After Sunday’s victory over the Carolina Panthers Womens Andy Levitre Jersey , I had a chance to speak with RB Ito Smith and RG Brandon Fusco. Both are new additions to the Falcons for the 2018 season, and Sunday marked their first ever regular season game—and win—in Atlanta. I asked each of them about their transition to a new team, what it was like to play in front of the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and also tried to get a little information about their personal life—hobbies, musical tastes, and such—in order to give fans a more complete picture of who they were as people. Read on for their responses.Before Sunday’s game, I had a chance to speak with Brandon Fusco’s family. His mother and father confirmed that their last name is pronounced FUSS-CO, not FOOS-CO. That will be very helpful on The Falcoholic Live going forward. They also introduced me to Fusco’s college coach from Slippery Rock, who was finally getting to see Fusco play in the NFL for the first time. They were very nice people who spent a lot of time talking to me, and served as a great reminder that despite many of us only seeing NFL players as football robots, they are far from that. NFL players have families that care about them and they are people Youth Brian Poole Jersey , first and foremost. For me personally, I’m going to try to remember that more clearly going forward.Also, Fusco’s dad told me to be sure to lampoon our own Cory Woodroof for using the wrong PFF stats in an article about Fusco. So, take that Cory!Now, on to Brandon Fusco himself. The 8-year NFL player spent time with the Minnesota Vikings—who he was drafted by in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft—and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Falcons this offseason. Fusco won the competition between himself and third-year G Wes Schweitzer for the starting RG position in training camp.I first asked Fusco about what it was like to play in front of his family and coach for the first time in Atlanta.Next, I asked Fusco what it was like to transition from Shanahan’s offense in San Francisco to Sarkisian’s offense here in Atlanta, and if there were any adjustments he had to make in training camp.Finally, I asked Fusco if there were any hobbies or interests that he could share with fans to help us get to know him a little better.This is a man after my own heart. I know he’ll love the restaurant scene in Atlanta. Fusco and his family expressed a lot of excitement about being part of the Falcons brotherhood, and we’re all excited to have them here too.Next, I was able to speak with rookie RB Ito Smith. The first-year player was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Southern Miss. Smith won the RB3 job in training camp, beating out Malik Williams and Justin Crawford. With Devonta Freeman sidelined on Sunday Youth Takkarist McKinley Jersey , Smith became the de-facto RB2 and looked quite good with the starters.First off, I welcomed Smith to Atlanta and asked him what it was like to take his first significant regular season NFL carries with the Falcons.Next, I asked Smith what it was like to go out there and get his first ever NFL victory in front of the fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Finally, I asked Smith the same question I asked Fusco: any hobbies or interesting things about you that you’d like to share with the fans?This man eats, sleeps, chills, and plays football. That is determination, and not at all a bad attitude to have for an NFL rookie. Maybe Fusco and the guys can take him out to some restaurants, too.I came away from speaking with both of these new additions very impressed. Both Fusco and Ito Smith are very excited to be in Atlanta, and looked like they were having a great time enjoying their first ever victory as Falcons. Let’s hope we can watch them achieve even more in the coming weeks. Welcome to the Brotherhood, Brandon and Ito.Falcons-Eagles post-game injury report: Keanu Neal suffers knee injury Youth Calvin Ridley Jersey , is knocked out of game The Atlanta Falcons played a sloppy game tonight and couldn’t pull off the win. The ending was eerily similar to what we witnessed in the playoffs last season. We’ll have 10 long days to break down the loss and furiously smash the panic button. But there were lots of injuries worth mentioning tonight. So let’s break ‘em down! Keanu Neal went down in the second quarter with what appeared to be a knee injury. He was defending Zach Ertz and seemingly misstepped, tweaking his knee. It was a non-contact injury; he fell to the ground, got some attention from the trainers, and went into the medical tent. Damontae Kazee replaced him but a few plays later, Neal had his helmet back on, ready to get reenter the game. Here’s where we enter a gray area. He was back in the game before the end of the second quarter. Neal subsequently re-aggravated that injury early in the second half and was ruled out. Why’d they put him back in the game? That’s a question that will need to be answered in the days ahead. Vic Beasley took a hit to the head late in the first half and underwent a concussion evaluation on the sideline. He ultimately came back into the game. The third quarter got real messy. Takk McKinley went down with what looked to be a left knee or leg injury. (He was pointing at the area under his left knee while the trainers evaluated him.) He returned but seemed to re-aggravate the same injury late in the fourth quarter. A couple plays later Desmond Trufant went down with what appeared to be cramping. Het got an IV and came back into the game. Deion Jones landed awkwardly while pursuing the ball carrier a few plays later. He had trouble standing and was forced to sit out a play, notwithstanding his attempts to stay in. Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman sustained knee injuries in the second half. Freeman was seen walking back and forth on the sideline, favoring his right knee. He earned a questionable designation. Hooper took a direct hit to his knee after a big reception. He too wanted to stay in the game but they subbed him out. Lots of injuries to keep an eye on. Neal’s appears to be the most serious. I’d be shocked if you’re in a good mood reading this. Keep your heads up, Falcoholics.