rise," Pierce said in an interview from rise," Pierce said in an interview from

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- A.J. Hawks passion for working out could have him in position to make a quick impact with the Atlanta Falcons, who badly need help at linebacker.Hawk said he never stopped working out after being released by Cincinnati in April and would have continued his routine even if there was no chance of extending his career.I never really stopped doing anything, Hawk said. Whether or not a team called, I was going to be ready. I enjoy working out.The Falcons signed Hawk, 32, on Tuesday. The team hopes he can draw upon his 10 years in the NFL, including nine with Green Bay, and be ready to play in Sundays game at Denver.Thats a short time to pick up a defensive scheme. Hawk insisted its not an unrealistic request.Why not? Hawk asked Thursday before his second practice with the team. Everyone here is a football player. Its what we do. Its what Ive done since I was in the second grade.Hawk said Atlanta has a good scheme to learn quickly.The great thing they do here, especially defensively, is they dont over-complicate things, he said. They have their defense and they try to perfect it. They tweak things here and there and make sure theyre doing the right things, playing fast and playing hard. I respect that. I think thats the best thing about this whole team.The Falcons need help at linebacker following a spree of injuries.Atlanta veteran Sean Weatherspoon was placed on injured reserve with an Achilles tendon injury he suffered in last weeks win over Carolina. Rookie starter Deion Jones left the game with an ankle injury.Another rookie, DeVondre Campbell, was held out last week with an ankle injury. Paul Worrilow, a former starter who had been playing behind Jones, also missed the game with a groin injury.Coach Dan Quinn said Hawk is looking like a good fit.We were very pleased on his first day, Quinn said before Thursdays practice, adding that Hawks understanding of the Falcons coverages totally came across.Its not going to be an extensive package for him. We want to make sure that the things he does know he can really fly and let his football playing ability take over as opposed to too many checks.Jones, Campbell, 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley Jr., a linebacker-defensive end, and 2016 first-rounder Keanu Neal, a safety, have provided more speed and athleticism to the defense. The high-scoring offense has earned the headlines as the Falcons (3-1) have taken the NFC South lead. Quinn is counting on more big plays from the defense in the future.Hawk said he had been following the Falcons from his home in Columbus, Ohio, even before he was called this week.I definitely knew I wouldnt have left Ohio for a team that looked like they werent going to win or wasnt on a winning path, he said. I had only heard great things about Atlanta, even before they started out 3-1. It just turned out that I was lucky they were the one that called.LaRoy Reynolds likely would start at weakside linebacker if Jones and Worrilow cant play. Philip Wheeler is the backup for Campbell.Campbell, Jones and Worrilow were held out on Wednesday and Thursday.The Falcons initially said Jones had a calf injury. Quinn said the pain moved around a little to Jones ankle.Quinn said the new description of the injury is not more of a concern.---AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Air Force 1 n7 . The defence is doing its part, too. Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and the guys on the other side made sure that was enough, sending the Saints to a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. Air Force 1 Alte 07 http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/scontate-sf-air-force-1-mid-bianche.html . After a first half in which he thought "the lid was on the basket," the Toronto Raptors coach watched his squad mount a second half surge to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-91. Air Force 1 Alte Bianche Italia . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. Air Force 1 Outlet Italia . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Reserve defensive back Darrell Miller Jr. has left Tennessees football team.Tennessee athletic department spokesman Ryan Robinson confirmed Millers exit Wednesday. Miller tweeted earlier in the day that I want to thank the University of Tennessee & the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play at such a prestigious program. I wish nothing but the best to my teammattes and the coaching staff.ddddddddddddMiller played five games in a reserve role at cornerback last season.The sophomore from Cedar Hill, Texas, was regarded as a consensus three-star recruit when he signed with Tennessee.---AP college website: collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '