Tampa Bay cornerback Brent Grimes spoke to Atlanta media on Wednesday via conference call.
Here’s what the former Falcon cornerback, who’s made it in the NFL after being an undrafted player from Shippensburg University, had to say:
Q: Coming off a loss, how are you all approaching the short week and facing the Falcons?
A: "On a short week, you have to get over that tough loss really fast and get on to the next game. It's a Thursday night game and nobody really likes it, but it is what it is. It's a division game and at this point, it's a big game."
Q: It’s been a couple months since you have faced the Falcons, in what ways has your defense grown?
A: "We are doing some things better. You always want to get better as the season goes on. You grow into your identity or whatever. You are just playing ball. I'm trying to compete out there and help our team win. That's pretty much it."
Q: What are seeing on tape of the Falcons’ offense?
A: "It's a really good offense. They have a lot of great players like Matt Ryan. Matt is really good. Julio and outside of those two, there are a lot of people who can make plays. I could just keep naming names, but it's a really good offense.
Q: In what ways have you seen them take steps forward since the first week of the season?
A: "They were a good offense then and they are a really good, now. They are one of the best offenses in the league from week one until now. They'll do different stuff every game, game-plan wise. It's a really good and explosive offense that if you're not on you stuff, they can make you look really bad."
Q: You faced Julio Jones in practice a lot of times, in your opinion what’s the key to containing him?
A: "It's a team effort just like anybody in the NFL. He's a great player. He has very skill that you want for a wide receiver. It's not just how do you stop Julio. It's a team effort for any great receiver in the league especially Julio who is probably the best. You just have to… the team has to effect the quarterback. You have got to play tighter coverage and just make your plays when you get a chance."
Q: Does this game mean more because you’re playing against your old team?
A: "I treat every game the same. If I got up for this game more than another ….it's an NFL game. Then what are you doing in the other games that you are playing? Are you not passionate? Every game is very important in the NFL. To me, you have to be up for every game. For me, the fact that it's a division game is worth more, but your level of play shouldn't change."
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