Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that it is doubtful that long-time Falcon linebacker Keith Brooking will be returning to the Falcons next season. Brooking is among several Falcon players that are free agents this off-season, and per Schefter the Falcons may opt to pass on re-signing him due to increased age and declining ability.

Brooking, 33, was the Falcon player that blew an assignment that
Source >> Falcons Wire

Another Falcon earned an illustrious season honor with head coach Mike Smith earning the Associated Press’s Coach of the Year award by a single vote over Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.

Smith received 23.5 votes over Sparano’s 22.5 votes for the honor. Smith helped improve the Falcons from a 4-12 to an 11-5 record this season. Sparano helped the Dolphins to an 11-5 record and AFC East
Source >> Falcons Wire

The Falcons improbable season came to a halt today with a 30-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs. The Falcons surprised a lot of observers by finishing the regular season 11-5 but were unable to surprise the Cardinals who defeated them in that team’s first playoff victory since 1998 and only second overall since the 1970 merger. The Falcons made a valiant effort
Source >> Falcons Wire

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Detroit Lions have been granted permission to interview Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey for their vacant head coaching position. Mularkey is one of several candidates that the Lions are looking to replace Rod Marinelli, who led the Lions to an 0-16 season this year, an NFL first.

Mularkey won’t be available to interview for the position
Source >> Falcons Wire

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that Matt Ryan has won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, an annual award given out by the Associated Press.

Ryan finished the season starting all 16 games for the Falcons and passed for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns, and completed 61.1% of his 484 passing attempts. He was arguably the key catalyst for the Falcons improbable turnaround from 4-12 in 2007 to 11-
Source >> Falcons Wire

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that Falcons running back Michael Turner finished second in the Associated Press’s voting for NFL Most Value Player. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning won the award, earning 32 of 50 votes. Turner tied with Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington with four votes each.

Turner finished second in the league with 1,699 rushing yards and 17
Source >> Falcons Wire

The Falcons had all they could handle against the St. Louis Rams, winning a 31-27 game that came down to the wire. The Rams led the game 27-24 until Jerious Norwood scored on a 45-yard run with less than 4 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. The Rams would get the ball back and drive down to the Falcons 37-yard line before giving it up on a turnover on downs with 1:09 to go. The Falcons finish
Source >> Falcons Wire

The Falcons were able to clinch a playoff spot with a hard-fought road win over the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 24-17. The Falcons did not play an exceptionally good game, but were able to capitalize on four Viking turnovers. Mike Smith and the Falcons now move to a stunning 10-5 record.

Matt Ryan led the team, completing 13 of 24 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. Ryan also scrambled for
Source >> Falcons Wire

The Falcons made some roster moves today, placing two players on injured reserve. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson and cornerback David Irons were placed on injured reserve, shutting them down for the remainder of the season. Replacing them on the roster are safety Eric Brock and tight end Marcus Pollard. The team also signed two players to the practice squad: offensive tackle Mike Butterworth and
Source >> Falcons Wire

The NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters today, which included two Falcon players: running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White.

Turner currently ranks second in both the NFL and NFC in rushing yards with 1,421 yards. Turner also has a league-high 332 carries and 15 touchdowns.

White ranks fifth in the league and second in the NFC in receptions (82) and first in the NFL in receiving
Source >> Falcons Wire