Falcons look at coaching candidates

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Falcons are expected to begin a round of interviews for their vacant head coaching position. Interim coach Emmitt Thomas was able to lead the Falcons to a win in their season finale, but he is not considered a serious candidate to take over the position permanently.

According to Glazer, the Falcons will seek permission to interview Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, and Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell this week. He also reports that Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith, and previously mentioned candidate Mike Singletary may also sit down for interviews.

Redman lifts Falcons over Seahawks

The Falcons were able to end a six-game losing skid by defeating the Seattle Seahawks at home in their season finale in a close 44-41 victory. Due to a surge at the start of the fourth quarter, the Falcons were able to take 41-27 lead over the Seahawks, and simply had to outlast them from that point on. The Seahawks made it close by scoring in the final minutes, but were unable to recover an onsides kick which would have given them a chance to tie or win.

Chris Redman led the Falcons, completing 17 of 27 passes for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns. Warrick Dunn led the team's ground attack with 70 yards on 14 carries and a score. Jerious Norwood added 46 yards on 11 carries. Roddy White led receivers with 5 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Alge Crumpler caught 2 touchdown passes, finishing the game with 3 catches for 67 yards. Joe Horn also caught 3 passes for 32 yards and a score. The 44 points beat out the season's previous high of 26 points scored, and the team also ended it's long losing streak when trailing entering the fourth quarter.

The Falcons defense gave up 501 total yards, but was able to make stops and plays when it counted. They forced 3 turnovers and sacked the Seahawks passers four times. Chris Houston led the team with 8 tackles, while Lawyer Milloy (7 tackles), Antoine Harris (6 tackles), Keith Brooking (6 tackles), Stephen Nicholas (5 tackles, 1 sack), Jonathan Babineaux (5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery), DeAngelo Hall (5 tackles, 2 passes defended), Chris Crocker (5 tackles, 1 interception), John Abraham (3 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble) also made noteworthy contributions.

Morten Andersen connected on three field goals of 30, 37, and 32 yards. Michael Koenen had 3 punts for a 45 yard average and put 1 inside the 20. Jerious Norwood returned 4 punts for 30.8-yard average and Adam Jennings had 3 returns for an average of 38 yards.

Ex-Giants GM Accorsi helps Blank

Arthur Blank has enlisted the help of former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi in his search for potential GM candidates here in Atlanta according to an AJC by Steve Wyche. Accorsi is working as an adviser to Blank in helping the Falcons compile a list of potential candidates to replace Rich McKay as GM of the team. Blank has indicated that McKay will have the opportunity to stay with the franchise in his other capacity as team president.

Accorsi spent 8 seasons between 1998 and 2006 as the Giants GM, after serving the previous 4 as an assistant to then GM George Young. Accorsi retired this past January and was replaced by Jerry Reese.

In the article, Wyche also names several possible candidates, listing: Dallas Cowboys president of college and pro scouting Jeff Ireland, Kansas City Chiefs V.P. of player personnel Bill Kuharich, Green Bay Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie, and San Diego Chargers assistant GM Buddy Nix as potential candidates. Once a GM is hired, he, Blank, and McKay are expected to work together to hire the team's next head coach.

As well, Wyche makes mention of several candidates that could become the Falcons next head coach: Marty Schottenheimer, current Falcons assistants Hue Jackson and Mike Zimmer, 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss, Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and assistant head coach Dante Scarnecchia.

Shanahan rumored to be a potential target

Amidst more discussion of potential hires for the Falcons head coach, Pro Football Talk has thrown a new name into the fire: Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. The website reports that league sources have indicated that the Falcons are currently exploring the possibility of pursuing Shanahan.

Because Shanahan is currently under contract with the Broncos, the Falcons might be liable to compensate the team. Shanahan is on the verge of finishing his thirteenth season with the Broncos. He has compiled a 137-90 regular season record and 8-5 in the playoffs, including 2 Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998 over the Falcons. He also coached for a little more than a year with the then Los Angeles Raiders in the late 1980s. He compiled a 8-12 record before being dismissed partway in the 1989 season.

