Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

The Bow Tie Chronicles: Falcons to face Bryce Young, Panthers in season opener

Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) catches the ball against Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (20) during the first half in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, August 18, 2023, in Atlanta. Miguel Martinez/miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) catches the ball against Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (20) during the first half in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, August 18, 2023, in Atlanta. Miguel Martinez/miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com
By
Sept 6, 2023

In the 412th episode of The Bow Tie Chronicles podcast, host D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses the season opener against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers with Falcons coach Arthur Smith, tight end Jonnu Smith, cornerback Mike Hughes and wide receiver Drake London.

The Falcons lead the series 35-21 and have won seven of the past 10 matchups.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich addresses members of the media on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Flowery Branch. “Being in the AFC East for four years, got very familiar with Drake, especially the last year,” Ulbrich says. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons defense must learn how to stop Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Atlanta’s defense will be on the hot seat when the Falcons (3-4) face the Patriots (6-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Falcons injury report: Michael Penix Jr., Drake London set to return vs. Patriots

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London are both scheduled to return to the lineup Sunday after missing last week's game with injuries.

Falcons staying together through mentally tough season

The Falcons' 2025 season has been a roller-coaster so far, but the team is trying to fall back on their strong connection to one another.

The Latest

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich addresses members of the media on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Flowery Branch. “Being in the AFC East for four years, got very familiar with Drake, especially the last year,” Ulbrich says. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons defense must learn how to stop Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Falcons staying together through mentally tough season

Falcons injury report: Michael Penix Jr., Drake London set to return vs. Patriots

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.