BallHype - Latest Atlanta Falcons News Articles

Falcons-Giants a matchup of the bruised, battered and desperate

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:40:11 +0000

Both the Giants and Falcons need a win badly. Both teams are 5-4, slumping and hampered by injuries. The Giants learned Friday that middle linebacker Antonio Pierce would be out indefinitely with a neck injury. Falcons star running back Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) is not expected to play, either. Falcons will lean on tight end Tony Gonzalez in third-down situations against the Giants. A loss could be devastating for the Giants, riding a four-game losing streak after a 5-0 start. Quarterback Eli Manning says both the Giants and Falcons will play with a sense of desperation today. "We are in similar situations," Manning said. "We know they will come ready to play. They have lost three of their last four, and so they are going to feel they have something to prove, just like us." A look at five players who must step up: 1. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons . These are the kind of games Falcons officials had in mind when they traded for Gonzalez. If Gonzalez can ...

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Do Da Dirty Bird: For Matt Ryan, What's Luck Got To Do with Picks?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:00:22 +0000

If you feel the need to put this article's title to the tune of a certain Tina Turner song, I'll look the other way. You think I didn't think of that as I was coming up with it? In all seriousness, a shout-out goes to Tim, a DDDB regular who contributed to the idea for this article. Let it be known: Your topic suggestions are welcome, readers! But on to the analysis, which I'll kick off with some digits. Specifically, a few telling ratios: Week Five: 2-to-1 Week Six: 2-to-2 Week Seven: 2-to-2 Week Eight: 1-to-3 Week Nine: 1-to-1 Week Ten: 1-to-2 And if you guessed "Matt Ryan's touchdowns-to-interceptions," your check's in the mail, winner. To be fair to the man, I still consider him more messiah than pariah; the alibi isn't without some merit. The Falcons have gone up against three of the top 10 teams in the NFL in total picks over this stretch (San Fran, Nawlins, Carolina), and two more (the Chi and Washington) that rank in the top eight in overall pass defense. But with ...

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Atlanta Falcons' Jerious Norwood practices as Michael Turner is doubtful

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:39:10 +0000

Falcons running back Jerious Norwood practiced Friday for the second straight day after missing Atlanta's last four games with a hip flexor.

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For three struggling QBs, it's November nosedive

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:25:22 +0000

Quarterbacks must avoid the three I's -- interceptions, inconsistency, inaccuracy. That has been a problem for the Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler, Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan and New York Jets' Mark Sanchez. Their teams have taken a November nosedive, a combined 2-6 this month, facing critical games Sunday. Jay Cutler His woes: He leads the NFL in interceptions (17), including five against the 49ers last week. Too many of Cutler's mistakes have occurred in the red zone, costing the Bears (4-5) points. "It's hard to win a football game when you have five turnovers,"' head coach Lovie Smith said. Some of Cutler's interceptions have been bad throws. Some have been caused by miscommunication between Cutler and his receivers. But the bottom line is this. Cutler has not performed like the Bears expected when they were so thrilled to acquire him from the Broncos in the offseason. His weekend: Cutler faces the Eagles (5-4) at home, a ...

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Atlanta Falcons running back Jerious Norwood returns to practice after five weeks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:55:29 +0000

Atlanta running back Jerious Norwood practiced for first time in nearly five weeks, giving the Falcons hope he could play against the Giants if they are without injured starter Michael Turner.

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Giants CB Ross ready to make 2009 debut

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:32:26 +0000

After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain, New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Ross continued to practice at full speed Thursday, his third practice since returning to action. While the coaching staff has not made any determination about Ross' playing status or whether he will be in the starting lineup, Ross just wants to be playing again.

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New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross ready to return Sunday vs. Atlanta Falcons

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:45:32 +0000

After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain, Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut Sunday against the Falcons.

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Aaron Ross ready to return

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:59:54 +0000

After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain, New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Do Da Dirty Bird: Previewing Week 11, Falcons @ Giants

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:30:21 +0000

The bye is a ponderous thing. It can be a blessing, allowing a sliding team to rest, regroup, and refocus, or it can be the kiss of death, interrupting a group's rhythm or allowing losses to fester. The Atlanta Falcons got theirs out of the way right away, but they've been unable to escape the bye week's effect since then: They've drawn three teams coming back from their Sunday off as of the end of Week 10, and are about to play yet another rested squad. Not to sound overdramatic or anything, but this one is singular in its importance to the rest of our season, as we're facing the wild card of the NFC Wild Card contenders, the New York Giants. Did they get their minds right on their sabbatical, or were their four straight losses before it just the beginning? How soon will the fickle Big Apple turn its collective back on the Boys in Blue? Is one of these injuries going to turn into something serious? And finally, say it with me now: Will the real Eli Manning please stand up ? I won't be ...

