Falcons quotes from Dan Quinn, Matt Ryan, Paul Worrilow, Robert Alford, Stansly Maponga and Tennessee’s Harry Douglas after Friday’s win over the Titans.
DAN QUINN, head coach
Opening Statement:
“I was especially pleased with how the offense started. From the rhythm and tempo of the guys coming off of the ball, and some of the early completions from Matt [Ryan] to Julio [Jones], and a number of the guys. I love the way they attacked, and then for the defense to respond to get the ball out on the next series of their first series defensively. Those were some of the things we had a huge emphasis on from the offense. From the offense, can we come off the ball and attack? Defensively, can we go after the ball? So, getting the three takeaways tonight was huge. I like the way we finished. It was tied 24-24, and I was hoping we would have a chance to show that we could finish.”
On Matt Ryan’s first-series:
“We had a conversation this week about how he is really feeling the rhythm of it. For him to come out, and attack right off and go into Julio Jones, and a couple of other big catches, he felt comfortable, but he was able to play fast. That’s really what we are looking for, where there’s not that thinking or hesitation. He had none of that tonight, so I think that’s great for him to be able to feel comfortable.”
On rookies Jalen Collins and Justin Hardy:
“For those guys, it’s all about learning. I was pleased to see on the deep ball that Robensen Therezie had there was a tip from Jalen [Collins]. I was glad about that one. Justin Hardy had a drop that caused the interception, and then he came back and just went for it. I think that is just how it’s going to happen. There are going to be rough plays that happen, but how fast can you get back into the present moment? We saw that with both of those guys, so I was very pleased. I found out the competitors that they are. You go through something tough, but you are ready to battle back.”
On the play of the first-team defense:
“Those are huge for us to show that we can be ball hogs, and I was very pleased to see that. The way that we went after the ball, and the tackling as well, so those two things were at the front of our list. Tackling, our ability to ball hog, and for us to get a couple right off the bat was a huge part of the game.”
MATT RYAN, Quarterback
On the opening drive:
“We talked about wanting to come out and start fast, execute and get in and out of the huddle really fast and change our personnel groupings. I thought we did a great job of that. We still have a long way to go, but it was really a good start for us.”
On connecting with Julio Jones:
He’s a beast and I’m lucky to call him a teammate. Julio did a great job tonight. Obviously, he’s one of the best players in the league and he showed that again tonight.”
PAUL WORRILOW, Linebacker
On the first-team defense
“As far as the first-team goes, we cam out with a lot of energy. We ran to the ball real hard. Anytime you can get turnovers on consecutive series, that was our objective coming in and we did that.”
On his touchdown
“On a play like that you’re just sitting in coverage. You see the ball come out of the quarterback’s hand … .so you just take off to the pile, ball comes out, you scoop and score a million times in practice.”
ROBERT ALFORD, cornerback
On Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota
“It’ felt good for us to come out here and have a different group to go against other than Matt (Ryan) and Julio (Jones). I think they helped us out a lot tonight.”
On the win
“It feels good. Even though it’s a (exhibition) game, we came in here to compete and try to win the game.”
HARRY DOUGLAS, Tennessee wide receiver
On facing his old team
“As far as being back in the Dome, it felt good. Especially all of the love from the fans and old teammates, Mr. (Arthur Blank) and everybody in the organization. It just felt good. It was like a homecoming.”
On catching all three of his targets
“The main thing going into the season is that I want to be efficient. Be where I need to be. I have to be there for Marcus at any time.”
STANSLY MAPONGA, defensive end
On getting a key sack
“It felt pretty good. There is a lot of work to do. I’m just glad that I got that sack. That’s something that I can build on to continue to work hard. It was fun to get some pressure. It was good to get the ball back to our offense.”
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