Interim Head Coach Raheem Morris joined Dukes and Bell for the Coach’s Show on 92.9 The Game. This is the weekly recap and interview by CarlDukesand MikeBell.
This being Morris’ first Coach’s Show, Dukes and Bell welcomed him and congratulated him on his first win.
Morris was nothing but complimentary on Dan Quinnand his choices and opportunities along the way. Morris said that “The Brotherhood” that started with Quinn “is big and has real meaning behind it, but the Dirty Bird – is part of our history” in reference to comments he made after the game Sunday. Morris referenced Chris Chandler, RayBuchanan, OJ Santiago and that 1998 team coming out of nowhere and ending with a record of 14-2. Someone has to be the best, Morris said, “Why Not Us?” This is when I lost it.
Dang you, Raheem – I got chills and teared up a little…..now I am back all in for the 11-0 season.
Morris started his review of the game by starting….at the beginning. The interception at the beginning of the game was the kick start. It was what they talked about all week. Get the ball, score. And they did. Within 6 plays, MattRyan found, JulioJones, who Morris called, “The best player on the planet.” Morris’ second highlight was the goal line stance that the defense put on. “Force your will” on the opponent. Then seeing Ricardo Allen jumping in the air and celebrating, brings life to all facets of the team.
Commenting on Clemson rookie AJ Terrell, “He came in ready out of the box.” In training camp, he was challenging the wide outs. Sunday, Terrell lead the game in tackles. Morris expects big things out of Terrell through the rest of the year.
Asked about the change from the first 5 weeks, Morris said that “These guys are pros with pro mentalities.” He continued to not take credit himself, Morris said that the Falcons have a big coaching staff and that the guys want to come out and show out. The team played like they practiced this week. DanteFowlersaid during the week that, “Coach is making us uncomfortable.” To that, Morris said, “Really just about practice, how we want to go and finish in practice. The games aren’t going to be comfortable, so who is going to step up at the time that is needed?”
Asked if there was any additional pressure on Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter? Morris has known and been in the league a long time with Koetter, watching him at different teams. Morris knows how Koetter goes about his process, how detailed he is, how involved he is, and has full confidence in Koetter. Morris said, “There is pressure on all of us.”
The team will continue to lay out the plan on Saturday’s, how they want to play on Sunday. Whether aggressive or conservative, the how and the mood. That is how the 4th and 1 play turned into a long touchdown to Hayden Hurst. The vibe for last week was aggressive…..forcing the Falcons will onto the Vikings.
Morris is excited to use ToddGurley as much as they can. “He is a great guy, a Georgia bulldog and looking forward to playing in front of fans again this weekend.”
Wise words from Morris, he is “Living in the moment” and not worrying or thinking about the changes or drama or future, just planning for next week. A 1-0 mentality each week.
Overall, “Our job is to score then get the ball back.”
The Atlanta Falcons are in their all white uniforms today in Minnesota. Julio Jones is back from his hamstring injury. Inactives include TakkMcKinley and JaylinnHawkins due to injury, and JordanMiller, QadreeOllison, and JohnWetzel. Note that JohnCominsky and MarlonDavidson are on the COVID reserve list.
“Interim” Head Coach Raheem Morris makes his debut today leading the Atlanta Falcons into Minnesota. Morris made a few staffing changes after being named the HC of the Falcons and will not continue his Defensive Coordinator role.
YounghoeKoo kicks off to start the game with a return to the 24.
KirkCousins fakes the handoff and throws to…..DEIONJONES. After a 17-yard return, the Falcons offense will take the field at the Minnesota 29.
A handoff to ToddGurley for 9 yards to start, then Gurley gets the first down on the next play. From the 19, MattRyan tosses back to Gurley, who is stopped by CamDantzler for a 4-yard loss. On 2nd down, Ryan looks down the field but tosses to Gurley for a 3-yard gain, still 11 yards to go for the first down. Ryan finds an open Julio Jones in the end zone for a quick score.
With 12:02 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 7/0.
Koo to kickoff again, a big return across the 25.
Cousins is under center, fakes the handoff, is nearly sacked, but dumps it to Justin Jefferson who is stopped, hard, behind the line by AJ Terrell. On 2nd and 12, it is a handoff by Alexander Mattison who is stopped after 7 yards. Terrell makes the stop again forcing the 4th down.
