Atlanta Falcons Friday Night Lights

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KIA MOTORS FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHEDULE | ARCHER HIGH SCHOOL - LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014 6:00PM Gates Open

6:45PM

Practice Begins

7:42PM

National Anthem

7:44

Skydivers land on the field

HARRY DOUGLAS FEATURE

FORMER JONESBORO STAR FONDLY RECALLS DAYS ON PREP GRIDIRON

BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COM

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he phrase “Friday Night Lights” means a lot in the sport of football. After all, high school football is the root of the sport and the pipeline to the pros. It is where every NFL player’s dream to make it to the League began to form. The lights at the varsity level are the stage where every professional football player stepped into football’s spotlight for the first time.

Friday nights are also about community in addition to football. Harry Douglas is one of four Falcons that played high school ball in the Peach State and he understands how important his days as a Jonesboro Cardinal are to his success on the gridiron in the NFL. There are 32 teams in the NFL but each professional football player represents much more than just the logo on their helmet. The places where the careers began are also represented in every NFL game. Douglas puts on his Falcons jersey, but he is still a Cardinal to the people of Jonesboro. Likewise, Julio Jones

is still a Foley Lion and Steven Jackson is still the former Eldorado High School running back that led the Sun Devils to the Nevada state championship his senior year.

FOUR-SPORT STAR

High school was both a memorable and busy time for Douglas. The four-sporter was balancing football, basketball, baseball and track, and found ways to excel at all of them.

On the hardwood his brother Toney, a point guard for the Miami Heat this past season, made a dangerous one-two combo with Harry.

Toney was a year younger than Harry and averaged 34 points-per game his senior season.

The previous year, Harry posted a solid 20.5 points-per game average.

Louisville was one of the many schools that noticed Harry’s wide range of athletic skills and ended up landing the speedy six-foot receiver after high school.

8:43PM

9:10PM

Halftime

Practice Ends

• Falcons Cheerleaders • Kia Motors Contest

• Autograph Session Begins [15 Min Total]

“Oddly enough, Louisville never came to watch me play football,” said Douglas. “They only watched me play basketball, but they offered me and I went up to visit and committed. It’s the only visit I took where I didn’t have fun, but it felt like a home away from home. I just wanted to go somewhere that I could focus on football.”

Douglas had two All-Big East seasons at the college level and the level of pride from his former high school fans continued to keep Douglas focused and provided him with confidence to do bigger and better things after his collegiate days.

Since arriving in Atlanta, Douglas has been a productive receiving threat in the slot and his versatility mimics his days as a high school star. Throughout his role with the Falcons, his teammates, himself and the Jonesboro community knew he was capable of being a starting receiver in the NFL. This past season when Julio Jones and Roddy White were sidelined with injuries, Douglas got to fill in the starting role. He went on to post career highs of 1,067 receiving yards and 85 receptions. The 85 catches last season are the most receptions Douglas has ever had at any level.

“It definitely meant a lot to my former schools,” said Douglas.

“They’ve been waiting for it and it was good for me to show everyone I could do it. You never want an opportunity like that to come from two people you are so close to getting hurt, but at the same time, besides my family, there weren’t two people (happier) for me than Roddy and Julio.

They also knew the whole time what I could do.”

Douglas is a playmaker that instills confidence in his teammates and he has carried this trait since high school. His three years of starting in high school resulted in 1,539 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns and earned him a special nickname he wore throughout his varsity days.

“One of our linemen actually gave me the nickname Mr. Friday Night Lights,” said Doug-

9:15PM

Fireworks Begin

9:25PM

Autograph Session Ends Event Concludes

las. “That’s one of the reasons I love doing Friday Night Lights each year with the Falcons. It brings me back and it brings the team back to that high school atmosphere. Taking us all back to our roots at this stage of the offseason is something we can all enjoy and benefit from.”

There is no better way to spend the Friday night before the first preseason game than in a high school football atmosphere right in the Falcons backyard. The annual event continues to grow into its ninth year and has become a highlight of each offseason. Last year, a record crowd of 14,250 people packed Gainesville’s Bobby Gruhn Field to watch it.

“I think it is very important to change it up for the players and for the coaches and get back to our roots,” said Head Coach Mike Smith.

“There is nothing like playing on Friday nights.”

The Friday Night Lights Guide was produced and published by Score Publishing, a division of Score Atlanta. The president is I.J. Rosenberg, managing editor is Stephen Black, assistant editors are Lauren Goldstein and Craig Sager II and creative art director is DJ Galbiati Blalock. The photos in the Guide were taken by Falcons team photographer Jimmy Cribb. Score is a full-service marketing company that can be reached at 404-256-1572 and SCOREATL.COM.

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TOP TACKLE

With Atlanta’s first selection of this year’s draft, it selected offensive tackle Jake Matthews (No. 6 overall pick). This polished 6-foot-5, 305-pounder hails from Texas A&M and became only the second offensive lineman taken by the franchise in the first round during the past 22 drafts.

“I think this pick was a steal,” Matthews said. “Being able to be picked this high and to such a great team. … This is a team that can compete for the Super Bowl next year.”

Jake, the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews and the cousin of Green Bay’s Clay Matthews, was born to play the game. His family’s success on the gridiron places heavy expectations on the rookie, but has also been the high standard fueling Matthews to greatness throughout his collegiate career.

“I think I’m a big technician,” said Matthews. “I take a lot of pride in what it takes to play offensive line.”

Matthews meshes with an offensive line

Seven of Atlanta’s nine picks were on the defensive side of the football and Ra’Shede Hageman at pick No. 37 was the first taken.

Hageman stands 6-foot-6, 310 pounds and can line up as a defensive tackle or end. Hageman played his collegiate career at Minnesota and showed his versatility as an all-Big Ten selection last season with 38 total tackles, 13 tackles-forloss, two sacks, two blocked kicks and an interception. His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and create mismatches is an ideal trait for coordinator Mike Nolan’s multiple packages.

The Falcons delved into the Big 10’s crop of talent again and selected Dezmen Southward out of Wisconsin with the No. 68 pick in the third round.

Southward, a two-time consensus AllBig Ten honorable mention, finished his career with 152 tackles, four forced fumbles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. His father, Eli, coaches defensive backs at Toledo.

SCAT BACK

The Falcons only other offensive selection was running back Devonta Freeman in the fourth round. Freeman is a proven playmaker who helped Florida State claim the 2014 BCS national title.

The All-ACC first-team running back rushed for 1,106 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns becoming the first FSU back since

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Dezmen Southward | S Devonta Freeman | RB

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GETTING DEFENSIVE

Ra’Shede Hageman | DT

Prince Shembo | LB

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that already prides itself on execution and mistake-free football and will take his first NFL snaps next to veteran guard Jon Asamoah.

Jake Matthews | OT

Ricardo Allen | CB

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ince their inaugural season in 1966, the Atlanta Falcons have selected players in the NFL draft to build tradition and take the franchise to new heights. Tommy Nobis set the standard as Atlanta’s first-ever draft pick in 1966 and Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers and fan favorites have been selected since. Each season when the Falcons bring in a new class of draftees, they stand in the same shoes as the team’s all-time greats did before them. There are draft picks that have a lasting and, in some cases, living legacy with the Falcons and they set the bar high for every incoming rookie.

