Category: FalconAlley Squawk

Dan Quinn Coach’s Show – Falcons 39/Cowboys 40

September 21, 2020 

Hosted by Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

Head Coach Dan Quinn began his chat with Dave Archer lamenting over the gut punch loss on Sunday to the Dallas Cowboys.  “As much as it hurts, it is only one loss.  But, there is no more tale of two halves.”  Quinn stated that the responsibility is on “everyone to perform for 60 minutes.” He included the players, but also the coaching staff and himself.  As frustrating as this loss is, the Falcons need to move on to planning for Chicago. 

The Defense set the stage for the game, notably the multiple forced fumbles by Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun.  Quinn really complimented Foye, saying that he has worked extremely hard to learn and know his assignment and as a special player, Foye has taken it farther than just the tackle, but aiming to take the ball out.  Those aggressive and successful plays become contagious to the rest of the defense. As you could see from the numerous take-aways early in the first quarter. 

Quinn also had high praise for Calvin Ridley.  His mindset is set to be better and better, always wanting to learn and better himself.  Ridley worked so hard in the offseason and in training camp, learning to break people off in man to man, etc.  Quinn knows this is going to be a special season for Ridley.  His first touchdown Sunday was a work of art.  His cut and concentration to catch the ball, and keep focus to stay in bounds to get the touchdown.

Another stand out was Hayden Hurst, on the half roll to get open and into the end zone.  Hurst is amazingly fast and able to make plays because of that, not only a catch, but make a catch on a flat and up and go.

Some misses were the short field after the unsuccessful fake punt by the Cowboys, but the Falcons only got 3 points on that and the next drive.  “When we get our chances, we want to take our shot and be more successful in the red zone and get in the end zone” instead of settling for 3’s.  Quinn is happy to have Younghoe Koo be so successful, but need to be more successful in the red zone.

With the first half coming to a close and the score 26/7, Dallas drove but was stopped for a field goal, but then the Falcons were able to use their much practiced 2 minute drill and finished the half with another field goal.   

After the half, Dallas came out with a good opening drive.  In less than 3 minutes they drove for a touchdown.  Then, Atlanta gets inside Dallas territory, runs the wild cat with Russell Gage throwing to Julio Jones at the goal line, but Ju couldn’t haul in the ball. “We had a second play ready, but had a penalty” which pushed them back from 4th and 2 to 4th and 7.  Quinn has been very pleased with Gage, he had a really good game and can really throw the ball too.  Quinn wasn’t too sure on that penalty, too many men in the huddle was called, but it was really changing personnel on a long play and Ridley wasn’t in the huddle, still coming back up the field.  “But, you have to overcome whatever comes to you.”  

Quinn also contributed the second half turn around to the Falcons committing some penalties and big plays by Dallas.  Allot of those plays are 50/50, but they kept going Dallas’ way.  Dallas was able to stay in the passing game at that point and provided them with short and manageable 3rd downs.

The team kept trying, after back to back Dallas touchdowns, the Falcons answered with a touchdown to Gage, to maintain the lead.

Asked about the failed execution on the onside kick, clearly there needs to be more education and clarity on what to do.  But when you see the ball, you “need to be more aggressive and go after the ball.”  

On the numerous defensive injuries on Sunday, Quinn noted that rookie Mykal Walker played well subbing for Foye, but there isn’t another Foye, especially as well as his game started.  He noted that it is hard subbing in some guys.  Someone gets knocked out and put in someone new and young, so you try to feature that player in their best light, but difficult when that wasn’t planned pre-game.  But you have to be ready.   

On the health of everyone that left the game on Sunday, “Nothing that will knock anyone out long term.” So, while everyone is still being evaluated, no one is expected to be out more than a week or two at this point. 

#RiseUp

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FalconAlley Squawk – DQ on Game 1

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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Falcons Unplugged with Arthur Blank

September 9, 2020

Recap by Allison Smith

Cover Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Unplugged is special PSL owners call, where PSL owners get to listen and watch Dave Archer interview a player or staff member of the Atlanta Falcons.  Tonight, Owner Arthur Blank was on the hot seat.  Archer introduced the call, but all questions were submitted by PSL owners before the call.

Mr. Blank immediately began answering fan questions.  He said he is most excited that the 2020 season is actually happening.  Mr. Blank saluted the NFL and doctors and teams and medical council to ensure everyone is healthy and safe, although he is definitely disappointed to not be able to see and have fans in attendance.

The team is excited and ready to go.  They have had a really good, al biet odd, training camp.  Mr. Blank noted that Head Coach Dan Quinn did a great job keeping in touch with the players via Zoom or in person.  The coaching staff and players have all become experts in technology, and now on the field, they have a great energy and they are all ready to play.   

