Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network

Derek, Dave, and DJ discuss the standouts from the Atlanta Falcons 19-3 victory against the Miami Dolphins, the Falcons evolving defense, and what to anticipate from the upcoming preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. 0:00 - Intro1:00 - Standouts from win over Miami11:41 - Expectations for Bengals matchup21:55 - The evolving defense25:15 - Home stadium storiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney break down the Falcons performance in a pair of joint practices against the Miami Dolphins in the latest training camp edition of the Falcons Final Whistle podcast. There’s tons of details about players who made a positive impression going up against another team, including Desmond Ridder, Bijan Robinson, Zach Harrison, Troy Andersen and more after two days of watching practices live from the Dolphins training complex. Timestamps (00:00:00): Intro, overall impressions of Falcons joint practices with Dolphins (00:03:34): Breaking down defensive effort, including David Onyemata and Jaylinn Hawkins (00:05:17): Desmond Ridder’s decision making; Bijan Robinson’s progress (00:09:55): Kyle Pitts’ ramp up, replacing Jeff Okudah (00:14:00): Evaluating Jerry Gray, Ryan Nielsen, Falcons defense up close (00:19:05): What we learned about joint practices; preseason previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and DJ dive into what is ahead for the 2023 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp joint practices with the Miami Dolphins, discuss why it’s important to build roster depth, and look ahead to the first preseason game against Miami. 00:00 - Intro 1:11 - AT&T Training Camp so far 9:56 - Injuries & building depth 16:33 - Joint practices with Miami 22:28 - Joint practice stories See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker joins Scott and Tori to break down his solid start to camp, why he fits Ryan Nielsen's defense so well and what he enjoys about playing inside and outside linebacker. The fourth-year veteran also talks about how he gets through camp and next week's joint sessions with Miami. Plus, Scott and Tori break down the Falcons' first camp week in pads and which players stood out when the physicality ramped up.00:00 - Intro 00:20 - AT&T Training Camp so far 02:11 - Growth & evolving play 07:41 - Life at AT&T Training Camp 09:55 - Where players fit 11:50 - Pads are on at AT&T Training Camp 12:56 - Who & what is standing out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons cornerback Dee Alford joins Scott and Tori on the first of several special training camp editions of the Falcons Final Whistle podcast to discuss the strides he has made in Year 2, why he takes nothing for granted and how he continues to improve. He also details camp life, his favorite snacks and players he learns from most. After that, Scott and Tori provide their first impressions of this camp and name early standouts this summer. 00:00-Intro00:19 - High Praise and underdog mentality 04:30 - Offseason work 06:18 - Depth & quality of secondary07:33 - Jerry Gray and Steve Jackon’s advice09:38 - Training Camp life21:10 - Week 1 Standouts25:05 - Pads onSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and DJ dive into what is ahead for the 2023 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp, discuss Arthur Smith’s coaching evolution, debate our biggest offseason wins and reflect on fun memories from their own training camp experiences. 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Topics01:20 - Training Camp in 3 words 04:13 - Position battles ahead 09:39 - Coaching Evolution 16:26 - Biggest ‘wins’ in the offseason 21:47 - Training Camp Stories See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney zero in on the defense in this week's Final Whistle podcast. How obvious was the added help for Grady Jarrett across the defensive line throughout the OTA period? What could 2023 hold for Jeff Okudah? And how fierce is the competition between Dee Alford and Mike Hughes for the starting nickel job? The Falcons editorial staff discusses as the league gears up for training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney sit down to go over what they learned about the Falcons offense through the OTA period, as well as what questions they still have about the unit. What could 2023 hold for Desmond Ridder? What about Cordarrelle Patterson? What do the Falcons really mean when they talk about "position-less" football? These topics and more discussed in this week's episode.00:00 - Intro 00:14 - Topics 01:10 - What we learned about the offense 03:51 - Positionless Football 07:25 - Confidence in Offensive Line production 11:05 - Questions at Quarterback 14:24 - Cordarrelle Patterson 18:58 - Wide Receiver units See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Falcons defensive lineman John Abraham joins Scott and Tori to break down what he learned about the Falcons defense during the offseason program, including Calais Campbell, Grady Jarrett and more. He also details what he saw from Bijan Robinson and what he expects from the No. 8 overall NFL Draft pick during his rookie season. 