6 37 68 103 139 147 168 253 255

Marquis Spruill | LB

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S

1 2 3 4 4 5 5 7 7

Yawin Smallwood | LB

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BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COM

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FALCONS DRAFT NETS SEVEN DEFENDERS IN ADDITION TO FREEMAN, MATTHEWS

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DRAFT RECAP

Prince Shembo was the first of four linebackers taken in this year’s draft. The Falcons have moved the former Notre Dame standout to the interior linebacker role. Shembo proved to be a capable pass rusher at the college level and the move to the inside is something that Nolan hopes will get the best out of Shembo’s skillset.

“I think it helps us and it helps him,” said Nolan about the move. “I think he’s [Shembo’s] better suited to play the inside more than he is the outside.”

Smith was impressed with Shembo’s range this offseason and pointed out multiple ways the defender can contribute.

“He has the ability to play defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker,” Smith said. “He’s got the flexibility. He may look like he’s lined up as an inside linebacker but when the ball is snapped, he’s doing the job of a defensive end. That’s the fun part of the putting this defense together.”

The Falcons took cornerback Ricardo Allen in the fifth round. Allen is a hard-nosed ballhawk who finished his career at Purdue with 13 interceptions and four interception returns for touchdowns.

Atlanta’s last three 2014 picks were linebackers Marquis Spruill, Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr. The Falcons traded sixth- and seventh-round picks to take Spruill in the fifth round. At Syracuse, Spruill made 243 tackles, 43 of them for losses.

In the seventh round, Smallwood was selected with Atlanta’s compensatory pick.

Like Shembo, Smallwood is a very versatile linebacker with the ability to rush the passer.

Smallwood finished his UConn career with 332 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Atlanta’s final pick (No. 255) was Starr, who has great size at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds and is another playmaker the coaching staff is able to move around to see which position best suits him. Starr played his college football at South Dakota and set a school record with 27 career sacks while adding 13 forced fumbles. Starr’s most valuable skill is his ability to run with tight ends in coverage and, if he continues to prove his ability to do so, he will find a role on the defense.

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TACKLING MACHINES

and depth and stability on the defensive side of the ball. Matthews fulfills the role on the offensive line and Freeman fits the bill at running back.

On defense, the Falcons played the most rookies in the NFL a season ago. Adding more young talent and depth was a great way for this team to continue securing a bright future on that side of the ball. This incoming class has worked in a physical and competitive environment from Day 1 of rookie mini-camp and has already shown an all-business attitude as the Falcons begin their journey to the regular season.

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Warrick Dunn (1996) to rush for 1,000 yards.

Freeman has the tools to be a three-down back in the NFL and he entered offseason workouts on a mission to prove his worth.

“I feel like I can come in and make a great impact because I know how to make guys miss in small areas,” said Freeman. “Catching and running the ball is the easy part and comes naturally, but blocking, that’s something where you have to have heart. I take a lot of pride in that, so it’s one of the things I work at the most.”

Tyler Starr | LB

DRAFT SYNOPSIS

The Falcons had an agenda in this year’s draft to find a centerpiece on the offensive line, a ball carrier capable of an every-down back role

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NFC PREVIEW ARIZONA CARDINALS Arizona made one of the biggest season-to-season turnarounds in recent memory with a 10-6 record in 2013. Carson Palmer at least stabilized the quarterback position, but it was running back Andre Ellington who was the main reason for the Cardinals drastic offensive improvement. The defense took some hits at linebacker with the departure of Karlos Dansby and the suspension of Daryl Washington.

ATLANTA FALCONS

The 2013 Falcons were doomed by injuries. Quarterback Matt Ryan had little to no protection up front and was also without an injured Julio Jones at wide receiver.

The offensive line was addressed this offseason via both free agency and the draft (Jake Matthews) and Jones will be back. Steven Jackson returns at running back, while Jones and Roddy White form one of the best wide receiver duos in football.

CAROLINA PANTHERS Carolina’s offense was mediocre at best in 2013, but the Panthers erupted to a 12-4 record because their defense was better than that of any team other than Seattle.

Spearheaded by linebacker Luke Kuechly, the unit is largely intact for this year and should be a dominant force. A dual threat at quarterback, Cam Newton progressed in 2013. He no longer has Steve Smith, but the Panthers drafted Kelvin Benjamin.

CHICAGO BEARS

Gone are the days when offenses were afraid of facing the Chicago defense. The Bears were dismal on that side of the ball in 2013, finishing third to last in the League in total defense. Defensive end Julius Peppers is gone but Jared Allen has hopped on board. Chicago used the offseason to address defense. It also landed defensive end Lamarr Houston via free agency and cornerback Kyle Fuller via the draft.

DALLAS COWBOYS The defense was absolutely abysmal last season and there is reason to think it may not be much better this time around. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware is gone, as is defensive tackle Jason Hatcher. Linebacker Sean Lee has already been lost for the year due to a torn ACL. Dallas will have to outscore teams, a task that will be left in part to Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant and new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

DETROIT LIONS Detroit was by no means the worst team in the League last year, but its collapse (1-6 in its last seven games to miss the playoffs) was second to none. Matthew Stafford made far too many mistakes and will have to take care of the football while making better decisions in 2014. The Lions signed receiver Golden Tate and drafted tight end Eric Ebron despite already boasting fellow tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

GREEN BAY PACKERS As Aaron Rodgers goes, so go the Packers. The signal-caller played in just nine games last season due to injury, which is why Green Bay finished only one game over .500.

Eddie Lacy can be counted on to get even better at running back. The defensive side of the ball is where the Packers must improve after finishing 25th in the League in total defense. They drafted safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and added Julius Peppers.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS Minnesota arguably has the NFL’s best player in Adrian Peterson. The star running back got the team to the playoffs in 2012, but 2013 proved to be a borderline disaster. Christian Ponder and Matt Cassell do not really excite any fans at quarterback, a position at which Minnesota now also has rookie Teddy Bridgewater. Defensively, the additions of Linval Joseph, Captain Munnerlyn and Anthony Barr should help.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS It took more than a little bit of negotiating, but the Saints brought back tight end Jimmy Graham. That was especially critical, too, because they lost wide receiver Lance Moore and running back Darren Sproles. New Orleans is not going to overwhelm anyone with its running backs. Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan revitalized a unit that should only be getting better with safety Jairus Byrd on board.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Eli Manning threw a ridiculous 27 interceptions in 2013. Not surprisingly, New York finished 29th in the NFL last season in turnover differential (-11). The Giants were 28th in the League in total offense. Kevin Gilbride is out as offensive coordinator and he has been replaced by Ben McAdoo. Veteran defensive leader Justin Tuck has departed, but the Giants went on a bit of a spending spree this offseason.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Nick Foles won the quarterback job over Michael Vick last season after leading the NFL in passer rating with 27 touchdowns compared to two interceptions. But he won’t have one his favorite weapons this time around. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson and the Eagles had an ugly breakup that culminated with Jackson joining NFC East-rival Washington. Jeremy Maclin will have to step up despite coming off two ACL tears.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

There is no denying that the NFC West is the best division in football and the 49ers are a big reason why. They reached the Super Bowl two seasons ago and nearly made it back last year before falling to rival Seattle in the conference championship. The same team has returned largely intact and Colin Kaepernick should have an even better 2014 campaign as Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are healthy.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Don’t be fooled by a lack of free-agent additions and some losses that could be significant. The defending Super Bowl champions will be back and possibly even better.

