In the 281th episode of the Bow Tie Chronicles podcast, host D. Orlando Ledbetter breakdowns how the Falcons were routed 32-6 by the Philadelphia Eagles to open the 2021 season under new coach Arthur Smith. It was the franchise’s worst season-opening loss since Marion Campbell’s squad was beaten 48-10 by Tampa Bay on Sept. 13, 1987.

The coach said he didn’t have the team ready to play after he elected not to play most of the key players in the exhibition season. The new attacking defense could muster just one sack, one quarterback hit and three pass breakups. There’s clearly more work to do before facing the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday in Florida.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Falcons owner Arthur Blank, shown here speaking at a news conference in October, testified in an arbitration grievance between the NFL and the National Football League Players Association that was decided in January. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2024)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Cabbagetown resident Nadia Giordani stands in the door of her 300-square-foot tiny home in her backyard that she uses as a short-term rental to help her pay for rising property taxes in the area. (Riley Bunch/AJC)

Credit: Riley Bunch/riley.bunch@ajc.com