Atlanta, GA
Ex Falcons Third-Round Draft Pick on Roster Cut Bubble
![Ex Falcons Third-Round Draft Pick on Roster Cut Bubble Ex Falcons Third-Round Draft Pick on Roster Cut Bubble](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3797,h_2135,x_0,y_118/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/falcon_report/01j65jmqvssysspssvrh.jpg)
When the Atlanta Falcons drafted outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone in the third round in 2022, they did so with hopes he’d ascend into a standout pass rusher.
But instead, with his third preseason now in the rearview mirror, Malone’s mission has shifted.
“I really don’t set goals,” Malone said during training camp. “Just making the 53-man roster, helping alongside my brothers and just helping contribute.”
The 25-year-old Malone finds himself squarely on the roster bubble entering Tuesday’s cutdown, with teams forced to go from 90 to 53 players by 4 p.m., dashing the hopes of 37 players. During their initial wave of cuts Sunday evening, the Falcons released 13 players. Malone has to survive one more day of departures.
Malone’s quick descent from top-100 pick to roster question mark flew under the radar before the offseason program began in April.
As a rookie in 2022, Malone made 29 tackles with four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a sack across 15 games. He played 216 defensive snaps, which was 22% of Atlanta’s total.
But instead of taking a step forward in his second season, Malone saw his role diminish entirely. He saw only two defensive snaps despite playing in all 17 games, serving more as a special teams ace — 364 snaps, or 78% of the team’s total — than impact linebacker. He finished the year with six tackles.
Atlanta’s outside linebackers room has a clear quartet at the top, with Matt Judon, Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter and James Smith-Williams locking down the first four spots.
As such, Malone’s path to a roster spot again figures to come from special teams, and he was stout in that regard this preseason. In the Aug. 9 opener against the Miami Dolphins, Malone posted a team-best three special teams tackles, proving adept at both punt and kick coverage.
After the Miami game, Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake spoke highly — yet cautiously — about Malone.
“It’ll be interesting how it goes,” Lake said. “I think he played an excellent game against Miami. He played really well on defense. He was a force. I think it’s a really good starting point for him. Now, he’s just got to continue to improve — improve his game out there on the edge on defense and continue to do what he needs to do for Marquice in special teams.”
Malone, a former star at Western Kentucky University, finished the preseason with five tackles. He’s moved back to his traditional outside linebacker role after spending last year working more off the ball as an inside linebacker.
It’s not a big difference, Malone said, because athletes are able to adjust and handle a variety of responsibilities, be it dropping into coverage, stopping the run or rushing the passer.
What is different, however, is the system — Lake is Malone’s third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. The Falcons drafted Malone when Dean Pees, who ran a 3-4 scheme, was the defensive coordinator. Last year, Atlanta played under Ryan Nielsen’s 4-3 look.
Now back in a 3-4, Malone has found comfort — with both Lake and outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith.
“This has been great, man,” Malone said. “I feel like we’ve got a group of guys in our room that’s capable of making plays. I’m just trying to be like a sponge, just soak it all in. But Coach Jimmy, I feel like he’s doing a great job. He wants us to play fast, free and physical, and Coach Jacquies is doing a great job coaching the techniques.”
Malone viewed preseason a chance to show his talents, and if nothing else, he proved he can make plays on special teams.
But will that be enough?
The answer will be in no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday.
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Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, Fever break record for biggest WNBA game in Georgia history
![Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, Fever break record for biggest WNBA game in Georgia history Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, Fever break record for biggest WNBA game in Georgia history](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5atlanta.com/www.fox5atlanta.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1280/720/GettyImages-2167869594.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark set Georgia record
The Atlanta Dream set a record for the biggest crowd to watch a WNBA game in Georgia history. One of the reasons so many fans flocked to State Farm Arena was Caitlin Clark. She and the Indiana Fever led the Dream 84-79.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Dream set an attendance record, hosting the largest WNBA game in Georgia history. Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark may have had something to do with it.
A whopping 17,608 people showed up to State Farm Arena in Atlanta for Monday’s big game.
Some people say it’s the “Caitlin Clark Effect.”
She may be brand new to pro-ball, but little girls all around the U.S. know her name. Clark was a University of Iowa college standout, holding the record for most points by a Division I college basketball player, and leading her team to two straight national championships with a sponsorship from Nike. Her record at the three-point line is just plain nasty, and she was a no-brainer for the No. 1 2024 WNBA Draft pick. Girl’s got game.
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 26: Indiana guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against Atlanta guard Allisha Gray (15) during the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream on August 26th, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. (Photo
People often credit Clark and fellow rookie all-star Angel Reese, also known as the “Bayou Barbie,” with bringing a whole new audience to the WNBA. They both came into the game at a time when interest started to boom.
The Dream fought hard against the Fever Monday night, but by the buzzer, Indiana led them 84-79.
The Dream will pick back up on Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle facing the Storm at 10 p.m. EST.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves Should Reunite With Recently Cut Jason Heyward
![Atlanta Braves Should Reunite With Recently Cut Jason Heyward Atlanta Braves Should Reunite With Recently Cut Jason Heyward](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3264,h_1836,x_0,y_53/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/braves_today/01j683zpqtmdrgxcrj9x.jpg)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially cut ties with former Atlanta Braves outifelder Jason Heyward. The news was first reported by MLB insider Robert Murray.
Jason Heyward cleared waivers and has been released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to the transactions log. He’s now a free agent.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 26, 2024
He’s the odd man out as the Dodgers look to clear space on a crammed roster.
