Dan Quinn – FalconAlley Football

Dan Quinn Coach’s Show – Bears 30/Falcons 26

September 28, 2020

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 4^th. 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 3^rd 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. “

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 4^th and 2 to 4^th 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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 3^rd quarter, Seattle had extended their lead to 21/12 over the Falcons. On 4^th 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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TD and DQ to Lead 2020 Atlanta Falcons

Article by Allison Smith

Photo from Atlanta Falcons Press Conference

December 27, 2019

Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKayand owner Arthur Blank held a press conference Friday, December 27, 2019 to discuss the announcement earlier in the day. The Falcons site and Twitter announced that the team would retainDan Quinn as Head Coach, Thomas Dimitroff as General Manager. Rich McKay will take on an increased role in football operations, where he had been mainly overseeing the new stadium. Raheem Morris will be the Defensive Coordinator for 2020. There was no mention of other coaches, offensively or other defensive/position coaches.

Mr. Blank began the press conference by stating that the last 2 seasons have been a great disappointment and as the steward of the team, he understands everyone’s disappointment. He noted that overall since the drafting of Matt Ryan, the Falcons have been 4^th in the NFC and 7^th in the NFL overall in winning percentage. He noted that consistently is important, with the right things and for the right reasons. Mr. Blank recurring brought up the difference in the first half to the second half of the season. Mr. Blank noted several other leading reasons for the retention of Quinn and Dimitroff.

1- Falcons had two/three-ish new coordinators. Quinn wasn’t fully aware/prepared what all that would take, with defensive coordination and running the team overall and connecting all of the other moving parts. That is when Quinn made the decision that he needed to just be the head coach and gave up the defensive coordination.

2- The change at defensive coordinator also changed the defensive scheme, making the defense simpler, communication was better, moved some players around where they could win more easily. “Round pegs in round holes and square pegs in square holes” as Mr. Blank said. And also saw young talent emerge.

3- The players played hard for the coach and the organization, even when they may not have been in the best position in the first half of the year. With the coaching/position changes, they were able to perform better.

4- Players believe and support the Brotherhood, each other, the coach, and the organization overall.

With the 2017 opening of the stadium, leading the NFL in stadium experience each year, Rich McKay will now be at The Branch at least 4 days a week, working directly with Quinn and Dimitroff, who will now report directly to McKay, instead of Mr. Blank. Mr. Blank will still be in charge and involved, but McKay will be a sounding board and leader with great experience and wisdom with his 25 years of GM and the like experience.

Rich McKay – “We look at this season as one we will not celebrate, but one we can build on.” You can see there was a complete change in the 2^nd half of the season, lots of credit to Dan Quinn, his coaches, and the players. McKay noted this is not a complete turn-around like he has ever seen before. Usually, play will fall off as you are eliminated from the playoffs, but this team has played better and better. “We looked at studies on consistency, what gives us the best chance to win 2020 and beyond.“

Mr. Blank, “We are about winning games and winning championships. It is my belief that this personnel will get us there more quickly than other decisions we could have made.”

Mr. Blank sounded a smidgeon frustrated at the suggestion of constant or quick coaching changes, noting several teams that had down years, stayed the course, and were winning again. He believes that keeping everyone in sync, keeping coaches and management together, not having draft choices from a previous regime. He believes this is the team and the players that can win over time, noting San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carolina tough/competitive wins on the road. The defense moved from 31^st to 6^th in the league. He reviewed Dan Quinn’s self-awareness and willingness to step down from DC and HC to just HC and other changes he was willing to admit and make.

Mr. Blank’s only criticism of Quinn is that he made changes and decisions too late. And “I don’t think he will make those errors again.” McKay will help with that, meeting with Dimitroff and Quinn on these type decisions. “The whole mid-season coaching change has little value.” If you feel like the staff is going to make changes – as you started to see in the 2^nd half of the Seattle game. Mr. Blank stated that you could see that the players were committed. When you see major changes and wins in 7 games, not just part of a game. Mr. Blank believes that Quinn has learned from that and will make adjustments quicker going forward, including mid-game. It is a great credit to these players to make the change, accept the change, and continue to play at 100% throughout the season.

Quinn will continue to have the final decision on the 53 man roster. Quinn, Dimitroff, and McKay will work closely together – discussions and group decisions, no one person will impose their will on the organization.

Asked about the future, Mr. Blank replied that without a crystal ball, “I believe our best opportunity going forward is to keep Quinn and Dimitroff in place.”

With McKay’s experience in football operations, being on the competition committee, his close link to the commissioner, this is not a surprise or big change to move him back to football operations. It is a matter of focus, not change. With the 5 year process of planning and implementing the stadium, 80% of his time was on the stadium, but he was in touch with Quinn and Dimitroff. Now, McKay will be making sure the processes are working and in constant working and talking contact with Quinn and Dimitroff.

McKay believes that the team ended up taking on too much change around all the other coaching, defense and offense leadership.

When asked about deadlines or number of losses to start the next season, Mr. Blank replied that there are no set numbers/parameters set for next season. There is no reason to think that the second half of the season is not sustainable into 2020. With the same coaches, many of the same players, free agency and the draft coming up.

McKay is not concerned about the salary cap, he has lived in that since 1993. He is ready to restructure, resign, evaluate anything and feels confident in the Falcons ability to manage the cap. Mr. Blank called out several players as “guys you would not want to not have signed” Julio Jones, Matt Ryan, Grady Jarrett, Deion Jones, and Devonta Freeman….sounds like he just laid down the Free is a Falcon stamp.

#RiseUp

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TD and DQ Speak Preseason

August 26, 2017

Allison Smith

Some quick outtakes from Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn’s chat with Dukes and Bell on 92.9 Friday, August 25, 2017.

On the Mercedes Benz Stadium, it is a “real tribute to Arthur on what this team stands for.”

The team, in small groups, came in to tour The Benz Nest. Many of the guys went on Instagram Live and shared their amazement at everything from the view as they drove to The Benz, the locker room, the of course the field and the view from there. Everyone was excited to “be home.” As that is what Owner Arthur Blank called it….saying “Welcome Home” to not only the players, but the fans of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Mr. Blank said this was our stadium, not his.

DQ and TD were glad to have the team inside on Friday, to get accustomed to their parking location, the locker room set up, their entrance to the field, and last but not lest to go ahead and “get caught up in the lights,” so that on Saturday, the team just comes out to play!

TD commented on this year’s teams saying, “We’ve had some great stars, but as a complete roster, speed, athletic, etc…. this is the best (overall) roster this year.

As always, DQ is focused on preparing for the game, whether game planning, or evaluating, he commented, “The routine is important, but the readiness needs to be there.” DQ is happy to have 4 full games to evaluate all 90 players as it give them all more opportunities to show what they can do.

Both DQ and TD are happy with guard play, the Right Guard position that Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer are competing for. No decision on a starter will be made until after the final preseason game. But remember, even if you aren’t the RG starter, they have both had tons of time as backup center as well. I still wonder if DQ will name a season long starter, or use them interchangeably until one really stands out with the first team, or an obvious chemistry is seen. Realize that in the 2 preseason games so far, most starters, even O-Line have not played very long together. As I mentioned in FalconAlley Squawks during the offseason, but guys were pushing and supporting each other, and DQ said, “can’t be more pumped with their training camp.”

TD is excited about this defensive line. They took a “very direct and calculated approach…..with Vic Beasley, Jr., Adrian Clayborn, Brooks Reed, then bring in Takk McKinley and Dontari Poe, making this group a “very burly, manly group.” “They like to compete.”

Both TD and DQ are excited with the addition of Bryant Young, noting that he was a “great player, but can articulate and teach” as a coach. And if Young isn’t enough, you know DQ is very hands on with frontline D, and by hands on, we mean he is out there literally doing drills with the team.

On new Offensive Coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, DQ said that he “knew him and knew they could work together.” On Marquand Manual, who has now moved up to Defensive Coordinator, DQ and Manual have had “6 years together – a clear vision to know how we wanted to coach.” Both Sark and Manual will call plays from the sideline this week.

And our quote or lesson for the day comes from Dimitroff, “You win you win. You lose, you learn.” Hopefully this season, we just WIN.

#RiseUp

Featured Image Courtesy of 92.9 The Game