Falcons on the road for week 1 | Rise Up Tonight

It's Thursday night in the A. You know what that means? Kelly Price and Tori Mhaney is coming at you on Rise Up tonight presented by AT&T. It >> is the season y'all. Even if the weather outside is frightful, like triple digits frightful, we are manifesting fall in a big way because football is back, my gal. Week one, baby. Let's get it. I am so excited. And we are in regular season form already. >> Indeed we are. Indeed we are. Oddly enough, this is the fourth time the Falcons and Steelers have opened their season against each other in the last decade plus. And they haven't beaten the Steelers in like 20 years. We've got a lot to get to. Let's huddle up about it, y'all. >> Let's huddle up with Kelly and Tori on the world of Falcons football. >> Michael Penn Jr. was medically cleared during the preseason and we didn't see him then. Michael Pennix Jr. is medically cleared now and we won't see him on Sunday. It's something a lot of folks have been kind of scratching their heads about, especially since there's been a fairly nebulous timeline for his return all off seasonason. I see both sides here. Pennix was really transparent, saying he really didn't feel like he was ready, something he really knew from his previous injury experience and perhaps rushing back in those instances. But then there's this vocal camp that says, shouldn't he be itching to get back on the field? Where is that dog in him? So Tori, where do you kind of fall on the spectrum of this debate? whether MPJ just needs to get out there and play or are you kind of giving him a little more grace to take that extra time. >> Look, we're talking about someone who is coming off of his third third knee surgery. [music] Y'all, I know everyone is comparing Michael Pennock's return to the timeline of Patrick Mahomes, who is expected to start in the [music] Chiefs Monday night game against the Broncos, despite his surgery not taking place until December of last year. But I don't actually think you can make that comparison fairly. [music] Not when Michael Pennix has been very open with us about this surgery and what it was, which was a little bit different procedure than he [music] experienced before. And again, it was his third like just in point blank period. [music] And Kelly, you and I have covered this game long enough to know there is a difference between being medically cleared and [music] being ready to play a full four quarters of NFL ball. Mike has said he needs more time and he's not at 100% yet. Let him take that time. Let him get to 100% [music] because the Falcons could be better for that decision. Yeah, that's a great point. So, that leaves us here. Tuo Tonga will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons at Pittsburgh. I'm sure you might have heard about that. We've talked about on this show his first impression for Falcons fans wasn't a good one, but Kevin Fans and company say they've had a different impression of Tua this off seasonason. What I found most interesting in my conversations with the Falcons this week, Bjan Robinson [music] said the talent around Tua should really give him confidence and that's what gives the rest of this team confidence in Tua in turn. And I asked Bjon if he felt like they kind of have some pressure on them to take pressure off Tua. He said absolutely quote everything's on us. And this offense should be effective if Tua can get the ball to the team's playmakers. But this game isn't played in theory. It's played on the field. So what are your realistic expectations for this Tualed offense? [music] I'm actually going to go back to something that you just talked about with what Bjon Robinson was talking about. I think it actually goes back to something that offensive coordinator Tommy Ree said a couple weeks ago before the final preseason [music] game in Miami, which is that quote, "When things are clean, Tua is as accurate as they get." He went on to say that he sees it as the coach's [music] job to stress to the other 10 guys around Tua to play with great detail and understanding so that quote things are clean and the Falcons are able to execute at a high level. So what Bjon's saying here, I actually think it's echoing [music] from what Tommy Ree said a couple weeks ago. >> That's interesting. So both these teams led by new head coaches, right? So what they're going to look like is a little bit of a guessing game, especially offensively. I talked to Xavier Watts about this actually yesterday. He said the only way you can really prepare is kind of watching old film of the new coaching staff, maybe some preseason, but mostly you just have to react and adjust once those bullets are live. And those bullets on Pittsburgh's offense will be coming from one Aaron Rogers. I think that's an accurate description, too, even as he's kind of on the back nine of his Hall of Famer career here at 43 [music] years old. And Tori, I wonder which facet of Pittsburgh's offense do you think is going to challenge the [music] Falcons defense the most? >> Great question. It has to be the pass game. In my opinion, this is one [music] of the biggest wide receiver groups the Falcons will face all year. And I I mean that in terms of sheer [music] size, like how tall they are, how big they are. The good news here is that AJ Terrell and DK Metaf have lined up against each other 62 times, which is the third most coverage matchups AJ has logged against any individual receiver [music] during his