During a break in the OTAs, the Falcons’ offensive coaches were available to the media today.
Here are five things we learned during the 20-minute interview session:
1. Morris on the wideouts. Assistant head coach/Raheem Morris is looking forward to helping wide receiver Calvin Ridley continue his growth in the NFL. "Calvin is a worker," Morris said. "He works extremely hard. He goes extremely hard. You've got to slow Calvin down."
2. Morgan on the rookies. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan said that the rookie first-round picks – Chris Lindstrom (14th overall) and Kaleb McGary (31st overall) – are doing a good job so far. He praised their "sense of urgency" and "want to."
3. Morgan on Carpenter. With all of the resources spent on the revamped offensive line, Morgan is in charge of the team's biggest revitalization program. He noted that free-agent left guard James Carpenter was with him in Seattle and that he can play in the outside zone system. "I know James," Morgan said. "I had James in 2014 in Seattle. He's really matured."
4. Brock on Freeman. Running backs coach Dave Brock had a glowing report on Devonta Freeman, who's trying to bounce back after two injury-riddled seasons. "One of the things that's really exciting is the ability part of it, the football piece of it on the field is so visual for everybody," Brock said. "Everybody can see what a dynamic player that he is."
5. Koetter on toughness. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter talked about the offense's identity. "No matter what your identity or your perceived identity is, your identity when you really get on the field has to start with the (offensive) line," Koetter said.
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