The Falcons begin on their own 14, with another handoff to Gurley for a 6-yard gain. On 2nd and 4, Ryan from the shotgun, confuses Gurley who is called for a false start. He leaves the field and on 2nd and 9, Ryan is pressured, finds Jones short, who turns the gain into a 23-yard gain. Russell Gage and Jake Matthews opening up a hole for Jones on the left side. Next, CalvinRidley gains 8 yards as a running back along the left side. Near midfield, on 2nd and 2, Ryan hands to Gurley who is stuffed in the backfield again. On 3rd and 3, Ryan drops back and finds Hayden Hurst across midfield for an 8-yard gain and first down. A play fake yields an incomplete pass by Ryan. Ryan changes the play at the line, then scrambles and runs for 5 yards along the right sideline. On 3rd and 5, Gurley forces through for 4 yards. The offense stays on the field for a 4th and 1 at the 33. Gurley goes straight ahead for several yards and another first down. A short pass to a sliding Ridley for 5 yards. Under center, Ryan changes the play several times, then tosses back to Brian Hill for no gain. On 3rd and 7, Hill gains a single yard and the Falcons are forced to kick a 50-yard field goal.
With 3:12 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10/0.
Mattison gets the first call of this series where he meets Keanu Neal for a massive hit and 3-yard loss. Cousins passes to Mattison near the line of scrimmage and the Vikings have a 3rd and 9. Cousin drops back, under pressure throws short of the receiver with D Jones in coverage and the ball falls incomplete. Terrell’s tight coverage down the field closes off that option. The Vikings punt to Brandon Powell.
From the 45, Ryan rolls right and finds Russell Gage for a 19-yard reception. Another play action pass to Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain. On 2nd and 7, Ryan, from the shotgun, hands to Hill who has a good run, but the ball comes flying out and is recovered by the Vikings.
The Vikings take over at their own 24. Cousins fakes and throws long to wide open Irv Smith with Neal in coverage. A 36-yard reception to end the quarter.
The end of the first quarter has Minnesota driving, but still down 10/0.
Mattison gains a single yard to start quarter. Cousins hits Kyle Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, to the Falcons 20. Cousins finds Jefferson near the end zone for a first down. From the 3 1/2, Mattison gets the ball and meets Foye Oluokun quickly at the line. On 2nd down, back to Mattison up the middle where he is stopped by the defense at the 1. Cousin fakes to Mike Boone, a pass to Smith and Jones knocks the ball out at the goal line. On 4th down, a quick snap goes to Boone and Dante Fowler sniffs it out and slows him down, while Neal and Grady Jarrett make the stop.
You Shall Not Pass….Keanu Neal and Grady Jarrett stop Mike Boone at the goal line on 4th down. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Starting on their own 2, Gurley moves the Falcons out to the 5. Gurley gets a first down on the next run, along the right side. Gurley gets the toss play and steps out of bounds for a 3-yard loss. On 2nd and 13, Ryan throws the ball short to Gurley. The flag on the play is for a personal foul for a player lowering his head, so a freebie first down and move out to the 30. On first down, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Ridley who spins his way near midfield. Ridley makes a cut and change of direction before the catch to completely get open from the defender. Ryan scrambles around after a fake to Smith, then falls down to end the play. On 2nd and 14, Ryan is sacked. Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are blown through for the sack. Third and 17, Ryan is under great pressure and throws into the dirt.
SterlingHofrichter punts to the 15-yard line.
Rookie AJ Terrell Makes Remarkable and His First Interception of the Season – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Cousins hands to Mattison who finds room along the left side for a 16-yard gain. Cousins cannot find anyone downfield, he runs toward the sideline, getting knocked by Neal as he lets go of the ball. Next is another handoff to Mattison for a short gain. On 3rd and 9, Cousins finds AJ TERRELL, for his first INT of his rookie season. A low ball, Terrell left his guy, caught the ball between his legs, rolled up to maintain possession. Falcons ball at the 40.
