Here is what Falcons coach Dan Quinn had to say on Wednesday in advance of this weekend’s game at the Panthers:
Opening statement: "It's hard to believe that's it November 1 and we're just getting starting on our division play. But we are looking at that in a good way. The other teams in the division have had at least one. We've talked from the very beginning about how strong we think this division is. How battled tested these teams are that come out of it. We're jacked to begin the process with our guys. We really trust that process that we go through to get ready. There is more familiarity, as it goes, when you get ready to play a division team. Certainly this year with so many of the systems and schemes staying the same. Carolina has some new players that they will feature into their offense and defense. We are really pumped to get going. The only player that will not be practicing for us today will be Duke Riley. Others will be limited in some fashion, but everybody else is going."
On differences in Carolina's defense under new coordinator Steve Wilks: "The front seven really feels aggressive. They have a deep, deep defensive line. Much like us, they want to play guys and rotate through. You see that, certainly at defensive end and tackle as well. The linebackers, we are very impressed with all three. In fact, they leave all three on the field more than most. They want to leave (Shaq) Thompson on the field even against three wide receiver sets. That is the thing that jumps out. The athleticism at the linebacker spot and the ability to penetrate and play aggressive up front."
On Kawan Short: "Around the league and on our team we certainly respect how he plays and (Star) Lotulelei inside as well. Their inside guys can really play strong and play square. (Vernon) Butler has been a good addition as well. Short is active because not only is he a big guy, but he's got the ability to rush. Sometimes you don't see that with big guys because they just push the pocket."
On the Kelvin Benjamin trade: "We kept looking at the targets and everything and then last night, ok, that trade went down. The third-down thoughts of how they were going to feature him in certain roles went out. They were pretty equipped to play, they did two year ago without him in the lineup. Is that an indication of where they may go? I don't know? We'll have to find out on Sunday. I've always thought he was difficult to guard and a good competitor and aggressive to go up and get the ball. I remember the workout when he was coming out of Florida State and they had a defensive line. He definitely caught my eye that day, not that I was scouting a receiver. But there is a guy down at Florida State, he is big and he can roll. Past that, as far as the trade, that's their decision. How they feature him and who steps up ... they've got some weapons."
On what impresses him most about Christian McCaffrey: "It's probably his ability to get out of the backfield and make catches. He's already with 49 catches so far in the season you can see that they feature him in that role. He's got an equal amount of carries to catches which is unusual stat for a running back. But he's got that kind of receiver skills out of the backfield or aligned as a receiver. Much like where (Devonta) Freeman has that change of direction, that is the same thing that I've been most impressed with (about) him. Not only the hands, but also his ability to change direction and break guys off in man to man."