Pro Football Talk also reports that the Falcons may hire Bill Kuharich as their general manager, replacing current GM and president Rich McKay. Kuharich currently is the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kuharich served as GM for the New Orleans Saints prior to joining the Chiefs in 2000. Kuharich was in charge of the team's personnel department during the infamous 1999 draft day trade in which the Saints parted ways with their entire draft class in order to move up to draft running back Ricky Williams.

Also on the coaching search front, the AJC reports that the 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary has expressed interest in becoming the Falcons next head coach. Singletary indicated to the paper that he feels he's ready to be an NFL coach right now. There has been no contact between the Falcons and Singletary as of yet, but he has thus far emerged as an early favorite.

Dunn has no intention of retiring

In an AJC report by Steve Wyche Falcons running back Warrick Dunn indicated his desire to continue playing beyond this season. Dunn will turn 33 the week after the season is over was able to surpass 10,000 rushing yards this season, and many expectations that due to his age and that achievement he could retire after the season. But Dunn indicated to Wyche that due to the teams struggles this year, he does not wish to retire.

"I can't go out like this. This is not the way I think anyone should go out. Any guy whose ever thinking about retiring and had to go through a situation like this, I don't think this is the way you should go out. You need to go out on better terms. I'll definitely come back next year and play football."

-- Warrick Dunn

However, Dunn did not indicate whether he expects or wants to play for the Falcons. Dunn has one more year left on his contract, with a base salary of $4 million. More than likely, if Dunn is retained he'll likely have to restructure his contract in order to reduce that salary.

Dunn is the second Falcon to openly discuss his future with the team. Last week, DeAngelo Hall discussed his desire to play for a winning team.

Cardinals fly past Falcons in OT

Despite a fourth quarter comeback, the Falcons fell to the Arizona Cardinals eventually in overtime by a score of 30-27. The Falcons entered the fourth quarter down 24-14, but were successful in taking the lead until the waning minute of regulation. In overtime, the Cardinals won the coin toss and were able to march down the field 58 yards on 10 plays to kick the game-winning field goal.

Chris Redman led the team, completing 28 of 42 passes for 315 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Jerious Norwood led rushers with 33 yards on 7 carries. Jason Snelling had 2 carries for 18 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run. Roddy White had a great performance catching 12 passes for 141 yards. He becomes the first Falcon receiver to break 1,000 yards since Terance Mathis did so in 1999. Laurent Robinson (7 catches for 114 yards) and Alge Crumpler (2 catches for 12 yards) were the recipient's of Redman's touchdown strikes. The Falcons offense found its groove in the fourth quarter, as Redman was successful in leading the team on three scoring drives. They converted 4 of 6 third downs in that quarter, while only converting 2 of 9 the rest of the game.

Defensively, the Falcons did not have much of an answer for the Cardinals passing game, particularly Anquan Boldin who had 13 catches for 162 yards and 2 scores. They wound up giving up 361 yards in the air. But they picked it up in the second half, forcing the Cardinals to punt on their first five second half possessions. But they allowed the Cardinals to drive down the field 58 yards on 6 plays in the waning minutes of the game to tie it up and send it into overtime. Brent Grimes, in his first action of the season led the team with 11 tackles. Jonathan Babineaux (8 tackles, 1 pass defended), Demorrio Williams (8 tackles), Keith Brooking (7 tackles), DeAngelo Hall (7 tackles), and Chris Crocker (5 tackles, 1 pass defended) had noteworthy games.

On special teams, Morten Andersen connected on both field goal attempts of 23 and 21 yards, the latter being the one that put the team up 27-24 with a minute to go in the game. Michael Koenen had 5 punts for an average of 40 yards, placing one inside the 20-yard line. DeAngelo Hall returned 3 punts for an average of 12.3 yards. Jerious Norwood had 5 kickoff returns for an average of 26.6 yards. Travis Williams even ran 37 yards on a successful fake punt, which was the catalyzing conversion which eventually led to Snelling's score.

The Falcons will try to close out the season with a win at home against the Seattle Seahawks. The Falcons have lost three straight against the Seahawks. Their last win came in 1997, and their last home win against them came in 1991. But the Falcons may be able to sneak a win since the Seahawks have already clinched their division and playoff berth, and thus will not be helped nor hurt to any significant degree depending on the outcome of next week's game.

