Here are five questions with Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox:
Q: How’s the competition going along the defensive line?
A: That's what we hope to get. That means we are better if we have a lot of competition. Then, secondly, we are just tyring to find out how the pieces fit.
Q: How’s Brooks Reed doing at defensive end?
A: The good thing is that he played some last year so it's not entirely new to him. I think he did a wonderful job over the offseason transforming his body. Got himself in great shape and looks a lot better. He's working really hard. We are just looking for the 25 to 30 plays of game where he can knock tight ends back and head butt and do the things that he's good at.
Q: How’s his attitude been? Is he embracing his new role?
A: He's doing what we've asked him to do as with all of our guys. We don't have many guys that fight or argue with the roles that we ask them to play.
Q: How’s Courtney Upshaw coming along at tackle?
A: He's coming along. It's been a little different for him. We are asking him to do something that he's not done before. He's embraced it. He's trying to learn it. He's working at it. It's not going to happen overnight. He's improving in some areas. We need him to continue to improve in those areas.
Q: What was the film review of undrafted rookie Nordly Capi’s play against the Redskins?
A: He showed up both good and bad. He certainly has great first-step quickness. He does a good job of getting hips turned and making a play at the quarterback. For me, the big thing is going to be is can I trust him. Can we trust him. The little small details of his job, will he do them play in and play out.
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