Bleav in Falcons

Will McFadden is back to discuss this week's report that Kirk Cousins' decision to sign with Atlanta was partially informed by the Vikings telling him they intended to draft a quarterback for the future, which has thrown a new wrinkle into the Falcons-Cousins-Penix conversation. Through it all, there's been one quote Will can't get out of his head, and he uses it to explain why seemingly opposing thoughts can be true at the same time.

Will McFadden is joined by Sam Monson, the lead NFL analyst at Pro Football Focus and co-host of the PFF NFL Podcast. Sam shares his thoughts on Atlanta's selection of Michael Penix Jr. and why their logic makes sense, even if it cost the Falcons their choice of defensive prospect. He also divulges his expectations for Atlanta this season and what could potentially hold the Falcons back. Finally, Will and Sam discuss offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who spent time working with PFF before joining the Rams' coaching staff. Enjoy!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli go through the Falcons' 2024 draft class, discussing the Michael Penix Jr. selection in the first round and the rest of the team's picks. What did they like? What left them scratching their heads? Tune in to find out!

Will McFadden is joined by Ross Tucker, host of The Ross Tucker Football Podcast and an analyst for CBS Sports and Westwood One, to discuss the Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Do the potential long-term benefits outweigh the short-term cost of the selection?

The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL Draft community and selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. Will McFadden is joined by 92.9 The Game's Joe Patrick to react to the pick just minutes after it was announced.

The NFL Draft is just one day away, so Will McFadden kicked on the Bird Signal and called in a few favors. We've got a bunch of Falcons experts on today's show to share their final prediction for who Atlanta will select in the first round. The picks are locked, and it's time to see who's right!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli react to Matt Ryan's official retirement as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. As a former teammate of Matty Ice, Ovie has a few stories to share that reveal how Ryan won over the locker room at a young age and charted the course for a legendary career. Did he do enough to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame? Will and Ovie make the case for why Ryan belongs in Canton. Then, they briefly discuss the NFL's investigation into potential tampering by the Falcons in their pursuit of Kirk Cousins and Ovie reveals a big take about who the Falcons should draft in the first round. Enjoy!

Will McFadden breaks down Wednesday's big report centering around Bill Belichick and the Falcons' offseason head-coaching search. There's one key insight in the piece that could explain why Atlanta ultimately went in a different direction. Then, Will is joined by ESPN reporter Mike Rothstein for one last hurrah. Mike is leaving the Falcons beat, but he shares his final thoughts on Atlanta's offseason and the upcoming draft as well as what the future could hold for the team and star cornerback A.J. Terrell. Enjoy!

Will McFadden is joined by Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic to discuss Raheem Morris's time with the Los Angeles Rams. We know Morris was an integral part of the Rams' success over the last few years, but Jourdan reveals why he might have been even more essential than we initially thought. Now, as he comes back to Atlanta, how will the time Morris spent out West benefit the Falcons? Will and Jourdan also dig into offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, including why the latter had a unique education last season. Enjoy!

Will McFadden is joined by Aaron Freeman of Locked On Falcons to discuss Atlanta's approach to the NFL Draft. Should the Falcons go with their top edge rusher at pick No. 8 or take another option on the table? They could have some enticing trade-back offers, but the chance to add a Top 10 player for the fourth straight year is very compelling. What exactly should the Falcons do at the end of the month--tune in to find out!

Will McFadden is joined by Kevin Knight, host of the Dirty Birds & Brews podcast and a writer at The Falcoholics, to do a live mock draft! Will and Kevin will go through the first four rounds using Pro Football Focus's mock draft simulator to make the Falcons' first five picks. They will discuss the route Atlanta should take at each pick as well as the players who present the most value. Are the Falcons drafting to compete now, or are they still playing the long game?

Will McFadden discusses yet another piece that has the Falcons as the clear winners of free agency, and why the acquisition of Kirk Cousins may benefit Zac Robinson as much as anyone else in the organization. Then, he shares his thoughts on the big changes to the NFL's kickoff rules and why this could ultimately be a way for the league to have its cake and eat it too.

Will McFadden is joined by Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports to reflect on how free agency has reshuffled the NFC South pecking order and walk through his recent 4-round mock draft. With Kirk Cousins in the fold, Luke expects the Falcons to target defense in this year's draft and he's got some exciting names in mind for Atlanta.

Will McFadden is joined by Dr. David Chao, who spent 17 years as team doctor for the San Diego Chargers and is now providing injury analysis on Twitter as @profootballdoc. He explains the expected recovery timeline for Kirk Cousins' Achilles injury and any potential pitfalls or concerns in the rehab process. Dr. Chao also shares his thoughts on the NFL's investigation into tampering after Cousins said he spoke with team trainers during the legal negotiation window. Finally, he shares his optimism for Kyle Pitts in 2024 and why Grady Jarrett might not have a quick rode back from his ACL injury.

BREAKING NEWS!! Will McFadden reacts live on-mic to the reports that the Falcons were preparing to trade Desmond Ridder. That was quickly followed by the news that Ridder was going to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for fourth-year receiver Rondale Moore, which Will responds to as it happens. Later in the episode, Will is joined by ESPN reporter Mike Rothstein to break down Atlanta's signing of Kirk Cousins and the start to free agency. During their conversation, news breaks that the NFL is investigating potential tampering during the courting of Cousins. Hang on, y'all!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli react to the news that Kirk Cousins will reportedly become the Falcons' next starting quarterback. Atlanta is spending big money to bring in the veteran signal-caller to get back to the playoffs and stabilize the franchise. Cousins will be 36 next season and is coming off an Achilles injury, but the Falcons are hoping the four-time Pro Bowler can become their version of Matthew Stafford. Will the move pay off?

Our position review series concludes with a look at the safeties. Jessie Bates was a revelation for the Falcons in 2023, and host Will McFadden explains why he is poised for similar success in a new defensive scheme. There are a few other important players in this group, including Richie Grant. Three years into his NFL career, Grant has shown some flashes but hasn't impressed the way many hoped. Is he a potential cap casualty or can he flourish under Raheem Morris? Sponsor Highlight: Kutt App Link

Will McFadden is joined by Trevor Sikkema, the lead NFL Draft analyst at Pro Football Focus. They discuss the quarterback prospects who best fit Atlanta's new offense and why it could make sense for the Falcons to go with a veteran option. Then, Trevor shares some of the non-quarterback options who could be on the table at No. 8 if the Falcons want to continue their BPA approach. Will and Trevor discuss second-round value options and some highlights from the NFL Combine, including a freakout about Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mim's size.

Will McFadden takes a close look at Atlanta's cornerback room. A.J. Terrell enters the final year of his rookie contract and is firmly established as the team's top corner. But the Falcons are once again in the market for a long-term option at the No. 2 spot. This year's draft offers several enticing options, but Atlanta could also make a play in free agency to land a starter. In-house, the Falcons have some complementary young pieces who offer some promise.

Will McFadden continues the position review series with a look at the Falcons' inside linebackers. This was the biggest pleasant surprise of the 2023 season, and the emergence of players like Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman helped Atlanta overcome the early loss of Troy Andersen. Andersen is set to return for a pivotal third year, which could be huge for the Falcons. However, will a new defense shrink the role of a talent-laden group?