Cover 9@9: Quinn's practices are orchestrated chaos

Music is blaring from the speakers.

You hear anything from James Brown to Lil’ Wayne to some metal head stuff.

This is by design.

“We are fast-paced in terms of the attitude and style,” Quinn said. “When you hear the music really what we are looking for is not a clean environment in which to practice because really that’s not how you play.”

Organized chaos is better than organized noise.

“Everything doesn’t just line up just right . . . the noise, the energy, the situation that we put the guys, it’s intentional for that to make it more competitive,” Quinn said. “Where it seems like chaos to a lot of other folks, but for us that’s how you play the game. That’s why we try to create so many of those scenarios when we can.”

2. Moss moves on. Kendyl Baugh Moss, who was the highest ranking African American female in the NFL as the Falcons vice-president of community relations, recently left the team.

Moss, who was with the team for 13 seasons, is now the head of development at the Atlanta International School.

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Moss was responsible for community initiatives, player outreach and youth football programming. She also served as manager of event marketing for the Falcons and one year as program officer for the Atlanta Falcons youth foundation.

Prior to joining the Falcons, Moss was the assistant director of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship and Final Four. Before working with the NCAA, she served as the assistant director of championships/marketing for Conference USA.

Good luck to Moss with her new career venture.

3. Godfrey with first team. Veteran safety Charles Godfrey was working with the first team at free safety. The former Carolina Panther has played both free and strong safety.

“The range in the middle of the field is what we see,” Quinn said. “If he can do that and have an impact to go get the ball. Those are things that kind of jumped out to us through his career up till now and through the first few practices.”

4. Running back derby. Running back Devonta Freeman lined up with the first team at the OTA on Tuesday. He'll have to hold off rookie Tevin Coleman in what could turn into a committee approach.

“I love the competitive attitude that Devonta brings,” Quinn said. “For me, when I talk about having the best offseason you’ve ever had, he’s one of the guys who says, ‘Coach I’m here. I’m ready.’ That shows you what kind of competitor that he is.”

Quinn has spoken highly of Freeman dating back to the combine, shortly after the release of Steven Jackson and the decision not to re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers.

“I knew he had terrific hands coming out,” Quinn said. “ You saw that and now to add what he’s doing in the run game, I can’t wait to watch him work. He doesn’t back down from anything. That’s one of the things I love about Devonta the most, (he’s ready for) every challenge.”

5. Tempo is fast: Quinn is practicing with an emphasis on speed.

“Number one, we wanted to really learn how to practice fast against each other, but by doing it safely,” Quinn said. “When we become a really good practicing team that’s when it will carry over into the game. The No. 1 (goal) is just the tempo and attitude that we’re trying to practice with.”

6. Playbook retention. The Falcons are starting to get the playbook and play calls down.

“I think generally you can see when a guy really has his details down,” Quinn said. “That’s when he plays his fastest.”

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Falcons have been over their material at least twice for most players and three times for others.

“It’s often times when they are still learning the playbook and still getting it down, there is a little hesitancy,” Quinn said. “Fortunately, this is now the second or the third time going through some of the install. The speed of that is picking up, which allows us to play a little more freely."

7. Full participation over-rated? Quinn, who had 100 percent participation on the first day of OTAs, believes the non-contact drills are important.

“These are the skills, are you doing the things necessary to help you become a better player,” Quinn said. “I think some football movements and some positions in specific you have got to do it at practice to get really good. For all of the guys, they’ve got something they are working on this offseason. What better way to make us better than to do it out in practice?”

8. Fast and physical: After every run at OTAs, you see all of the defenders running to the ball to try and take it away.

“All the calls that we have are designed to go after the ball,” Quinn said.

9. Collins back soon: Cornerback Jalen Collins, the Falcons second-round pick who is recovering from foot surgery, is expected to start individual work next week, according to Quinn.

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