Bleav in Falcons

Will McFadden is joined by former NFL quarterback Matt Simms, who hosts "Simms Complete" alongside his father and NFL Hall of Famer Phill Simms on the Bleav Network. Matt helps explain some of the nuances of quarterback play in the NFL, and the responsibilities they have in managing game operations. He also shares his impression of Desmond Ridder as a starter, and weighs the progress he's shown with the troubling turnovers. Matt also discusses the NFC South and why he thinks Atlanta is sitting in the division driver's seat. Enjoy!

Former Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli and team reporter Will McFadden share their thoughts on Atlanta's division win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a victory that secured the division lead for the Falcons, but one in which the offense turned the ball over three times yet again. However, as Ovie knows full well, you take a win in the NFL no matter how they come. With the defense playing as well as they are and the offense winning without key players and while making mistakes, are the Falcons poised for a true breakout game soon enough? Will and Ovie share their current feelings and future expectations in this one, y'all. Enjoy!

Will McFadden is joined by Josh Kendall of The Athletic to discuss the state of the 3-3 Atlanta Falcons. Is this the team Josh expected to see six weeks into the season? How should fans balance the growth in the Falcons' passing game with some of the growing pains of quarterback Desmond Ridder? And is this weekend's matchup one of the most important of 2023? Will and Josh answer those questions and more in this episode. Enjoy!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli talk about the Falcons' 24-16 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The two are processing the loss in different ways, but try to pinpoint exactly why it's a pretty tough one to stomach. What went right and what went wrong - and there was plenty of both in this one. Will and Ovie dig into two-point conversions, offensive procedures, Calais Campbell, Desmond Ridder & so much more. Enjoy!

Will McFadden and Aaron Freeman of Locked On Falcons unite forces to discuss Atlanta's defense, Desmond Ridder and those dastardly Washington Commanders in this week's episode. Are we buying or selling the defense's hot start? How about Ridder's performance, have the Falcons unlocked their passing game? Nobody breaks down the Dirty Birds like Will and Aaron!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli recap the Falcons' thrilling 21-19 victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday. They heap praise on Desmond Ridder for his statement performance, which included some impeccable late-game quarterback play. The defense continues to define the identity of this team, and Will believes it will keep Atlanta in a lot of games this year. Kyle Pitts got going. The Falcons are perfect at home. There's a lot to like in this one, y'all!

Will McFadden is joined by Texans reporter Cole Thompson to preview the Week 5 matchup between Atlanta and Houston. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud is off to a red-hot start, and he leads a potent offense into Mercedes-Benz Stadium. How does the Falcons' defense match up? Will Desmond Ridder, Bijan Robinson and Atlanta's offense be able to keep pace? They dig into all of that and more. Enjoy!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughelli pack up their toys and go home after the Falcons lose in London 23-7 against the Jaguars. It was another slow start for Atlanta's offense, and the concerns surrounding Desmond Ridder are becoming real. Bijan Robinson was once again magnificent, but what do we make of Kyle Pitts and Drake London? Plus, it's time to give the Falcons defense its due. This unit is legit, y'all. Enjoy!

Will McFadden is joined by ESPN reporter Mike Rothstein to discuss the state of the Falcons as they head to London to face the Jaguars. Mike shares how the Lions team Atlanta faced in Week 3 differed from the many Detroit teams he covered over the years and what that says about the Falcons. The two get into Atlanta's offensive line play to start the season and how that may have impacted Desmond Ridder. Finally, the two give some love to Atlanta's defense and talk about the upcoming matchup against Trevor Lawrence, Calvin Ridley and the rest of the Jags' offense. Enjoy!

Will McFadden is joined by former Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli to recap Atlanta's first loss of the season. The Falcons' offense couldn't get much going on the road, and the Lions racked up seven sacks. Bijan Robinson was bottled up, and Atlanta's first-round playmakers were mostly quiet. Will and Ovie share their concern level about the team's performance with another big matchup right around the corner. Enjoy!