Schottenheimer has not heard from Falcons

SI.com's Jim Trotter writes that Marty Schottenheimer has not yet heard from the Falcons about their potential interest in him as a head coach. A report from the San Diego Union-Tribune indicated that the Falcons have made overtures to seek Schottenheimer to replace Bobby Petrino as head coach, according to league sources. Trotter's report would seemingly refute that initial report.

"I have not heard a word from anybody about anything relating to the Falcons."

-- Marty Schottenheimer

The Union-Tribune's report also indicated that the Falcons are seeking Chargers assistant GM Buddy Nix to serve as their own GM. Trotter's report again refutes that, indicating that Nix has not heard anything from the Falcons either.

Schottenheimer also indicated that he is unsure if he will return to football, citing the changes that have occurred in the game over the years since he began. Schottenheimer in 21 years of head coaching in the NFL has yet to win a championship, and implied that any return to the league would likely be for a team that was in a position to win one in the short-term.

Hall may want out of Atlanta

DeAngelo Hall has called into question his future with the team per an AP report. Hall indicates that he does not want to be part of a losing team next season, implicitly saying that he may demand a trade if he and the new coach do not mesh well.

Hall had his share of run-ins with Bobby Petrino during his time with the Falcons, and was one of the more outspoken critics of Petrino upon his departure. Hall even indicated a week ago to the AJC that with Petrino gone, he would be much more open to stay with the Falcons. Hall's contract is set to expire following the 2008 season, and he's been outspoken about his desire to receive a large contract in the past. It was rumored that Hall asked to be traded this past October, but those rumors were later dispelled.

Hall's most recent "outburst" could be linked over his displeasure at the team targetting Bill Parcells to take over football operations. In the AP report, Hall's statements imply that he would prefer a coach much more akin to former Falcons head coach Jim Mora in being much more approachable than Petrino was, and Parcells is said to be.

Horn and 3 others doubtful vs. Cards

The Falcons have a few injuries this week as they prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The team listed three players on their Friday injury report as doubtful, along with one questionable, and three probables.

The biggest name among those listed as doubtful is wide receiver Joe Horn. Horn was only able to participate in a limited fashion on Thursday of this week, missing both Wednesday and Friday practices due to the flu. Both tight end Alge Crumpler and quarterback Joey Harrington missed some practice time this week due to the flu, but neither player is listed on the injury report, and thus is expected to play on Sunday.

Also doubtful were defensive tackle Tim Anderson and defensive back Antoine Harris, both out with knee injuries. Harris has missed the last two games due to a bone bruise on his knee. If Anderson does not play, it's possible that Jesse Mahelona will get his first action of the season for the Falcons.

Cornerback Chris Houston was the only player listed as questionable, as he's suffering from a knee injury as well. The team is already without cornerback Lewis Sanders and coupled with Harris's injury it likely will put more of the onus on reserve David Irons and the newly added Brent Grimes to step up. Irons has served primarily on special teams this season. He currently leads the team with 12 special teams tackles, but has yet to record a regular defensive stop all year long.

The three probable players are defensive end John Abraham (knee), quarterback Byron Leftwich (ankle), and center Todd McClure (illness). Both Leftwich and McClure missed Friday practice, while Abraham was limited all week and did not practice on Wednesday. But all are expected to play on Sunday.

For the Arizona Cardinals, their most prominent injuries are that both starting receivers: Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are listed as questionable for Sunday's game with groin and toe injuries, respectively.

Falcons to target Schottenheimer?

Not to be deterred from the rebuffs of Bill Cowher and Bill Parcells Falcons owner Arthur Blank has turned to another big name option in Marty Schottenheimer per a report by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Acee's report cites league sources indicating the Falcons have made overtures at the former San Diego Chargers head coach. The report also indicates that the Falcons may target current Chargers Assistant GM Buddy Nix as their replacement for Rich McKay in that role in Atlanta.

Current Chargers GM A.J. Smith indicated in the report that he has heard nothing on the Nix front, but is aware of Schottenheimer rumors. Smith indicated that Nix and Schottenheimer got along in their shared time in San Diego. Smith and Schottenheimer had a well-documented feud which eventually led to Schottenheimer's dismissal from the club a year ago after a 14-2 season with the Chargers.

