What Dan Quinn had to say after Sunday’s practice

Here’s what Falcons coach Dan Quinn had to say after practice on Sunday. The news about Jalen Collins’ suspension was announced after Quinn spoke to the media and the team released a statement from general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Quinn will be questioned about the suspension after Monday’s practice:

Opening Statement:
"We had such a fun day. This military day for us keeps increasing. We really felt the energy from them today. We wanted to dedicate this practice to them for all of their sacrifice. That was such an important thing. You saw the different colored jerseys out there today. Everything today was focused on them. I was pleased with the team's energy today. We did a number of situations. The red zone was a big emphasis for us. We tried to feature guys in different roles and created as many pressure situations that we could. For the first day back, this next block we're going into, we have lots of things that we need to improve upon. It was a good first day."

On Pat Tillman:
"Especially on this day, men like Pat Tillman are the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He probably has a special spot, as someone who fought on both sides, on the military side and for our players who know his story. At the end of each year we talk about the men and women who give so much and Tillman is certainly a name that comes up a lot because it's so personal to the players who've played the game. It was an awesome day and we're really humbled that we were able to provide that experience for them."

On the difference working with the defensive line as a position coach and now as a head coach:
"I really want to make sure our style comes across and that one position is one that I will always keep a connection to. Fortunately, Bryant Young and I have such a good connection. There may be some things that I can help him with to work on some specific skills. Every couple of days I will take them and work on some individual technique. I like that connection with them. That's my way of giving back to that group."

On whether he was pleased with the performance of the defensive line today:
"I'm going to go back and look at it, but I felt the energy and we had a big pass rush day. We did lots of one-on-one's, five on four, and a two minute at the end. We really wanted to stress the line of scrimmage on both sides. The run game and the play action from the offensive line standpoint. How similar can that look? We went for it in that respect today. We know that this is the time of year you have to put out. We had pads on and we've got to emphasize that. You can throw and catch and get timing in a lot of ways, but you can't simulate the padded work for the big guys."

On any updates on Jack Crawford:
"No update yet. Hopefully it's more precautionary than anything."

On updates on Ryan Schraeder:
"Same. He had a cut that needed to get cleaned up. He'll be back hopefully tomorrow."

On the impact Bryant Young has had on the defensive line:
"First off, he is a fantastic teacher. