Jenks and Babs get extensions

The Falcons announced today that they have signed wide receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux to contract extensions. Both players were poised to hit free agency this upcoming off-season, but their solid play this season merited the team doing their best to prevent their potential departures.

Per the AJC, Jenkins received a four-year extension worth $20 million. Jenkins has started 7 games this season at wide receiver and is the team's second-leading receiver with 33 catches for 498 yards (15.1 avg) and 3 touchdowns.

The AP reports that Babineaux received an undisclosed five-year deal. He has started every game this year at defensive tackle and currently has 25 tackles, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery. His 7 tackles for loss this season is currently tied for third most in the league.

UPDATE: NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports that Babineaux's contract is a five-year, $25 million deal.

Abraham, Jackson OK to play, Baker not

Carroll Rogers of the AJC reports that the Falcons expect defensive end John Abraham to suit up against the San Diego Chargers this upcoming weekend. Abraham suffered a stinger against the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago and has been limited since, although he has played in and started both games since.

Rogers also reports that offensive tackle Sam Baker is not expected to play this week against the Chargers, but that his rehabilitation is going well per head coach Mike Smith. Per Rogers, there is a possibility that Baker may be able to make it back on the field before the end of the regular season, with a shot at playing in any of the final three games.

Defensive tackle Grady Jackson should be available for the Falcons for at least another week. Jackson had a hearing for his appeal of a four-game suspension meted out by the league in October this past Friday. But per the AJC, Jackson's representatives aren't expected to hear back from the league whether or not his suspension will be lifted until after December 1, meaning that he should not miss the Chargers game on November 30.

Vick pleads guilty to state charges

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that Michael Vick entered a guilty plea to state dogfighting charges in Sussex County, Virginia. Vick is currently incarcerated stemming from his guilty plea from federal conspiracy charges.

Vick signed a plea agreement and will receive a three-year suspended prison sentence and a $2500 fine along with four years of probation. The fine will be waived if Vick pays court costs and maintains good behavior for the length of his probation.

Vick is scheduled to be released from federal prison in July 2009 but could become eligibile to have an early release six months prior and enter a halfway house.

Vick is still technically on the Falcons roster, but is currently serving an indefinite suspension from the NFL. There has been no word on a possible timetable if and when he can be reinstated by the league. Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated earlier this month that he believes Vick should be reinstated and that he would encourage other NFL owners to sign him if available.

Douglas, Turner big in win over Panthers

The Falcons showed resiliency this week with a 45-28 win over the Carolina Panthers. They are now 7-4 and are within a game of the NFC South division lead as the Panthers drop to 8-3. Atlanta started with a strong 17-0 lead. The Panthers were able to cut the game to 24-21 with 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. But the Falcons responded, driving 74 yards on 7 plays to go up 31-21. After holding the Panthers on the subsequent drive, Harry Douglas was able to put the nail into the coffin with a 61-yard punt return touchdown.

Matt Ryan led the Falcons with 259 yards, completing 17 of 27 attempts. Michael Turner had a big game with 4 touchdowns along with 117 yards on 24 carries on the ground. Douglas added his own rushing score on a 7-yard scamper. Douglas tied for the lead among receivers with 4 catches with 92 yards receiving. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins both had 4 catches for 70 and 48 yards, respectively.

Defensively, the Falcons got off to a very promising start, keeping the Panthers offense out of the endzone and only allowing 1 third down conversion on 7 attempts in the first half. Erik Coleman led defenders with 9 tackles. John Abraham (2 tackles, 1 sack), Jonathan Babineaux (2 tackles), Michael Boley (7 tackles), Keith Brooking (7 tackles), Chauncey Davis (4 tackles, 2 sacks), Domonique Foxworth (4 tackles), Chevis Jackson (4 tackles), Curtis Lofton (5 tackles), and Lawyer Milloy (4 tackles) had noteworthy games.

Jason Elam connected on his lone field goal attempt of 23 yards. Michael Koenen had 4 punts for an average of 43 yards. Jerious Norwood averaged 15.7 yards on 3 kickoff returns. Douglas had 3 punt returns for an average of 31 yards with the touchdown.

Next week the Falcons will travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers. The Falcons have won four straight against the Chargers. All-time, the Falcons are 4-0 on the road against the Chargers and 6-1 overall.