With a great team, bulked up in free agency and the draft, Mr. Blank expects the team to pick up from 6-2 record at the end of the 2019 season and to play at that level and above at beginning of this 2020 season.  In speaking with Matt Ryan, Matt feels strongly that we have the offense needed to win games.  Our Defense ended ranked 8th last season, so they can continue to give us a competitive edge and give the ball quickly back to the offense.

One of the biggest challenges during COVID-19 is making sure everyone is healthy.  Having a large family, 6 children and 6 grandchildren, Mr. Blank’s first focus was trying to keep everyone safe.  Followed closely by trying to ensure the team is healthy and following all of the best protocols.  Falcons CEO Rich McKay is very involved in the decision making for the NFL, so we are on the front line of making sure the Falcons are all healthy.  We are hoping to have some fans in the building in October.  But we will protect our fans and ensure they are safe first. 

The NFL requires a family to own the organizations/teams, so the ownership is on the owner to take the financial impact of no fans and decisions can be made with the good of the fan, not a corporation in mind.  The good news is, the golf business is booming.  So, Mr. Blank is financially ok with the no fans….for now.  The loss of revenue will not changes the aggressiveness in the team, going after the best players, paying players, or any changes to the stadium and services once re-openend.  Mercedes Benz Stadium continues to be ranked number 1 or 2 in all fan experience polls.

Mr. Blank serves on the NFL social justice league, organizations including the active and retired players, and numerous other committees and organizations.  He remains very in touch with all of the discussions and will be truly listening to the social injustice issues that are facing America today.  The NFL overall is making huge financial investments in communities and organizations helping those communities.  In Atlanta, there is a social action committee on the team, made up of players that volunteered because of experiences or desire to serve.  These players steer discussions to affect their home communities, shoulder to shoulder with the team and NFL to affect change.  It is not about making instant change, but continuing to move the ball down the field toward constant change. 

Mr. Blank encouraged everyone to ensure that they vote in the elections.  He quoted a discussion with the late John Lewis, “The most significant protest you can do is to vote.” 

To be an Atlanta Falcon, you have to be a good person and give back to the community, not just a good player.  As an example, all of the current Team Captains are deeply involved in the community, through donations, volunteering, creating their own charities, and going into the community to lift them up and build partnerships.

Mr. Blank continues his support and praise of Dan Quinn.  He noted that midway through the season last year, Quinn recognized and made the change to the coaching staff and some player reassignments.  He realized he had spread himself too thin.  Quinn has kept to the decisions made late last season, to not be diluted, and let the responsibilities lie where they were.  Quinn really believes and lives Brotherhood, it isn’t just a cool slogan. 

Although Matt Ryan is the franchise quarterback, the plan for the future, is to possibly play into his 40’s.  Mr. Blank commented that Matt is in the best shape of his career, he’s smart and motivated.  He is moving quickly and always taken excellent care of himself, still putting up Hall of Fame statistics.  He is a leader on the team and becomes more dominant as time progresses.  He is always early in and late out of Flowery Branch.  One of the best, if not the best, draft move the Falcons ever made.  At some point in time, there will be a discussion with Matt and make a mutual decision the years are coming to an end. 

Joking with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay, and Dan Quinn, Mr. Blank suggested cutting the salary of some of the defenders since they will greatly enjoy getting to knock Tom Brady around twice a season, as the new Tampa Bay quarterback.  He reiterated that he was joking.   But what a joy for those left over from the SuperBowl season to see Brady twice now. 

Asked about the rivalry with the New Orleans Saints, Mr. Blank commented that the Falcons still have the win advantage over them, and it is a heated rivalry, no matter the yearly record.  It is always very competitive.  The NFC South is always competitive and will be even more so this year.  Carolina has coaching and quarterback changes, the ever-consistent Drew Brees, and the New England transplants into Tampa Bay.

After purchasing the team in 2001, Mr. Blank has changed personally from his early ownership days.  H now realizes that the highs are never as high as the lows are low.  “The losses are like daggers, especially certain kinds of losses.”  The wins are great, but you have to turn around in a day or two to prepare for the next game.  As an early owner, he would take everything home and personally, really feel deeply for the fans, players, families, but realized you have to let it go and not let it ruin or interlope into relationships and daily life.  And here I am still pouting and being mean to people have the week after a loss. 

Mr. Blank has also learned that you cannot just change coaches on a whim, there is so much related to the head coach, to the rest of the staff, the players that fit into that scheme.  There is so much transition time, you need to value the continuity in coaching and the general managers and other staff.  Everyone is still held accountable, but let them gel and create consistency.  The most successful teams over time have maintained consistent leadership and tweaked other things.

Mr. Blank referenced his book, “Good Company,” noting his 6 core values, and his goal that he learned from his mother, Molly, “You do the right things, for the right reasons and live with the consequences.”  Mr. Blank said that, “I live my life with purpose.” 