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Boley faces former team Sunday

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:59:25 +0000

When Michael Boley left the Atlanta Falcons last year for free agency, he didn’t exactly depart on good terms.

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The Atlanta Falcons Try to Regroup against the New York Giants

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:20:23 +0000

Starting the season, this match-up stood out to me. My expectations were that if the Falcons could win this game they would be contenders. After 10 weeks in this NFL season, the value has changed. The Falcons are playing like a team that just can't get in sync. They started the season 4-1 and appeared to be a legitimate contender in the NFC as many had expected, then came the downward spiral. Just as the Falcons found their running game and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders, their second year "face of the franchise" hit a slump. Even with Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner averaging 142 yards a game over the past three weeks, Matt Ryan has been very unstable at best. And what's worse? Turner went out in the second quarter last week against the Panthers and isn't expected back for at least this week's contest against the Giants. The Giants are having much of the same problem this season as the Falcons. Expected to take the NFC East by most, they have fallen into the same spiral that ...

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AT&T Fantasy Call of the Week 11

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:35:02 +0000

George Winkler Who's the best backup back? With Michael Turner, Clinton Portis and Julius Jones among the injured No. 1 running backs, fantasy owners are clamoring for their backups this week. Among Jason Snelling, Ladell Betts and Justin Forsett, which one should get your top claim? If you own any of the aforementioned banged-up backs then the answer is easy. Pick up the backup to your injured running back. But if you're just looking to bolster the depth on your roster, then the call is more difficult, especially if you're searching for long-term value. Betts has the best track record of success and was impressive last week against the Broncos. Forsett is an intriguing gamble because of upcoming favorable matchups against the Rams, Texans and Buccaneers. But Snelling could be in a starting role the longest thanks to Turner's high ankle sprain, an injury that usually requires at least a couple of weeks of recovery time. Snelling ...

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Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith vague on Michael Turner's status

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:31:26 +0000

Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith was vague about Turner's status, saying he'll provide an update Wednesday when the initial injury report comes out.

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Delhomme overcomes INT problem, Panthers thrive

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:46:27 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Maybe Jake Delhomme should start walking under ladders, stepping on sidewalk cracks and seeking out black cats. The number 13 hasn't been unlucky for him, so why should those things be any different? Since throwing his 13th interception of the season against Buffalo on Oct. 25—one of his three picks in that 20-9 loss to the Bills—Delhomme has completely turned his season around. Sunday's win against the Falcons was his third consecutive game without throwing an interception, and the Panthers have won two of those games to climb back toward the .500 mark at 4-5. And, let's be honest—if backup Josh McCown hadn't been lost for the season during mop-up duty in the opener against the Eagles, Delhomme might have been sent to the bench weeks ago. But with only inexperienced Matt Moore behind Delhomme, coach John Fox stuck with his embattled starter. And both Fox and Delhomme heard plenty about the quarterback's penchant for throwing picks, from fans and media ...

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Panthers Harass Ryan, Beat Falcons 28-19

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:40:23 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jake Delhomme went turnover-free for the third straight game, finding Steve Smith for two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers held on for a 28-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

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Panthers hold off Falcons 28-19 (AP)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:30:54 +0000

Jake Delhomme went turnover-free for the third straight game, finding Steve Smith for two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers held on for a 28-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Matt Ryan twice seemed poised to lead Atlanta on the winning drive. First, his kicker let him down. Then his sophomore troubles popped up again.

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Panthers harass Ryan, beat Falcons 28-19

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:11:11 +0000

Jake Delhomme went turnover-free for the third straight game, finding Steve Smith for two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers held on for a 28-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

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Falcons RB Turner Injures Ankle After Quick Start

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:30:30 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina.

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Falcons RB Turner injures ankle after quick start

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina.

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Atlanta Falcons' Michael Turner sprains ankle after strong start

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:19:06 +0000

Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina.

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Falcons RB Turner sprains ankle (AP)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:16:59 +0000

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina. Turner rolled the ankle when he was tackled at the end of a 10-yard run that gave him 111 yards on just nine carries. He took off his shoe and walked around some before heading inside.

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Falcons RB Turner injures ankle after quick start

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:13:06 +0000

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina.

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Falcons RB Turner injures ankle after quick start

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:12:47 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has gone to the locker room after spraining his right ankle against Carolina.

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Illness moves Atlanta Falcons' Michael Jenkins to questionable

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:45:36 +0000

Receiver Michael Jenkins was placed on the Atlanta Falcons' injury report as questionable because of an undisclosed illness Saturday.

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Falcons WR Jenkins questionable (AP)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:26:17 +0000

Receiver Michael Jenkins was placed on the Atlanta Falcons' injury report as questionable because of an undisclosed illness Saturday. To get another wideout on the 53-man roster, the Falcons released running back Aaron Stecker and signed Troy Bergeron from their practice squad. The Falcons (5-3) will visit Carolina (3-5) on Sunday potentially without either starting receiver.

