Falcons coach Arthur Smith, owner Arthur Blank stop by to share their thoughts on the team's quarterback situation from the NFL owner's meeting in Phoenix. Smith named Desmond Ridder as the starter for the 2023 season. Blank discusses why the team went after Deshaun Watson and why they are not planning to pursue Lamar Jackson, the former league most valuable player. Bengals coach Zac Taylor and Chiefs coach Andy Reid stop by to discuss Ridder and the development of young quarterbacks.
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Smith, Blank discuss Lamar Jackson, Desmond Ridder

Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports journalist D. Orlando Ledbetter is your authority on the Atlanta Falcons. Hear what the players are saying and get inside analysis from one of the most respected reporters in the NFL. Listen to new episodes every Wednesday and Sunday wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more ajc.com/sports.

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With a new head coach and new offensive and defensive coordinators, the Falcons are focusing on installing the basic concepts on both sides of the ball during their organized team activities. Coach Raheem Morris is overseeing the action on both sides of the ball, while offensive coordinator Zac Robinson works with the offense and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake crafts together the defense. 
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Falcons installing new schemes during OTAs

The Falcons have four primetime games after not having any last season and just one in 2021 and 2022. The signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has raised the profile of the team. The schedule presents a daunting start to the season with two first-time signal callers, but if the Falcons can survive, the back end of the schedule is much softer.
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The Falcons are relevant in the NFL again

The Falcons, with the eighth overall pick in the draft, selected former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just a few months after spending up to $180 million on quarterback Kirk Cousins. The move befuddled most experts and sent the 2024 NFL Draft spinning out of control. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot explains the move and we hear from assistant general manager Kyle Smith, head coach Raheem Morris, Penix, Jessie Bates and Chris Lindstrom.   
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The Falcons' BIG draft move

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot holds the eighth pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Falcons have eight picks overall and are expected to select the best player available. He also addressed the importance of medical evaluations, the edge rushers and the status of defensive end Calais Campbell.
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Falcons GM Terry Fontenot set for his fourth NFL draft

Over 14 seasons with the Falcons, Matt Ryan completed 5,242 of 8,003 pass attempts for 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns — all franchise records. He also holds franchise records for career passer rating (94.2), career completion percentage (65.5) and career 300-yard passing games (73). He signed a one-day contract with Falcons on Tuesday and officially retired from the NFL. 
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Smith, Blank discuss Lamar Jackson, Desmond Ridder

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