career. So, there's something to be said about that and the potential familiarity there. Still though, it's going to be a challenge if Aaron Rogers gets going in the ways that we've seen him do so in the past. And if the front struggles to get in the back field, everyone knows what Rogers can [music] do with time in the pocket. So, if he has it, that has the potential to stress the secondary versus an already strong receiver core. >> It's an interesting stat about AJ and DK. Well, as our country commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, this week, the Falcons also marked the occasion. will never forget with a special visit. Let's rise up for Atlanta. Brought to you by Truist Falcons. Matthew Bersron, Tyler Goodson, and Samson Ibukam visited Atlanta Fire Stations 1 and seven to meet some of the brave men that serve the local area as firefighters. And to honor them, as we all remember 911, they brought goodies like Falcons gear, tickets to the home opener against the Panthers, and they even got to step into these heroes shoes, testing the rough waters and learning all that goes into responding to an emergency. And this visit was a full circle moment, especially for Ibukam, who once thought this was going to be his future. >> Puts everything in perspective that there's things that's bigger than football, you feel me? And just being able to really impact and change lives in the way that they do, it's a little bit different than ours, you know? So just coming out here just messing with them uh with all the fire holes and stuff and just like just touching all the equipment. I'm like a little kid in the candy shop. >> As a quarterback, you're the leader of not only the team but the leader of this organization. What does that look like? How do you go about uh that on a day in and dayout type of basis? >> A franchise legend kicking off a front office career for the team he captained for so many years. I'm not talking about Matt Ryan. I'm talking about former Atlanta United goalie Brad Puzzan. He's talked a lot about that with Matty Ice. They have similar chapters. They're uh kind of kicking off here. You won't want to miss our conversation in the nest later in the show. >> And Atlanta turns the page from football to football officially [laughter] over some of the Falcons favorite World Cup moments. Question of the week is coming up next. >> Rise Up [music] Tonight is presented by AT&T and brought to you by Georgia Lottery. Today could be the day. By MercedesBenz, the best of nothing. And by Home Depot, how do get more done? Do you ever wonder what's really on your favorite player's mind? It's time for the question of the week. >> Yeah, we was in tune with it. Yeah, we definitely was in tune with it. >> Watching it uh live on TV, knowing that it's in your backyard is it it was really cool. Did you watch the World Cup this summer? >> Uh, no I did not. >> What? >> Favorite moment was Messi. >> Messi. Messi. [music] >> My favorite World Cup moment was the game I went to. Argentina. I think the quarterfinals. I thought Argentina was going to lose. They was going to kicked out. >> Hassan, BALL PLAY. >> I THINK THEY were down 2-1. [music] But Messi and them, they came back and beat him 3 to2. >> Oh, it's gone in. It's 22. And who else? [music] >> Lionel Messi. It >> was a really good guy. Yeah, it was it was crazy. I'm a big uh Messi fan. So, [music] that was a really cool moment to see. >> I enjoy all the Earling uh memes that been coming out lately, seeing him with his hair. >> And [music] I [singing] actually got intrigued with it. Uh, soccer and baseball. I feel like I'm more of a patient guy nowaday having a daughter. So, I'm able to just sit down and watch it. Feel like early on when I had no kid, it's [music] like, bro, I'm taking too long for things to happen. You know, being a football, something happens every 7 seconds, you know? So, [music] being in baseball and soccer, you got to have some patience and know that they going up and down. >> Not only was it sad to see the World Cup come to a close, but it was also sad to see Erling Holland literally cut his hair. Did you see that? >> I know. I'm upset about it. It doesn't make any sense to me. >> No, I don't understand that. All right, off week for the Falcons last week, but the retail department and creative teams were working overtime. We'll explain. We're walking in >> this just in, y'all. The Atlanta's Falcons 2026 Sunday's collection, it literally debuted tonight at a fabulous kickoff party at the Benz. And Tori, I got to say, they've done it again. The graphic tea with the stadium aerial especially. I love that one. >> No, I know. The bird's eyee view photo [music] series that our photo team has made a staple of their coverage the last few years has finally made its debut on [music] a graphic tee and I have never been happier. I actually hope that this is the first of many graphic TE's [music] with these type of photos on them. They can even do shots with our film series. That would be cool as well. >> I you got to lean into the fact that Mercedes-Benz Stadium is just the best aerial view. All right. Players often have pregame routines like having a fire pregame fit. But how do the Falcons wags get ready for the season? They decorate the house just like you would for any other season, right? We'll explain later in the show. Plus, don't miss Brad Gazan coming up next in the nest. Welcome back to Rise [music] Up tonight. Let's head in the nest with Kelly, Tori, and