Matt Urben

Detroit

Managing Editor, The Falcons Wire at USA Today

Managing Editor @TheFalconsWire, Writer @SInow |🎓@UMICH & @MPIFILM |

Articles

Kirk Cousins ranked NFL's best backup QB ahead of 2025 season

1 day ago | shreveporttimes.com | Matt Urben
Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Offensive tackle

1 day ago | thefalconswire.usatoday.com | Matt Urben

After missing the playoffs for seven years in a row, the Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2025 NFL season with a lot to prove. Head coach Raheem Morris will look to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and what should be an explosive offense to finally end the postseason drought. Aside from center Drew Dalman, the majority of Atlanta's offense is set to return in 2025. Starting tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are back to bookend one of the better offensive lines in the league.
Seahawks' Julian Love, Coby Bryant ranked among NFL's top safeties by PFF

1 day ago | yardbarker.com | Matt Urben

The Seattle Seahawks appear to be heading in the right direction under head coach Mike Macdonald. Defensively, the team is loaded with talent, especially on the back end. While this unit hasn't yet reached "Legion of Boom" status, Seattle's secondary should be among the best in the NFL next season. The team has an elite cornerback duo in Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, and a dynamic pair of safeties in Julian Love and Coby Bryant.
Seahawks' Julian Love, Coby Bryant ranked among NFL's top safeties by PFF

1 day ago | si.com | Matt Urben

The Seattle Seahawks appear to be heading in the right direction under head coach Mike Macdonald. Defensively, the team is loaded with talent, especially on the back end. While this unit hasn't yet reached "Legion of Boom" status, Seattle's secondary should be among the best in the NFL next season. The team has an elite cornerback duo in Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, and a dynamic pair of safeties in Julian Love and Coby Bryant.
ESPN lays out four potential trade scenarios for Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

1 day ago | thefalconswire.usatoday.com | Matt Urben

The Atlanta Falcons may have the best backup quarterback in the league on their bench. Veteran Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract last offseason but was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16. Since the Falcons are giving Penix the keys to the offense, trading Cousins would be best for all parties involved. Now that the June 1 deadline has passed, Atlanta could move Cousins without devastating financial ramifications.
Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell gets disrespectful ranking from PFF

2 days ago | thefalconswire.usatoday.com | Matt Urben

Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons rewarded former first-round pick A.J. Terrell with a four-year, $81 million contract extension with $65.8 million guaranteed. While it was a big commitment, good cornerbacks are tough to find in this league. Terrell went on to start all 17 games for the Falcons in 2024, recording two interceptions and allowing 45 receptions on 67 targets. It wasn't his best year, but Atlanta's defense had a wildly inconsistent season overall.
ESPN insider reveals Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts' mysterious injury

2 days ago | thefalconswire.usatoday.com | Matt Urben

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has been a hot topic of discussion around the NFL as of late. After being the subject of trade rumors, the former No. 4 overall pick made headlines again when he wasn't seen at organized team activities. On Monday, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris clarified that Pitts was being held out of practice due to an undisclosed injury. This left many wondering what the injury was and how severe. Thanks to ESPN's Adam Schefter, we finally have an answer.
Charles Cross climbs: PFF has Seattle Seahawks OT ranked top-15 in NFL

2 days ago | yardbarker.com | Matt Urben

Cross could still improve in some areas. According to PFF, he was penalized eight times while giving up six sacks. Going forward, Cross should continue to be the anchor of Seattle's offensive line. The team gave the former top-10 pick some help over the offseason, using a first-round pick on North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
Charles Cross climbs: PFF has Seattle Seahawks OT ranked top-15 in NFL

2 days ago | si.com | Matt Urben

The Seattle Seahawks' offensive line gets a lot of flack from the media, but left tackle Charles Cross is slowly helping to change that narrative. Selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Cross has started 48 games over the last three seasons. The former Mississippi State standout has developed into one of the more well-rounded offensive tackles in the league. Cross has shown dramatic improvement since his rookie season and took an even bigger jump in 2024.
DeMarcus Lawrence ranked among top NFL players returning from injury in 2025

2 days ago | yardbarker.com | Matt Urben

One thing working in Lawrence's favor is the Seahawks having Aden Durde -- a former Cowboys assistant -- as the defensive coordinator. "Now 33, Lawrence will still be in line to start for a team, one employing ex-Cowboys assistant Aden Durde as defensive coordinator," explained Robinson. "But he will need to prove himself again following a lost year."The Seahawks defense tied for eighth in the NFL with 45 sacks last season.