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Paulescu released; Holmes signed from practice squad

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:47:18 +0000

With punter Hunter Smith apparently having recovered from a groin injury, the Redskins today released punter Sam Paulescu and signed rookie safety Lendy Holmes from the practice squad. Paulescu performed well while handling punting duties in place of the injured Smith during last week's 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. He had overall and net averages of 50 and 46 yards, respectively, and would have been kept on the roster if Smith had continued to struggle with his groin injury. But Smith punted well enough this week to persuade coaches he is ready to return to the lineup Sunday against the Denver Broncos at FedEx Field. The Redskins added Holmes to the active roster because second-year safety Chris Horton (toe surgery) was placed on the season-ending injured-reserve list this week.

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Mike Smith fined for fracas

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:19:33 +0000

Two people familiar with the situation say Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo...

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Falcons' coach reportedly fined $15,000

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Mike Smith got into a sideline scuffle. The Redskins' DeAngelo Hall isn't fined. > Two people familiar with the situation say Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall avoided any punishment.

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AP source: Falcons coach fined $15,000

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:14:10 +0000

Two people familiar with the situation say Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall avoided any punishment.

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Falcons' Mike Smith fined for role in scrum; no fine for DeAngelo Hall

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:12:15 +0000

Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle, while Washington cornerback DeAngelo ...

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Do Da Dirty Bird: Previewing Week 10, Falcons at Panthers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:12:14 +0000

Since we hit 'em in the mouth back in mid-September, the Panthers have been on some kind of roller coaster ride. A loss to the Bills at home followed by a win at the Cardinals? Huh? And Jake Delhomme threw for 65, then 325, then 90 yards in three consecutive weeks. Has anyone else's season been as weird as his? When I was writing that Week Two preview so long ago, I remarked on how out-of-balance Carolina seemed. Never would I have guessed they'd still be that volatile, or that Delhomme still wouldn't "have his head screwed on right." But please, don't misunderstand; this isn't bashing. Roller coasters typically have "ups," too, which in the case of the Panthers are the third-ranked rush offense and sixth-ranked pass defense. Looks like DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason, and Richard Marshall at least have things figured out. Speaking of said figuring, I'm fairly confident my Falcons are back on track after their two-game dip. The third quarter of last week's matchup with Washington aside, we ...

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Landry fined $7,500, Haynesworth $5,000

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:40:50 +0000

Redskins safety LaRon Landry has been fined $7,500 and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth $5,000 in connection with the sideline fracas between the Redskins and Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity because fines are not usually made public. DeAngelo Hall will not be fined, the source said, and Jeff Fish, the Falcons' director of athletic performance was fined $2,500. Falcons Coach Mike Smith was hit with a $15,000 fine, bringing the total amount of fines for the incident to $30,000.

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Gray calls secondary's tackling a primary concern

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:15:00 +0000

The secondary tackled horribly in the 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and the defensive backfield must perform better Sunday against the Denver Broncos at FedEx Field, secondary coach Jerry Gray said. "It wasn't good," he said. "The thing we've got to do is, you've got to bring your hands. We were there in position but we didn't bring our hands to really wrap up. We had seen that [on tape] against New Orleans, the running back [Michael Turner] is pretty good. Any time you get a running back that you don't wrap up on, that runs low center to gravity, he's going to stay up." In retrospect, the defensive coaching staff probably should have conducted tackling drills after the bye week, Gray said. "You look back and you try to think, 'What did we not do? What did we do?' And the only thing we come up with was

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Falcons coach fined $15,000, reports say

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:38:23 +0000

Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 for his role in the sideline fracas Sunday involving the Redskins, according to multiple reports. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the amount of the fine is double that given to Albert Haynesworth. LaRon Landry also was fined, although the amount is not known and Landry said Wednesday that he had simply forwarded the envelope to his agent without checking the amount. Landry plans to appeal; Haynesworth said Wednesday that he would pay the fine. "It's all right," Haynesworth said. "We make money here, so I can pay it." There has been no indication yet on a fine for DeAngelo Hall. The incident occurred after Landry's late hit on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Hall, who formerly played for the Falcons, found himself on the Atlanta sidelines, caught alone amid the shouting and shoving until Haynesworth entered the fracas. "That's my teammate.