Foster done for year

The AJC reports that the Falcons have shut down offensive tackle Renardo Foster for the rest of the season. Foster was placed on the team's physically-unable-to-perform list at the beginning of the season due to him recovering from a knee injury he suffered last season. The Falcons had until this week to make a decision on whether to activate him or to place him on injured reserve. The team chose the latter option, meaning his 2008 season is over before it really began.

The team also signed defensive end Willie Evans to the practice squad to fill the void left by Eric Weems. The team would have re-signed Brandon Miller to the practice squad, but he was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks.

The Falcons also released their final injury report, listing ten players as questionable for this week's game and three players as out. Sam Baker (hip/back), Kindal Moorehead (foot), and Laurent Robinson (hamstring) were listed as out.

Brent Grimes (knee/ankle), Ben Hartsock (back), Chris Houston (ribs), and Jerious Norwood (rib) were all listed as questionable, but did not miss any practice time all week. Roddy White sat out Wednesday and Thursday practices due to a bruised back, but did have full participation on Friday despite being listed as questionable. Grady Jackson (knee) missed Friday practice due to his appeal of his four-game suspension. Todd Weiner, the most likely candidate to replace Baker in the starting lineup once more, was limited the past two days due to a knee injury. If Weiner cannot go, then Wayne Gandy will likely start on Sunday versus the Carolina Panthers.

Jackson to discover fate

Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson will have a hearing for the league to hear his appeal tomorrow. Jackson has been suspended four games by the NFL due to a violation of the league's steroid policy. Jackson took an illegal substance called Bumetanide, which can be used for weight loss as well as a masking agent for steroids.

Jackson tested positive for Bumetanide due to his taking of StarCaps diet pills. Jackson has filed a lawsuit against the company that manufactures StarCaps for false advertising and unfair business practices per the AJC.

While Jackson was suspended shortly after his positive test was first revealed in October, he has been able to still play for the Falcons since due to his appealing the suspension. After his hearing on Friday, he and the Falcons will know if his suspension will be dropped or upheld. If the suspension is upheld, Jackson won't miss this weekend's game against the Carolina Panthers. But instead will begin serving his suspension the following week and will not be available to play again until the final game of the season versus the St. Louis Rams on December 28.

Falcons shore up depth at WR

The AJC reports that the Falcons cut defensive end Brandon Miller today from the roster and promoted practice squad wide receiver Eric Weems to the roster in his place.

Miller was added to the team's roster last week when they opted to release Adam Jennings, who had been underperforming as a punt returner. Miller had spent the first ten weeks of the season on the team's practice squad, as did Weems.

Weems addition to the roster was to shore up depth at wide receiver. Roddy White missed practice on Wednesday due to a back injury. Although the AJC reported earlier that White is not expected to miss time. Laurent Robinson also missed practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury and is not expected to play this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. Brian Finneran was also listed on the team's injury report as limited in practice on Wednesday due to an injured hamstring as well.

Broncos triumph over Falcons

The Denver Broncos were able to end the Falcons five-game home winning streak with a 24-20 victory. The Falcons had a chance to win late in the game but were unable to make the necessary play to put themselves in a situation to win it. Roddy White dropped what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass with 1:16 left on the clock. On the next play, Matt Ryan and the Falcons were unable to convert the 4th and 18 to give them another chance.

Ryan led the team, completing 20 of 33 passes for 250 yards with an interception. Michael Turner led the team on the ground with 81 yards on 25 carries and 2 scores. Jerious Norwood had 18 yards on 4 carries and 3 grabs for 25 yards. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins shared the lead among receivers with 5 catches each. White had 102 yards receiving and Jenkins 55. Brian Finneran contributed having 4 catches for 44 yards.

Defensively, the Falcons had an okay day but weren't able to get the necessary big plays to effectively stop the Broncos offense. On the ground, the Broncos rushed for 124 yards without their top two backs in the lineup. The Broncos also converted 7 of 12 third down attempts, did not turn the ball over, and allowed only 1 sack. Lawyer Milloy led the team with 8 tackles. John Abraham (2 tackles), Jonathan Babineaux (1 tackle, 1 sack), Erik Coleman (6 tackles), Chauncey Davis (2 tackles), Domonique Foxworth (5 tackles), Chris Houston (6 tackles), and Curtis Lofton (6 tackles) had notable games.

