Falcons Under the Microscope as Ownership Brings in Outside Consultants
Big changes could be brewing in Atlanta. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has tapped Sportology, a consulting firm known for organizational evaluations, to conduct a deep dive into the team’s overall operation. This isn’t just about wins and losses-it’s about the full health of the franchise, from top to bottom.
According to reports, Sportology’s evaluation will focus on everything from internal processes to leadership structure. And from the sound of it, the building feels tense.
There’s a growing sense that a shake-up could be on the horizon, and no one’s job is guaranteed-not even GM Terry Fontenot or head coach Raheem Morris. Both are believed to be under serious scrutiny as the Falcons assess whether their current leadership is the right one to guide the team forward.
This kind of move from ownership signals more than just frustration-it suggests a desire for a structural reset. The Falcons haven’t found sustained success in recent years, and with a roster that’s shown flashes but lacked consistency, it’s clear that Blank wants to know whether the foundation is strong enough to build on-or if it’s time to start over.
Panthers’ Youth Movement Sparks Late-Season Surge
Don’t look now, but the Carolina Panthers are making noise-and they’re doing it with a roster full of rookies stepping up when it matters most.
First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan had been relatively quiet through his first few games, catching just five passes over three weeks. But in a pivotal 23-20 win over the Buccaneers that put Carolina in control of the NFC South, McMillan broke out with six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t just a stat-padding performance-it came in a big moment, against a division rival, with playoff implications on the line.
Still, McMillan isn’t getting ahead of himself. “I’m not going to sit here and act like I had a good game, because I didn’t,” he said postgame.
“I just got to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way.” That kind of mindset-humble, hungry, and locked in-is exactly what Carolina needs from its young core.
And McMillan’s not alone. The Panthers have gotten meaningful contributions from rookies all over the field: safety Lathan Ransom (4th round), edge rusher Nic Scourton (2nd round), tight end Mitchell Evans (5th round), and even undrafted kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. These aren’t just warm bodies filling roster spots-they're making plays, playing fast, and helping Carolina win games.
Head coach Dave Canales has leaned into the youth movement, and it’s paying off. “It’s why we play these guys,” Canales said.
“We live through the bumps along the road with young players, but at this time of year, they’re young, they’re strong… They looked fast. We had an aggressive style of play, so I’m really proud of those young guys coming through.”
The Panthers have now won three straight games-all by exactly three points. It’s been tight, it’s been gritty, and it’s been a little nerve-wracking at times.
But McMillan sees something in this team’s ability to close. “It’s a little too close for comfort sometimes,” he admitted.
“But for some reason, that’s where we thrive.” The next step?
Starting faster and playing with the same urgency from the opening whistle.
Tyler Shough Embracing the Long Road in New Orleans
For Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the path to the NFL wasn’t exactly a straight shot. After seven years in college and just over 30 games played, Shough arrived in New Orleans with more life experience than most rookies-and a deep appreciation for what it takes to stick around in this league.
“In college, I really only played 30-something games,” Shough said. “But I’ve seen a lot of different sides of the coin-being a backup, being a starter, having success, and dealing with failure.” That journey, filled with ups and downs, has helped shape his approach to the game and his mental toughness.
Shough started the season as a backup in New Orleans, managing the scout team-an often thankless job that doesn’t show up in box scores but can make or break a young quarterback’s development. “It was treated like the game,” he said.
“It’s often worse than the game because it’s the first-string defense. And I was kind of tearing it up.”
That experience, he says, was invaluable. It gave him confidence, helped him grow, and reinforced the importance of preparation.
“It goes back to preparation and not making it bigger than what it is,” Shough said. “Just going out and operating.”
As the Saints look toward the future, Shough’s maturity and mindset could give him a real shot to carve out a meaningful role. He’s not just another rookie trying to find his footing-he’s a player who’s already learned how to weather the storm.