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Campbell is huge addition 04:00 - What Grady Jarrett means to Falcons 07:28 - How Falcons can improve Defense 10:00 - Rebounding from injuries 13:10 - Thoughts on Bijan RobinsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah joins Tori McElhaney and Scott Bair to discuss life as a five-star recruit playing Texas high school football, embracing his heritage and overcoming adversity both on and off the field. 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - ‘Walking by Faith’ after injury 02:13 - Gameday Fits 5:13 - Taking nothing for granted 07:02 - Importance of High School Football 13:13 - Playing for Ohio State 14:41 - The Movie Critic 15:54 - A Mother’s love & Family Support 19:50 - Embracing heritage & football in Nigeria 23:07 - Friendship with A.J. Terrell 24:55 - Building something special at Falcons 25:45 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes joins Scott and Tori to discuss his career arc, entering the NFL as a first-round pick, dealing with injury and being poised and ready to capitalize on his Falcons opportunity. We also go back to some if his greatest plays, including one where he saved Central Florida's unbeaten season. 00:00 - Intro 00:26 - Joining Atlanta Falcons Secondary 01:07 - Richie Grant friendship 02:17 - Going undefeated at UCF 06:42 - Journey to 1st round draft selection 11:59 - Battling through adversity 14:05 - Importance of Mom 15:06 - Excitement for Atlanta Falcons 16:33 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having grown up just 25 minutes from the Falcons facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., quarterback Taylor Heinicke details his excitement to return home to play for his hometown team. Heinicke also shares stories from his Collins Hill High School days as well as his unconventional journey as a backup quarterback through the league. 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - From studying to playoffs 04:47 - Making the most of every opportunity 07:14 - Friendship with T.J. Yates 09:01 - Collins Hill High School 10:33 - Growing up a Green Bay Packers fan 12:06 - Tradition of collecting Nike Jordan shoes 14:30 - Finding a way to get it done & still having fun 17:40 - Rapid Fire QuestionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney identify themes, important sections of the 2023 schedule and how the Falcons can navigate it while competing to win a wide-open NFC South. 00:00 - Intro00:35 - Strength of Schedule01:17 - Overview & Initial Reactions04:00 - Weeks 1-4 | London Calling09:56 - Weeks 5-10 | The Trap12:20 - Weeks 12-18 | Crunch Time14:08 - What it could all meanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and DJ dive into the Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Draft, discuss the new draftees in depth, as well as examine the current state of the NFC South. 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Topics 01:43 - Atlanta Falcons Draft in 3 words 03:09- Bijan Robinson at #8 11:21 - Matthew Bergeron at #38 15:40 - Zach Harrison at #75 20:51 - Clark Phillips III at #113 24:50 - DeMarcco Hellams at #224 26:14 - Jovaughn Gwyn at #225 28:29 - Grading the Falcons 2023 NFL Draft 31:51 - State of the NFC South 36:37 - 2023 Schedule ReleaseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott and Tori react to the Atlanta Falcons selection of Bijan Robinson with No. 8 overall 2023 NFL Draft pick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to detail how he turned one of two scholarship offers into a role as Falcons starting quarterback. He detailed the hilarious way he got a scholarship offer to Cincinnati, who taught him to throw a perfect spiral -- the answer will surprise you -- his bond with Drake London and how having a young daughter has changed his life for the better. 00:00 - Intro 00:24 - Important phone call in an unlikely place 05:35 - University of Cincinnati 09:38 - Importance of Coach Gino Guidugli 12:12 - Importance of family 13:35 - High school sweethearts 15:55 - Breaking windows and playing football 17:37 - Importance of mom 19:24 - Learning football from grandmother 20:38 - What made Desmond who he is 25:45 - ‘Uncle’ Drake London 27:24 - Importance of growing with teammates 29:35 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Network chief national reporter Steve Wyche joins the program to discuss what the Falcons might do in this year’s NFL draft. He reviews what Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot accomplished in free agency and what those moves tell us about how they might use the No. 8 overall pick.00:00 - Intro 00:30 - What Free Agency means for Draft 09:00 - No desperation at pick 8 12:15 - What happens at top of draft? 16:45 - How far would you move back? 18:45 - Thoughts on Quarterback 22:05 - Bijan Robinson, what if? 25:25 - An interesting Draft aheadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