With 5:46 to go to the half, Ryan hands to Gurley for a couple of yards. Ridley makes the short reception, makes a man miss, twirls and makes another first down as he heads out of bounds. Seeing something he didn’t like, Ryan calls a time out. From the 24, Ryan finds Ridley at the first down marker, but had to come back to escape a tackle and ended with a 9-yard gain. From the Vikings 15, Ryan hands to Gurley who is dropped in the backfield for a loss. Keith Smith let the defender by. From the shotgun, Ryan finds Jones who gets the first down, right at the marker. Ryan finds Jones on the sideline for a quick 5 yards.
After the 2-minute warning, Ryan finds Ridley at the 7, who then zooms in for the touchdown!
Koo’s successful extra point extends the Falcons lead just under 2 minutes til half time to 17/0.
Cousins scrambles and finally finds Adam Thielen for a first down. Rudolph makes the next reception for 9-yard gain. Then a quick rush for a first down to the left, stopped by Oluokun at midfield. From the shotgun, Cousins reception is complete, but the play is negated by an offsides penalty. 1st and 5, Cousins finds….FOYE OLUOKUN this time. With Jarrett inches away from the sack, JacobTuioti-Mariner tips the ball that falls into Oluokun’s hands.
At midfield, Ryan finds Hill along the sideline for a 3-yard gain. Ryan’s ball is deflected by the defender draping Jones, but the ball falls incomplete. On 3rd and 7, Ryan finds Gage, who leaps over defenders to gain another few yards. Gage makes the next reception and runs out of bounds after another 4-yard gain. Hill gains 3 yards before the Falcons call a time out. On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Ito Smith 2-yards away, who then turns it into a 17-yard gain and almost a touchdown. Ryan throws out of the end zone, then a run by Hill up the middle. The Falcons take their final time out with 4 seconds to go and Koo adds another 3 on a 21-yard field goal.
With 1 second to go, the Vikings run a play, stopped by Terrell….and the whole Falcons line.
Halftime: Falcons 20 Vikings 0.
Powell takes the ball out of the end zone, loses the ball, but rookie Mykal Walker recovers the fumble. Ryan starts at the 16 with a change of play and move into the shotgun. He finds Olamide Zaccheaus upfield, who cannot hold on due to a hard hit by the defender. Ryan fakes to Ito Smith, then finds Ridley near the sideline for 7 yards. On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Gage at midfield for a big 27-yard gain. At the 50, Ryan drops back and throws across the field toward Ridley, but too short. On 2nd down, Ryan finds Jones for a 5-yard reception, Jones forces 2 more. On 3rd and 3, Ryan throws over the middle to Hurst, who makes the first down, but then takes a seat on the field after being flipped over. Fake the toss and Ryan throws across the field to Powell for no gain….but there is a flag on the defense, moving the Falcons up and another first down. From the 32, Gurley runs for 4 yards to the right. Changing the play at the line again, Ryan is pressured and throws way out of bounds over Ridley. A third and six is thrown out of bounds, out of the reach of Christian Blake. Koo kicks a 47-yard field goal.
With 10:45 to go in the 3rd, Falcons lead 23/0.
The Vikings throw to Jefferson for a 35-yard gain with Kendall Sheffield in coverage, just a couple steps too far away. Cousins finds wide open Rudolph for a 9-yard gain, with an illegal hands to face by Atlanta, which is accepted for a 1st and 5. Mattison tries to go up the middle, but Jones is there to stop for an 11 yard loss. The reception is made for a short gain, but Walker is there for a big tackle immediately. The offense is called for holding, which back them up farther. On 2nd and 24, the Vikings at midfield, Cousins hits Jefferson for 19 yards. On 3rd and 5, Cousins finds Jefferson along the sideline with tight coverage by Sheffield. From the 22, Cousins bootlegs out, is rocked by Jones as he releases the ball that goes out of the back of the end zone. On 2nd down, Cousins drops back, throws up to Boone who is dropped at the 16 by Isaiah Oliver. On 3rd and 4, Cousins throws out of the end zone again. The Vikings offense lines up on 4th down. Cousins finds Smith over the middle, at the first down marker. Tackled by Jones. From the Falcons 11, Cousins rifles one to Jefferson that Terrell takes down, but in the end zone for their first score of the game.
With 6:25 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons still up, 23/7.
