Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network

The Atlanta Falcons recently announced the hiring of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator, and the move was met with mixed reactions. Will McFadden and Tori McElhaney dig into why the fan base was divided and what Ulbrich brings to the table. Is Ulbrich’s track record enough, and which players stand to benefit from this hire? They close with some quick thoughts on the NFL Draft before Will heads off to the Senior Bowl. 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - Mixed Fan Reactions 02:30 - Understanding the coaching hire decision 08:08 - Defensive performances that impress 12:20 - What players can stand to benefit from Ulbrich? 23:20 - Thoughts on the 2025 NFL Draft See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave, and D.J. react to the Atlanta Falcons new Defensive Coordinator and what having Jeff Ulbrich in the building will mean for the rest of the team. They also look ahead to the rest of the offseason, assessing what having Ulbrich could mean for the future and predicting what might be next for the Atlanta Falcons organization. 0:31 - Intro 1:03 - Falcons hire Jeff Ulbrich as Defensive Coordinator 1:52 - Initial reactions to Ulbrich hire 4:31 - How Ulbrich fits in Atlanta 13:03 - Ulbrich's past success 17:09 - What it means moving forward 19:48 - Next steps for Atlanta Falcons 26:45 - Key areas for improvement 36:23 - Finding a way to Rise Up 38:18 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. joins team reporters Terrin Waack and Tori McElhaney this week on Falcons in Focus. The group dive into the big year for A.J. Terrell, how Westlake was more than a school, and talk Clemson football. 00:00 - Intro 00:20 -Podcast inspired by A.J. Terrell 01:50 - Deep diving on names & family 07:25 - Girl Dad 10:30 - Big Year for A.J. Terrell 12:42 - Westlake, more than a jersey retirement 17:57 - Why Clemson? 21:00 - Contract Extension 24:06 - Crash out crew 28:00 - Rapid Fire Questions This episode was recorded in November 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Falcons search for their next defensive coordinator fully underway, senior reporter Tori McElhaney sits down in the podcast studio to go over some of the top names on the coaching market. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are that of Tori and not the Atlanta Falcons organization or football personnel. 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Steve Wilks 03:13 - Jeff Ulbrich 05:35 - Brandon Staley 08:50 - Sean Desai 10:41 - Robert Saleh 12:45 - Dennis Allen 14:04 - Lou Anarumo 15:15 - The No-Name Candidate Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding coaches and/or potential future coaches in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff, and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel or decision-makers unless noted in a direct quote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave and D.J. are back again, this time to talk about the Atlanta Falcons' coaching changes. They give their analysis of the situation and what makes a good defensive coordinator, as well as what the Falcons should be looking for moving forward. Wrapping up, they break down Falcons GM Terry Fontenot's comments in his postseason press conference. 0:31 - Intro 2:29 - Falcons coaching changes 11:43 - Keys to the coaching search 23:28 - GM Terry Fontenot's press conference 31:18 - What's next for Atlanta 35:33 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates joins team reporters Tori McElhaney and Amna Subhan this week on Falcons in Focus. Yates discusses his path to football, the decisions that lead to going to UNC, and his return to Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for the First Annual Final Whistles! The crew hands out their own post-season awards for the Atlanta Falcons 2024 football season, including Biggest What-If, Unsung Hero, and Highlight of the Year. In addition, they also break down what General Manager Terry Fontenot had to say in his postseason press conference and what it means for the Atlanta Falcons' offseason. 0:00 - Intro 0:21 - Tori named National Sports Media Association Georgia Sportswriter of the Year 4:30 - Biggest takeaway from Terry Fontenot’s press conference 13:02 - First Annual “Final Whistles” 13:22 - Most entertaining game of the season 17:15 - Favorite player to talk about 21:24 - Biggest what-if moment 25:55 - Expectation that never manifested 28:42 - Unsung hero of the team 31:56 - Standout stat of the year 34:54 - Newcomer of the year 37:33 - Highlight of the year 43:57 - Main thing to address this offseason 45:11 - I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed 47:22 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave, and D.J. recap the Falcons' final game of the 2024 season and what it means for Atlanta moving forward. They also reflect on the 2024 season as a whole, what the offseason might hold in store, and what needs to improve in order for the 2025 season to be a success. 0:31 - Intro 1:32 - Falcons fall in final game 9:13 - Explosive offensive performance 17:22 - Reflecting on 2024 22:55 - First year under Raheem Morris 29:25 - Improving in the offseason 36:27 - Falcons' 2025 opponents 39:49 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tori, Terrin and Amna break down the Falcons' 44-38 loss to the Carolina Panthers, which brought their 2024 season to a close. The group discuss what it was like to watch an unexpected shootout unfold while also keeping tabs on a Saints-Bucs game that didn't go as many anticipated either. They explain why the defensive performance for Atlanta was "shocking" and what the team can do from here. It wasn't all bad, though. Michael Penix Jr., Drake London and Bijan Robinson all showed why the future of the Falcons' offense could be very bright. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will, Tori and Terrin dive into the Chris Lindstrom and KhaDarel Hodge Pro Bowl news, and look ahead to the Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons matchup. 