The assignment changed for Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel when the Panthers announced Wednesday that Taylor Heinicke will start at quarterback in place of Cam Newton.
The Falcons (5-9) are set to play the Panthers (6-8) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Here’s what Manuel had to say after practice on Wednesday:
On his scouting book on Taylor Heinicke: "I'll tell you what, it was exciting when we got ready to play them the first time. We had to watch a lot of (exhibition) season video. You got a chance to see him some and how much the offense was the same. His ability to get out of the pocket as well. He has a nice arm. How much of the offense that they tailor towards him, things that he understands and he knows. They didn't hold back in the (exhibition) season. There is a reason why he's No. 2."
On Heinicke's time with (Carolina offensive coordinator) Norv Turner in Minnesota: "When you start with coordinators and look at Norv (Turner) and see what he wants to do and how he wants to proceed in the game. The Cam plays are the Cam plays. He's a mobile quarterback that is big. He's a big athlete that can throw the football. So, you have to get ready for multiple things. This guy, he's mobile, but he's not Cam from that standpoint. He's more of pocket passer. He can get out on bootlegs and things of that nature. But Norv, you know from the days I was playing, has had quarterbacks come out and do precisely what he wants them to do in the offense. Screens, bootlegs and down the field throws, things of that nature."
On Heinicke's 730-yard passing game at Old Dominion: "Somebody told me that right before practice. Old Dominion, they throw the ball. Everyone knows that. He has a nice arm. If you watch him, (he can throw) touch passes, (he has the) ability to throw the out routes, plays that you ask quarterbacks to make in the league."
On what differences the Falcons expect to see: "You still have to stop McCaffery. They'll lean on him a little more. (Tight end Greg) Olsen didn't play the last time that we played them. You have (D.J.) Moore. You have a nice core of receivers like (Devin) Funchess. There is a nice core that he can get the ball to. There is a combination of guys that you have to stop and they are really good at running the football. I think they are not going to put a lot in his hands. It's going to be enough, but not a lot. So, we'll have to do a good job on first and second down in the run game."
More on expecting to see McCaffery with an increased load: "It will be a lot. When you look at it, the guy is probably going to have 20 to 25 touches whether if it running or throwing. We have to get prepared for that."
On having Deion Jones for this game: "That's huge. Deion has done a good job of coming back ... and being able to cover. In the Green Bay game, he didn't make the (interception). This week he made it and that changed the game. It sparked the team. He has the ability to play in the run and cover. That's going to help."
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