"I believe a Buddy Nix-Marty Schottenheimer team in Atlanta would be a perfect fit. ...Buddy got along well with Coach Schottenheimer. They socialized together, went out to dinner, golfed together, sat together on the plane, talked football all the time.”

-- A.J. Smith

Schottenheimer has 21 years of NFL head coaching experience, compiling an overall regular season record of 200-126-1 with four different teams. He also has compiled a 5-13 record in the postseason. His longest tenure came with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998 where he compiled a 101-58-1 record, and made playoff appearances in 7 out of 10 years with the team. His most recent experience was five years with the San Diego Chargers beginning in 2002. His record in San Diego was 47-33, but was unable to win a playoff game in two appearances. Schottenheimer is one of six coaches to achieve 200 career regular season victories, but observers have always been critical of his less than stellar postseason achievements.

Nix joined the Chargers in 2001 along with Smith and John Butler, all of whom had spent several years with the Buffalo Bills. Nix joined the Bills in 1993 as an area scout. He joined the Chargers as Director of Player Personnel, but was promoted to Assistant GM after the death of John Butler, who served as GM prior to his death. He coached for 9 seasons at UT-Chattanooga prior to joining the Bills, where he compiled a 44-54-1 record and is tied for the second winningest-coach in school history.

Parcells denies Falcons

Updating previous reports, Bill Parcells has reportedly denied the job offer from the Atlanta Falcons to join the club to oversee football operations. Reportedly, Parcells is re-considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins. Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement earlier today to address the Parcells issue:

"Late last night it was revealed to the media by a source outside the Falcons that we were close to reaching an agreement with Bill Parcells to lead the club’s football operations."

Prior to the information becoming public, we had reached an agreement in principle with Parcells, and we met with him this morning to complete the contract. At that time, we were made aware by Parcells that he was considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins. He later informed us that he would not be signing a contract with us."

We remain committed to looking at every option for building a championship-caliber team for our fans. I have stated we will leave no stone unturned in doing so, and this effort is one example of that. We gave it our best shot, and it didn’t work out."

We will continue down the same overall path, proceeding with plans to hire a general manager and a head coach. We will identify and consider every strongly viable candidate for these positions, with the goal of hiring the best. Rich McKay remains President of the club and will retain general manager responsibilities until a new GM is hired."

We will be making no further comment on the Parcells matter."

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL Live today that he expects that Rich McKay will not return to the Falcons after the season. Reportedly, McKay will be given the opportunity to remain with the club as President, but Mortensen expects McKay to turn down that opportunity.

VanGorder leaves for SC

WIStv.com reports that linebackers coach Brian VanGorder has accepted the vacant defensive coordinator position at the University of South Carolina. He is the second assistant coach to depart the team in the wake of the resignation of head coach Bobby Petrino last week. The first was receivers coach and Petrino's brother Paul, who is now the offensive coordinator at Arkansas. VanGorder was in his first year with the Falcons. VanGorder will join the Gamecocks coaching staff in January after the conclusion of the Falcons regular season.

Falcons close to hiring Parcells

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News reports that Bill Parcells is close to accepting an offer to oversee the football operations of the Atlanta Falcons. Per Myers, a deal could be finalized by the end of the day today. But Parcells indicated that he has no plans to be the Falcons next head coach. In his new position, Parcells is expected to hire a new general manager and head coach. Parcells will essentially be taking over the position of football operations from President and GM Rich McKay. However, Parcells indicated that McKay is welcome to stay on with the franchise to handle league business. It is unknown if McKay does plan to stay with the franchise as this move seems to basically strip of his influence over personnel decisions.

Parcells currently works as an analyst for ESPN, after four seasons recently with the Dallas Cowboys as head coach. Parcells has coached in the NFL for 19 seasons with four different teams. In previous areas, he has served both as coach and oversaw a lot of personnel decisions, but has only worked solely in the personnel department once. That came in 2000 with the New York Jets, when Al Groh was the team's head coach. That year with the Jets, Parcells managed to stockpile four first round draft picks. One of those picks was current Falcon defensive John Abraham. He was able to acquire some of those picks in trading wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then managed by Rich McKay. Parcells was once pursued by the Buccaneers for their head coach position following the 2001 season, but denied them.

Redman remains starter; Sanders goes to IR

Interim head coach Emmitt Thomas indicated this week that quarterback Chris Redman will remain the starter. Redman struggled last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completing 4 of 15 passes for 34 yards with 2 interceptions. If no changes are made between now and this weekend, Redman will start his third game for the Falcons against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Falcons also placed cornerback Lewis Sanders on injured reserve on Monday. Sanders suffered a partial tear of his pectoral muscle last weekend. To replace him on the roster, the team promoted cornerback Brent Grimes from the practice squad. Grimes was promoted to the roster earlier this season, but only lasted a few days before he was released and re-signed to the practice squad.

No Falcons headed to Hawaii

No Falcon players were named to the 2008 Pro Bowl rosters. It is the first time since the 2000 season that no Falcon was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster. Although it is still possible that some Falcon players will be named as alternates at a later date and will be able to travel to Hawaii as replacements for some players who sit out the all-star game due to injuries or for other reasons.

Cowher denies Falcons

The Falcons have already begun to put a few feelers out there in their coaching search for 2008, but have already been denied. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that sources indicated that in the wake of Bobby Petrino's retirement, Falcons owner Arthur Blank contacted Bill Cowher in order to gauge his interest in the head coaching position. Cowher who currently works as an analyst for CBS, indicated that he plans to continue his television and will not return to coaching in 2008.

Cowher retired from coaching after fifteen seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2006 season. Cowher was successful in leading the Steelers to their first Super Bowl title the previous year since 197?. Cowher had previously led the Steelers to the Super Bowl in 1996, but they lost to the Dallas Cowboys. With the Steelers, Cowher compiled a 149-90-1 record in the regular season, and a 12-9 postseason record.

Mortensen's report also indicates that current ESPN analyst and two-time Super Bowl winning coach Bill Parcells also has no plans to return to the coaching profession. Parcells was last with the Dallas Cowboys a year ago. Over the course of 19 seasons as an NFL head coach with four different teams, Parcells compiled a 172-130-1 record in the regular season and was 11-8 in the postseason. He won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants in 1987 and 1991, and also led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl in 1997.

Bucs dominate Falcons

The interim tenure of Emmitt Thomas got off to a very rocky start as the Falcons were whooped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-3. The Falcons had almost no success either offensively or defensively.

Chris Redman struggled, completing only 4 of 15 passes for 34 yards with 2 interceptions. Jerious Norwood led rushers with 73 yards on 9 carries. Warrick Dunn added 32 yards on 8 carries. Laurent Robinson led receivers with 1 catch for 18 yards. It was a pretty pathetic offensive performance overall. The Falcons failed to convert any of their 9 third down attempts, and could only manage 17 minutes total of possession. Their most productive offensive drive came in the first quarter as they managed to move the ball 59 yards on 7 plays, which led to their only points of the game. Otherwise the team never held the ball for more than 4 offensvie plays, and never moved the ball beyond 19 yards before a punt or turnover.

Defensively, the Falcons had little answer for the Bucs ground attack as they racked up 190 yards on the ground. The Falcons defense starting off fairly well as they kept the Bucs offense out of the endzone until late in the second quarter. Keith Brooking led defenders with 15 tackles. Lawyer Milloy (12 tackles), Jonathan Babineaux (6 tackles), Demorrio Williams (6 tackles), Michael Boley (5 tackles), DeAngelo Hall (4 tackles, 1 interception), Chauncey Davis (4 tackles, 1 sack, 3 hurries), Jamaal Anderson (3 tackles, 2 hurries), and John Abraham (1 tackle, 1 sack) had noteworthy games.

On special teams, Morten Andersen's 33-yard field goal was the team's only score of the game. Michael Koenen had 6 punts for an average of 45.5 yards. Adam Jennings returned 4 kickoffs for an average of 23.3 yards. The team also managed to give up a 90-yard kickoff return to Tampa Bay's Michael Spurlock, marking the first-ever kickoff return for a touchdown in more than 30 years of Buccaneer history.

Next week, the Falcons will hope to bounce back on the road against the Arizona Cardinals (6-8). The Falcons have won four straight against the Cardinals, with the most recent coming last season. Their last win in Arizona came in 2001, which was actually their first ever win there since the team moved from St. Louis in the 1980s.

