Raheem Morris The Coach’s Show – Falcons 40/Vikings 23

October 20, 2020

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 Carl Dukesand Mike Bell.

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 ChandlerRay BuchananOJ 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, Matt Ryan found, Julio Jones, 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.  Dante Fowlersaid 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 Todd Gurley 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.”

#RiseUp

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The Rivalry is Real

November 12, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

 So, apparently change IS good.  Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split between Jeff Ulbrich (Linebackers coach) calling 1st and 2nddown defense and Raheem Morris (formerly WR coach) calling 3rd down and 2 minute defense.  Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately.  Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.

 The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley. 

 The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly.  The first play was a speed sweep to Calvin Ridley for 19 yards.  Then run-run-run by Devonta Freeman.  Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards.  Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal.  Out comes the Saints’ offense, Latavius Murray and Alvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, then Drew Breeshits Michael Thomas for a 16-yard gain, Jared Cook for a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards.  The defense stood up.  Murray had no gain,Taysom Hill had a 2-yard reception, then De’Vondre Campbell sacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal.  This is when you knew you had a game.   

 I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D).  The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points.  After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19.  After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33. 

 With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26.  The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays.  While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.”  This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well.  Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score.  The Saints had the ball with a 1stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.

 The offense played allot of no huddle, which is Matt Ryan’s comfort zone.  Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down.  Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point.  Brian Hill had 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception.  Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards.  Julio Jones caught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy.  Russell Gage continues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown.  Newcomer Christian Blake snuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain. 

 The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week.  The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive.  At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack.  Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season.  Clemson was repped well with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr sharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3rd down attempt.  Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one by Adrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season.  Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley and Takk McKinley work differently and get pressure on Brees all day.  There were times when Brees actually looked confused.  They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.

 Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday.  Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day.  Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more.  The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC.   The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal.  The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3rd down conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.

 Rookie Kendall Sheffield is really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence.  He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday.  He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns.  Foye Oluokun lead the team with 8 tackles, Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended.  Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in.  Ricardo Allen and Deion Jones had 5 tackles a piece.  

 Special teams.  WOW.  New kickers all around and still was a successful day.  Younghoe Koo – now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards.  Ryan Allen only had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo.  After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty.  A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal, Matt Schaub comes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job.  Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL!  Kenjon Barner had 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards.  Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards.  Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return.  We may like this kid. 

 The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday.  This put them one shy of the NFL record.  Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday.  The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday.  No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday.  The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday.  They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3rdand short into 3rd and long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs

 The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South.  Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????

Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”

Injury Report:  Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.

Golden Talon:  THE WHOLE TEAM.  11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes.  With injuries, next man up stepped up.  And Special Teams was on fire.

 

#RiseUp


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Second Half Come Back, Not Enough for Falcons

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Stop me if you have heard this one before…..the Falcons are down at half and have to abandon the run game to come back in the second half.  Once again, the Falcons, offense and defense, come out soaring in the second half, but again, were down too much to overcome.

After a great morning of meeting other Falcon fans and actually some nice Seahawks, and my weekly picture with Freddie, I headed into the stadium.  The limited crowd still seemed rowdy as I headed to the Mercedes Benz dance cam and did my touchdown dance with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr.  As I started to my seat, I was awarded the #1 fan of my section and given a Falcons prize.  I feel like this is going to be a good game.  Well…..then there was the game part.

The most annoying part was the fact that I had already resigned myself that we may not win another game this season, but the team still suckered me in with their fight and comeback, al biet, some in trash time.  But you could definitely tell a difference in the first half vs. the second half.  Again. 

Russell Wilson is no Deshaun Watson, but he can escape and make some crazy things happen, which he did on Sunday.  Near escapes for successful passes or massive runs on his own.  The Seattle defense may no longer be the Legion of Boom, but they did manage to hold the Falcons to 20 points, had an interception, near interception (that would have been a pick six) 2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and forced and recovered 2 fumbles.  The Falcons, well, they finally managed 2 sacks.  Which was a major feat as they have not had a sack since the 3rd week of the season.  As a total team, they have 7 sacks, 3 by Grady Jarrett who added to his total on Sunday. 

The Falcons started with Damontae Kazee at Free Safety, Ricardo Allen at Strong Safety, Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at the outside Cornerback spots, and Kendall Sheffield a the Nickel.  The line was set up normally. 

When Grady got the sack, for a 9 yard loss, forcing a punt, you would have thought we had won a game.  Everyone knows how long it has been and Grady is so excitable, his celebration was infectious.  The team did manage 4 hits on Wilson and some good pressure and near tackles or sacks, but alas, almost doesn’t count.  Tyeler Davison had the other sack on the day and continued a good season on his part.  Both Beasley and Takk McKinley were close several times and Takk did get hands on Wilson.  There were literally only 3 tackles for loss on the day, Grady and Davison’s sacks, and one by Allen.  The defense continues to allow teams to come to them. 