Percy Harvin hardly played in 2013, so he alone is certainly an area in which Seattle will be much improved. Rookie wideout Paul Richardson also gives Russell Wilson another weapon. Marshawn Lynch is one of the best running backs in the League.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Rams may get overshadowed in a loaded NFC West, but they are a team on the rise. Sam Bradford has shown flashes of being the franchise quarterback St. Louis hoped he would be when it selected him with the first pick in 2010. The Rams are not really going to wow anyone at the other skill positions, but will be imposing up front.

Rookie Aaron Donald will only help what was already an impressive defensive line.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Their 4-12 record notwithstanding, the Buccaneers are actually working with some momentum. They won four of their last eight games after starting the season 0-8 and they also hired a respected head coach in Lovie Smith. The Josh Freeman saga is over and Tampa Bay has brought in veteran Luke McCown to challenge Mike Glennon. The key to the offense will be the health of running back Doug Martin.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS The 2013 campaign was a disaster from the start. Robert Griffin III went into the season with an injury and it only went from bad to worse. Griffin appears to be healthy now, in which case the Redskins will win more than three games thanks to Griffin alone.

Jordan Reed turned heads at tight end and Pierre Garcon is a reliable wideout Washington also signed DeSean Jackson. Griffin also has Alfred Morris to hand the ball to.

AFC PREVIEW BALTIMORE RAVENS The Ravens added nine players in this year’s draft including former Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley with the No. 17 overall pick. Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith was signed as a free agent after Carolina released him in March. Running back Ray Rice will be suspended for the first two games of the season and that will hurt the Ravens offense, which managed just seven rushing touchdowns last year.

BUFFALO BILLS C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson paced the Bills to the No. 2 rushing offense in the NFL last season, accounting for 1,823 of Buffalo’s 2,307 rushing yards. E.J. Manuel passed for 11 touchdowns and 1,972 yards in his rookie season. The top receiver in this year’s draft, Sammy Watkins, will fit in nicely to balance the offense. Defensively, Kiko Alonso led the team with 159 combined tackles but tore his ACL this offseason.

CINCINNATI BENGALS The Bengals were undefeated at home during the regular season and took the AFC North title, but failed to win at home in the playoffs. The Bengals have not won a playoff game since the 1990 season and that is the primary goal for quarterback Andy Dalton. A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham led the passing attack and Giovani Bernard, Jeremy Hill and BenJarvus Green-Ellis form a talented backfield.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

It is the officially the first year of the Johnny Manziel era in Cleveland and the excitement around the team is off the charts. Ben Tate and Terrence West lead the backfield, but there are question marks at receiver. Josh Gordon will likely miss the entire season with suspension. Greg Little, Andrew Hawks, Nate Burleson and tight end Jordan Cameron will have to help their rookie quarterback.

DENVER BRONCOS Denver’s 43-8 Super Bowl loss to Seattle marred a record-setting season. Much of the 2013 team is back and there is reason to believe this year’s team will be even better. Peyton Manning returns after pacing the League with 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns last season. Defensive end DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Aqib Talib were major additions to add not only talent, but leadership to the defense.

HOUSTON TEXANS The Texans enter the 2014 season sitting on an NFL-high 14-game losing streak.

Houston’s 2-14 record translated to the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. The Texans snatched South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to bolster an already productive pass rush. In 2013, turnovers killed the Texans as they posted an NFLworst minus-20 in the giveaway/takeaway margin.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Indianapolis has won eight of the past 12 division titles. Last year’s title was sparked by quarterback Andrew Luck, who has led the Colts into the playoffs in each of his two seasons while also earning trips to the Pro Bowl both years. Luck threw 23 touchdown passes last season. Defensively, Robert Mathis posted a career-high and NFL-high 19.5 sacks last season and also forced 10 fumbles.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS The Jaguars scored seven rushing touchdowns last season and tied for 28th in the League with Houston and Baltimore in rushing scores. Jacksonville’s 16 passing touchdowns were second lowest in the NFL only to the Jets 13, and the team’s 23 combined touchdowns were the fewest scored by any NFL offense last season. There is nowhere to go but up and No. 3 pick Jake Bortles is expected to be Jacksonville’s QB of the future.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Jamaal Charles signed an extension on July 23 and it will keep the Pro Bowler in the Kansas City backfield for years to come. Charles led the team in rushing yards (1,287), rushing touchdowns (12), receiving yards (693) and receiving touchdowns (7) last season. Defensively, the team picked off 21 passes and tallied 47 sacks, but had no answers for stopping Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense.

MIAMI DOLPHINS Bill Lazor was brought in this year as offensive coordinator. Miami signal-caller Ryan Tannehill will centerpiece Lazor’s offense. Tannehill has thrown for 7,207 yards his first two NFL seasons with 36 touchdowns, but his 30 career interceptions and 17 thrown last year are the concern. Defensively, linebacker Philip Wheeler led the Dolphins with 118 total tackles in his first year with the team.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Quarterback Tom Brady led the Patriots to the AFC East Division title for the 11th time last season. Injuries to Rob Gronkowski took away Brady’s top target, but he is healthy heading into 2014. Gronk has caught 33 touchdown passes in his last 34 games and is a game-changer in the open field and in the redzone. Defensively, Pro Bowl tackle Vince Wilfork is back from an Achilles’ injury.

NEW YORK JETS

Michael Vick was just one of the news-grabbing additions to the Jets offense this offseason. Vick will shadow Geno Smith, who led the Jets to an 8-8 finish in 2013.

Eric Decker was signed from Denver and gives the Jets a boost at receiver. Running back Chris Johnson was signed from Tennessee and this looks to be a much more exciting and fast-paced Jets offense under coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

OAKLAND RAIDERS The Raiders added linebacker Khalil Mack with the No. 5 overall pick of this year’s draft and hope to post a winning record for the first time since the 2002 season sooner rather than later. Offensively, quarterback Matt Schaub was signed from Houston and running back Maurice Jones-Drew was brought in from Jacksonville.

James Jones, Demarius Moore and Rod Streater head an athletic receiving corps.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS Le’Veon Bell was the only Steelers running back to rush for a touchdown last season as offensive coordinator Todd Haley put the game in the hands of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Antonio Brown caught 110 passes for 1,499 yards and formed a productive trio with Emmanuel Sanders and Jericho Cotchery. Defensively, former Buckeye linebacker Ryan Shazier was added with the No. 15 pick.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Offensive coordinator Frank Reich helped redefine quarterback Philip Rivers last season. Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown are versatile out of the backfield and wide receivers Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal and Vincent Brown work well with the reliable Antonio Gates at tight end. Safety Eric Weddle will lead the defense after posting a team-high 115 tackles last season.