Singletary a leading candidate to be Falcons next coach

The coaching rumor mill has already begun only within a few days of Bobby Petrino's resignation. Both Pro Football Talk.com and NFL.com's Adam Schefter have reported that current 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary will be a top candidate to take over the gig after the season.

Singletary was among several candidates that was slated to be interviewed for the head coaching position last January. Although the Falcons ultimately chose to hire Petrino before Singletary could sit for an interview.

Singletary is in his third season on the 49ers staff. He was elevated to assistant head coach prior to the 2006 season after one season as linebackers coach. Prior to joining the 49ers, he served as linebackers coach with the Baltimore Ravens for two seasons. Singletary was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 after an outstanding twelve-year career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears.

Thomas named interim coach

Falcons assistant Emmitt Thomas has been named interim head coach, in the absence of Bobby Petrino who resigned yesterday in order to accept the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will take over for Petrino in play-calling. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will continue to manage the team's defense.

Thomas has served as the team's secondary coach this season. Thomas has been the team's longest tenured assistant, first joining the team under head coach Dan Reeves in 2002. This will be his first experience as head coach, but Thomas has a lot of NFL experience, first breaking into the league with the then St. Louis Cardinals in 1981 and hasn't looked back since.

It's unknown as of yet if any current Falcon assistants will join Petrino at Arkansas. Although it's noteworthy that as of this afternoon, his brother Paul who had been the team's receivers coach this year is no longer listed on the team's official site as being part of the coaching staff.

UPDATE: Rich McKay indicated in today's press conference that Paul Petrino decided to resign his position with the team as an assistant.

Petrino resigns as Falcons head coach

ESPN reports that Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino has decided to resign as the team's head coach to accept the same position at the University of Arkansas. Petrino will replace Houston Nutt.

Petrino's first year with the team had been a disappointment as the Falcons struggled to a 3-10 record. According to ESPN, this had been in the works for a number of weeks.

It is unknown on who will take over for Petrino as interim head coach of the Falcons, although ESPN's John Clayton speculated that is will likely be either offensive coordinator Hue Jackson or defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

UPDATE: ESPN reports that Petrino is close to agreeing with a deal with Arkansas officials to take over the head coach position. He is expected to agree to a contract that will pay him around $3 million annually according to ESPN sources. He is in the first year of a five-year deal with the Falcons that will pay him $4.8 million per year.

Saints too much for Falcons

The Falcons fell to the New Orleans Saints in another disappointing showing on Monday Night by a score of 34-14. The Falcons defense did little to slow the Saints offense and also had minimal success offensively.

Chris Redman got his first NFL start in over five years and completed 23 of 40 passes for 298 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Jerious Norwood led a paltry Falcons ground attack with 6 carries for 21 yards. Warrick Dunn added 6 carries for 3 yards, and Jason Snelling had 3 attempts for 9 yards. Michael Jenkins led receivers with 9 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. Roddy White caught Redman's first scoring strike, scoring from 33 yards in the first quarter. He finished the game with 3 catches for 75 yards.

Defensively, the Falcons gave up 473 total yards, including 328 yards in the air. The Saints converted 7 of 10 third down attempts and amassed 301 total yards in the first half. Demorrio Williams led tacklers with 8 stops. Chris Houston (7 tackles), Keith Brooking (7 tackles, 1 pass defended), Lawyer Milloy (7 tackles), Montavious Stanley (5 tackles), Chris Crocker (4 tackles), Michael Boley (4 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble), and DeAngelo Hall (4 tackles, 1 pass defended) had noteworthy performances.

On special teams, Michael Koenen had 6 punts for an average of 47 yards, placing 4 inside the 20-yard line. Jerious Norwood had 3 kickoff returns for an average of 24.3 yards, and Adam Jenings had 2 punt returns for an average of 3 yards.

Next week the Falcons will face another division rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week. The Falcons struggled against the Bucs in a Week 11 loss by a score of 31-7 but hope to have better luck this time around. The Falcons have split their last 4 matchups with the Buccaneers on the road, with their most recent win coming in 2006.

Vick sentenced to 2 years in prison

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison today. Afterwards he will serve three years probation and forced to pay a $5,000 fine. He may be eligible for an early release in May 2009 but otherwise is slated to serve until October of that year.