Powell brings the kickoff out again, this time maintaining possession and up to the 30-yard line. Ryan hands to Hill for a 5-yard gain. Hill again, up the middle for a first down. Ito Smith goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2nd and 6, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Jones along the sideline for 7 yards. Gurley in for the play fake, but nothing is open so Ryan throws it at his feet. On 2nd and 10, Ryan pumps then runs for an 8-yard run. Gurley gets the call, but is stopped behind the line.
Julio Jones – You Can’t Touch This, Photo Courtesy of Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons
On 4th and 3 at the 40, Ryan takes the high snap, scrambles ands starts to run, then comes back behind the line of scrimmage, finds Jones at the 29. Jones stiff arms the defender, then runs along the sideline for the touchdown. In the end zone, for the 2nd time today, salutes the Atlanta Braves with the “Mix it up” sign.
With 2:01 to go in the 3rd, the Falcons extend their lead 30/7.
From their 20, Cousins drops back, but is met by Allen Bailey for a 10-yard loss and sack with Jarrett right behind him. On 2nd and 20, Cousins can’t find Mattison as he was tightly covered by Oluokun. On 3rd and 20 from the 15, Cousins finds Jefferson at the 25, but stopping him there are Oluokun and Oliver. Another punt and no return.
Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 2-yard game before the quarter ends.
Fourth quarter begins with the Falcons driving and leading 30/7.
On 2nd and 8 from their own 30, Ryan hands to Gurley for another 4 yards. Ryan finds Gurley short of the first down marker, but Gurley turns it into a 14-yard gain and first down. Near midfield, Ryan hands to Gurley again for a couple yard gain. Another 6 yards for Gurley, forcing a 3rd and 1. From the backfield, Gurley gets the handoff but stopped way behind the line for a loss of 2 yards. On 4th and 3, Hofrichter comes on to punt, but there is a false start by Tuioti-Mariner, moving the Falcons back to 4th and 8. The punt goes to the 25.
Cousins is hit by Bailey as he throws out of bounds. Fowler was coming behind him as well. Mattison is knocked down by Bailey as he goes up the middle. On 3rd and 6, Cousins has his pass batted down by Oliver, out of the hands of the receiver. Another Vikings punt taken by Powell at the 21 and returned to the 33.
Ryan opens it up and finds Jones for a 31-yard gain. One on one Dantzler and Jones – Jones always winning that one. Hill gets the handoff, but cannot gain any yards behind the left side. Ryan drops back and finds Hurst for 8 yards along the sideline. On 3rd and 2, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands to Gurley who finds the first down up the middle of the line. Zaccheaus is headed downfield while Ryan is throwing short for an incompletion. Blake is in motion and makes the reception for 5 yards. On 3rd and 5, after some scrambling, Ryan is sacked. The Falcons kick another field goal of 43 yards.
With 7:16 to go in the game, the Falcons extend their lead 33/7.
After the kickoff, the Vikings start at their own 25. Cousins finds Jefferson who is in the arms of the Oliver, but gains the 17-yard first down. Cousins finds Johnson, but a flag on the play by Sheffield moves the ball up and a first down. Amir Abdullah makes the reception, but falls just past the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 9, Cousins hits Smith for a 2 yard gain, stopped by Neal. Then, Thielen makes a 35-yard reception as he was blanketed by Terrell. From the 15, Cousins finds Beebe who is WWE slammed down by Jones. From the 6, Cousins throws to Rudolph just inside the end zone, but the ball hits the ground first. Abdullah gets the first down up the middle. From the 2, Cousins finds Thielen in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown, escaping the coverage of Jones. In for the 2-point conversion, Smith easily runs through the left side.
With 3:58 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 33/15. The onsides kick goes directly to Deion Jones and the Falcons take over the ball as the Minnesota 44. Ryan gives to Hill, who is stopped near the line, but then drags tacklers for a 9-yard gain. Hill gets no yards on the next attempt. On the 3rd and 1, Hill gets the call again along the left side and doesn’t gain the first down. Minnesota takes a time out. On 4th down, a fake to Hill, Hurst is wide open on the left sideline at the 30, with Zaccheaus taking on 3 defenders to keep him open. Hurst in for the touchdown.
Uncovered Hayden Hurst in for the 30-Yard Touchdown – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Beginning on their own 22, Cousins connects with Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, in the arms of Neal.