TENNESSEE TITANS Chris Johnson was released by the Titans in April and for the first time in six seasons, Tennessee will be without the NFL record-holder for most yards from scrimmage in a season (2,509 yards in 2009). Injuries to quarterback Jake Locker derailed Tennessee’s 3-1 start, but Locker is healthy and Kendall Wright is back at receiver after his breakout 2013 season in which he had 1,079 receiving yards.

20 1 4 AT L A N TA FA L C O N S F R I DAY N I G H T LIG H TS Atlanta picked me. They think I’m a guy that can go in and take care of the quarterback, take care of Matt Ryan, and I’m going to go in and prove that I can.”

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

JAKE MATTHEWS

MATTHEWS COMES FROM LONG LINE OF GRIDIRON ROYALTY

BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COM

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he Falcons drafted Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews with the No. 6 pick of this year’s draft and the 6-foot-5 rookie is slated to make an immediate impact this season at right tackle. Matthews faces the challenge of being a rookie starter, but he has both the resume and football pedigree to adapt quickly and thrive on this stage.

A FAMILY TRADITION

Professional football is a familiar lifestyle for Matthews, who was raised by his mother, Carrie, and his father, Bruce, a Class of 2007 NFL Hall of Famer. While the Manning family has the quarterback position covered with father Archie and sons Peyton and Eli, the Matthews’ rich football pedigree occupies both sides of the football and has now sent seven family members to the pros.

Bruce’s Hall of Fame career earned him 14 Pro Bowl appearances at guard and helped Jake get a head start at an early age.

“I’ve learned a lot from my family’s football pedigree,” said Matthews. “From day one, I kind of had a second offensive line coach in my father. Not only a great football player, but a Hall of Famer. Always being able to come home and talk to him and get his opinion was something I always took advantage of because, in my opinion, he’s the greatest offensive lineman ever to play the game. I’ll be happy to do half the things he’s done because he was such a great player. He’s someone I really look up to and I’m real proud to call him my dad.”

Bruce grew up in a similar childhood situation by learning the game from his father, Clay Matthews Sr., who was a offensive tackle at Georgia Tech and with the San Francisco 49ers.

Bruce’s brother and Jake’s uncle, Clay Matthews Jr. played on the defensive side of the football and was the No. 12 pick in the 1978 draft. Clay Jr. played linebacker in the NFL for 19 seasons with stays in Cleveland and Atlanta while earning four trips to the Pro Bowl and tallying career totals of 1,561 tackles and 69.5 sacks.

Jake’s cousin is none other than Clay Matthews III, Green Bay’s long-haired, muscleflexing outside linebacker. Matthews III has four Pro Bowl trips in his five NFL seasons and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 during Green Bay’s Super Bowl season.

His younger brother is Casey Matthews, who plays linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.

An exciting wrinkle in the 2014 season would be the Matthews matchup with the two cousins on opposite sides of the football.

The Falcons play at Green Bay on Dec. 8 and Jake could get the chance to go up against his cousin, who has 50 sacks and 186 total tackles in his five seasons on the Packers’ defense.

“I’m fired up,” said Jake about what it would be like to face his cousin this season. “I talked to my dad; some of his greatest memories was him going against his brothers. I finally get an opportunity to play against my cousin [Clay Matthews III]. He’s an All-Pro and a stud.

It’s going to be a huge challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I know that’s the reason why

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With the amount of success carried with the Matthews name, Jake might have the highest expectations of all as he enters the 2014 season. He’s the earliest pick out of the seven Matthews that have made their ways to the NFL. He’s also just the second offensive lineman drafted by the Falcons in the first round in the past 22 years. Not to mention that he’s had NFL potential and a target on his back since his prep days as an All-American lineman at Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas.

In the midst of all the pressure, Matthews has navigated his way to the pros with maturity and a range of skills that have been perfected over the years. During his freshman season with the Aggies, Matthews took over the starting tackle role when Brian Thomas shifted inside to fill in for injuries. A&M allowed just 14 sacks in the final seven games of the season after surrendering 23 in the first half. Matthews’ play earned him AllBig 12 freshman honors and he was named honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team.

Matthews’ believes he developed the most and became the player he is today during his final two seasons at the collegiate level.

“I’m a strong believer that the SEC is the best conference in college football and going against all those top players week in and week out is something that really developed my game, especially that junior and senior year,” admitted Matthews. “I really felt like I developed the most and became the player I am today.”

Matthews will line up at right tackle adjacent to veteran guard Jon Asamoah, who was signed this offseason from Kansas City. The duo has adapted quickly and looks to be a force on the right side together.

“It’s a good blend of experience with Jon,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. “Jake is just such an advanced guy for somebody coming out of college. It’s a good start and they’ve learned how to play together.

Communication is the critical component for Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter, and he believes the rest will take care of itself.

“Communication is always important and especially important when you have a new oline coach and a first-round draft pick tackle and a free-agent guard,” said Koetter. “I think Coach Tice has done a great job of coming in and laying down his expectations for the o-linemen. I think those guys have been very open to listening to what he has to say and the changes that we want to make. Now we just have to continue the process until we get to the season.”

Matthews Family Tree GREAT GRANDFATHER Howard Lynn Matthews (1889-1975) Minor league baseball player and boxing, baseball and track coach at The Citadel

GRANDFATHER Clay Matthews Sr. (born 1928) Offensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers (1950, 1953-1955) Bruce Matthews

Clay Matthews Jr.

UNCLE Clay Matthews Jr. (born 1956) Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (1978-1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994-96) Clay Matthews III

Casey Matthews

Kyle Matthews

FATHER Bruce Matthews (born 1961) Offensive Guard, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1983-2001) Kevin Matthews

Jake Matthews

Mike Matthews

COUSIN Clay Matthews III (born 1986) Outside Linebacker, Green Bay Packers (2009-present)

COUSIN Casey Matthews (born 1989) Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles (2011-present)

COUSIN Kyle Matthews (born 1982) Safety, USC (2000-03)

BROTHER Kevin Matthews (born 1987) Center, Tennessee Titans (2010-2013) *Currently a free agent

BROTHER Mike Matthews (born 1994) Center, Texas A&M

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2014 Regular Season Schedule SEP 7 1:00 PMEDT

SAINTS Georgia Dome

The Falcons will open the season at home against New Orleans for the first time since 1981 when Atlanta triumphed 270. The Falcons lead the all-time series with the Saints 46-43.

The franchises have played each other seven times in seasonopeners with the Falcons winning six of them. The Saints have made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons.

SEP 14 1:00 PMEDT

BENGALS

Paul Brown Stadium

Cincinnati won all eight regular-season home games last season in its AFC North championship season. Despite making the playoffs four times in the past five years, the Bengals have not won in the postseason since 1990. The Falcons have won three straight games and four of six against the Bengals. The Falcons have not lost to the Bengals since 1996.

SEP 18 8:25 PMEDT

BUCCANEERS Georgia Dome

Tampa Bay ended the Greg Schiano era after just two seasons and brought in former Bears coach Lovie Smith. Former Vikings coach Leslie Frazier is the new defensive coordinator and Jeff Tedford will coach the offense. The Bucs inked QB Josh McCown, who will compete with Mike Glennon for the starting job. Tampa spent all six draft picks on offensive players.