nside linebacker Kaden Elliss joins the Falcons in Focus podcast to recall memories of growing up as the oldest of 11 siblings, as well as his father Luther Elliss' influence on him. Kaden was born mere months after Luther was drafted in 1995. Life as an NFL player is one Kaden knew well, even before he became a professional in his own right. 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Playing vs brother in NFL game 02:29 - Growing up with 11 siblings 06:35 - Growing up in an NFL household 10:40 - From Quarterback to Linebacker 14:50 - The journey & constant strive for growth 18:28 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Falcons defensive tackle joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to discuss a unique journey from his native Nigeria to Canada, where he was first introduced to the game of football and forged a path to the NFL. 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Cam Jordan & Ryan Nielsen 04:35 - Lagos, Nigeria to Atlanta, Georgia 07:08 - Unusual path to playing football 15:58 - Drafted to NFL while playing golf 17:42 - Welcome to NFL moment & family’s reaction 19:47 - Rapid Fire Questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Safety Jessie Bates III joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney in Ticketmaster Studios to take a look back on his journey to Atlanta. Bates talks his mother's influence on his creation of the JB3 Single Mother's Initiative, the goal of signing his second contract and connecting with fellow Falcons defensive backs A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward. Bates also makes a pledge to single mothers and organizations in Atlanta. 00:00 - Intro00:31 - Attending first NFL game03:00 - Mother’s love, sacrifice & support09:56 - JB3 Single Mother's Initiative12:15 - How it feels to live your dream15:06 -Passion for finance & investing17:05 - Familiar Faces & ‘DB Getaway’19:45 -Rod Woodson connection21:41 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to discuss his difficult upbringing in Philadelphia and his mother's role in helping him realize his dream. He moved from Philly to Florida, where his football career took off put him on a path to the NFL, allowing him to give back to those who helped him along the way. 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Who was TE Coach Arthur Smith? 06:03 - Jonnu Smith’s football start 09:42 - Growing up as the youngest 11:03 - “My mother was my rock” 15:14 - Smith’s amazing family 18:52 - From Philly to Ocala 23:10 - Our norm was not normal 28:54 - Competitive weightlifting & basketball 32:20 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott and Tori attend the 2023 NFL Combine and ask other national media members their thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons. Listen in as Ben Solak, Chris Simms, Albert Breer, Robert Mays, and Charles Davis share their views on Free Agency, the NFL Draft and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair, Tori McElhaney and Ashton Edmunds analyzed the Super Bowl combatants in relation to the Falcons and what they must do next. The Chiefs and Eagles built their championship rosters in different ways, and there’s plenty to for Atlanta to take from how those teams were successful. We identify three pillars of success, including dominance on both offensive and defensive lines and under center. We break down ways the Falcons can make strides in those areas, through upgrades or developing players already on the roster. We also discuss the possibility that the Falcons can surge into playoff contention in the NFC South if they make the right moves. Timestamps (00:00:00): Intro, Super Bowl impressions and what Falcons can learn from Chiefs, Eagles (00:03:10): Chiefs proved dominant O-Line is key, an area where Falcons are strong (00:05:28): The advantage of QB development/patience in relation to Jalen Hurts and Desmond Ridder (00:10:15): Why building a bully along defensive front is vital (00:13:11): Arthur Blank on Desmond Ridder (00:16:12): How KC built a contender with QB on rookie deal, maintained it post-extension (00:18:30): How will Falcons attack offseason?