Grady and Takk Converge

On DK Metcalf’s 2 touchdowns, the Falcons defense was not set, they came out and quick snapped.  The other was a communication error between two players.  Even on the 3rd touchdown, the defense seemed confused.  But also, the defense had 3 back to back to back 3 and outs.  The first half and second half look completely different.  Again. 

On the bright side, Alex Mack, Kaleb McGary, Devonta Freeman, and Austin Hooper all had tackles.  Maybe we are preparing to flip some of these guys to defense?  Seriously, the offense and team have improved their penalties.  Only 5 for 40 yards this week, and the OPI on Julio was complete BS, so I will tally 4 penalties.  Holding or false starts, two by Mack, which normally is unusual, but becoming a habit this year.  Is that because he is doing too much to make up for other offensive line deficiencies?  

Matt Schaub did not appear to have lost a step since his last start in 2015.  He was 39 of 52 for 460 yards….in the FALCONS LOSS.  He did have an interception, but still a pretty good game for an old man.  He spread the ball around to 7 receivers, including all 3 tight ends, who had big catches.  Luke Stocker with an 18 yarder and Jaeden Graham with an 11 yarder.  Sometimes the big guys aren’t just blockers or decoys.  Naturally, Hooper had another good game catching 6 of the 7 passes thrown his way for 65 yards and a touchdown, and his biggest reception of 35 yards was mostly YAC.  Freeman took most of the running duties, 13 carries for 39 yards, but also had 8 receptions for 63 yards, catching everything thrown his way.  Free did fumble the ball trying to stretch across the goal line for a touchdown, but was on his back and not ruled down as the ball was knocked out. 

Some people say that was the turning point/play of the game.  Mine, was not.  Schaub had a 20-yard pass to Julio Jones along the sideline.  Instead of a first down, OPI was called on Julio, and the Falcons were backed up with a 1st and 20 at their own 35.  The Falcons call a time out.  There is no challenge or question on this call.  This is when I lost my mind (the first time) and really questioned Dan Quinn’s thought process.  That was not the only time on the day.  After returning from the time out, Schaub throws an errant pass that was intercepted. 

On the losing my mind and screaming things to the field topic…..I still do not understand calling time outs near the end of the half to help Seattle have time for their touchdown.  I believe I suggested Pete Carroll load Dan Quinn on the plane to Seattle at that point.   With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. On their side of the field, the attempt two over 50-yard field goals.  Then, at the end of the game, already wasted time outs through the second half.  After the 2 minute warning, DQ has Schaub spike the ball and Bryant come on for a field goal, which still leaves the team in a 7 point deficit.  Why not go for the touchdown first and worry about the field goal IF you get the ball back?  Bad clock management and wasted time throughout the half left little time for the ultimate comeback. It is annoying to look that close, but Seattle was giving up more late than they had all game, knowing that time was running out for a comeback. 

Julio Jones ended the game with 10 receptions and 152 yards while Calvin Ridley had 4 receptions for 70 yards.  As mentioned, Russell Gage, Justin Hardy, and all 3 tight ends had receptions.  It was obvious that Gage will be the air-apparent to the 3rd WR spot have 9 targets on the day.   

Jarrett continues to get better every week, tallying 8 tackles, followed by De’Vondre Campbell at 7 – who leads the team in tackles and is #6 in the NFL.  Kazee had 6.  The up and coming Sheffield, Allen, and Beasley had 5 a-piece. 

Punter, Kasey Redfern was released Monday after having 1 punt on Sunday.  Currently, we have no punter.  Quarterback Danny Etling was added to the practice squad, which makes you question Matt Ryan’s health, but he may be released again after the bye.  Longtime kicker Matt Bryant was released after missing 2 over 50-yard field goals Sunday and replaced by Georgia Southern’s Younghoe Koo.  

Injury Report:  

·         Matt Ryan is rehabbing well, should be ready to head to New Orleans for the November 10th game.

·         John Cominsky left the game with a sprained ankle, hoping to be back after the bye.

Golden Talon:

·         Grady Jarrett – Clearly he is going to get this every week.  Closest to making plays, always moving and pushing the line back.  Disruptive.  Lead the team in tackles this week and got the first sack in 5 weeks.

·         Kendall Sheffield – Really stepped up and playing well in Desmond Trufant’s open CB spot.  Has had some really good coverage and still not being picked on as much as Oliver.

·         Matt Schaub – Dude is 38 years old.  Didn’t play a snap in 2017 and hasn’t started in 4 years.  Lit the field on fire for 460 yards and had limited mistakes.