this week's special guest brought to you by MercedesBenz. really really excited about our [music] week one guest Brad Suzanne. I don't even think I need to introduce this man. Atlanta knows who you are. Thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate it. >> Thanks for having me. >> Yeah. So, obviously [music] crazy soccer here in Atlanta and across the United States. I know you got to go all over [music] and see so much of the World Cup. Are you a little surprised that it's over? Lowkey just a little. >> A little bit. [laughter] Yes. Uh also excited [music] by the fact that I I get a little bit of normaly back into my life and a little bit of a a schedule. [music] But yes, I I mean it was such an exciting summer in terms of the World Cup it itself, but then [music] the games were fantastic. The atmospheres were unbelievable and just the fan experience [music] I thought was was beautiful to see. And so, um, that part I'm I'm I'm longing for and and wanting that to come [music] back. But, uh, you know, obviously it was such a special summer for so many people for so many different reasons. And there was a a sliver of doubt and I was nervous [music] leading up to the start of the tournament just because you want it to be so special, so spectacular. And there's of course this hesitation that is it going to live up to the the world hype of what the World Cup is [music] in the US along with Mexico and Canada certainly delivered. And to see the [music] fan bases come together and celebrate before and after games, to see the FanFest here in Atlanta and and all that this city offered to the community, it was unbelievable. [music] And so for me, that is something that that I'm extremely proud of as a [music] member of the the host country, right? To be able to say, you know what, it was the biggest World Cup in the history of the competition and it was the biggest success throughout the the history of the World Cup. >> Yeah, I know. [music] It was it was awesome to be a part of. I've told a ton of people like I just don't know if I'm ever going to be a part of something like that ever again. It [music] was so incredible. Part of that community, obviously your people that you share the building with [music] are the Atlanta Falcons. And um I'm curious cuz I'm sure you've had so many action interactions [music] with guys throughout the years who wear that Falcons uniform. Who are some of your favorite that you've come across or maybe favorite memories watching [music] that team play? Yeah, I mean when you when you look at American football, you have such an appreciation for how they [music] put their body on the line day in and day out and then especially in in a game day setting, right? And >> [music] >> uh I talk about community and you know I've got four young kids uh a former uh [music] player uh iconic player for for Atlanta Falcons who who's now transitioned into the front office but Matt Ryan [music] and and you know he's got young kids and so we happen to be at the the same park where our kids play sports and you know all of a sudden I find myself going up against him [music] in flag football with six-year-old flag football. Uh but it's just it's it's those are those are cool [music] moments. Uh because ultimately as a former professional athlete, right, perfor [music] uh former professional soccer player, I'm also a dad. I'm also a husband. And and these guys as as professional football players, American football players, [music] they're just that as well. And so when I look at other athletes, whether it's American football, baseball, [music] basketball, soccer, uh there's a a sense of gratitude for what they sacrifice, how they sacrifice, and what they put into their craft to make it to the [music] highest level. >> Yeah, you guys can certainly understand each other at a level that nobody else really can. We got to get a camera out to whatever that little league game is to see who's who's coaching up who and how that kind of [music] looks like. That's very funny. I'm sure that you guys also like you guys have both gone from that uh player to now front office transition. I mean, have you talked with him about that and um you know, we're going to get into what that [music] looks like for you, but I'm I'm curious because that's something you guys are both navigating right now. >> Yeah, I mean, you know, I think when [music] you again, you look at professional sports and you look at athletes then kind of uh make that transition into the front office, right? [music] in whatever role that is, the, you know, former athletes have a a unique perspective on whether [music] it's the locker room, whether it's the team, whether it's the the collective, right? And, um, so being able to to [music] chat with him every now and then of of what he sees, what works for him, what doesn't. [music] Um, and and more so when he was a player, right? Because as a quarterback, you're the leader of not only the team, but the leader of this organization. What does that look like? how do you go about that on a day in and day out [music] type of basis? And so, um, being able to to, you know, chat to him and and and [music] have that experience is is phenomenal. And and again, I'm extremely fortunate because, um, there's not many cities [music] or organizations or professional clubs, whether it's two different sports being owned by the the same the same owner, [music] and now being able to collaborate on ideas and and different thought processes that