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brand new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to discuss how he got into coaching after a productive football career at USC, detailing a journey that has led him to Atlanta and his first opportunity to call plays at the professional level. Nielsen takes fans back to the beginning, when he was a three-sport star in Southern California, with an untold story about how he committed to USC, and how he eventually decided football was his passion. Nielsen gives credit to his mentors who help him along the way, as he worked his way up the coaching ranks and eventually ended up in Atlanta. 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Benefits of being multi-sport athlete 01:43 - Being recruited by USC 04:40 - Football without passion is not worth playing 05:47 - Moment football became career goal 07:23 - Lessons from coaching start 08:45 - The value of relationships 10:12 - Cameron Jordan & Ed Orgeron friendships 13:18 - Ryan Nielsen’s coaching philosophy 15:13 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons recent hires - Ryan Nielsen & Jerry Grey, as well as discuss how they predict fans could see the Falcons defense evolve. 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Topics 00:45 - Ryan Nielsen ins three words or less 03:00 - Nielsen’s leadership and defensive background 10:00 - What’s instore for Falcons’ Defense 11:30 - What Jerry Grey hire means for Falcons 19:48 - What needs to be addressed in the offseasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney kick off the offseason version of Falcons Final Whistle – Ashton Edmunds was in Las Vegas on assignment – with a discussion of the Ryan Nielsen and Jerry Gray hires and how they can impact this Falcons defense following Dean Pees retirement. They discuss what Nielsen brings to the table – his history with a 4-3 base isn’t a big deal – and how he can help the Falcons and what’s left to find out about what the new defensive coordinator has planned. Timestamps (00:00:00): Intro, initial reactions to Ryan Nielsen, Jerry Gray hires (00:03:50): What we’ve found out about Ryan Nielsen (00:07:15): Discussing Nielsen’s history in a 4-3 base formation (00:11:17): Does this hire change the Falcons’ needs? (00:15:24): Why Ryan Nielsen seems like an Arthur Smith guy; Jerry Gray’s fit (21:40): Could we expect Falcons to bring in players their staff has a history with?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss ending the season on a win and what is next for the Atlanta Falcons. The guys also reflect on Dean Pees’ retirement and legacy, as well as dive into Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot’s end of season press conference. 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Topics 00:48- How about that UGA Dawgs win 04:10 - Falcons finish season with win and what that means for their future 13:10 - Dean Pees’ retirement & legacy 19:09 - End of season press conference & what’s next 31:35 - Super Bowl Predictions and Combine performancesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Beadles joins Scott and Tori for the Falcons in Focus season finale to break down his journey from intern to team president, with great stories from 28 years spent rising through the organization. Beadles also details life as the son of a coach and athletic director, what it took to get Mercedes-Benz Stadium built and why his new role is a dream job for someone who grew up a huge Falcons fan. 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Greg Beadles named Atlanta Falcons President 02:08 - Starting Falcons journey as intern 08:06 - Starting The Atlanta Falcons website and team store 09:40 - Fun & odd jobs during games 14:36 - Father, basketball & preparing for sports career 16:32 - Combining Sports & Business 17:52 - Instrumental creating Falcons of today 22:46 - Building Mercedes-Benz Stadium 28:11 - Focusing on the Falcons & continuing journey 33:28 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Tori and Ashton discuss what should be a fascinating offseason for the Falcons franchise, with the 2022 season officially in the rearview. We evaluate quarterback Desmond Ridder’s four NFL starts and why he deserves the right to compete for the starting gig. We also preview the offseason and identify pressing needs that must be filled in free agency and the NFL Draft, which players to re-sign and which players they should extend now that the Falcons have tons of salary-cap space and quality draft capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons cornerback and special teams ace Mike Ford joins Scott and Tori for an in-depth discussion about his journey to the NFL, his quest to learn about his father, who died when he was six months old. He also details how buying his mother a house realized a dream, and how he established himself in the NFL after starting as an undrafted free agent with a small signing bonus. 