On special teams, Jason Elam connected on both his two field goal attempts, making 46 and 36-yarders. Michael Koenen had 2 punts for an average of 31 yards with 1 placed inside the 20-yard line. Jerious Norwood had 4 kickoff returns for an average of 20 yards, while Harry Douglas returned 1 punt for 9 yards.

Next week the Falcons hope to get back on track at home as they host the Carolina Panthers (8-2), NFC South division leaders. The Panthers beat the Falcons earlier in the season in Week 4, but with a win next week the Falcons can narrow the gap on the division lead and also keep pace in the NFC wildcard race.

Falcons win big over Saints

The Falcons earned their first NFC South division win over the New Orleans Saints 34-20. The Saints attempted a late comeback, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Falcons. Chevis Jackson had a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown which put the game out of reach.

Matt Ryan led the team with 248 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 16 of 23 pass attempts. Michael Turner rushed for 96 yards on 27 carries with a score. Michael Jenkins led receivers with 6 catches for 72 yards. Roddy White had 5 grabs for 68 yards and a touchdown. Jerious Norwood had Ryan's other scoring strike, scoring on a 67-yard pass, and finishing the day with 2 catches for 88 yards and 6 carries for 17 yards rushing.

Defensively, while Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed for 420 yards, the Falcons secondary really showed up. They picked off Brees three times and were able to break up 15 passes. Erik Coleman led the team with 9 tackles, an interception, and forced 1 fumble. Coleman's interception came on the very first play of the game, and he returned it 32 yards. Keith Brooking (8 tackles), Lawyer Milloy (8 tackles), Michael Boley (7 tackles, 2 pass breakups), Curtis Lofton (6 tackles), Domonique Foxworth (5 tackles, 3 pass breakups), Chris Houston (5 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups), John Abraham (1 tackle, 1 sack, 4 hurries), Jonathan Babineaux (2 tackles), and Chevis Jackson (1 tackle, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups) had noteworthy games.

On speical teams, Jason Elam was perfect on two short field goals of 22 and 27 yards. Michael Koenen had 4 punts for an average of 35.3 yards with 3 placed inside the 20-yard line. Jerious Norwood returned 2 kickoffs for an average of 36.5 yards, while Harry Douglas had 2 punt returns for an average of 16.5 yards.

The Falcons will host the Denver Broncos (5-4) next week, hoping to extend their home winning streak to six games. The Falcons last played the Broncos in 2004, which was a victory, but it came only after six straight losses to the Broncos dating back to 1985.

Falcons dominate Raiders in shutout

The Falcons earned their first shutout victory in five years by beating the Oakland Raiders 24-0 on the road. The Falcons move their record to 5-3 and presumably are still in the thick of the NFC playoff race with half of their games remaining.

Matt Ryan led the Falcons with 220 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, completing 17 of 22 passes. Michael Turner led the Falcosn on the ground with 139 yards on 31 carries. Jerious Norwood added 63 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown, while Jason Snelling cleaned up with 47 yards on 8 carries. Roddy White led Falcon receivers with 5 catches for 54 yards, but Michael Jenkins caught both of Ryan's touchdown passes finishing the day with 2 grabs and 64 yards.

Defensively, it came almost too easily for the Falcons facing the inept Raiders offense. The Falcons allowed -2 total yards in the first half. The Raiders finished the game with 77 total yards. The Raiders were only 1 of 9 on third downs and earned only 3 first downs in the entire game. John Abraham and Curtis Lofton tied for the team lead each with 5 tackles. Abraham added 3 sacks and a forced fumble. Jonathan Babineaux (2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), Erik Coleman (2 tackles, 1 interception), Lawyer Milloy (1 tackle), and Chevis Jackson (1 tackle) had notable performances.

Special teams might have been the only area where there was obvious need for improvement. Jason Elam connected on 1 of 2 field goal attempts, making a 48-yarder but missing one wide right from 51 yards. Michael Koenen had 1 punt for 33 yards, but had another punt blocked. Jerious Norwood returned 1 kickoff for 26 yards, and Harry Douglas had 2 punt returns for 13 yards.

The Falcons will host the New Orleans Saints next week in the first of three straight home games. It will be the team's first matchup with the Saints this season and hopefully their first NFC South division win. The Falcons have lost their last 4 against the Saints and have only won 3 of their last 10 against the Saints. The Falcons have split their last 10 against the Saints at home.