LONDON – Falcons coach Mike Smith held his final press conference before the game on Friday.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: Are you please with how the practice week went over here in London?
A: I think we've got a lot accomplished in terms of our game planning. We now have to go out and execute on the field. I think it was a really good week of preparation. We have to finish it up tomorrow.
Q: What was the key to getting James Stone ready to make his first NFL start?
A: James is a guy that works extremely hard. The older guys have spent extra time with him. Coach (Mike) Tice and coach (Wade) Harman have spent extra time with him and he's ready to go. He had an opportunity to play in the preseason and did some good things. It will be his first opportunity to play in an NFL game as (starter).
Q: Is this a must win game? How important is this game on Sunday?
A: It's the most important game without a doubt. The reason that is, is because it's the next one. We are right of the thick of a very tough divisional race. We haven't played like we wanted to, but we're still in the race. It's going to be very important for us to go out and play efficiently.
Q: Calvin Johnson has been involved in two straight practices with Detroit this week. Do you have to prepare differently when he’s on the team?
A: Absolutely, you got to know where Calvin going to lineup. You'll use more resources to stop him because he's one of the most dangerous wide receivers in all of football.
Q: Could your special teams give you an edge on Sunday?
A: Yes. We've got to win special teams. Devin Hester, we've got to get him going in the return game. Then we've got to do a very good job running and then shutting down their return game as well.
Q: Has Harry (Douglas) progressed the way you’d like to see this week?
A: Harry has done very well. He will be a decision that we'll make as we get closer to the game. But he's been able to come out and participate in practice for two days. So he was a limited participant today. I like the progress that he's made through the week.
Q: (question inaudible – something on playing soccer at end of practice)
A: We always try to finish up our week with a little competition. We do different competitions. We felt like we wanted to do some English football. We found out that our guys aren't really good at it.
Q: What will be like to play in 90,000-seat Wembley Stadium?
A: We play in some big stadiums in the States. We anticipate that it's going to be a good crowd that is very educated from what I understand. You guys have a good understanding of what American football is all about. We are looking forward to it. It's a great venue for us to play in and it will be something that we all remember for a long time.
Q: How have the Arsenal’s facilities been?
A: The facilities here are fantastic. They've been very accommodating to allow us their facilities. Our guys are a little bit bigger. When we move on to a field I think you can see the wear and tear on it after one or two practices, but these guys have been fantastic. They've been great host for us.
Q: Injury report?
A: Well, we will listing . . .Jonathan Babineaux did not participate in practice today, but he will be questionable for the game.
Q: The International Series historically hasn’t been very good for head coaches. For the last six games, we’ve seen coaches replaced at the end of that season. How much pressure is there from ownership to turn this season around?
A: Well, this is a very important game for us. Again, we are one game out in terms of our division. The quickest way to the playoffs is to win your division. That's our goal. It's a must game win because it's the next one. We go into every game with that type of approach.
Q: What’s your opinion on a franchise being placed in London?
A: I think that the NFL has done a lot of research and background. I think that they are moving in that direction. I think it's pretty evident that's what they would like to do. This International Series has three games this year and I think it's just a natural progression before it happens. I believe that it will happen soon rather (than) later.
Q: Would you like to coach here?
A: (Laughs) Tell me what kind of players that I would have and I'd tell you. If we had good players, I'd love to coach here.
Q: What happens if Calvin Johnson can’t play?
A: We'll have to wait and see who plays and who's on the 46-man roster. But if Calvin plays, you'll have to know where he is and you're going to have a different game plan. And it's the same thing with Reggie Bush. Coming out the backfield, he's a very dangerous weapon for defenses. We are going to have to know when those guys are in the ball game.
Q: (inaudible)
A: Again, I don't want to talk about strategy. But you've got to be aware of when those guys are in the game. I can assure you that the 11 guys on defense will know when Number 21 or 81 are in the ball the ball game.
Q: What are your thoughts on an 18-game season?
A: Well, I think it really would involve what is going to happen in the preseason. There are a finite number of games that need to be played. Again, that's something that the league and the players association are talking about. I think they'll come to an agreement. They have to collectively bargain that. I like to play games that count on your official win/lost record. I will say that.
Q: What are plan leading up to kickoff?
A: For the rest of the day, we'll head back and the guys will get in some workouts and treatments. This evening they'll be off. Tomorrow we'll have a walk-through at The Grove and then we'll head into town and stop off and spend some times with the fans at the event that the NFL is putting on. We are looking forward to seeing the crowds as we go into town. Then we'll check into the hotel across the street from Wembley Stadium and have meetings on Saturday night.
Q: Were you happy with how Hard Knocks depicted you and the team?
A: Hard Knocks is a documentary of what the NFL is all about. Again, I think after the first couple of days you didn't realize that they were there. They were very professional. NFL Films and HBO, they do a very good job of trying to stay out of the way. They just want to document what happens in a preseason and each preseason for each team is completely different. There are storylines developed and they are there to document me.
Q: Would you do it again?
A: Yes, I would. I think it has everybody on point as an organization and as a team. I think it showed what the NFL is all about. It gives our players an opportunity to be seen in a different light and not always with a helmet on and on the field.
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