that go into that front office role. Um uh I'm very lucky in that aspect. [music] >> So now in your current role as a adviser in club ambassador for Atlanta United, a what does that look like kind of dayto-day? And b, as I understand it, you [music] kind of like float in different departments, kind of see what's going on. I'm curious what maybe struck you by surprise [music] that you never realized from your playing days that now that you're on the business side of it, you're like, "Wow, [music] I had no idea about X, you know, when you're constructing an MLS roster." >> Yeah. I I think for me the the the club has been fantastic and and everyone there has been [music] welcoming and allowing me to learn and and as you mentioned I'm kind of floating doing 8 [music] to 10 week kind of cycles and rotations of understanding how the entirety of of the operation all comes together and how it [music] all works. And so for me, it's been really eye opening uh whether it's data analytics, whether it's our uh academy [music] director and and seeing how our academy works and what that looks like going from as an under 15 [music] player ultimately into our first team and that pathway. um understanding how player recruitment [music] and and and how do you acquire players and salary cap and uh the different tags that come with [music] certain types of players, designated player, uh TAM, under 22 [music] initiative, all these different types of uh tags that players in in Major League Soccer today have. Uh it's it's an interesting [music] league because there are so many little dynamics that are different than the rest of the world. [music] And so for me it's been really uh really great to see all the different departments [music] as well as then the community side as well as the [music] podcast whether that is in studio on the road talking to guests. [music] Um and I would say the thing that surprised me the most is the amount of emails that you get per per day uh from different work colleagues about visibility and and and all these things. So again, communication playing a huge part. >> Is there [music] uh some some corporate terms that you were like, "What does this mean?" That now you feel like you use a lot. >> I know. I feel like I know I'm not using them. I'm not using them. I now can understand when they're coming across via email. I'm like, "Okay, I know what that means. [laughter] I got it." >> And something that [music] you recently did, you were in the media match and you scored a goal. And my first thought was, when was the last time you scored a goal, right? That was [music] that was the first and maybe the last >> like I don't know like high school, college. >> I know. [music] I think you're going back to high school for sure. Uh but it was it was exciting to be a part of that and you know I was giving Greg Garza a [music] hard time because he he started the game as as he put himself into the team [music] from the from the get-go. Um I played the last four or five minutes understanding how hot it was that day. [music] Uh, and then yeah, the ball bounced out and put my foot through it and scored and had a nice little knee knee slide celebration. I was fortunate that that no [music] injuries occurred so that was a that was an added bonus. >> Oh, that was awesome. And I love the fact that they had like the playbyplay and like they like they did like halftime interviews. They really they [music] did it out like that was >> I was I was giving our announcers a hard time because in the in that broadcast [music] they said, "Oh, we're never going to hear the end of this." And I saw them then at, you know, a few days later Mercedes-Benz Stadium and it [music] was very much, oh gosh, what about that goal? What about that celebration? You know, they're like, once again, we knew we were never going to hear the end of this. [laughter] >> That's amazing. Well, thanks so much for [music] joining me, Brad. Really cool insight into what leadership looks like in in a locker room. Obviously, so many [music] Atlanta memories. Um, for everyone who wants to catch the full conversation, make sure you head to talkatlanta.com or stream it on Fox Local. We'll be right back on Rise Up tonight. Hey Atlanta, this is Head Crack talking and you're watching Rise Up tonight presented by AT&T. [music] >> [music] >> Shout out to Alli Nel, wife of Ryan Nel on Tik Tok. She is an absolute riot if you don't already follow her. But I am obsessed and I'm especially obsessed with like the offensive lineman with the little >> like wife and girlfriend heads. >> This is actually the fall decor that I've been meaning to [laughter] get this right here. >> I absolutely love it. So, a little bit more time here, Tori. What's kind of the X factor for this week for you? >> Well, you talked about a little off the top. It's actually really interesting because Kevin Spansy talked to us a lot about not really knowing exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be this year. You know, new head coach, new coaching staff all the way around. Aaron Rogers coming back, but a lot of new faces. And so, you can go to many different locations to pull film from based on the history of this team. And so, it's going to be very interesting to see who comes out this Sunday. >> Yeah. But you don't really know what exactly it's going to look like. Well, thanks for staying up late with us here on a Thursday night for Tory Mhaney. I'm Kelly Price. Good night. Happy week one, everyone. [music]