2:00 Warning: Falcons 33 Vikings 15 at their own 39. On first down, Cousins drops back, up to Smith across the 50 for a 13-yard gain. Jefferson escapes Sheffield for the 49-yard touchdown. They add the 2-point conversion.
With 1:26 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 40/23.
Another onsides kick, this time, similar to the INT’s to the Falcons, 2nd onsides kick goes to AJ Terrell.
From the 49, Ito Smith goes 4 yards. Ryan takes a knee and the clock runs out…..with a Falcons WIN.
Unfortunately, there are at least 4 quarters to play. The Falcons had NO penalties in the first 3 quarters, then 7, costly, penalties in the final quarter of the game for 75 yards. Similar to the Super Bowl year, similar to last week, and similar to many other games we have suffered through over the years, the Falcons can’t play a full 4 quarters of ball. In the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons have blown leads of 25, 20, 17 twice, and 16. For a forever Falcon fan, it is long suffering, but 5 of the 13 biggest leads have been blown in last 5 years. As you know, the 20 and 16 leads are back to back the last two weeks.
Everyone is accountable for their own performance. Whether prep work, education, coaching, play calling, or player execution.
With a 16 point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons ran through three possessions, all of which were 3 and Outs, taking a TOTAL of 2 ½ minutes off the clock. The final possession was 3 ill-fated passes that took 22 seconds, with 2 of their best 3 receivers unavailable. Who didn’t know the ball was only going to Calvin Ridley? Chicago didn’t even have to take a time out at any time to save time for their comeback. Someone needs to have the responsibility to look at clock and the score and make opposing team use their time outs. As a coaching staff, you cannot run a much depleted defense back out on the field after a minute or less off the field. Instead of running time off the clock with the much touted run game, you put the defense back on the field. They have not proven able to stop in clutch situations, they started the game with a depleted staff due to injuries and just lost two more. The running backs were averaging 5.8 yards. Use what is working and eat up the clock. If the Falcons didn’t learn that in 2016, I guess they never will.
As bad as the defense had been in completing a full game especially in clutch situations, what has the offense done with turnovers or short fields?
Against the Bears, Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepts Mitch Trubisky at the Bears’ 19, Falcons get a field goal. Bears are intercepted in the end zone, 5 plays later the Falcons punt. Bears, 4th and 17, Falcons get the ball and 3 plays later punt.
The Falcons cannot stop a team or score WHEN THEY NEED TO. In both 2-minute drives before halftime, the Falcons failed to get any points. Very conservative play calling to have the offensive weapons that the Falcons have. Everybody knows, the Falcons run on first down, get a few yards, then pass it the rest of the time. EVERYBODY knows that. That was seen in many of the 3 and outs on the day, and certainly near the end of the game.
The defense did seem to communicate and tackle better overall Sunday. On 3rd downs, the defense got off the field more or forced 4th downs that were unsuccessful. But with Ricardo Allen missing, you could see some assignment confusion and lack of leadership on the field. Rookie Mykal Walker stepped in and up to lead the team with 8 tackles, 1 for loss and a QB hit. Keanu Neal also had 8 tackles with 1.5 for loss, Isaiah Oliver and Deion Jones had 7 tackles a piece. Darqueze Dennard had 6 tackles, 2 passes defended and a crucial interception. This week, many defenders were rookie starters and others just off of the practice squad.
The defense gave up a 45-yard run by Trubisky. Oliver got turned around on the easiest wide receiver coverages in the NFL. On a 2nd and 6, the Bears scored a 35-yard touchdown because Oliver cannot make the tackle. He dropped or missed two interceptions. On a 3rd and 8, another explosive play, a 29-yard touchdown to Anthony Miller. The defense nearly gave up a touchdown on the 2nd of the exact same play back to back in the end zone. Jimmy Graham and Miller ran the same route, the first time Oliver was in position and tips the ball, then Neal is in coverage and Miller caught the touchdown, but after review it was determined he didn’t have possession as he hit the ground. Good luck.
Does the defense have the right guys on the team? From the first 3 games it doesn’t look like it. The Falcons have the worst red zone defense in the NFL. In their 12 defenses of/in the red zone, 11 turned into touchdowns and one a field goal.
