Ryan Howard has been a Braves nemesis like few others in recent years, and he unloaded on them again Sunday night with a couple of mighty swings that gave Philadelphia a series win at Turner Field. . . .

When Martin Prado had to be scratched from the lineup Sunday, his dizziness became a concern for Braves manager Bobby Cox, who already had center fielder Nate McLouth sidelined by a sore hamstring. . . .

In his first interview since being released from federal prison and conditionally reinstated in the NFL, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick admitted he didn’t stand up to his peers, talked about disappointing team owner Arthur Blank, and said he’d earned his fall from grace. . . .

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick speaks Sunday in an exclusive interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes. . . .

Unless their teams are defending champions, most coaches don’t like to be ranked No. 1 in preseason. . . .

In the aftermath of the Falcons’ shocking 27-26 loss to the Detroit Lions in the exhibition season opener, head coach Mike Smith was reserved. . . .

ATHENS - After the last scrimmage before school is back in session, tailback remains a three-man battle for the Georgia Bulldogs. . . .

DETROIT - The Falcons’ defense, already trying to fit all of the pieces together, suffered a couple of blows against the Lions on Saturday. . . .

DETROIT - The Falcons’ defense, already trying to fit all of the pieces together, suffered a couple of blows against the Lions on Saturday. . . .

DETROIT - Matthew Stafford, the former University of Georgia star, trotted onto the Ford Field playing surface with 6:31 left in the second quarter. . . .