FLOWERY BRANCH — Here are five questions with Falcons quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur:
Q: What are some the things Matt Schaub can help you all out with in the quarterbacks meeting room?
A: Number one, you're talking about a guy who has played in the system. Not only has he played in the system, he's played at a pretty high level in our system. So, I think it's just another voice, another set of eyes for Matt to lean on. Schaub has been through a lot of these situations. It's just another sounding board for Matt Ryan.
Q: Can he still play if necessary?
A: I still think Matt Schaub can still do it at a high level. Otherwise, if he wasn't able to do it, we wouldn't have brought him in here.
Q: How are you all trying to fix Matt Ryan’s footwork, which led to some of the interceptions last season?
A: I just think that's the key to all of the quarterbacks throughout the league. You want to have a consistent drop, a consistent balance in the pocket so that you can really get everything into the throw, so that you are throwing with good velocity. I talk to our guys all the time about being balanced in the pocket because if a guy gets a little off balanced, the accuracy tends to fall off a little bit.
Q: How are Sean Renfree and Matt Simms coming along?
A: They are doing a really good job. The toughest thing for them is just there are going to get limited reps. Every time that they get a chance to go out of the field, they have to make those reps count. That's been a big stress from me to them, just you have to go through every situation, take mental reps when you can get them and when it is your opportunity, you've got to perform.
Q: What did you all like from Matt Simms development from last year, to bring him back?
A: First and foremost, if you watch him out here, he's got tremendous arm talent. He's a natural thrower. He can throw in a condensed pocket. He adds some athleticism to the position as well. He can get out on the edge. He can make some off schedule plays. He's definitely has some versatility from a movement standpoint.
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