Two of Vick's co-defendants were senteced last month with Purnell Peace set to serve 18 months and Quanis Phillips 21 months. Tony Taylor is slated to be sentenced this upcoming Friday.

Vick may face further punishment stemming from state charges. His trial in Surry County is slated to begin on April 2, 2008.

Vick was indicted on federal conspiracy charges in July, and plead guilty to those charges the following month. He was levied with an indefinite suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the ensuing week. Vick currently is still a member of the Atlanta Falcons, however it may be only a matter of time before he is released. It is believed that once the Falcons reclaim a sizable portion of bonus money in Vick's contract, they will release him. Falcons owner Arthur Blank released the following statement today:

"Michael Vick’s federal prison sentencing today is another step in his legal journey. This is a difficult day for Michael’s family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years.

"We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."

Redman named starter vs. Saints

The Falcons named Chris Redman the starting quarterback today, making him the third quarterback to fill that position since the season started. He is expected to start Monday Night against the Saints. Redman began the year as the team's No. 2, but was quickly passed by Byron Leftwich following his signing. Redman replaced Joey Harrington in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to the St. Louis Rams and played well. He led the team on 2 scoring drives in their failed comeback.

It has yet to be determined whether Harrington or Leftwich will serve as the team's No. 2 against the Saints.

The Falcons also made two roster moves on Thursday. To fill the void left by Todd Weiner when the team placed him on injured reserve a week ago, the team signed linebacker Travis Williams from their practice squad to the roster. Williams had spent several weeks earlier in the year on the roster, but was released in November when the team was forced to address depth at tight end. In 3 appearances, he recorded 3 tackles on special teams.

Leffew originally signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville in 2006. He was released by the Bears at the end of the summer and was picked up by the Green Bay Packers on their practice squad. The Dallas Cowboys signed him off the Packers practice squad prior to Week 12, and he spent the next 3 weeks on their roster but inactive on gamedays. He was later cut by the Cowboys and finished the year on the Packers practice squad. He went to training camp with the Packers this past summer, but was released on September 1. Leffew was a four-year starter at left tackle while at Louisville. He joins ex-teammate Kurt Quarterman on the team's practice squad. Renardo Foster, another ex-teammate is currently on injured reserve.

Falcons dropped by Rams

The Falcons dropped their third straight game, losing to the St. Louis Rams this week by a score of 28-16. A slow start on both sides of the ball was the primary reason for the loss, despite a late comeback helmed by Chris Redman.

Joey Harrington got the start, but was mostly ineffective through three quarters. He finished the day completing 17 of 34 passes for 184 yards and an interception. Chris Redman came in the fourth quarter, and passed for 172 yards, completed 16 of 24 passes with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Redman's interception with 1:45 remaining pretty much sealed the defeat for the team, despite leading the Falcons on two previously successful scoring drives. On the ground, Jerious Norwood led the way with 94 yards on 8 carries. Warrick Dunn added 17 yards on 10 carries. Roddy White led receivers with 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. Alge Crumpler (7 catches for 65 yards) and Michael Jenkins (5 catches for 48 yards and a score) also had productive days.

Defensively, the Rams got off to a fast 21-0 lead in the first half, but the defense held them for much of the second half until Steven Jackson's 50-yard scoring run in the closing minutes. Michael Boley and DeAngelo Hall led the Falcons defense with 6 tackles each. Lawyer Milloy (5 tackles, 1 interception), Jonathan Babineaux (4 tackles), John Abraham (3 tackles), Chris Houston (3 tackles, 2 passes defended), and Chris Crocker (2 tackles, 1 interception) had notable games.

On special teams, Adam Jennings had a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown nullified by penalties. He finished the game with 5 returns averaging 7.6 yards. Jerious Norwood had 3 kickoff returns for an average of 22 yards. Michael Koenen had 7 punts for an average of 44.1 yards, and placed 3 inside the 20-yard line. Morten Andersen connected on his lone field goal attempt from 41 yards.

Next week the Falcons will host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, and hope to exact some revenge in front of a national audience. The Saints beat them in Week 7 by a score of 22-16. The Falcons have lost three straight to the Saints.