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Houston – The Falcons Still Have a Problem

October 8, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Bring Dull Knives to Shoot Out in Houston.Observations and stats from week 5.

Another week of “good” and “tough” practice.  Team really “focusing within.”  And the same, al biet worse result. 

After both teams had 3 and Outs, the Falcons drove the field and scored.  One thought, “This is the fast start we have been waiting for.  We have turned it around.” Instead, the Texans immediately go down the field for a score too.  By the end of the first half, it was looking like a good ole shoot out in the Lone Star State, the Falcons took the 17/16 lead with 22 seconds left in the half.

The second half was a completely different story.  The Falcons were outscored 17/0 in the THIRD QUARTER, gave up 37 in the second half.  The defense gave up 47 points with the elusive DeshaunWatson only scrambling 4 times for 47 yards, one was 30, so he was safe in the pocket most of the day.  The Texans had a combined 20 points in their last 2 home games….Deshaun was sacked 18 times.  Sunday, Deshaun had 5 incomplete passes, and 5 touchdowns and was never sacked and had one quarterback hit by the Falcons. 

 Changing the defense to fit the Dan Quinn newly created model, is NOT working.  They cannot stop the run, let the pass have massive chunks of yards, then the players cannot tackle.  They are never hitting the receivers at the line, knocking them off their spot, and the ends are not covering well.

 The Falcons played man coverage most of the 2ndhalf so there was no real pressure on Watson, and you can NOT let that happen with Deshaun and weapons like De’Andre Hopkins and Will Fuller.  The Texans were 10 of 13 on 3rd downs.  The Falcons defense was one dimensional and very predictable.  Watson broke down the whole defense in 5 minutes in his post-game presser.  Isaiah Oliveris lost out there and was actually pulled and replaced by rookie Kendall Sheffield who had a decent game.  Damontae Kazee was injured late in the game and Oliver came back in to help in his spot.  Oliver needs to communicate better – as well as much of the defense – but also needs better football awareness/situational awareness.  On a 3rdand 2, Hopkins was in stack position with DesmondTrufant covering, Oliver was backing up and Fuller turns 2 yards into 30+. 

 De’Vondre Campbell took over Vic Beasley’s spot at times and was 2nd in tackles between his line and end play.  Campbell ended with 10 tackles, behind Deion Jones at 11.  Ricardo Allen had 8 with GradyJarrett, the only Falcon to touch Watson, at 7, a tackle for loss, and forced fumble.  Adrian Claybornand Oliver both forced fumbles that the defense were unable to capture.

 The offense looked decent most of the day, although they scored none in the 3rd quarter and had at least one throw away score in the 4th Devonta Freemanand Mohamed Sanu had their first touchdowns of the season….in GAME FIVE.  Freeman ended with 30 yards rushing, 1 for 21, and 40 yards receiving, mostly shovel passes, but some over the middle as well.  Ito Smith tallied 19 yards on 4 carries.  CalvinRidley led with 88 receiving yards, Smith with 45, Sanu and Julio Jones both had 42 yards.  Once again, Sanu caught all 5 of his targets, as well as Freeman, and Smith. 

 Matt Ryan was under pressure all day, sacked twice and 10 quarterback hits, which do not include the 2 times JJ Watt was penalized for hitting Ryan illegally.  As soon as Ryan took a step back, he had to start rolling/running to the right due to pressure.  He still ended the game completing 32 of 46 passes for 330 yards, threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another – fumbling the ball, but later called a touchdown. Also, threw a late pick six.  WesSchweitzer was horrible again, being manhandled by Watt, as well as swiping rookie Kaleb McGaryout of the way several times too.  Jake Matthewsfinished well with a 77.5 overall grade in his 73 snaps.  Watt beat his blocker 15 times (half of his snaps) on Sunday. 

 While Matt Wile did well on punts, his kickoffs were questionable.  Two were kicked out of bounds providing the Texans with the ball at the 40.  Matt Bryant was perfect on the day, making all 3 extra points and a 35-yard field goal.  Ryan to Hooper made for a successful 2-point conversion.  Rookie, Sheffield got the call for kickoff returns, had 64 yards, a long of 24.  Rookie Jordan Millerrecovered a fumble when the Texans fumbled on a punt reception.  The first short yardage for the Falcons, and they actually converted to a touchdown. 

