Falcons coach Dan Quinn was not pleased after the 17-0 loss to the Jets on Friday at MetLife Stadium.
He felt the rookies played tight, the overall play was too sloppy and they racked up too many penalties, including two lowering of the helmet calls.
Overall, the Falcons had 10 penalties for 71 yards and did not score on two red zone drives, which has been a point of emphasis this offseason.
Here’s what Quinn had to say after the game:
Opening statement: "I thought today, I was so looking forward to this game. It was a big evaluation opportunity on a number of guys, at a number of different spots. I thought we missed our mark in some instances. I was glad to see that we got opportunities at kickoff returner (and) punt returner. Those were big ones for us. I thought the penalties in this game cost us, where it created some difficult field positions to convert. So, maybe we didn't get the looks that we wanted to. That part of our game, we certainly need to clean up. As far as the ball goes, we ended up in a turnover margin of just even. We had one interception and we forced one fumble and recovered it. More than anything, I want our style of play to show up when you guys watch us. Tonight, there were a number of times, that I didn't feel that way. So, we are going to work hard to make sure that our style always shows up and improve upon that for this week. It's another big evaluation opportunity as we get ready to play. I have much to look at tonight. Thomas (Dimitroff) and I when we go look at the tape. We'll get started again tomorrow."
On the play of the starters and the play of Damontae Kazee: "Defensively, if I remember correctly that group started out well. I think it was a three-and-out to get going. Just the opposite on the other side. Some of the fouls, illegal procedure and a block in the back, just really set us back to try and get going. Kazee has been somebody that has definitely impressed us. Probably from the midway point last year on, he was a factor on special teams. Tonight, his physicality (showed up). He's working hard on his tackling. I knew he had some fouls on that tonight. That's what this time is for. Having those reps in the game is such an important factor. He goes really hard. He totally empties it for his guys. I was impressed tonight. There are some things for him to clean up and I know those are correctable. That's why we are so excited for him. I really felt his energy tonight amongst other."
On the helmet penalties: "The first two that I saw, I had a good look at. I thought they were the correct call. I didn't see Kazee's second one to know or Ito (Smith's). I'm anxious to go and look back at those. It's an emphasis. I was disappointed to see our team (get called for that penalty). We take such pride in that, to have those fouls. We are not only going to show ours, but we'll show those from around the league this week so that we'll have more teaching (opportunities). Clearly, we have more work to do in that area. We'll devote the time to it because it is that important."
On the third running back position: "It kind of goes into the whole thing of the third running back spot, running the ball, catching, protecting and the fourth element, special teams. We got a chance to see punt, punt return and on kickoff. I'm pretty anxious and excited to go watch that, because that's going to be a real factor in what we do, too. We still have lots to discuss at fullback."
On the rookie class: "I was so excited for this group because I really felt that they'd put the work in. I was hoping to see the energy that they've shown, up through May. So, I thought tonight there was a little bit of first-game tight(ness). One of the phrases that we have is 'the way we do anything is the way we do everything.' I felt their energy through the first part of training camp up through tonight. I'm anxious to look and see who really stepped up and made plays. (Wide receiver Devin) Gray made a terrific catch down the sideline. I thought (quarterback Kurt) Benkert jumped out. (Defensive tackle Deadrin) Senat was one who jumped out. (Cornerback Isaiah) Oliver, I thought did an excellent job of ball security. One of our own guys ran into him, but he really took pride in that in the punt return, in owning the ball. Running back-wise, I don't know. I have to go back and look. It didn't seem like we had much going in the run game. I don't know if that's going to be a good part of the evaluation. The catches and the special teams factor in ... we've got a lot to work on. I'm encouraged by their youth and speed, but I didn't think we played as well as we can. That's to be expected some time in your first game. More than that, I (didn't) like the sloppiness. I (didn't) like the penalties. We can be better at the ball and going after it. So, those are two of things at the top the list going into the game that I thought we missed our mark."
More on the helmet calls: "I was surprised that it happened on a pass play by a blocker ... we knew it could happen on a receiver on a crack block or maybe an offensive lineman that was pulling. But maybe that's one, that's part of it. If that's the way it's going to be officiated, that's good that it happened now. So, not only for our team, but for teams around the league."
On Benkert's deep passing: "That was really one of his strong traits from UVA, taking shots down the field. I also thought he did a nice job of extending plays and getting outside the pocket. He's comfortable on the run. That's a big part of what we do with the keepers and the run game. His ability to throw on the run is as important as a quarterback's feet in the pocket. How can he slide to make a guy miss? It's not just how fast you are, but can you maneuver your feet to get out of trouble and I think he showed (that) on a few (occasions) tonight."
On Terrell McClain: "I'd like to go back and look to see what it looked like early on. He's always been somebody that represents straining for us. That's a big part of that position. I was hoping to see a little bit more pressure on the quarterback. The defensive line coach in me always comes out. When I don't see that, I'm usually not too happy and mostly grumpy. So, I'll look back and take a look at that."
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