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 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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