Once again, penalties were critical. They were cut down significantly, but several were costly, moving the offense back, or providing yards and first downs for the Texans.   Smith was called for holding, moving the Falcons from the Houston 26 to the Houston 36.  Alex Mack, again this week, had a 15-yard clipping penalty forcing a 2nd and 20, instead of a 2nd and 3.  After Grady had Deshaun running and throwing incompletions in the backfield, near the end zone, Allen Bailey knocks Deshaun out of bounds getting a 15 yard and first down penalty.  Instead of 2nd and 10 at the 12, Houston is now at their own 27.  To end the 3rd quarter, McGary had a false start, instead of 3rd and 9, it is 3rd and 14.  Hooper gets the 9, then Wile comes on to punt.  Naturally, Schweitzer has an offensive holding penalty, which cost the offense 10 yards, but in the end did not impact the series.  Overall, the Falcons had 7 penalties for 63 yards.  Which is an improvement, so kudos for fixing that issue. 

 Afterwards, Dan Quinn was caught saying, we are “disappointed, gut check time.  Have to correct our game….together.”  Later in the week he did say he was not stepping down as Defensive Coordinator, but there would be some changes, even slight.  

Tuesday afternoon, some changes were made.  Newly acquired (traded Duke Riley to Philadelphia) Johnathan Cyprien was placed on IR after 24 snaps against Houston.  Cornerback DJ White was signed from the Philly practice squad.  Offensive Lineman John Wetzel was added back to active roster again.  Punter (this should tell you something) Sam Irwin-Hill added to the practice squad and Tight End Carson Meier released from the practice squad.

Some of these young guys are really stepping up, or at least trying.  If we need change, or to light a fire under starters, move up Qadree Ollison and Deadrin Senat from the weekly inactives.  Play Matt Gono now that he is healthy, and use Sheffield and Miller.  They haven’t had enough time to prove themselves as replacements, but if you drafted them and they are hungry, get them some time and see how they play.

 

Golden Talon: 

·         Grady Jarrett:  Only Falco hit on Deshaun Watson.  Had 2 of the 3 tackles for loss by the entire defense.  Tallied 7 tackles, 5 solo.  90.9 overall grade, 61 snaps.

·         Kendall Sheffield:  Came in for benched Isaiah Oliver, played limited time, had 5 tackles.  Kick returns:  

·         Mohamed Sanu:  Still the most dependable person on the team.  On 5 targets, 5 receptions; 42 yards, first touchdown of season; took a direct snap and handed to Freeman for 21 yards; 1 rushing yard on a direct snap.

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Rico Speaks to Andy-Randy

July 23, 2019

Ricardo Allen called in to the 92.9 Midday Show with Randy and Andy minutes after Day 2 of Training Camp practice ended on Tuesday, July 23.

Randy McMichaels and Andy Bunker were at Flowery Branch on Monday and were excited when they saw Ricardo take the field early in practice.  Tuesday, they were back in the studio, taking calls from Ricardo Allen.

 They first asked when Rico knew he was hitting the field actively on Monday.  Rico responded that he found out in their pre-practice meeting when he saw the assignments and his name was on the board, and was naturally very excited.

 Rico said that he felt good throughout all of his off season training and rehab, and was officially cleared for play on the field just before practice began.  He was excited and ready.  Rico was running the team with the plays planned for him.  During his healing process, Rico’s mindset was to get ready and motivate his two babies, to show them to muscle through hard times.  Rico is known for building others up, but really had to focus on himself this off season.  

 Asked about fellow 2018 injured defender, Keanu Neal, Rico stated that Keke looks really good, moving like he always did, feeling comfortable.  He was glad they got to rehab and now hit the field healthy back together.  

Rico stated that this season is even more special.  “You have to put life in perspective when you are injured and out.”  He said that you are so use to the consistency of practicing and playing, then suddenly life slows down and you sit around and think and focus on yourself.  You really appreciate every time you are on the field because you never know when it is the last play.

 Practicing in the rain on Day 2, you are sore from the previous day’s activities, but there were no complaints today, the team is focused, shaking it off and challenging each other, a super focused team.

 Asked about the relationship with Head Coach Dan Quinn and Quinn being the Defensive Coordinator this year, Rico agreed that DQ is more lit and woke this season, he is excited about the season, but on top of every detail and will not let anything go unsaid.  He knows the type of team compiled here.  Rico talks to DQ daily, they are really close as DQ helped develop Rico in his early years with the team.  DQ knows he can depend on Allen, as Rico wants to be called on to make the tough decisions and counted on for the win or the loss. 

Rico has been studying the offense as well as his own defensive responsibilities.  Asked, “how does a defense coordinator prepare for the Falcons?”  Rico said it would be really hard, too many awesome weapons, especially with Devonta Freeman back and more experience for Calvin Ridley, and the line looks really good.

 Rico told Randy and Andy that Damontae Kazee is talking to the receivers to pick their brains and figure out the best way to play at the NFL nickel spot.  Note that Kazee played Safety once Allen went down, and excelled and definitely made a starting spot for himself with his play last season.

#RiseUp

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