Atlanta Falcons Gear Up for Sunday Night Football with key additions, hometown talent
The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for a primetime showdown against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Atlanta Falcons hoping to bounce back after a narrow 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The team will be relying on both veteran experience and young talent as it travels to Minnesota. Falcons safety Jessie Bates III emphasized the importance of turnovers heading into Week 2.
When asked about last week’s performance, Bates said, “Yea, we just gotta catch them. I think we had 4 or 5 that we could have had last week and this week is no different. We have got to be able to catch the ball when they throw it to us to make them pay because those things change the game.”
Middle Georgia fans will also be keeping a close eye on linebacker Leonard Floyd. The Eastman native and Dodge County High School product is playing his first season with the Falcons, bringing both experience and energy to the team’s defense. Floyd has quickly made an impact, and his hometown roots give local fans an extra connection to the team.
In addition to defensive and linebacker reinforcements, the Falcons are strengthening their kicking game. Georgia native Parker Romo has been signed to the practice squad after a strong showing with the Minnesota Vikings last season, where he made 11 of 12 field goals in four games. Romo joins the team following a missed potential game-tying kick by starter Younghoe Koo in the season opener. To make room for Romo, the Falcons released edge rusher Ronnie Perkins. Romo said he was ready when the team called for a workout.
“The organization reached out last week saying they usually do one workout at the beginning of the year just to give them an emergency list and so they had me on their radar and I was ready to go for a workout and came in and did really well so they decided to keep me here and now I’m working as hard as I can to get on the field,” Romo said.
As the Falcons prepare for this Sunday night matchup, fans can tune in to see Leonard Floyd in action, watch Jessie Bates III try to force turnovers, and see if Parker Romo gets his shot to contribute to the kicking game. The game kicks off Sunday night at 8:20 p.m., and viewers can watch LIVE on 41NBC.