SEP 28 4:25 PMEDT

VIKINGS

TCF Bank Stadium

One of the most memorable and important wins in Falcons history came in the 1998 season when the Birds beat Minnesota in the NFC Championship game 30-27 on a Morten Andersen field goal in overtime. Atlanta trails the series 1510, but has won five of the last eight meetings. The last game between the two was in 2011, a 24-14 win by the Falcons.

OCT 5 1:00 PMEDT

GIANTS

MetLife Stadium

The Falcons skunked the G-Men 34-0 in 2012, the teams’ last meeting. The teams are tied 11-11 all time although Atlanta has won five of the last seven on the road and seven of 10 all time on the Giants home fields. In the last game between these two, Atlanta’s defense held Eli Manning to just 161 passing yards and nabbed two interceptions.

OCT 12 1:00 PMEDT

BEARS

Georgia Dome

M&T Bank Stadium

Despite being in existence since 1996, the Ravens have played Atlanta just four times with each team taking two.

The Falcons won the last meeting 26-21 in 2010 as Roddy White hauled in a 33-yard pass from Matt Ryan with just 20 seconds left in the game. This will be the first time Atlanta’s faced the Ravens without legendary linebacker Ray Lewis.

OCT 26 9:30 AMEDT

LIONS

Wembley Stadium

The Falcons will play a regular-season game overseas for the first time when they take on Detroit in London. A regular non-division opponent for many years, the Falcons have played Detroit more times (35) than any other foe not sharing the same division. Atlanta has won six of the past nine games including a 31-18 victory in 2012.

NOV 16 1:00 PMEST

PANTHERS

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Carolina is coming off one of its best seasons ever, finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC South division title. Despite losing three straight in this series, the Falcons have won seven of the past 11 games and lead the all-time series 23-15. The Birds and Panthers have split the past eight meetings in Charlotte with Carolina taking the past two.

NOV 23 1:00 PMEST

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BROWNS Georgia Dome

Like the rest of the AFC North, the Falcons have not played the Browns since 2010. Atlanta won the last meeting 20-10 as the Falcons outscored their hosts 14-3 in the second half.

Kroy Biermann took an interception 31 yards to seal the victory. Cleveland took the last game played in Atlanta 17-13 in 2006 after gaining an early 14-0 lead.

CARDINALS Georgia Dome

B:4.982”

For the third year in a row, the Falcons will take on Arizona.

The Cardinals took last year’s Battle of the Birds 27-13 in Glendale, but Atlanta has taken two of three and six of nine.

Arizona leads the series 9-8 since moving from St. Louis and carries a 16-12 edge in the all-time series. The Falcons have won the past two games played in Atlanta.

S:4.482”

NOV 30 4:05 PMEST

DEC 8 8:30 PMEST

T:4.982”

PACKERS Lambeau Field

Atlanta will travel to the Frozen Tundra late in the season for the second year in a row after dropping a 22-21 decision last year on Dec. 8. One of the Falcons most-played nondivisional opponents in recent years, this is the two teams’ sixth meeting since 2008. Atlanta lost their first five meetings to Green Bay, but has won 13 of the past 24.

DEC 14 1:00 PMEST

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STEELERS Georgia Dome

After losing nine straight to Pittsburgh from 1974 to 1999, the Falcons have lost only once in the past three meetings.

Atlanta beat Pittsburgh in 2006 in the Georgia Dome, a 4138 shootout. The teams fought to a draw in the 2002 classic in the Steel City, and Pittsburgh took the 2010 season opener 15-9 at Heinz Field in the teams’ last meeting.

DEC 21 1:00 PMEST

SAINTS Mercedes-Benz Superdome

The Falcons travel to New Orleans almost four months after playing them to open the season. Nine of the past 11 games between these two ancient rivals have been decided by eight points or less, including both of last year’s games. Four of the past five, and six of the last 10 NFC South champions, have been either the Falcons or Saints.

DEC 28 1:00 PMEST

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PANTHERS Georgia Dome

The Falcons have beaten Carolina in six of the last seven games in Atlanta, although the past two meetings (each team won one) have been decided by a total of three points.

In the 2012 game in the Georgia Dome, Matt Ryan led the Falcons on a 77-yard drive from the one yard line to set up a Matt Bryant game-winning field goal with five seconds left.

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RAVENS

Raymond James Stadium

The Falcons have won three of the past five games at Tampa Bay, including a memorable 20-10 victory in the regularseason finale of the 2009 season. The victory clinched a winning record for the Falcons and back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. Running back Jason Snelling was key that day, with 147 rushing yards.

T:4.988”

OCT 19 1:00 PMEDT

BUCCANEERS

S:4.488”

The Bears enter Year 2 of the Marc Trestman era, having made the playoffs just once in the past seven seasons. Chicago boasts one of the top wide receiver duos in the League with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. The Falcons are 7-5 all time against the Bears in Atlanta. A 5-yard run by Michael Turner made the difference in the 2009 game, a 21-14 affair.

NOV 9 1:00 PMEST

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20 1 4 AT L A N TA FA L C O N S F R I DAY N I G H T LIG H TS season’s narrow 23-17 defeat was the Falcons first-ever loss to the Saints in seven total season-openers.

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH

FALCONS FOOTBALL

FALCONS HOST SAINTS IN RARE HOME SEASON-OPENER

BY STEPHEN BLACK | SBLACK@SCOREATL.COM

T

he Falcons and Saints go back a long way.

The teams have been arch rivals since the Saints began playing football in 1967, a year after their southern neighbors from Georgia had already played a season.

There are many rivalries in the NFL, but perhaps no other has been as competitive and consistently heated as Falcons-Saints. Sure, neither team did much in their first few years in the League, but they still had each other to hate.

This year is the first since 1981 that the Falcons have hosted New Orleans in the season-opener. While the Birds have travelled to New Orleans to open the season in 1984 and 2013, Atlanta has waited quite some time to get its arch rival at home in Game 1.

In addition to the obvious emotional aspect at stake in this game, there is also the mathematical angle. The Falcons and Saints have combined to win four of the last five division titles and come into the 2014 season as threats to win it again.

“It’s very important on a couple levels,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith of the rare home-opener against New Orleans. “First, it’s the opening game of the season and you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. Second, it’s a division game and we

weigh the division games about one-and-ahalf times as much as a non-division game. It’s just one of the best rivalries in all of football.”

HOME COOKIN’

Aside from the team Atlanta opens with, one exciting factor about this game is the fact that the opener is at home. Smith’s teams have kicked off the regular season in Atlanta just twice in his tenure in Atlanta, which began in 2008. In fact, the past four seasons have seen the Falcons travel for the season-opener.

Opening at home will be a relief for the Falcons, according to Smith.

“There’s nothing like starting the season out at home,” he said during mini-camp. “It’s nice to be in front of your home fans with a new team and a new roster.”

In Smith’s first two years in Atlanta, the Falcons beat Detroit and Miami in seasonopeners at home. But they haven’t opened a season in the Georgia Dome since. The Saints affair is just the second time the Falcons have ever hosted New Orleans to open the season. The other was in 1981, a 27-0 shellacking in what was an NFC West game at the time.