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Mike Ford brings the energy 01:13 - Military base visit fun 03:14 - Passion for trying new things 03:51 - What it took to make it to NFL 05:12 - Gaining football notoriety 07:25 - Walking to work - keeping hardworking mindset 10:00 - Legacy of Mike Ford Sr. 13:57- Tattoo meanings 15:45 - Achieving life goal of buying mom a house 16:20 - Surprising Mom with a house 22:15 - How football journey started 26:44 A ‘Father’ & a ‘Dad’ 27:58 - Youth Football Camp & Giving Back 30:07 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons win over the Arizona Cardinals and the keys to finishing out the season with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 00:00 - Intro 00:07 - Damar Hamlin 10:13 - Falcons vs Arizona - what happened? 20:57 - Look ahead at Falcons vs Buccaneers - final game of seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Ashton and Tori break down a New Year’s Day victory over the Arizona Cardinals, which ended with a game-winning field goal by Younghoe Koo. We dissect Desmond Ridder’s role in the victory, how Tyler Allgeier’s emergence is helping Cordarrelle Patterson and why the team’s young foundation is expanding with a stellar rookie class Timestamps (00:00:15): Intro, difference between victory and four-game losing streak (00:06:02): A deep dive into Desmond Ridder’s game-winning drive (00:09:30): Desmond Ridder’s overall development (00:13:33): Desmond Ridder vs. other available quarterbacks (00:17:00): Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson working in tandem, how CP is used (00:23:44): Evaluating Falcons expanding young foundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to discuss his whirlwind month of December, when he was named the Falcons’ Walter Payton Man of the Year and then received his first Pro Bowl honor a few weeks later. We dive into the time and effort he’s pouring into the Atlanta community and his primary motivations for it, plus what life was life growing up in a big football family full of offensive linemen. 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - Lindstrom named to first Pro Bowl 03:56 - Lindstrom’s community involvement & Atlanta Falcons Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year 07:18 - Dazzle & Dine Community Event 08:56 - Importance of Best Buddies 13:15 - 2022 Atlanta Falcons Walter Payton Man of the Year 15:11 - Kaleb McGary friendship 20:57 - Family football history 25:28 - A true football mom 26:37 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Baltimore Ravens and break down Desmond Ridder’s and the Falcons’ performance and how they could beat the Arizona Cardinals. They also dive into why these two last games carry a lot of importance for the Atlanta Falcons. 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - Topics 02:12 - Cold weather factor in Baltimore 03:45 - Falcons vs Ravens, what happened? 06:41 - What needs to be adjusted to get the win? 09:25 - Desmond Ridder's improvement 16:07 - Drake London’s performance 20:34 - Tyler Allgeier’s performance 25:02 - Defense players that are standing out 29:00 - Keys to beating Arizona Cardinals 33:20 - Why we still play footballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Tori and Ashton take a look at what the Falcons must do over their final two games, and how to evaluate players and their progress in those contests while compiling an offseason priority list. We talk extensively about Desmond Ridder and the quarterback position moving forward, about adding depth at the skill spots and finding intimidators throughout the defensive front. (00:00:15): Intro, what Ravens game said about offseason priorities (00:06:40): Evaluating Desmond Ridder’s performance, and offseason QB needs (00:14:05): Drake London and WR/TE evaluation (00:22:00): Evaluating Falcons defense, including Grady Jarrett’s stellar season (00:25:15): Discussing the need for additions on DL, edge rusherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons receiver Drake London joins Scott and Tori for an in-depth conversation about life growing up as a two-sport star, balancing football and basketball schedules well into his USC career. The No. 8 overall NFL Draft pick also details his upbringing in a close, supportive family, his tight bond with his equally famous sister and that time Drake (the rapper) bet on Drake (the football player). 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - USC VS UCLA Rivalry 01:03 - Drake betting on Drake 02:59 - Being a two sport athlete 07:01 - Drake’s Dog 09:07 - Family Support 10:43 - Little brother antics 11:58 - Big Sister Influence 13:54 - Best Dressed 14:59 - Not your average 8th grader 16:37 - NFL Draft Night Experience 19:53 - The Famous WalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons loss to the New Orleans Saints and break down Desmond Ridder’s and the Falcons’ performance. They also dive into the keys to beating the Baltimore Ravens. 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Topics 01:30 - Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints & Desmond Ridder’s first major performance 15:10 - Tyler Allgeier contributes in a big way 18:19 - Keys Atlanta Falcons vs Baltimore Ravens matchup 27:02 - Story time: Cold weather gamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Tori and Ashton break down Desmond Ridder’s first regular-season start in great detail, putting it under the microscope and into the bigger picture, setting a baseline for how to evaluate his games moving forward. They also look at Tyler Allgeier’s season and the best game of his young career, plus Drake London’s showing, both the good and bad, in this Week 15 contest. Timecodes: (00:00:15): Takeaways from Saints loss, why Falcons performance is more important than NFC South race (00:08:09): Breaking down Desmond Ridder’s performance (00:23:30): On Tyler Allgeier’s big day, rookie development (00:28:38): Why passing inefficiency plagues Falcons (00:29:20): Evaluating Drake London’s day, the good and bad, and what he said afterward (00:34:00) On Dean Pees carted off pregame, and optimistic outlook after coming home with the teamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo joins Scott and Tori for an in-depth conversation about his unlikely journey from South Korea to the U.S. from playing youth soccer to the NFL. Koo discusses working through a language barrier to fit into a new culture and how athletics eased that transition. He also talked about the nature of clutch performance and inspiring those by sharing a story detailed in the latest episode of Falcons in Focus. 00:00 - Intro 00:17 - Haircut of the franchise 02:15 - Inside High Pressure Moments 05:05 - Top Kicking Moments 07:15 - Learning from Coach Pat Sempier 10:15 - From Soccer to Football 11:43 - Moving to USA & finding friends through sports 15:52 - If you weren’t a kicker… 17:07 - Falcons Ping Pong Power rankings 18:39 - Motivation & challenge of NFL journey 24:29 - Inspiring others 26:02 - Specialists at practice 27:27 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss Desmond Ridder stepping in as quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and break down how the Falcons can find success on the road vs the New Orleans Saints. 00:00 - Intro 00:14 - Bye Week 01:43 - Topics 02:15 - Desmond Ridder 17:22 - Falcons loss to Steelers 18:13 - Keys to Atlanta Falcons victory vs New Orleans Saints 23:50 - NFC South & Playoff Contention See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Tori and Ashton break down the Falcons’ latest loss to the Steelers and how they can rebound well enough to capitalize on unique opportunity to win the NFC South despite recent struggles. Head coach Arthur Smith said changes will be made during the bye week, and left the door open to a change at quarterback. We evaluate Marcus Mariota’s performance over the past few games and whether Desmond Ridder could provide a spark in crucial moments. Timecodes: (00:00:15): Intro, thoughts on loss to Steelers (00:05:28): Discussing Mariota, Ridder and possibility of making change at quarterback (00:15:30): Could Desmond Ridder provide a spark? Can he prove a long-term solution? (00:18:27): Pros and cons of making QB change, sticking with Mariota (00:22:05): Can Falcons make right changes, rebound and win NFC South?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney to detail the wild journey to be present for the birth of his son and the Falcons game at Carolina on the same day, explaining how it all happened and how special the day was for him and his wife, Meggi. Then we go back in time to discuss being part of football royalty in the Matthews clan, including what his father Bruce Matthews' advice has meant to him as a kid and throughout a long and prosperous career. 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Greatest reaction to becoming a father 01:58 - Baby born on game day - unexpected adventure! 10:23 - Jake Matthews has an amazing wife 11:22 - Matthews family football history & Father 19:06 - Thankful for mom 21:04 - Playing in NFL against a family member 23:26 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Washington Commanders and break down how the Falcons can find success vs the Pittsburgh Steelers. 