The offense looked good early as well, Ridley was targeted 13 times and caught 5 for 110 yards, most of those misses were on Ryan, not Ridley. Olamide Zaccheaus had 4 receptions for 41 yards, and returner Brandon Powell stepped in and had 3 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards. Russell Gage went out early after his 2nd reception, totally 26 yards. Brian Hill had a single reception for 22 yards and 9 rushes for 58 yards and that long 35-yard touchdown run. Todd Gurley had 14 carries of 80 yards.
If Gurley cannot go more, then the Falcons need another solution (there are 3 other RBs on the roster), if he can, then use him. The run game started very positive with 144 rushing yards, Gurley was finally making people miss – broke out for 16-yard run and made 2 defenders miss on his touchdown run. Hill definitely made some defenders miss on a couple of nice runs, including his touchdown. If Gurley is supposed to be a weapon as a rushing receiver, Ryan needs to throw to him more than once a game.
It is the little details and focus. On a 3rd and 5, Hill cannot hold onto the football, likely if he caught it, Hill was making a big gain, if not a touchdown. Certainly, it keeps the drive alive. On both 2-minute drives near the end of the half, no points scored and Ryan missed Ridley. Of course, the costly, possibly game winning interception near the end of the game. On a 3rd and goal from the 4, with the Bears in man to man coverage, they brought cover zero and Ryan gets sacked, moving them so far back, they settled for a field goal. This was a nice 12 play drive for 53 yards before half. Ryan may have put up big numbers, but he did not have an overly good game. The 4th quarter begins and Ryan has his pass batted down at the line. The Falcons sideline called a timeout. Back to the 3rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30. It is 4th and 11. Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left. How do you have a time out and still get sacked? Then the Koo miss.
Now declining is the 3rd down offense. The Falcons were 4 for 13 on 3rd down conversions. Anything that did go well last week, was bad again this week. Too many times the Bears were in man coverage and the Falcons made no adjustments. That is on the coaching.
Special Teams didn’t have a complete melt down, but Koo missed and early extra point and a manageable field goal. The Falcons lost by 4 points.
Guys cannot make plays when their number is called, is the defense even staffed correctly? You have to make the play when the play present themselves. Win your one on one match up. Wreh-Wilson, Dennard, Ridley did. Not many others did Sunday.
If the final falls on Quinn…..and the players love him so much…..they should be performing better. Maybe THIS loss is the one that makes the change. They have to be coaching and playing for jobs very soon. The Falcons have not started 0-3 since 2007, the Bobby Petrino era. We all know how that ended.
Overall, to me, the lack of concern by Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan is even more frustrating. “Being close” and just not finishing, that isn’t enough. “Not getting blown out” is not a good response. Your team is allowing huge and disastrous collapses. Until there is a * noting close games or injury riddled teams and you get partial credit for good play. The Falcons are not finishing on either side of the ball.
Good teams find ways to win. I have been a fan since the 1980s and know bad teams and bad direction. There is no reason with the talent that is on this team, that the performance is so bad.
This does not bode well for a primetime trip to Green Bay. Even a non-snowy, quiet Green Bay.
Golden Talon:
Calvin Ridley – The up and coming Julio Jones. Even with no touchdowns this week, opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown. Finished the game with 5 receptions for 110 yards.
Brian Hill – Running and catching and breaking tackles. 58 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in limited playing time.
Darqueze Dennard – After a rough first couple of games, Dennard was moved to his natural CB position and was aggressive and aware for most of the game. 6 tackles and 2 passes defended.
Dave Archer started with “What is the mindset of the team right now?” Brian Hill quietly replied, “Only mindset is to turn this thing around and win on Monday.” Speaking of the Monday Night Football game in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The running backs combined for 135 yards on the ground “We definitely want to contribute to the team.” Hill noted that there are things “we can learn and improve on,” but feel good about their production so far.
Asked about the success change from the first 3 quarters to the 4th quarter, the Bears made some adjustments to the run game, “but it is more us and missed opportunities. Us stopping us.”
Ito Smith and Hill have been together for a couple of years, now, Archer asked Hill how Todd Gurley blended in with them. He replied, “He blended in well from the jump,” even from just virtual meetings before we met in person. So when we met in person, already felt like a teammate.
