PAUL NEWBERRY
FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2016, file photo, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer shouts from the sideline in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, because a formal agreement was not yet in place. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Column: Meyer faces tough adjustment heading to NFL Jaguars

By Paul Newberry 12 hrs ago
Before the good folks in Jacksonville get too fired up about the arrival of

Vanderbilt place kicker Sarah Fuller (32) kicks an extra point during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee at Vanderbilt Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. After leading Vanderbilt to the Southeastern Conference women's soccer championship, she suited up for the Commodores undermanned football team, becoming the first female to play in a Power Five game and tacking on another historic first when she scored in her next game by kicking a pair of extra points. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP)
Column: 2020 is perfect for socially distanced Newby Awards

By Paul Newberry Dec. 25, 2020 12:18 PM EST
In these scary times, it's hard to pull off an awards show.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) works in the pocket as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (96) gives pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Comeback, Part II: Brady breaks Falcons' hearts again, 31-27

By Paul Newberry Dec. 20, 2020 04:25 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Tom Brady took a knee, then headed toward the Atlanta Falcons

New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (26) and New Orleans Saints defensive back J.T. Gray (48) defend Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons look for another strong finish to lost season

By Paul Newberry Dec. 09, 2020 05:57 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The Falcons have plenty of experience at this, far more than

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara dives into the endzone past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darqueze Dennard for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Hill throws 2 TD passes, Saints hold off Falcons 21-16

By Paul Newberry Dec. 06, 2020 04:43 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Taysom Hill finally threw a touchdown pass.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) runs away from Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker L.J. Fort (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Column: In a crazy world, Steelers provide needed stability

By Paul Newberry Dec. 04, 2020 05:59 PM EST
It’s comforting to see the Pittsburgh Steelers back atop the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds celebrates a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Saints doing just fine with Brees sidelined again by injury

By Paul Newberry Dec. 03, 2020 07:48 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The New Orleans Saints can't wait to have Drew Brees taking

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley under pressure from Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Falcons show plenty of pride after 0-5 start, coach change

By Paul Newberry Nov. 30, 2020 04:32 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — After losing their first five games and firing the head coach,

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates a touchdown after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jones returns pick for TD, Falcons rout Carr, Raiders 43-6

By Paul Newberry Nov. 29, 2020 04:43 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — Deion Jones took off the other way, raising the ball in the air

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Time is running short for the NHL to start its season on Jan. 1. Various pandemic-related geographic and economic issues remain unresolved. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Column: Sports hanging by the thread of the almighty dollar

By Paul Newberry Nov. 27, 2020 07:39 PM EST
The games will go on, hanging by the thread of the almighty dollar.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. The Saints won 24-9. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Raiders looking to finish strong, make run at playoffs

By Paul Newberry Nov. 27, 2020 03:16 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have positioned themselves to make a run

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan fist bumps with Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank before the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Looking ahead: Ryan plans to bounce back from dismal showing

By Paul Newberry Nov. 25, 2020 07:00 PM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — This is not exactly how Matt Ryan wanted to spend his golden

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) celebrates a goal-line stop of the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Atlanta. Fowler was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after a team mate knocked his helmet off during the celebration. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Falcons cancel practice after staffer tests positive

By Paul Newberry Nov. 06, 2020 11:19 AM EST
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons canceled practice and worked virtually

Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater, right, makes the extra point-attempt to defeat the Atlanta Falcons with Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell looking on as time expires in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Lions stun Falcons 23-22 after letting Atlanta score late TD

By Paul Newberry Oct. 25, 2020 04:45 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — Todd Gurley saw a tantalizing path to the end zone and couldn't

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, left, laughs on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Falcons won 40-23. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Falcons, Lions both eyeing rare feat: a winning streak

By Paul Newberry Oct. 22, 2020 05:15 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons actually have a shot at a winning streak.

FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2015, file photo, Atlanta Falcons assistant head coach Raheem Morris is shown before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Tampa, Fla. The Atlanta Falcons have named defensive coordinator Raheem Morris interim head coach, Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, after firing Dan Quinn. Morris is in his sixth season with the Falcons and his first season as defensive coordinator. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Falcons' Morris doesn't look at himself as an interim coach

By Paul Newberry Oct. 21, 2020 06:25 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — Raheem Morris would prefer that everyone stay away from the “I”

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
End of the line: Coach Quinn, GM Dimitroff fired by Falcons

By Paul Newberry Oct. 12, 2020 02:27 AM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — Dan Quinn never stopped believing he could turn things around in

El safety Juston Burris de los Panthers de Carolina intercepta el pase dirigido al wide receiver de los Falcons de Atlanta, Russell Gage, en la zona de anotación durante la segunda mitad del juego de la NFL, el domingo 11 de octubre de 2020, en Atlanta. (AP Foto/John Bazemore)
Bridgewater, Burris lead Panthers; Falcons fire Quinn

By Paul Newberry Oct. 11, 2020 10:31 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have managed just fine without Christian

Chicago Bears strong safety Tashaun Gipson (38) celebrates his interception of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Atlanta. The Chicago Bears won 30-26. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Another Falcons collapse: Foles' 3 TDs lead 30-26 Bears win

By Paul Newberry Sep. 27, 2020 05:21 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — No matter how bad things might have seemed a week ago, the

Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune via AP)
Falcons face unbeaten Bears on heels of nightmarish loss

By Paul Newberry Sep. 24, 2020 01:12 PM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — Let's see if the Atlanta Falcons can put another nightmarish