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D. Orlando Ledbetter

Atlanta Falcons reporter

D. Orlando Ledbetter

D. Orlando Ledbetter is the Atlanta Falcons Beat Writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was one of the lead writers in the notorious Michael Vick dog-fighting federal case. He has also covered the SEC/ACC and high schools in Gwinnett for the AJC. He's a three-time APSE award winner.

AJC Atlanta Falcons blog

Latest from D. Orlando Ledbetter

“There is one team that’s off to a good start,” Falcons coach Mike Smith says of the unbeaten Saints. “But there is a lot of football still to be played.”

After poor start, Falcons are desperate for a victory

In just the fifth week of the NFL season, the Falcons find themselves backed into a must-win situation. While the injuries have mounted and they’ve been stumbling over themselves in the red zone, the New Orleans Saints have raced out to a 5-0 start and are early front-runners to dethrone ...

  • 4:41 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (5)   

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez remains steadfast that 2013 will be his last

FLOWERY BRANCH – Despite the Falcons’ 1-3 start and sagging Super Bowl odds,  tight end Tony Gonzalez remains steadfast that 2013 will be his last season in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer returned for his 17th season after contemplating retirement after last season. But with the Falcons coming ...

  • 10:08 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (16)   

ON THE HOT SEAT: Falcons coach Mike Smith

The Falcons, who have lost two games in a row, have never lost three consecutive under coach Mike Smith, the winningest coach in team history.The last time the Falcons, who have matched last season’s loss total, lost two in a row were Games 12 and 13 of the 2009 season.Against ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (1)   

X-FACTOR: Jets QB Geno Smith

In 2008, the Falcons wrote the playbook on how to win with a rookie quarterback.The formula: Run the ball and let the rookie pass against simple, single-high-safety looks as much as possible.The New York Jets have seen some good and some bad out of rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who was ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (1)   

THREE KEY MATCHUPS: Jets at Falcons

Jets CB Antonio Cromartie vs. Falcons WR Julio Jones: Cromartie is a two-time Pro Bowler and is highly respected by Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Jones is off to a great start this season and was able to get open deep last week against New England despite double and triple coverage ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013

STAT CORNER: Falcons struggle in the red zone

The Falcons are struggling inside their opponents’ 20-yard line.They entered Week 5 leading the NFL with 18 red-zone trips. But they’ve scored only seven touchdowns (38.5 percent), which ranked 28th in the league.“When your production isn’t where it needs to be you assess everything,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “(Offensive coordinator) ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (1)   

ROBERT ALFORD’S WEEKLY DIARY

Falcons rookie Robert Alford will provide a weekly diary for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this season.The Hammond, La., native who played at Southeastern Louisiana, intercepted Saints quarterback Drew Brees in his NFL debut. This week, he’s getting ready to make his “Monday Night Football” debut as he faces rookie quarterback Geno ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (1)   

QB CORNER: Q&A with Matt Ryan

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and his revamped offensive line will face another tough defensive front against the New York Jets.Ryan has won 10 of his past 13 games against AFC teams, but two of the losses have been this season to Miami and New England. He also lost to Houston ...

  • 12:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
  • Comments  (1)   

Falcons RB Steven Jackson out for Jets game

Falcons running back Steven Jackson, who’s battling back from a hamstring injury, was declared out Saturday for the “Monday Night Football” against the New York Jets. Jackson will join left tackle Sam Baker (knee) and linebacker Akeem Dent (sprained right ankle), who previously were declared out for the game, which ...

  • 4:22 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013
The MNF crew from ESPN, including Jon Gruden, Mike Trico and Lisa Salters, were at practice today.

PRACTICE REPORT: Jackson declared out for Monday's game

UPDATE: FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons coach Mike Smith told the media that running back Steven Jackson has been declared out for Monday night's game against the New York Jets. The defense could get a boost from the return of cornerback Asante Samuel (thigh injury, questionable), who was limited in practice ...

  • 11:49 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013
  • Comments  (18)   
 

More Falcons on myajc.com

falcons mike smith

After poor start, Falcons are desperate for a victory

In just the fifth week of the NFL season, the Falcons find themselves backed into a must-win situation.

Comments  (5)  

 QB CORNER: Q&A with Matt Ryan
 X-FACTOR: Jets QB Geno Smith
 ON THE HOT SEAT: Falcons coach Mike Smith

QB CORNER: Q&A with Matt Ryan

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and his revamped offensive line will face another tough defensive front against the New York Jets.

Comments  (1)  

X-FACTOR: Jets QB Geno Smith

In 2008, the Falcons wrote the playbook on how to win with a rookie quarterback.The formula: Run the ball and let the rookie pass against simple, single-high-safety looks as much as possible.

Comments  (1)  

ON THE HOT SEAT: Falcons coach Mike Smith

The Falcons, who have lost two games in a row, have never lost three consecutive under coach Mike Smith, the winningest coach in team history.

Comments  (1)