Despite only hosting New Orleans once in an opener, the Falcons have traveled to the Pelican State to open the season six times. Last

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The opener against New Orleans is one of the most anticipated games in franchise history by Falcons fans. Atlanta sports fans count the Saints as one of their most disliked teams in all of sports. Add the Saints’ recent success against Atlanta and you have the recipe for a cauldron of vitriol awaiting New Orleans on Sept. 7.

But the Falcons players, especially the rookies, have a different perspective. While divisional games are important, the rivalries sometimes don’t factor into it as much. Preparing for another team and being physically and mentally ready for an NFL game is each player’s job every week throughout the season.

For the rookies, just getting used to the NFL lifestyle overtakes any ancillary thoughts.

“I’ve got to go out and perform and do well,” said rookie offensive tackle Jake Matthews. “Obviously, they are two great teams going at it and I’ve known that from long ago, but I’ve got enough things to work on myself, not as much the rivalry.”

In the college game, some clashes are treated differently as conference and in-state rivals tend to take the brunt of the year’s preparation. In the NFL, however, every game counts and every team is capable of beating anyone. It

FALCONS-SAINTS

TALE OF THE TAPE SERIES Falcons lead 46-43 SEASON-OPENERS Falcons lead 6-1 POSTSEASON Falcons lead 1-0 DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS

5 each SUPER BOWL APPEARANCES

1 each is made clear early on to NFL rookies that while some teams are bigger rivals than others, every game is vital.

“Just being out in the community, meeting some of the fans out in the mall, people walk up to me and the first thing they want to talk about is beating the Saints,” said rookie defensive back Dezmen Southward. “So obviously, it’s a big deal, but we as players know that we approach every game as one single game.”

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A R C H E R H I G H S C H O O L | AU G U S T 1 , 2 014 tackles (68), assists (25), sacks (two) and fumble recoveries (three).

SAFETY NET

NEW ARRIVALS

BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COM

F

rom the first day of the NFL’s free-agency period, the Falcons aggressively combed through the League’s potential pickups and bolstered an already-talented roster. It started on the lines of scrimmage and journeyed to the secondary, special teams and covered both sides of the football.

Offensive guard Jon Asamoah joined defensive end Tyson Jackson and nose tackle Paul Soliai as the Falcons’ trio of Day 1 signees (March 11). Asamoah is a 6-foot-4, 305-pound run blocking specialist who previously played in Kansas City where he helped clear lanes for one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks.

Asamoah has size, strength and experience that give the Falcons enough confidence to put him directly into the starting role where he’ll line up next to rookie right tackle Jake Matthews.

Jackson was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2008 draft and like Asamoah was imported from the Chiefs. Jackson adds a versatile and imposing piece to the puzzle at 6-foot-4, 296-pounds and he has increased his sack total the past three seasons, including a careerhigh four in 2013.

Soliai is another big-bodied addition to the team at 6-foot-4, 340 pounds and is able to take on double teams and anchor the middle of the defensive line. He is a seven-year vet who played under Atlanta’s current Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan while he was with the Dolphins in 2010-2011. The pair worked well together and Soliai excels at Nolan’s defensive scheme.

The Falcons goal this year was to find starters in free agency who will mesh into the playbook. Following the release of Thomas DeCoud, former Jacksonville free safety Dwight Lowery was picked up to compete for the starting job in Atlanta.

As a rookie playing for the Jets in 2008, Lowery appeared in all 16 games for the Jets and made 54 solo tackles, 10 assists, forced five fumbles and had 16 passes defensed (all are still career-highs). He picked off three passes in both 2009 and 2010 (career-highs) and had at least one interception in each of his first five seasons. Lowery has experience in a multitude of roles that will help him settle in quickly with the Falcons.

YEARS IN NFL

The Falcons lost Tony Gonzalez to retirement this offseason and signed McKenna Sean “Bear” Pascoe from the Giants to help fill the vacancy. Pascoe is a five-year veteran who has played in 66 career games, including 32 starts.

He was undeniably a key contributor in New York even without frequently showing up in the box score. He played in all 16 games last season with six starts. Pascoe also brings championship experience to Atlanta, having won Super Bowl XLVI with the Giants.

On June 18, Atlanta traded Akeem Dent for Houston quarterback T.J. Yates and veteran linebacker Tim Dobbins. Dobbins is a veteran who brings much-needed experience and depth after playing under Nolan with the Dolphins in 2010. Yates, a Marietta native, returned to his home state and will fill in as a solid backup quarterback behind Matt Ryan. Yates’ first start came against the Falcons in 2011 and the former Pope High School Greyhound led the Texans to a 17-10 victory. Like Ryan, Yates is a prototypical dropback passer with good size (6-foot-4) and has completed 101 of 166 career passes for 1,100 yards and three touchdowns.

YEARS IN NFL

THE HUNT

FALCONS ADD SEVERAL KEY PIECES THROUGH FREE AGENCY, HOUSTON TRADE

CHI-TOWN TALENT

One week into the free-agency period, the Falcons signed Hall of Fame-bound return man Devin Hester. Hester holds the record for most punt return touchdowns in NFL history with 13 and last season he tied the record for most return touchdowns (punt and kickoff combined) with his 19th such score.

Hester’s playmaking ability translates to the offense as well and he can step in as a receiving threat. The 31-year old recorded 217 receptions for 2,807 yards and 14 touchdowns during his eight seasons in Chicago.

The Falcons landed another former Bear in Gabe Carimi, who played in the Windy City with Hester in 2011-12 before joining Tampa Bay last year.

Javier Arenas LAST TEAM

CARDINALS

Jon Asamoah YEARS IN NFL

4

LAST TEAM

CHIEFS

Gabe Carimi YEARS IN NFL

3

LAST TEAM

BEARS

Tim Dobbins

8

LAST TEAM

TEXANS

Devin Hester YEARS IN NFL

8

LAST TEAM

BEARS

Tyson Jackson YEARS IN NFL

5

LAST TEAM

CHIEFS

Dwight Lowery YEARS IN NFL

6

LAST TEAM

JAGUARS

Bear Pascoe YEARS IN NFL

SPARKING COMPETITION

The Falcons increased competition in the secondary by adding cornerbacks Javier Arenas from the Arizona Cardinals and Josh Wilson from Washington. Arenas is also a return specialists and during the 2013 season brought back 24 kickoffs for 493 yards and posted a career-best 21.4 yards per return. On defense, the former Alabama standout has played in 63 games during his pro career, while recording 148 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 22 passes defensed in just 12 starts.

Coming off a three-year stint with the Redskins, Wilson is battling Arenas for the cornerback position. The best season of Wilson’s eight-year NFL career came last year, when he set career-highs in total tackles (93), solo

4

5

LAST TEAM

GIANTS

Paul Soliai YEARS IN NFL

7

LAST TEAM

DOLPHINS

Josh Wilson YEARS IN NFL

7

LAST TEAM

REDSKINS

T.J. Yates YEARS IN NFL

3

LAST TEAM

TEXANS

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INSIDE THE OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS RUNNING BACKS WIDE RECEIVERS OFFENSIVE LINE

T

he first draft choice made by the Falcons current leadership needs no introduction. Matt Ryan has led the Falcons to four playoff appearances in his six seasons in Atlanta including the NFC Championship Game in 2012 and division championships in 2010 and 2012. The Boston College product is the franchise’s all-time leading passer and has set single-season records in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions. Ryan is one of four quarterbacks in the NFL to start every game and lead his team to the playoffs in his rookie season. He was voted the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and was named Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News. Ryan earned Pro Bowl honors in 2010 and 2012. Backing up Ryan this season will be T.J. Yates, who was acquired in June in a trade with the Houston Texans. Yates, a Marietta native and Pope High School graduate, was a Texan for three years and started five times, all in 2011. Yates played in 13 games in Houston, completing 101 passes for an even 1,100 yards and three touchdowns. The third-stringer will be either 2013 draft pick Sean Renfree or Jeff Mathews, a rookie free-agent pickup.

