Falcons’ Vaughters dedicates strip-sack to his grandfathers

NEW ORLEANS -- Here’s what the Falcons had to say after the 27-25 win over the Saints:

RB #84 CORDARRELLE PATTERSON

(On today’s game): “It was awesome. They came back. They fought hard. You have to give credit to the whole Saints organization. They are a great team. We just found a way to get it done. It was a must win for us. We were executing all week.”

(On the 64-yard reception near the end of the game): “It was a play we called earlier in the first drive. Coach (Smith) told me that we were going to call that play again. Matt (Ryan) trusted me. I was open. I just try to build his trust each and every week. He gave me an opportunity to go out there and make a play.”

(On the matchup of the big reception): “It’s just about getting open. I’m just trying to let the defender not get hands on me, so I can get open. We ran that play earlier and coach said that we were going to come back to it and that’s what we did.”

(On what Ryan says in the huddle on the final drive): “Matt Ryan says let’s go get it done. That is just Matty Ice. He is not nervous. He has been doing this his whole career. He has been bringing teams back. That’s what he does. We just trust the leader.”

WR #17 OLAMIDE ZACCHEAUS

(On the touchdowns he had today): “It was a huge possession to put points on the board at the end of the half and also at the end of the game. It got us in position to win the game. I was doing my part and doing what I was supposed to do. I try to contribute how I can.”

(On what was working on the 92-yard drive before the end of the first half): “Everybody was doing their job. It really is. Everyone was on the same page. It helps the defense when you have a big lead.”

(On if you feel comfortable winning games at the end): “I don’t think you can ever feel comfortable in this league. Once you get comfortable, then that’s when you start losing. I don’t think that we will ever be comfortable.”

OLB #93 JAMES VAUGHTERS

(On his sack fumble) “First of all I want to dedicate that play to both of my grandfathers. They were both military men. This week is (Salute to) Service week. We wear the towels and the gloves to show that appreciation. My maternal grandfather passed (away) about three weeks ago. It was very emotional for me playing. It is always emotional for me playing in the (Salute to) Service game because they did that so I could have the opportunity to be a pro football player. I want to dedicate that to them. I wish they could have been here to see it. I know they are watching (this performance) from above. That is something I really appreciate. On the sack itself, it’s a culmination of the efforts of everyone on this team. The offense is making plays. Other guys on the defense are making plays. We withstood the surge from the other team. I was glad I was able to make the strip sack to help us get the win today.”

(On if the thought of his grandfathers was on his mind today): “I was thinking about them right before that drive. My (first) home game active as an NFL player was just two years ago. That was during (Salute to) Service week too. I think about them. My (maternal) grandfather was from rural Alabama and my paternal grandfather was from rural Ohio. I get an opportunity to be an NFL player. They were from more or less places where they do not get that opportunity. I always think about them when I have this opportunity. That’s really what it is all about. It’s about me being a representation of my family.”

(On appreciating his journey as an NFL player): “Absolutely, it could weigh me down, but I use it as an opportunity to fuel me. I try to win each individual play. If I don’t win that one, then I’m trying to win the next one. I’m just glad that I I can be around guys who can share that moment. We all play as a representation of that journey.”

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