Will McFadden is joined by former NFL quarterback and Westwood One analyst Ryan Leaf to discuss the Falcons' offseason. Ryan shares why he feels Atlanta nailed the pick with Michael Penix Jr., who he feels was the best quarterback in this year's draft. He also explains why a healthy Kirk Cousins sets the Falcons up to be this year's version of the Detroit Lions in the NFC. Will and Ryan also discuss the team's 2024 schedule and take a trip down memory lane to Ryan's only regular-season start against the Falcons, which featured a rookie quarterback named Michael Vick making his first NFL start. Enjoy!
Will McFadden is joined by Mark Zinno of 92.9 The Game and ESPN Radio to go through the newly released Falcons 2024 schedule. They discuss their initial surprises about the schedule, including the four primetime matchups. Does this schedule help or hurt the Falcons' chances for a playoff run next season? There's one key stretch of games that may hold the answer to that question. Enjoy!
Will McFadden is joined by his Bleav colleague Brice Lewis to do a little thought experiment. They go week by week and predict the Falcons' 2024 schedule, which is expected to be released later this week. They'll pick each week's opponent and try to figure out whether that matchup will be a candidate for a prime-time slot. Want to know what the Falcons' schedule could look like? This is the episode for you.
Will McFadden is joined by Albert Breer of The MMQB and Sports Illustrated to discuss the Falcons' plan at quarterback and what led them here. He also shares his thoughts on how Atlanta stacks up in the NFC South and if they should be considered a contender in the NFC.
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?