Mr. Blank realizes his responsibility to the fans.  Fans do not only give their money, but their time, their support, their enthusiasm – and he wants to bring rings to the city and fans and team. 

Mr. Blank ended the call with a “Thank you – Stay Safe and May God bless you all.”

I could not be prouder to call Mr. Arthur Blank my owner. 

#RISEUP

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Arch Analyzes Loss to Indy

September 25, 2019

Recap by Allison Smith

Dave Archer was on with the Andy & Randy Show on 92.9 The Game’s Midday Show.

Former Falcon quarterback and now game announcer joined Andy Bunker and Randy McMichaels on Wednesday to talk about the last game and the next.

Archer was asked about fixing the penalties.  Note the Falcons were penalized 16 times in the loss against Indianapolis.  Archer commented that penalties are on the player.  “The coach can tell you the techniques and try to show you in practice, but as a player you have to concentrate and focus on yourself.”  As he noted, players know the rules, but have to do it and take ownership of your issues.  Dan Quinn is bringing in referees this week to practice, but Archer mentioned this may not be overly affective.  You can have some drills with refs watching and telling the players, checking hand placement on blocking, etc.  It is difficult to simulate game day stress and action with the limits the NFL imposes on contact in practice.  Something needs to change however, in 3 games, the Falcons have given up an average of 90 yards a game on 11 ½ penalties. 

Archer did say that even with the zone defense this week, the defense did not play horribly.  They were in position, just overall didn’t tackle well, giving up way to many yards after the catch.  Again, with the ever changing NFL rules, no defensive backs want to tackle low as not to hurt themselves, or lead with the shoulder or head.  You also cannot hit too high to the opposing team’s shoulder/head.  Another thing difficult to simulate with limited contact in practice.  

With Keanu Neal out for the season, Archer thinks it is likely that Kemal Ishmael will start at Safety, but as he is much bigger than Keke, he is also slower.  Damontae Kazee will stay at Nickel. Jamal Carter was moved up from the practice squad so will likely be in and out throughout the day.  He is quick and a hard hitter.

Archer commented that Devonta Freeman looked much better because the offensive line gave him the creases he needs in Indianapolis.  Except for the fouls/holding penalties, the O line looked better and more coordinated and gave the running backs more room, and did not give up any sacks.  Archer noted they needed to continue to give Free those cutback lanes.  Rookie Kaleb McGary played the entire game and did a great job. 

 When asked who needs to step up…..Archer said the Falcons need more out of Isaiah Oliver, clearly no more fouls, but he is getting it and improving.  The Falcons also need the edge players to take another step up.  While playing better, need to make another jump this week.  The Falcons can get in Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota ’s head.  With pressure, Mariota can get down and rattled, but the Falcons want to ensure they don’t just push him out of the pocket, because he will run.  

Archer referenced that Dirk Koetter admitted the offense needed to come out quicker with a faster tempo to start.  But also, Quinn said the defense needed to come out and start faster.  Today’s practice will begin with 1’s on 1’s to get them ready early.

Practice began with a light feel to it, will see how it goes today and Sunday, as they begin Tennessee game prep today.

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Hooping it up with Dukes and Bell.

Interview Recap and Photo by Allison Smith

Austin Hooper joined 92.9’ The Game‘s afternoon show Dukes and Bell on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. 

Asked about the dancing in the locker room after the game, Hooper said that, “It always feels good to win, have to take the good with the bad, but have to enjoy when the wins come.” And said that his favorite time is the 20 minutes in the locker room, all together, “Jumping around really feeling the “Brotherhood” together.”

In his fourth game in his fourth year against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hooper feels more comfortable going against their defense.  He knows that Malcolm Jenkins is ‘the tell’ for their defense, so just watch where he is on the field and you will know what they are planning to do.

Asked if he can hear the fans yelling “Hooooop” from the stands, Hooper replied, “It’s pretty cool to hear it out there.  First year, I thought they were booing me, thought  **** I just got a first down, then realized they were saying “Hoop.” 

I’ve always thought it was funny, how many teams have a player with a nickname that sounds like a boo.  The Carolina Panthers had Brad Hoover, now Luke Kuechly, and of course, our own Truuuuuu.

In the off season and around team practices, Hooper does allot of work with Matt Ryan, but also lots of different drills/reps with the other receivers and Devonta Freeman, so they are all in sync.  In the end, Hooper knows as a  Tight End, that he is a blocker first.  That being said, he commented on the play of the offensive line, saying that lots of times they are all good in their blocking, but then everyone is taking turns messing up, not all at once, but is costly.  “We all, including me, have to be better.”   But the O line is becoming a more cohesive unit.  Hooper has full confidence in the offensive line and team.

Austin Hooper is becoming a very depended upon target and has 13 catches on 15 targets so far this season, for 111 yards.