Asked about the evolution of his game: My rookie year was a struggle and a learning experience. Over time, I have learned how to work harder. “Blessing to learn that, wouldn’t have the work ethic I now have.”
What did you do to work on yourself and change your body and running style? Hill replied that he didn’t focus on his weight. Hill focused on running and cutting, with or without the ball. His admitted downfall was his ability to change direction, so he’s focused on footwork drills.
Arch asked, “Did you have to re-teach yourself patience?” “Yes, back in Wyoming, knew I was the guy and if you missed something, you had the next chance.” In the NFL, Hill was first trying to make a big play to earn that top spot, “learned that I don’t need the big play every time.”
Back to the game and in regards to Hill’s big 35-yard touchdown. Hill noted, “after offsides gave us the 3rd and 5, the play call was a run and while I was surprised, I knew the Bears would be surprised.” So as soon as there was an opening from my blockers, I shot through and sped through for the touchdown.
Hill has focused on his receiving skills. He’s worked hard for 4 years to improve his hands. He admitted to “kicking myself on the 3rd down pass conversion.” After watching the film, just have focus more. “I will continue to be on the jugs before practice and get more catching reps in.”
“We know as a team we have to do better, but we have to look and fix ourselves. Continue what we are doing well and improve what we are not doing well.”
Hill wrapped with “We have started off well the last two weeks, we just need to work on finishing.”
Dan Quinn joined Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game for the weekly Coach’s Show.
Over the last 2 weeks, it has been tough. This is as challenged as you can get, but lessons are here to be learned.
The coaches are talking to the players about the difference in playing hard vs. playing well. This was not a tale of two halves, but a tale of the 4th. It started with a missed a kick, then 3 and outs and inability to stop the Bears.
Quinn was pleased that the Falcons “Ran the ball better, defense was much improved on 3rd down. Just need “lessons of finishing, can’t miss those.”
A coach knows the team and this locker room is tough enough to get fixed.
With so many defenders and leaders out Sunday, as well as Julio Jones, is it difficult to find experience to compete? How deep you have to dive is a double-edged sword. Many of these players are getting way more playing time than they normally would at this time, so you can see what they can handle. “This will pay dividends in the future. Many may be playing this week.” There is always stuff to learn and gain and grow from in loss.
Asked about the lack of experience, with rookies and practice squad guys coming up, could they have tightness creeping in? Quinn said, “Not really,” players should be making the plays that come your way, You always look back at the throw or tackle or turnover missed. “You don’t get multiple chances – focus issues. Have to close it.”
When you look at last two weeks and try to find root of trouble, how do you break the game down? Quinn replied that they look for the turnover margin – to gain a possession or protect the ball, explosive plays, as those flip the field; then break off and deep dive review those. Last week, they focused on the run game and that was improved. Quinn commented “Always some part that needs to improve.” Yeah, we just need to tweak that one thing to be better.
Quinn noted the team will really work on the 4 minute offense this week.
Do you worry about the psyche of the team? “When you don’t get what you want, emotions come through – angry, upset.” The team has been challenged, and will take the lessons from the L’s and are going to be able to close it. Each game is a different story.
Quinn complimented the offensive line and the run game. Todd Gurley and Brian Hill had successful games. Gurley’s physicality has increased, pushing guys out of the way. Gurley and Hill both run really hard. Hill has really transitioned and worked really hard at his craft, facing adversity but changed his narrative. Calvin Ridley worked really hard in the off season, with Julio in or out, he is taking the next step and being really aggressive.
Darqueze Dennard started at nickel, but with AJ Terrell out, moved out to corner back Sunday. “He is a rare competitor.” Even in practice, he picked off in front of Russell Gage, but then coached him up to tell him how and why he was able to.
Mykal Walker was in for Foye Oluokun. Certainly encouraged, felt his speed and length in man to man coverage. Jaylinn Hawkins making an impact on special teams, but good hitter on defense. Marlon Davidson had his first game and was making some plays and will get better.
Asked about what will happen if Younghoe Koo cannot go this weekend. Quinn said that Sterling Hofrichter can do some kicking. Also have a punter and kicker on the practice squad, “Will see how everyone looks as the week progresses. All of the practice squad guys get good practice during the week so everyone is ready if needed. “
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