FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Today's Early Bird Report includes Falcons owner Arthur Blank's recent comments about the team's chances at winning a Super Bowl as well as Josh McDaniels spurning the Colts.
Enjoy!
FALCONS HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
ESPN: Arthur Blank says Falcons are 'close' to winning Super Bowl
One year removed from playing for the NFL's ultimate prize, Falcons owner Arthur Blank believes his team isn't too far off from winning the Super Bowl. Speaking with ESPN’s Vaugh McClure, Blank explained just how close the Falcons are.
"You know, I think we're close," Blank told McClure of his team's chances of winning the franchise's first Super Bowl, not just getting there. "Obviously, we were there last year. We got to the second round this year. We could have proceeded further, but we didn't. So, I think the team is in good shape. We have some areas that need to be improved on and worked on. And I think the coach [Dan Quinn] and [GM] Thomas [Dimitroff] are aware of those. That's why we have the draft and free agency, and we'll be focused on those."
For the third season in a row, there looks to be continuity on the roster heading into the offseason. Unlike last offseason, though, no major coaching changes are expected, which should benefit the players.
Atlanta boasts one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, a testament to Quinn and Dimitroff's time working together, and they should enter the 2018 season as a team with playoff and Super Bowl aspirations.
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BIGGEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE NFL
CBS Sports: Josh McDaniels spurns Colts to stay with Patriots
The Colts officially announced the hiring of Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their new head coach on Tuesday morning, even setting up an introductory press conference on Wednesday. By Tuesday evening, however, McDaniels had decided to remain with the Patriots, rejecting his prior agreement with the Colts.
The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, who also reported that McDaniels had yet to sign his contract with the Colts. That report was soon corroborated by others, including CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. According to La Canfora, the Patriots made a strong push to keep McDaniels in the fold.
Sources said Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick made a strong, concerted effort to keep McDaniels. Altering his contract, enticing him to stay — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 7, 2018
Many recently wondered if the Patriots' latest trip to the Super Bowl would be their last, as the team was expected to lose both defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and McDaniels. With McDaniels returning once again, the Patriots may be able to keep the greatest NFL dynasty rolling along.
Here are some more articles from around the league:
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