Tag: Dave Archer

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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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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