V

eteran running back Steven Jackson returns in the backfield. Despite suffering an unfortunate hamstring injury last season, Jackson racked up 543 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and 191 yards and a touchdown reception through the air. In his 10-year NFL career, Jackson has totaled 10,627 rushing yards and 3,519 receiving yards. He has scored a total of 70 times, 61 of which came on the ground. An Oregon State product, Jackson has made the Pro Bowl three times and led the NFC in rushing in 2009. Sparkplug Jacquizz Rodgers provides Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter with a change of pace in the backfield. Last season, Rodgers started four games in Jackson’s stead and piled up 332 rushing yards, 341 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. In three total NFL seasons, Rodgers has rushed for 899 yards and caught 126 balls for 931 yards. A four-year veteran out of Florida State, Antone Smith provides depth in the backfield. He has rushed for two scores and has seen action in 40 games. Fourth-round selection Devonta Freeman, also a former Seminole, will battle for carries this season as well.

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W

idely hailed as the top combination of wideouts in the League, Julio Jones and Roddy White have each surpassed benchmarks such as 1,000 yards receiving in a single season and 10 or more touchdown catches in one year.

Jones caught eight touchdowns in his rookie season of 2011, tops among all NFL rookies. The Alabama product did not slow down his second season, setting career highs in receptions (79), yards (1,198) and touchdowns (10). He was leading the NFL in catches and in yards at the time of his injury last year and is looking to rebound strongly in 2014.

White, meanwhile, has been one of the NFL’s top pass-catchers since his entrance to the League. A fourtime Pro Bowler (2008-2011), White owns Falcons franchise records for most receiving yards in a season, receiving yards in a game, career receiving yards and most 1,000-yard seasons. Harry Douglas is coming off a career year in which he set personal bests in receptions (80), yards (1,021) and yards per game (63.7). In the offseason, the Falcons acquired veteran receivers Devin Hester and Courtney Roby. Drew Davis will also figure into the rotation.

W

ith veteran Sam Baker protecting Matt Ryan’s blindside, rookie tackle Jake Matthews will compete for the starting right tackle position. Baker is heading into his seventh year as a pro, all with Atlanta. The Southern California product was drafted in the first round along with Ryan in 2008. Justin Blalock has been a rock at left guard for the Falcons, starting 110 games in his seven years in Atlanta.

Baker and Blalock represent two of the longest-tenured Falcons still currently with the team. A veteran guard acquired in the offseason, Jon Asamoah started 41 games for the Chiefs in the past four seasons. He is expected to start at the right guard position. Joe Hawley and Peter Konz will split reps at center. Each player has experience at guard as well. Lamar Holmes earned 15 starts last season and will compete for the right tackle job. Slated to start at right tackle last season, Mike Johnson suffered a broken leg in the preseason and had to miss all of 2013.

He will compete at both guard and tackle. Ryan Schraeder, Gabe Carimi and Harland Gunn will add valuable depth to the unit.

KICKERS

M

att Bryant has earned a reputation as one of the most consistent kickers in the League during his 13 seasons. He is best known in Atlanta for his last-second, game-winning kicks that have given the Falcons several victories during his five seasons with the team. His 49-yard field goal with eight seconds left to beat Seattle in the 2012 Divisional Playoffs is a favorite of Falcons fans.

Bryant has kicked six game-winning field goals for the Falcons since 2010. Matt Bosher mans the punting duties for the fourth consecutive season. Bosher set a franchise record in 2012 with a 40.7-yard net average. Not counting return yardage, he averaged 46.6 yards per punt last season. The former Miami Hurricane was named the Falcons Man of the Year in 2012 for his work in the community. Bosher is also the holder on extra points for Bryant.

Josh Harris returns at long snapper for his third season with the Falcons.

The Carrollton native handles the snapping duties for both the punting and kicking teams. College free agent kicker Sergio Castillo was signed in the offseason out of West Texas A&M.

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INSIDE THE DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE

T

he Falcons defense harnesses an abundance of youth and speed, but the trenches contain the bulk of the defense’s experience. Free agents Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson are difference makers who add another pair of savvy veterans to the starting rotation. Soliai is a 6-foot-4, 344-pound, run-stopping defensive tackle who previously played under Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan in Miami. Tyson Jackson was signed in free agency from Kansas City and adds a 6-foot-4, 295-pound cornerstone at strongside defensive end.

Leading the interior is Jonathan Babineaux, who is set for his 10th season with the Falcons. Babineaux has started 108 career games with the team. Veteran Osi Umenyiora enters his second year with the Birds after finishing with 7.5 sacks this past season, which gives him 82.5 for his career. Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Massaquoi are capable pass rushers with significant game experience and the versatility to drop back in coverage and hold the outside edge in the run game.

Second-round pick Ra’Shede Hageman will join the rotation with Corey Peters and Peria Jerry in the interior.

LINEBACKERS

T

he linebacker position group was last year’s thinnest unit and also the team’s biggest surprise.

Two undrafted free agents, Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu, filled in after injuries swept the lineup and the duo held starting jobs while finishing 2013 as two of the team’s leading tacklers. Worrilow finished tied for 12th in the NFL last season with 137 total tackles while leading all rookies in the category. Bartu finished with 96 tackles and the former Texas State standout added 3.5 sacks his rookie campaign. Worrilow and Bartu have both bulked up noticeably and enter training camp stronger and faster than last year, according to Head Coach Mike Smith. Sean Weatherspoon will miss the season with a torn Achilles suffered in early June and it will be up to the young guys to continue shining in 2014. During the offseason, the Falcons drafted four linebackers and traded for veteran Tim Dobbins. Dobbins will add quality depth and this year’s fourth-round pick, Prince Shembo, looks to bid for playing time. Shembo is a highmotor guy that proved his ability to make plays at Notre Dame.

CORNERBACKS

S

econd-year stars Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford head this unit. Each player took great strides as rookies in 2013. Trufant led all NFL rookies in 2013 with a franchise rookie record 17 passes defensed and added two interceptions to go with 74 combined tackles. Alford also grabbed a pair of interceptions and recovered the game-winning fumble in the OT victory over the Bills. Experience sits beside the two young starters with third-year pro Robert McClain, five-year pro Javier Arenas and eight-year pro Josh Wilson. The nickelback role (or third cornerback) is a significant piece in the secondary and the trio’s familiarity with the position makes it perhaps the Falcons most competitive position battle this training camp. McClain filled that role last year in the Falcons system and Arenas manned nickelback with the Chiefs and Cardinals prior to joining the Falcons during the offseason.

Josh Wilson is a tackling machine who was signed as a free agent from the Redskins. Whichever player can instill confidence in Nolan with big plays during training camp will likely earn the nickelback role for Week 1.

SAFETIES

S

ix-year pro William Moore leads the safeties and is one of the team’s most impactful playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

Moore saw limited action during his rookie season in 2009, but has since filled the strong safety role in 58 games while accumulating 398 combined tackles, seven forced fumbles and 13 interceptions during the five-year span. In 2012, Moore set the tone in Atlanta’s 23-13 win over New Orleans with 11 tackles, two of the team’s five interceptions and two tackles-for-loss. Free safety Dwight Lowery joined the team this offseason from Jacksonville and is a capable starter with six years of experience. Lowery has 217 career tackles and 10 career interceptions.

The Falcons selected free safety Dezmen Southward in the third round of this year’s draft. The former Wisconsin Badger showcased the 4.3 speed he posted at his pro day before the draft. The coaching staff worked with Southward during the Senior Bowl, an experience that gave him a head start in the system this offseason. Former UCF standout Kemal Ishmael and Notre Dame safety Zeke Motta generate depth.

RETURNERS

I

n 2013 Atlanta’s longest punt return was 25 yards and the longest kickoff return was 34 yards, so the team went out on a search for more playmakers. Now, the Falcons have arguably the NFL’s all-time greatest return man in Devin Hester along with Robert McClain and Javier Arenas competing for punt return duties. Hester’s eight seasons in Chicago included 13 punt returns for touchdowns and five kickoff returns for touchdowns. His career marks total 3,241 yards on 264 punt returns with 12.3 yards per return.

On kickoff returns, Hester has accounted for 5,504 yards on 222 career returns for an average of 24.8 yards per return. Arenas has 1,035 career punt return yards with a 9.8 yards per return average and a career return average of 21.1 yards on 73 kickoff returns. At the collegiate level, Arenas was the first player in college football history to rack up more than 2,000 kick return yards and 1,500 punt return yards in a career. On kickoff returns, Hester and Arenas could be back deep together. Jacquizz Rodgers and Courtney Roby will also figure into the mix at returner.

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NEW ATLANTA STADIUM

FALCONS BREAK GROUND ON WORLD-CLASS STADIUM WITH EPIC CELEBRATION

BY STEPHEN BLACK | SBLACK@SCOREATL.COM

T

he new Atlanta stadium will not just be another football facility. The stadium will serve as home to the Falcons as well as Atlanta’s newly-awarded Major League Soccer franchise. The $1.2 billion facility will seat 71,000 fans and will have the capacity to host marquee events like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup and NCAA Final Four. It is scheduled to open in 2017.

“We set our standards very high,” said Falcons President & CEO Rich McKay. “We’re not trying to build the next stadium, we’re trying to build an iconic stadium that makes a statement for Atlanta, not for the next 5, 10 or 15 years, but for a long, long time. There are plenty of elements to the stadium that are really cool, but in looking at the entire package, we’re trying to build something that’s truly world class.”

A bevy of national sports personalities and local celebrities gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new stadium on May 19. Preliminary construction work was taking place on the future stadium grounds, so the event took place just across the street from the new stadium site.

The ceremony was a sight to behold. The audience was given 3D glasses to wear during a video presentation featuring a Falcon flying through Atlanta and ending up at midfield of the new stadium. Pyrotechnics surrounded the screen throughout the presentation. The speakers’ podium was shaped like a large Falcons logo, which sank into the stage before the video.

It made for a groundbreaking like no other.

“I’ve been to about three of four of them, but none quite like this,” said McKay. “They did a really nice job. The ‘other’ Roddy White (Falcons Vice President of Events) did a real nice job.”

Following the video and fireworks, Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank, McKay, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and several other key members of the stadium project donned shiny silver work helmets, grabbed brand-new shovels and began the ceremonial digging.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Blank and McKay were joined by all of the Falcons top brass for the ceremony. Similar to his demeanor at the MLS Atlanta announcement in April, Blank seemed giddy that the day had finally arrived. The dapper owner made it clear that the stadium was being built not just

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for the Falcons, but to host many other sports and entertainment events as well.

“Atlanta needs a stadium for a variety of reasons,” said Blank. “One is to secure the National Football League franchise here for the next 35-40 years. We also now have a Major League Soccer franchise. We want to create a competitive environment in Atlanta so that we can compete (to host) the SEC Championship game, the Chick-fil-A (Peach) Bowl, NCAA Final Fours, and, hopefully, compete for the FIFA World Cup when it’s back in the United States, as a host city, and a Super Bowl as well.”

The Super Bowl theme was obvious throughout the evening as Goodell, Reed and Blank each mentioned it in their speeches.

Reed and Blank both made references to getting the NFL’s crowning jewel of a game back to Atlanta for the third time.

“I’d like to extend an open invitation for (Goodell) to come back any time he likes, especially if he wants to announce that we’re going to win the Super Bowl (host bid),” joked Reed.

Blank tried to dispel the memory of Atlanta’s last Super Bowl (2000), which had problems due to icy conditions and poor weather around the city.

“This weather is normal for Atlanta yearround,” he joked of the perfect 75-degree conditions in mid-May.

UNCLE ARTHUR

Another entertaining part of the evening came courtesy of a soccer support group called “Terminus Legion,” loyal fans of Atlanta’s MLS franchise. They yelled and clapped loudly for anything and everything seen or mentioned referring to MLS Atlanta. MLS Commissioner Don Garber recognized Terminus Legion during his speech and joked that he paid them to come and make noise. Blank was clearly the group’s favorite; they chanted “Uncle Arthur” as he took the stage.

“He is Atlanta’s uncle,” said one of the Terminus Legion members of Blank. “We were really touched when, at the (MLS) announcement, he turned during his speech and said ‘We’re here for the fans,’ and that was not lost on us.

We saw that and we want to thank him and let him know that we consider him family as well.”

NEW ATLANTA STADIUM TIMELINE

12/10/12

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Atlanta Falcons agree to a term sheet that provides the basic business framework for the next step of reaching a binding memorandum of understanding.

4/30/13 5/21/13

NFL owners approve a $200 million loan for construction of a new stadium in Atlanta.

6/18/13 Falcons announce team of general contractors, led

by Atlanta-based Holder Construction Company.

9/22/13

Parishioners at Friendship Baptist Church sell their historic house of worship for $19.5 million.

9/30/13 Atlanta announces site choice for the new $1 billion stadium just south of the Georgia Dome.

2/14/14 Falcons release 17 design concepts.

2/18/14

Kansas City-based architecture firm, 360 Architecture, is formally approved as the lead design firm.

6/14/13 360 Architecture selects three Atlantabased firms to partner with for the design phase of the new stadium.

6/18/13 Falcons announce the completion of a conceptual design of the new Atlanta stadium.

9/26/13 Atlanta unveils new design concept and animations from the renderings of 360 Architecture.

10/29/13 Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board of Governors unanimously approves complete schematic drawings and a $1.2 billion preliminary budget.

Falcons hire Scott Jenkins as general manager of the new Atlanta stadium.

5/19/14

Ground is broken on the new stadium at a lavish ceremony near the current site.

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