Host Will McFadden is joined by Joe Patrick, who covers the Atlanta Falcons for 92.9 The Game, to cover some of the biggest topics surrounding the team. They begin with Joe's biggest takeaway from the 2-0 start, and it's one that fans are sure to share. Desmond Ridder's Jekyll-and-Hyde act hasn't cost the Falcons yet, but is Joe worried about the young QB's start? Finally, the two look ahead to Atlanta's first road game and why the defense will need to be ready against a Lions offense that can be very dangerous when healthy. Enjoy!

Host Will McFadden and former Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli break down Atlanta's impressive 25-24 victory against the Green Bay Packers. The win moves the Falcons to 2-0 on the season for the first time since 2017, and it highlighted the differences in this team compared to others under Arthur Smith. Will and Ovie discuss the play of Desmond Ridder, the rise of Bijan Robinson and the closing ability of Atlanta's defense. Enjoy!

Will McFadden sits down with On My Block's Mike Wahle, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, including seven with the Green Bay Packers, to talk about Atlanta's Week 2 matchup with the Cheeseheads. Mike shares some great insights about what both teams like to do, and the players who could decide the outcome on Sunday. Plus, Mike names the toughest player he blocked during his career. The answer should be a trip down memory lane for Falcons fans. Enjoy!

Will McFadden and Ovie Mughellie are back to recap the Atlanta Falcons 24-10 victory against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. The two break down the big performances from Jessie Bates III and Tyler Allgeier as well as Bijan Robinson's debut. Plus, are there concerns for the offensive line and Desmond Ridder? Stay tuned at the end of the show to hear from Atlanta's starting quarterback, himself, on the team's victory. Enjoy!

Falcons reporter Will McFadden is joined by Nate Tice of The Athletic and Yahoo Sports to talk all things offense. Nate is an honorary Dirty Bird after loudly and repeatedly professing his fascination and adoration of Atlanta's offense, and he explains why the Falcons have captured his imagination. We've got it all: Bijan Robinson, Desmond Ridder, positionless philosophy, and much more! Before Nate joins the show, Will runs through the Falcons' schedule one last time and gives his final prediction for the team's record. Enjoy!

Host Will McFadden is joined by Mike Rothstein of ESPN to preview the NFL's mandatory roster cutdowns that will take place before Tuesday's deadline. Atlanta has had its most competitive camp yet under Arthur Smith, and there are some very tough decisions ahead. Will and Mike dig into each position and discuss the players who are likely to make it and who might be left on the outside looking in. The two also share their thoughts on the four moves that have already been made, including the release of Jalen Mayfield.

Falcons reporter Will McFadden and former Pro Bowl fullback Ovie Mughelli check in on the team ahead of their final preseason game on Thursday night. Ovie shares the biggest positives he's seen from Atlanta's first two games of the preseason, and then the two get into the positions and players they will be watching closely against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Finally, Will and Ovie each reveal the five Falcons players they are most excited to see in action this season. Enjoy!

Will McFadden shares his notes from the Falcons' 13-13 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals in their second preseason game. He names the starters who stood out in their preseason debuts, including Bijan Robinson and Desmond Ridder. It wasn't a positive night for everyone, however, and there's one player, in particular, Will is growing concerned about.

Programming Note: At the end of today's podcast, you can listen to Will's post-game interview with Falcons cornerback Dee Alford.

Host Will McFadden discusses the latest news out of Falcons training camp, including Matt Hennessy going on injured reserve and what to expect on Friday against Cincinnati. (4:56) Later in the show, Will is joined by Erin and Lee Hanson, the inventors of Guardian Caps, to discuss how their product is making the game of football safer at all levels. (20:05) Erin and Lee explain how exactly Guardian Caps help prevent concussions and what the future of safety in the league could look like. Enjoy!

Host Will McFadden shares his notes from Atlanta's impressive 19-3 victory against the Miami Dolphins in their first preseason game of the 2023 season. Will starts off with his big-picture takeaway from Friday and why this game was likely indicative of what we'll see from Atlanta this season. (4:50) There were several players who deserve praise for their performance, but should fans be worried about one notable name? (15:10) Finally, Will looks ahead to the Falcons' second preseason game against Cincinnati. Enjoy!