Atlanta, GA

Atlanta's defensive success will be defined by more than stats

Published

10 months ago

February 6, 2025

Atlanta's defensive success will be defined by more than stats

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Throughout the last three seasons, the New York Jets had a top defense. Their unit was the only one in the NFL to place among the top five in total yards allowed each year. In fact, it ranked No. 1 overall between 2022-24.

New York also ranked tops in the league in defensive EPA, according to TruMedia, had the second-best defensive success rate and tied for ninth in points allowed since 2022.

Now, in 2025, the man who led those Jets defenses to success — Jeff Ulbrich — is the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator.

Ulbrich was brought back to Atlanta to achieve a similar level of production. However, a repeat performance is the least of Ulbrich’s concerns. At least when it comes to those numbers, alone.

“Well, see, I get very twisted up sometimes with statistics because I really believe when you chase stats, you’re not chasing winning sometimes,” Ulbrich told AtlantaFalcons.com. “I know that sounds funny, and it sounds weird, but there’s some truth in it. I think, at the end of the day, you got to find a way to win every single game.”

The Jets, despite their strong defense, did not find enough ways to do that. Their best record during Ulbrich’s time with the team was 7-10.

That’s why Ulbrich was reluctant to answer when questioned about carrying over the Jets’ defensive success with the Falcons. Interestingly enough, Ulbrich referenced an old press conference of Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to further explain the reluctance.

When Morris was hired as the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator in 2021, he entered a different yet similar situation. The Rams had the No. 1 defense in 2020. So, instead of fielding questions about implementing his own plan for success, Morris was asked about maintaining what was in place. His answer began with the strengths of the prior season’s defense but then turned to his goals for the upcoming season, which is what Ulbrich referenced.

“Ultimately, nobody’s really going to be happy with being the No. 1 defense,” Morris said. “We are here to win a championship. I wasn’t brought here to try to duplicate what they did last year. We were brought here to win, and we were brought here to win a championship.”

The Rams lost in the divisional round in 2020, when they had the top defense. They won the Super Bowl in 2021, with a 17th-ranked defense.

Morris’ point was made. Priorities were correct.

“I think there’s so much power in that,” Ulbrich said. “I thought it was such a poignant statement because we do live in a day and age where everybody knows the stats and the analytics and all the stuff with numbers. But we can’t lose focus that winning is the No. 1 thing we have to accomplish here.”

Source link

Click to comment

Atlanta, GA

Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

The Philadelphia 76ers (14-10) and Atlanta Hawks (14-12) meet Sunday. Tip-off from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the 76ers vs. Hawks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Hawks lead 1-0

The 76ers beat the Indiana Pacers 115-105 Friday, covering as 5-point home favorites with the Under (221) cashing. C Joel Embiid led the team with 39 points on 12-for-23 shooting. Philadelphia has found its rhythm, winning 4 of its last 5 games while going 3-2 against the spread (ATS). It is 14-9-1 ATS on the season.

The Hawks lost to the Detroit Pistons 142-115 on Friday, failing to cover as 7-point road underdogs as the Over (233) hit. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker led all scorers with 22 points and 4 made 3-pointers. Atlanta, after a 10-5 November, has gone just 1-4 in its last 5 games, covering 3 times in that stretch. It is 14-12 ATS on the season.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!

76ers at Hawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Hawks -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: 76ers +4.5 (-105) | Hawks -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

76ers at Hawks key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
G Tyrese Maxey (illness) doubtful
G Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) out
F Trendon Watford (adductor) out

Hawks

G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) questionable
C Kristaps Porzingis (illness) out
G Trae Young (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Hawks picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 114, Hawks 111

BET 76ERS (+155).

The Hawks have fallen off a cliff, and their defense has gone with them. They are 1-4 over their last 5 outings and have allowed at least 123 points in 5 of their last 8 games. Their offense hasn’t matched that shortcoming, scoring 100 points or fewer in 2 of their last 5 contests.

The 76ers, on the other hand, are surging, and their defense has been much improved from earlier in the season. They have held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 105 points or fewer and haven’t given up more than 112 points in December (through 5 games). Philadelphia has won 3 straight on the road.

Take 76ERS (+155).

PASS.

The preferred option is the moneyline, thanks to the enhanced odds. The spread is also playable, particularly with the 76ers.

BET UNDER 226.5 (-110).

The 76ers have gone Under in 5 straight games, and while their defense has stepped up, they have scored 116 points or fewer in their last 4 contests. They are 11-13 O/U on the season.

The Hawks are 3-2 O/U in their last 5 games, largely due to their weak defense, which is less likely to be exploited given that the 76ers rank 20th in pace. Expect a slower-tempo game and take UNDER 226.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

Source link

Atlanta, GA

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

The Atlanta Braves have locked down two free agents. One bolstered the bullpen while the other diversified their options on the offense. Now, from what we’re hearing, the attention has turned to fortifying the rotation.

We are gaining an idea of who the Braves are targeting on the starting pitching market. Framber Valdez and Michael King appear to be the top two free-agent options they’re taking a look at, per source. The goal would be to land one of the two. How far along any potential talks are or if they’re currently talking at all is unclear. We just know now that these two are preferred targets.

Previous reports said that the Mets and Giants had previously chatted with Valdez. King is on the radar of the Tigers and Cubs. There are contenders in play for these same guys.

Signing a free agent is their plan A for acquiring starting pitching depth. What we are hearing confirms the willingness to cough up a draft pick to make a big signing. Both have a qualifying offer attached to them.

That being said, they are willing to go out on the trade market if needed and in a specific circumstance. Plan B is to make a deal for Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.

The 2025 All-Star has been rumored to be a trade candidate since the start of the offseason. What we are hearing lines up with previous speculation as to the type of moves the Braves could make. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested the Braves make a move for Peralta, and part of that suggestion included a potential trade piece that would likely be dealt in this scenario.

The Brewers would likely want to make the centerpiece of the return the Braves’ No. 2 prospect, JR Ritchie. However, the Braves would likely prefer to hang onto Ritchie. They see him as a key piece of their future. They would likely prefer to make the centerpiece of the deal Hurston Waldrep, who showed significant promise once she was called up toward the end of last season.

Another player would likely be dealt along with one of the two names. The Braves would like to know whether an extension would be in play. They wouldn’t want to make the move for strictly a rental.

However, the Brewers want to get a trade done during the offseason. If he’s on the roster during the regular season, it would put them in a bind. They don’t see him as someone they’ll be able to keep around, but if they’re contending, they can’t trade him at the deadline. He would have to stick around for a push, and then he would walk.

Meanwhile, the Braves are pushing to have a top-five payroll in the league for next season. That puts them in the position to take on one of the two possible free-agent signings or take on a contract extension in a potential trade.

More From Atlanta Braves on SI

Source link

Atlanta, GA

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Two people are dead following a fiery crash on Interstate 75 in Atlanta, according to police.

The crash occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m. Saturday on southbound I-75 near Cleveland Avenue Southwest. According to police, a Kia Sportage was traveling on I-75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to exit at Cleveland Avenue.

Police said the vehicle left the roadway, hit a pole and subsequently caught fire.

Two unidentified occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine what led to the crash. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Source link