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Landry plans appeal, defends his position

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:17:23 +0000

Safety LaRon Landry said he plans to appeal a fine he received for the sideline incident he initiated with a late hit against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Landry revealed he received a letter from the commissioner's office that he believes included a fine amount, "but I haven't opened the envelope yet. I might wait. I might just prolong it. "What I'm going to do is I'm going to open the envelope and just send it straight to my agent; let him tell me what the damage is. We'll go through the whole appeal process. ... I'm going to appeal all my fines. Whatever fine they put out there, I'm going to appeal. At least try to." Tempers flared within the final two minutes of halftime when Ryan, trying to scramble for a first down, raced to the right sideline and was hit out of bounds by Landry near Falcons

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Redskins' Portis 'very, very doubtful'; Horton to IR

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:57:39 +0000

Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn says running back Clinton Portis is "very, very doubtful" to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday because of a concussion. Portis was knocked out of last weekend's 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Zorn met with Washington's leading rusher at the team's practice facility Wednesday and said Portis "needs to get rest." He said Portis went to see a doctor for tests. Portis did not speak to reporters.

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Zorn: Portis 'very, very doubtful' (AP)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:47:03 +0000

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Court backs judge in Michael Vick bonus case

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Judge David Doty's order saying the former Atlanta quarterback could keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Falcons. > A federal appeals court on Tuesday backed the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Vick Can Keep $16 Million In Bonuses: Court

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:32:54 +0000

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday Michael Vick can keep $16.2 million in bonuses that his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, sought to recover when he was imprisoned on a dog fighting conviction.

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Atlanta Falcons 2009 Midseason Performance Review

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:56:22 +0000

The Falcons 31-17 victory of Washington this weekend capped of their first half of the regular season with a 5-3 record. In any given year in Falcons history, we would probably be ecstatic, however I feel like this team has room for improvement. And that might not be a bad thing. I see a lot of potential in this year's team. All of that "process" junk Mike Smith has been preaching has all of a sudden become very endearing. This team is young, and less than two years removed from the lowpoint of the franchise's notoriously comedic history. Yet, they are a focused team with something to prove. The Dirty Birds, as I must always insist on calling them still, have established a winning mentality in Atlanta. Considering the youth, you have to feel like everything is in place for this team to improve and become one of the elite. Why do I feel that way? Well, remember last year when General Manager Thomas Dimitroff cleaned house on offense and everyone panicked? "Crumper and Dunn are leaving? They ...

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Appeals court agrees Vick can keep $16M in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:26:03 +0000

A federal appeals court on Tuesday backed the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Appeals court agrees Vick can keep $16M in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:46:58 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday backed the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Sooner or later, Portis's health must be addressed

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:45 +0000

Obviously, the health of running back Clinton Portis should be the Redskins' top concern. It was unsettling to watch Portis lay on the Georgia Dome field after suffering a concussion early during the 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and it would be wise for him to sit out for some time because of the head injury. Portis's situation, however, renews immediate and long-term questions about the state of the Redskins' running game. It was clear from the start of training camp that Portis was not in top condition, according to some in the organization who requested anonymity because of Portis's high standing with management. And during the first eight games, Portis simply did not display the burst and sharpness on his cuts he did last season. Prompted by concerns about Portis's performance, in large part, the Redskins at one point made the highly unusual move of carrying five running

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Appeals Court Agrees Vick Can Keep $16M in Bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:31 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Court rules Vick can keep $16 million in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:28 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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VOTE For Brian Orakpo: NFL Rookie Of The Week

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:10:53 +0000

Washington Redskins rookie defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo is up for Week 9 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week following his four tackle, two sack performance against the Atlanta Falcons. (H/T to Redskins.com ) Fan votes are tabulated on NFL.com through Noon, Friday, November 13. Orakpo is up against Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman, Detroit receiver Brandon Pettigrew, Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace and Indianapolis cornerback Jerraud Powers. Um, we know quarterbacks get all the love in these things and Wallace made a good showing on Monday Night Football. Brian's going to need every vote he can get, so get thee to NFL.com and cast thy vote right now. Tell your friends. When does Pro Bowl voting open? Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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Campbell maintains upbeat attitude

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:07 +0000

Surprisingly, quarterback Jason Campbell still is upbeat. In listening to Campbell, you wonder if he realizes he plays behind one of the league's worst offensive lines, has been sacked 25 times in eight games - including 11 in the past two - and is considered to be among the Redskins' biggest problems, according to fans on sports-talk radio shows and Internet message boards. "I know how I feel," said Campbell, who chuckled about the pain of his sprained ankle. "But you can't point fingers and you can't blame anybody. We're all in this together, and the only way we're going to get out of this is if we stick together." During the 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Campbell twice was removed from the game because of injuries. But he led Washington to its most impressive performance on offense after halftime this season, helping the team pull within a touchdown

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Appeals court agrees Vick can keep $16M in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:58:20 +0000

A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Appeals court agrees Vick can keep $16M in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:48:16 +0000

A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Appeals court: Vick can keep $16M in bonuses

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:45:10 +0000

A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed Judge David Doty's order saying Vick had already earned the bonuses before his dogfighting conviction, so the money wasn't subject to forfeiture. Vick served 18 months in prison and is now with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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