Falcons coach Mike Smith is tired of seeing yellow.

In the exhibition opener, the Falcon had nine penalties for 82 yards. They had 10 for 89 yards against the Texans in the second game.

“A lot of it has to do with the points of emphasis that the league has put out this offseason,” Smith said. “Illegal contact and hands to the face are probably the two biggest points of emphasis. They are definitely calling it differently.”

Smith believes the Falcons will adjust.

“It’s a learning experience for all of us,” Smith said. “We’ve got to see how the game is officiated. But we’ve had entirely too many penalties in the first two games, not only watching Falcons but watching preseason action, penalties are way up. If they stay at those numbers it’s going to be a long, long football game.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is unable to catch the ball under pressure from Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman