Henderson knocks on wood to protect touchdown-less streak

Falcons assistant coach Jerome Henderson discusses what's been key for the defense in the last two games. (Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter)

Falcons passing-game coordinator Jerome Henderson wanted to knock on wood when asked about the defense not giving up a touchdown over their past 10 quarters of football.

Since the Falcons left Seattle wide receiver D.K. Metcalf wide open in the end zone in the second quarter of the eventual 27-20 loss on Oct. 27, they have allow only five field goals.

Here’s what Henderson had to say Wednesday:

ON NOT GIVING UP A TOUCHDOWN OVER THE PAST 10 QUARTERS: "The rush has picked up. The coverage has picked up. Playing together. (Raheem Morris') influence on the defense has really helped. I think it's a combination of things and guys are just saying this is us. We're going to play better. We're going to work harder and it's been paying off."

MORE ON THE TURNAROUND: "A lot more player-led meetings. A lot more getting together and talking through issues, just saying that we're not going to leave the practice field with any gray (area) has helped."

WHERE WAS THIS EARLIER? "No use looking back at this point. We've got to beat Tampa (Bay) this week. Find a way to be them. What is behind us is behind us. All we have is today."

ON BUCS WR MIKE EVANS: " This will be the most down-the-field attacking offense that we've faced this year. Like, they are a vertical team first. They are a bang inside in the run game, and then (they take) shots down the field. When you've got a guy that is that big and physical and you've got to commit guys to take care of the run game, that gives him one-on-one matchups outside. He's a big physical guy and he uses his physical size and strength to create space down the field."

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