September 15, 2020
Recap & Photo by Allison Smith
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke to 92.9 The Game’s Carl Dukes and Mike Bell Tuesday afternoon. They discussed the week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Quinn commented that in all 3 phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams), “We didn’t perform like we wanted to.” Specifically, on fourth downs on both sides of the ball, the results were not favorable for the Falcons and became deciding factors of the game. The Seahawks were 1 for 1 on 4th down – for a long touchdown, while the Falcons were 0 for 4, including a fumble.
Quinn did comment on the fumble specifically, noting that was the real game changer. “The look and opportunity was there” for the Falcons, unfortunately a Seattle defender got his hat on the ball and knocked it out. With 9:41 to go in the 3rd quarter, Seattle had extended their lead to 21/12 over the Falcons. On 4th down, the Falcons faked a punt, which led to the turnover, giving the Seahawks the ball on the Atlanta 36.
DQ thought that overall, the offensive line played well together. DQ noted that the short yardage game needs to be in order, have to be able to execute. “We have the right people, so needs to be executed better.” They rotated James Carpenter and rookie Matt Hennessy in at Guard. “Both had good points in the Seattle game,” and their rotation will continue until there is a stand out.
The run game started strong, but needed to continue, offensive balance, throughout the game. But once you get behind, the run game is difficult to keep up. DQ did comment that new addition, Todd Gurley, came out strong and is a very physical runner and will be featured going forward.
Defensively, “We have to create take-aways.” DQ always wants to win the take-away numbers, but this week there was the fake punt for a fumble and the end of the game INT, while forcing no turnovers. The defense “needs to give the offense a short field, or score on defense.”
Quinn also commented on the no call on the helmet to helmet hit by Jamal Adams on Russell Gage, Quinn talked to the officials at the time, while medical staff was gathering and looking at Gage. The referee with the best angle thought Adams turned his shoulder to the side, so no ‘head to head’ was determined. Gage’s head was down heading into the tackle, which was a disadvantage. It was determined that Adams tried to make a move at the end, so no call.
On the lack of fans in the stand, DQ said that it was definitely worthwhile to have scrimmages in Mercedes Benz Stadium before the season began. That way, the Falcons were use to the quiet and low rumble of the “crowd noise.” He noted that it was a very different experience because you could really hear players yelling at each other and other sideline noise. DQ said “It is great to be back playing and appreciate all the sacrifices of everyone to get to this state.”
The interview wrapped with Quinn noting that they learned from Sunday’s game and will evaluate what actions to take next. Before the game, “We didn’t know what the tackling would look like. Now we know all that pre-work worked and will focus on other things.” He was pleased with a “fantastic camp.” After ‘Tell the Truth Monday,’ the will get back to it and turn their focus on Wednesday to the next game, in Dallas, Texas.
Quinn ended with, “We have a hard-working team, with the mindset and energy we want, now to turn it into wins.”
#RiseUp
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