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

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Credit: AP

QB corner: Kirk Cousins discusses the Jets defense

Here’s what Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had to say about the New York Jets, his team’s opponent on Sunday.

1h ago

X-factor for Sunday: Can Falcons offense build off strong showing vs. Saints?

Kirk Cousins operated under center, and the Falcons used more play-action passes after establishing the rushing attack.

Falcons kickoff coverage unit needs a makeover, will be on hot seat Sunday

The unit will be on the hot seat in this game against Jets returners Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Credit: AP

QB corner: Kirk Cousins discusses the Jets defense

1h ago

X-factor for Sunday: Can Falcons offense build off strong showing vs. Saints?

Falcons kickoff coverage unit needs a makeover, will be on hot seat Sunday

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Metro Atlanta retailers hopeful for strong holiday season after chaotic year

Some independent retailers in metro Atlanta are entering this holiday season feeling battered by what they call a chaotic year.

$21B data center proposal aims to become one of Georgia’s largest

Trammell Crow Co. is planning a $21 billion technology campus for a 1,632-acre site along I-75 roughly 60 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

This metro Atlanta couple spearheaded a change in football helmets

Erin and Lee Hanson are the founders behind Guardian Sports, the company that makes the Guardian Caps worn by college football and NFL players.