Frank Gore and L... Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:21:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1863338-balanced-49ers-offense-aims-to-lead-super-bowl-win.html 2013-02-02T00:21:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1834158-harbaugh-brothers-take-49ers-ravens-to-super-bowl.html This Super Bowl will be filled with firsts — and one significant last. The Harbaughs, San Francisco's Jim and Baltimore's John, will be the first pair of brothers to coach against each other in the NFL title game. Quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers and Joe Flacco of the Ravens each will be playing in his first Super Bowl — where success is the ult... Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:51:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1834158-harbaugh-brothers-take-49ers-ravens-to-super-bowl.html 2013-01-21T08:51:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1834558-49ers-rally-falcons-28-24-nfc-title-game.html ATLANTA (AP) — The loss stuck with them for a year, pushing the San Francisco 49ers in everything they did. They didn't want to feel that way again. Not to worry. The 49ers are headed to the Super Bowl. Bouncing back from a bitter loss in the 2012 NFC championship game, San Francisco cleared the hurdle it couldn't quite get over the previous season. And, ... Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:50:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1834558-49ers-rally-falcons-28-24-nfc-title-game.html 2013-01-21T08:50:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1833664-49ers-head-to-super-bowl-beating-falcons-28-24.html ATLANTA (AP) — The clutch quarterback. The genius coach. The big-play defense. The San Francisco 49ers are ready to start a new dynasty with a familiar formula. Next stop, the Big Easy. Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore led San Francisco to a record comeback in the NFC championship game Sunday, overcoming an early 17-0 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons 28... Mon, 21 Jan 2013 02:14:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1833664-49ers-head-to-super-bowl-beating-falcons-28-24.html 2013-01-21T02:14:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1821330-john-elway-through-this.html ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway has been down this lonely road before. The quarterback-turned-front office executive has now been a part of two playoff runs that ended not in the confetti-filled celebration expected of the AFC's No. 1 seed but with a painful introspection about what all went wrong in a stunningly early exit from the postseason party. ... Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:29:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1821330-john-elway-through-this.html 2013-01-15T07:29:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1820644-fox-stands-decision-elway-supports-coach.html ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Fox would tell Peyton Manning to take the knee again. John Elway, of all people, agreed with that call. Given the ball at his 20 with 31 seconds, two timeouts and one of the best quarterbacks in the game, the Broncos coach decided to run out the clock and head to overtime. Result: Baltimo... Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:09:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1820644-fox-stands-decision-elway-supports-coach.html 2013-01-14T22:09:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818930-falcons-falter-then-rally-seahawks-30-28.html ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan won't have to answer that question anymore. Neither will Tony Gonzalez. They're both playoff winners. Finally. Ryan got over the postseason hump in his fifth season, guiding the Atlanta Falcons to an improbable comeback in the final half-minute for a 30-28 victory over the gritty Seattle Seahawks in an NFC divisional game Sunday. ... Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:46:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818930-falcons-falter-then-rally-seahawks-30-28.html 2013-01-14T07:46:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818204-title-games-feature-ravens-pats-49ers-falcons.html One game is a rematch. The other might feel like one — at least to one of the teams. For the second straight year in the AFC, the New England Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. In the NFC, it will be San Francisco traveling to Atlanta, with the Falcons defense trying to stop a versatile, running quarterback ... Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:17:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818204-title-games-feature-ravens-pats-49ers-falcons.html 2013-01-14T02:17:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818116-column-tears-joy-gonzalez-finally-wins.html The old pro was on the sideline, resigned to the fact that this would turn out like so many games of the past. In the 16 years Tony Gonzalez has played tight end in the NFL, so many seasons ended early that he couldn't expect this one to be any different. If football is a cruel game, it had been even crueler to Gonzalez. No matter what he did, no matter h... Mon, 14 Jan 2013 01:55:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1818116-column-tears-joy-gonzalez-finally-wins.html 2013-01-14T01:55:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1817704-bryants-late-fg-lifts-falcons-seattle-30-28.html ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Bryant pumped his fist and celebrated atop the Falcons logo in the middle of the field. Tony Gonzalez broke down in tears. Matt Ryan relished the thought of not having to answer a familiar question. The Atlanta Falcons finally showed they could win a playoff game. And, wow, what a game it was! After a meltdown in the fourth quarter, th... Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:09:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1817704-bryants-late-fg-lifts-falcons-seattle-30-28.html 2013-01-13T23:09:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1816816-ravens-shock-broncos-49ers-rout-packers.html The 49ers and Ravens are getting another shot at making the Super Bowl. Losers in tight conference championship games a year ago, they are returning to the final step before the big game in the Big Easy after wins Saturday. Baltimore took the long, frigid route, rallying at Denver for a 38-35 victory in an AFC divisional playoff. The Ravens will go to eit... Sun, 13 Jan 2013 04:52:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1816816-ravens-shock-broncos-49ers-rout-packers.html 2013-01-13T04:52:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1808938-pro-picks-patriots-to-repeat-december-romp.html Bill Belichick insists the rematch of a December game with the Texans will be different. Not too much different, of course, because he fully expects his Patriots to win the divisional-round playoff game and advance to the AFC title match. As for another 42-14 outcome, New England's coach is having none of it. "The pl... Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:17:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1808938-pro-picks-patriots-to-repeat-december-romp.html 2013-01-09T16:17:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1807648-jaguars-hire-falcons-caldwell-general-manager.html JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Atlanta director of player personnel David Caldwell as general manager, charging him with turning around one of the league's worst teams. His first move will be deciding the fate of coach Mike Mularkey. Owner Shad Khan tabbed the 38-year-old Caldwell on Tuesday, a day after a third interview. F... Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:54:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1807648-jaguars-hire-falcons-caldwell-general-manager.html 2013-01-08T23:54:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1803412-big-boys.html Here come the big boys. The NFL's wild-card weekend is over, with nary an upset. Moving on are division winners Green Bay, Houston and Baltimore, along with NFC West runner-up Seattle and the only rookie quarterback still standing: Russell Wilson. Ahead are some daunting challenges as the Ravens visit Denver, the Texans go to New England, the Packers head to San Francisco and the Seahawks journ... Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:08:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1803412-big-boys.html 2013-01-07T08:08:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1796502-12-playoff-teams-flaws-to.html The NFL's dandy dozen is set — and truth be told, a little scared. Nobody's perfect, and all the teams that made the playoffs face potential pitfalls that could derail their dreams of partying down Bourbon Street in February. The Denver Broncos are riding a league-best 11-game winning streak as Peyton Manning seeks to cap his incredible comeback with anot... Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:49:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1796502-12-playoff-teams-flaws-to.html 2013-01-02T21:49:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1794638-regular-season-winners-champions.html DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons, who tied for the league's best record at 13-3, are well aware of one of the NFL's biggest truisms: more often than not, the regular season is for suckers. Over the last decade, just two of the 13 teams that had the best regular season record — or tied for the best mark — went on to win the Super Bowl: ... Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:09:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1794638-regular-season-winners-champions.html 2013-01-01T20:09:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1784768-lions-wr-johnson-living-up-to-132-deal.html ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have gotten quite a return on the $132 million, eight-year investment they made in Calvin Johnson nine months ago. "He's not trying to live up to a contract," Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said Sunday. "Personal records are great, and we certainly celebrate the season Calvin that has had, but it hasn't translated to... Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:04:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1784768-lions-wr-johnson-living-up-to-132-deal.html 2012-12-23T21:04:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1784026-falcons-top-lions-31-18-home-field-advantage.html DETROIT (AP) — Matt Ryan got what he wanted. Calvin Johnson was forced to settle for what he could get. Ryan matched a career high with four touchdown passes, two to Roddy White, to help the Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 31-18 Saturday night and earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. "It's gr... Sun, 23 Dec 2012 04:44:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1784026-falcons-top-lions-31-18-home-field-advantage.html 2012-12-23T04:44:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1775108-broncos-gallop-top-spot-ap-pro32-rankings.html NEW YORK (AP) — A nine-game winning streak has Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on top of the AP Pro32 NFL power rankings for the first time. The latest win came on the road, 34-17 at Baltimore, and was impressive enough to lift the Broncos to No. 1 by three points over the San Francisco 49ers. AFC West champion Denver (11-3) and playoff-bound San Fr... Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:14:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1775108-broncos-gallop-top-spot-ap-pro32-rankings.html 2012-12-18T22:14:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1772038-football-predicting-nfl-fools-game.html So you think you know the NFL? Perhaps you can predict the future, tame the weather and forecast winning lottery numbers, too. Those claiming to know what will happen in pro football need only look at what went on this wild weekend, which featured a half-dozen super matchups that didn't turn out quite so super. Nothi... Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:04:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1772038-football-predicting-nfl-fools-game.html 2012-12-17T17:04:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1771324-falcons-big-statement-34-0-rout-giants.html ATLANTA (AP) — Maybe now, the Atlanta Falcons will get a little respect. Certainly, no one can accuse them of lacking a quality win. Not after the pounding they gave the defending Super Bowl champions on Sunday. Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes and the defense handed New York its first regular-season shutout since 1996, carrying the Falcons to a 34-... Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:13:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1771324-falcons-big-statement-34-0-rout-giants.html 2012-12-17T11:13:00Z