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - Topics 00:49 - First Reactions: Close Games 07:30 - Falcons offense vs Commanders 11:45 - Falcons Defense vs Commanders 16:30 - Keys to winning vs Pittsburgh Steelers 24:37 - UGA football - How ‘bout them Dawgs?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair, Tori McElhaney and Ashton Edmunds break down a difficult loss to the Washington Commanders, including a detailed look at the decisive drive where the Falcons fell just short after a Marcus Mariota pass was batted and intercepted in the end zone. We look at this game in detail and where the Falcons sit in the NFC South, which is still ripe for the picking. Timecodes: (00:00:10): Intro, takeaways on Washington loss, state of NFC South (00:03:50): Falcons must finish better to end season right (00:06:46): Breaking down final Falcons drive that fell just short (00:13:20): What to make of defensive effort, the good, bad and the clutch performance at the then (00:15:08): How Falcons fared without Kyle Pitts (00:18:24): Why Bucs loss doesn’t change perception of Falcons lossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons win over the Chicago Bears and break down how the Falcons can find continued success vs the Washington Commanders. They also dive into Cordarrelle Patterson’s record-setting return touchdown, as well as how injuries may cause adjustments among the Falcons team. 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Topics 01:12 - Quick Reactions: Cordarrelle Patterson 03:55 - Breaking down win vs Bears 09:47 - Injuries & Adjustments 14:20 - ATL vs WAS - Keys to Winning 23:38 - Story time: Unbelievable playsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tori McElhaney and Ashton Edmunds take a look back at the Falcons 27-24 win against the Chicago Bears. They break down Cordarrelle Patterson's 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown - a play that broke an NFL record - as well as one of the best defensive performances the Falcons have had to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rashaan Evans joins Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney on Falcons in Focus to discuss growing up on a ranch, chasing horses with his brother, why he Dean Pees think the same way and how he chose Alabama despite having a family full of distinguished Auburn alumni. 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - ‘Country boy’ - loving the outdoors 02:00 - Animal Lover & true country living 04:36 - Chasing horses to become faster 06:27 - Horseback riding 07:10 - Cordarrelle Patterson & orange overalls 08:54 - Family Rivalries & Legacy 09:43 - College declaration, a game-time decision 13:33 - How Evans’ Mom contributed to success at Alabama 15:04 - Supportive parents & studying Psychology 18:05 - Dean Pees’ coaching 21:53 - Privilege & joy of playing football 23:29 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Carolina Panthers and break down how the Falcons can rebound against the Chicago Bears. They also dive into the talk surrounding the Quarterback position, and what players have been outstanding thus far this season. 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Topics 01:24 - ATL vs CAR, what happened? 11:42 - How the Falcons beat the Chicago Bears 21:14 - Standout players or units this season 25:15 - Story time: Jake Matthews is a dad!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney break down what went wrong against the Carolina Panthers, who seemed to beat the Falcons at their own game. They look at the team’s run defense, its rushing attack and the performance of Marcus Mariota, Kyle Pitts and the Falcons passing game. Arthur Smith also addressed Desmond Ridder so Scott and Tori do, too, and why it’s time to focus more on the Falcons stacking wins and less on NFC South standings after winning just one game in the last four. Timecodes: (00:00:10): Intro, takeaways from a tough loss at Carolina, troublesome 1-3 stretch (00:06:19): How Panthers beat Falcons at their own game (00:08:17): Why wasn’t Falcons offense “clicking”? (00:13:20): Did Panthers defense find formula that works vs. Falcons? (00:18:04): Evaluating Marcus Mariota, what Arthur Smith, QB said about Thursday performance (00:22:40): Thoughts on putting Desmond Ridder in at quarterback (00:29:15): Why stacking wins is more important than division standingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. discuss the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and break down how the Falcons can rebound while on the road playing the Carolina Panthers. 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Topics 00:33 - Must win? Yes or no? 02:11 - Chargers vs Falcons, what happened? 06:56 -Cordarrelle Patterson is back 10:23 - Atlanta Falcons Defense 15:31 - Keys to beating the PanthersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.