Since he wasn’t outrighted to Triple-A and is out of the organization, he is free to sign wherever he pleases, should he get an offer.
It’s been nearly a decade since Heyward was last in a Braves uniform. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in November 2014.
But maybe that could change. While his reunion with Freddie Freeman has come to an end, maybe a reunion with his former team could be next. In a year where the Braves are running it back with a few names, Heyward could be the next guy to partake.
Heyward spent the first five seasons of his career with the Braves. He was an all-star during his rookie season in 2010 and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting to Buster Posey – they got that pick right, not gonna argue it.
4/5/10 Jason Heyward hammers his first career home run. #Braves pic.twitter.com/WCEVVme1Dl
— Historical Baseball Stats (@HistoricalBaseb) March 11, 2024
He also won his first of five gold gloves with the Braves in 2012.
So, the nostalgia points are there. Now let’s talk about what he would bring to the team a decade later.
Let’s talk his bat. This season, Hayward has a slash line of .208/.289/.393 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. Not great, but that’s looking better than a lot of their other options.
Maybe he, like other recent additions, returns to form upon return. Just a season ago, he had a slash line of .269/.340/.473 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs. Would he be even better in Atlanta and have everybody saying, “Of course that happened.”
But the big addition would be his glove. His defense would be a huge addition. He’s also primarily played right field this year, meaning he could be an improvement offensively and defensively over Adam Duvall, or Triple-A options such as Luke Williams or Eli White.
Of course, these reunions don’t always work out. We saw an example of such with Eddie Rosario just this season. But if it it works on a low-cost contract and Hayward is able to significantly contribute to a playoff push and playoff run, then it’ll make the reunion all the more sweet.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Falcons 53-Man Roster Projection: Who’s Cut, Who Stays?
![Atlanta Falcons 53-Man Roster Projection: Who’s Cut, Who Stays? Atlanta Falcons 53-Man Roster Projection: Who’s Cut, Who Stays?](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3432,h_1930,x_0,y_523/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/falcon_report/01j66h9tjjzn9an9d8wj.jpg)
After 12 intrasquad training camp sessions, three preseason games, two joint practices and one scrimmage, the Atlanta Falcons have all the stats, film and interactions at their disposal before trimming their roster from 90 players to 53 by Tuesday evening.
Atlanta made its first 13 cuts Sunday afternoon, which puts the active roster at 78 players, including the team’s International Player Pathway designation, outside linebacker Kenny Oginni.
But who makes the final 53-man roster? Are there any surprise cuts? Here’s our final guess at Falcons on Sports Illustrated …
Quarterbacks (2): Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr.
The noteworthy part is not about who’s here, but who isn’t — Taylor Heinicke, a four-game starter last year and capable veteran backup. Heinicke is one of the more interesting names to monitor in the coming days and has both trade and cut potential.
Running backs (4): Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Jase McClellan
Robinson and Allgeier will be the lead ballcarriers while Williams will handle kick and punt returns. McClellan, a sixth-round rookie from Alabama, narrowly gets the nod over second-year pro and returning practice squad member Carlos Washington Jr. and late signee Spencer Brown.
Receivers (6): Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, Chris Blair
Blair led the Falcons in receiving this preseason, but he’s firmly at risk if Atlanta only carries five wideouts. London, Mooney and McCloud didn’t play in the preseason, and Hodge only suited up for the opener.
Tight ends (3): Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley
The biggest question here is whether John FitzPatrick, a sixth-round pick in 2022, sticks on the practice squad. Atlanta has high hopes for Pitts, while Woerner and Dwelley, a pair of offseason signings from the San Francisco 49ers, will hold niche offensive roles.
Offensive linemen (8): Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, Kyle Hinton, Ryan Neuzil
When Atlanta split into two fields during training camp — first- and second-string players on one side, third- and fourth-string on another — these were the eight routinely on the field with the starters.
Defensive linemen (8): Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Ta’Quon Graham, Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, Zach Harrison, Eddie Goldman, Kentavius Street
Morris said the Falcons may go heavier up front, and of these eight, only two — rookies Orhorhoro and Dorlus — played in the preseason finale. Eight may ultimately be one body shy.
Outside linebackers (4): Matt Judon, James Smith-Williams, Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter
The mid-August trade for Judon leaves a few close candidates on the outside looking in, including 2022 third-round pick DeAngelo Malone and training camp standout Demone Harris.
Inside linebackers (4): Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, J.D. Bertrand
This has been set for months. Bertrand will be a special teams ace, while Elliss, Andersen and Landman will handle a variety of roles in the middle of Atlanta’s defense.
Cornerbacks (6): A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Kevin King
Terrell, Hughes, Alford, Phillips and Hamilton did not play in the preseason finale. King is the favorite to be Atlanta’s No. 6 corner, beating Natrone Brooks and Anthony Johnson after snatching the team’s lone interception and tying for a team-high with two passes defended. King has also seen time at safety giving him the versatility edge over Brooks.
Safeties (5)*: Jessie Bates III, Justin Simmons, Richie Grant, Micah Abernathy, DeMarcco Hellams*
The Falcons believe Hellams, who will miss “significant time” with an ankle injury suffered in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, can return later this season. Thus, he needs to be on the initial 53-man roster, though he’ll likely be placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. If he were to be placed on injured reserve beforehand, his season would be over.
Special teams (3): Kicker Younghoe Koo, Punter Bradley Pinion, Long Snapper Liam McCullough
The Falcons carried the same three specialists last year and have only these three currently on their roster.
Offense: 23
Defense: 27
Special teams: 3
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