Reeves calls on rookie QB Graziani to start Web-posted 10/25/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Though undersized for a pro-style quarterback at 6-2, 195 pounds, Tony Graziani earned a reputation as a tough playmaker while at the University of Oregon.

NFL matchups Web-posted 10/25/97   The Carolina Panthers got well with 13-0 victory over Saints last week, but these are two struggling teams. The Atlanta Falcons' best hope for road upset is to run against NFL's No. 26 rushing defense

Chandler returns to practice Web-posted 10/24/97   SUWANEE, Ga. -- Chris Chandler returned to practice Friday and, barring further headaches, will dress as the Atlanta Falcons' No. 2 quarterback Sunday night at Carolina, coach Dan Reeves said.

Panthers having tough season Web-posted 10/23/97   ATLANTA -- The Carolina Panthers made winning look easy in just their second season last year. They swept the mighty San Francisco 49ers en route to the NFC West title, beat the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs and played Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game.

Walker is Cowboys' rescue man Web-posted 10/23/97   IRVING, Texas -- Herschel Walker keeps saving the Dallas Cowboys. Someday he'd like to have a Super Bowl ring to show for all his hard work.

Biakabutuka to make first start of '97 at halfback Web-posted 10/22/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tshimanga Biakabutuka took another step forward in his recovery from major knee surgery when the Carolina Panthers, struggling to rush the ball recently, promoted him to starting halfback Wednesday.

Carolina hasn't forgotten Smith's hit on Collins Web-posted 10/22/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Atlanta's Chuck Smith will be a marked man Sunday when the Falcons play Carolina, and not because he leads the NFL in sacks. The Panthers still have issues with Smith's hit that injured Kerry Collins.

While Reeves and Falcons struggle, Giants are first-place team Web-posted 10/22/97   SUWANEE, Ga. -- While his former team has been one of the biggest surprises in the first half of the NFL season, Dan Reeves is stuck in Atlanta with the last-place Falcons.

Falcons may start rookie Sunday Web-posted 10/22/97   SUWANEE, Ga. -- Increasingly frustrated with Chris Chandler's susceptibility to injury, Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves appeared ready Wednesday to turn to rookie Tony Graziani for Sunday night's game at Carolina.