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Our thoughts are with New Orleans 02:18- Pro Bowl Announcements 06:52 - Pro Bowl Alternates 11:37 - Player A or Player B Game 20:13 - Panthers vs Falcons 30:34 - One Thing to Win See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons safety, joins Tori McElhaney to dive into the lessons and moments that shaped who he is on and off the football field. From a father’s wisdom to having a sandwiched named in his honor, the two talk all things Justin Simmons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Rackley and Dave Archer break down the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 overtime loss to the Washington Commanders from every angle, including both sides of the ball, Michael Penix Jr.'s performance, clock management, and more. Now, with one more week in the regular season and a playoff spot on the line, they explain why Falcons fans might need to root for their rival this Sunday. 00:31 - Intro 00:54 - Initial Reactions & First Half of Falcons vs Commanders 05:10 - Reflecting on Second Half 09:59 - Evolving Offense 16:25 - Defensive Performance 19:31 - Challenges & Clock Management 25:05 - Playoff Picture 26:17 - Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers 33:46 - Tackling See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Falcons Final Whistle podcast episode, Tori and Will breakdown the Atlanta Falcons’ overtime loss to the Washington Commanders, illuminate bright performances, and discuss playoff hopes. 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - Operational miscues 15:20 - Game flipped in 3rd quarter 25:48 - Playoff hopes 32:41 - The bright spots See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tori, Terrin and Amna breakdown playoff implications, talk Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels, and look ahead to the Atlanta Falcons keys to victory vs Washington Commanders matchup. 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - QBs giving O-line gifts 06:00 - Falcons Playoff Implications 15:56 - Impressions of Michael Penix Jr. 25:22 - Containing Jayden Daniels 32:37 - Keys to Falcons’ victory 36:55 - Wrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave, and D.J. break down the Atlanta Falcons' 34-7 victory over the New York Giants as well as how Michael Penix Jr. played in his first start. They also look ahead to a "pivotal" matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. 0:31 - Intro 1:01 - Happy Holidays! 2:10 - Describing Atlanta's 34-7 victory 3:45 - Michael Penix Jr.'s performance 11:19 - Bijan Robinson impresses again 15:20 - Defense shines, scores 2 touchdowns 19:50 - Solid special teams showing 22:07- Atlanta back in first place in NFC South 23:17 - Falcons-Commanders on Sunday Night Football 24:50 - Star rookie QB Jayden Daniels 28:45 - Atlanta will win IF... 33:15 - Michael Vick named new Norfolk State HC 34:20 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Falcons secured their largest victory of the season Sunday, beating the New York Giants 34-7. Will McFadden, Tori McElhaney and Terrin Waack break down everything that went right for Atlanta in the win. The defense dominated New York and scored 14 points off two pick-sixes, and players in the locker room were quick to share the glory. Bijan Robinson turned in another excellent performance that keeps him among the very best running backs in the league. And Michael Penix Jr. played "almost flawless" football, according to head coach Raheem Morris in his first NFL start. The trio goes through all of those topics and more! 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - Reacting to Michael Penix Jr.'s first start 11:00 - Bijan continues to be special 17:35 - Defense dominates and scores two TDs 22:23 - Atlanta's pass rush has turned it around 29:20 - Falcons who made the Nice List 32:23 - A look at the playoff scenarios 35:00 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a long week for the Atlanta Falcons, but this season is far from over. Sunday's game against the New York Giants will provide the first look at what the offense will look like with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden and Terrin Waack convene to discuss what players and coaches have said about the decision to make a change at quarterback and how that move will impact Atlanta's offense. They also discuss the key matchups that could determine the outcome, and Will shares his list of Top 5 Falcons starting debuts that took place with the season already underway. 00:00 - Intro 01:43 - Players & coaches react to QB change 13:07 - What Michael Penix Jr. had to say 17:26 - What will Atlanta's offense look like? 21:06 - Who will be Penix's go-to guy? 23:10 - Top 5 Falcons starting debuts after Week 1 26:30 - Key matchups for Giants vs. Falcons 31:22 - One thing Falcons need to do to win 34:41 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon joins team reporters Tori McElhaney and Terrin Waack this week on Falcons in Focus. Judon discusses what comes with growing up with 9 other siblings, valuable lessons learned while attending Grand Valley State University, and his favorite movies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek, Dave, and D.J. react to Raheem Morris naming Michael Penix Jr. the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons moving forward. They discuss what led to this change, how the team will have to adjust to a new QB1, and what it means for the rest of the season and beyond. 0:00 - Intro 1:21 - Breaking News: Penix Named QB1 2:26 - Initial reactions to QB change 10:25 - Effect on the rest of the team 14:30 - Handling the pressure 19:25 - How Penix changes the game 27:02 - Added intrigue for Giants game 29:15 - Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement that the Falcons will move forward with Penix, replacing Kirk Cousins as the starter. Join Will McFadden and Tori McElhaney as they give their initial reactions and what this could mean for the Atlanta Falcons. 00:00 - Intro 00:10 - Michael Penix Jr. named starting QB 03:03 - Did you expect QB change? 09:08 - Message to team 13:10 - How offense could change under Penix 17:03 - Does this change your outlook? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.