2010 Falcons schedule

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Here's a look at the Falcons' 2010 schedule, which was released Tuesday by the NFL:

at Pittsburgh

When: Sept. 12

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 9-7, third in AFC North

The skinny: Ben Roethlisberger could be suspended, but the Steelers still have Hines Ward.

vs. Arizona

When: Sept. 19

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 10-6, first in NFC West

The skinny: Quarterback Matt Leinart will get his chance to take over for the retired Kurt Warner.

at New Orleans

When: Sept. 26

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 13-3, first is NFC South

The skinny: The Saints had some key losses during free agency.

vs. San Francisco

When: Oct. 3

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 8-8, second in NFC West

The skinny: The 49ers will seek revenge from the 45-10 whipping the Falcons put on them last season.

at Cleveland

When: Oct. 10

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 5-11, fourth in AFC North

The skinny: Tennessee safety Eric Berry, of Creekside High, could land with the Browns.

at Philadelphia

When: Oct. 17

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 11-5, second in NFC East.

The skinny: Off to see the Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick show.

vs. Cincinnati

When: Oct. 24

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; CBS

Last season: 10-6, first in AFC North

The skinny: The Bengals picked up wide receiver Antonio Bryant in free agency.

vs. Tampa Bay

When: Nov. 7

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 3-13, fourth in NFC South

The skinny: The Bucs will rely on quarterback Josh Freeman from the outset.

vs. Baltimore

When: Nov. 11 (Thursday)

Time; TV: 8:20 p.m.; NFL Network

Last season: 9-7, second in AFC North

The skinny: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed continue to lead the defense.

at St. Louis

When: Nov. 21

Time; TV: 4:05 p.m., Fox

Last season: 1-15, fourth in NFC West.

The skinny: The Rams are expected to take quarterback Sam Bradford in the draft.

vs. Green Bay

When: Nov. 28

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 11-5, second in NFC North.

The skinny: The Packers feature the passing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

at Tampa Bay

When: Dec. 5

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

at Carolina

When: Dec. 12

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 8-8, third in NFC South

The skinny: The Panthers have turned the page on the Jake Delhomme era.

at Seattle

When: Dec. 19

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Last season: 5-11, third in the NFC West

The skinny: Pete Carroll has returned to the NFL.

vs. New Orleans

When: Dec. 27 (Monday)

Time; TV: 8:30 p.m.; ESPN

vs. Carolina

When: Jan. 2

Time; TV: 1 p.m.; Fox

Etc.

Bye-week breakdown: The Falcons will have their bye week after playing seven games, one game short of the halfway point of the season.

On the road again: They will have to prove their mettle on the road or risk getting off to a bad start. They will play four of their first six games on the road. Later they play three consecutive games on the road, Dec. 5-19. Under coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are 7-10 on the road, including the wild-card loss at Arizona in the 2008 playoffs.

Throwback games: The Falcons will wear their throwback uniforms in two home games. They will decide which games at a later date.

Home, sweet, home: After the bye week, the Falcons will play three of their next four games at home against Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Green Bay.

Exhibition schedule: Kansas City -- 8 p.m. Aug. 13; New England -- 8 p.m., Aug. 19; at Miami -- 7 p.m. Aug. 27; at Jacksonville -- 7:30 p.m., Sept. 2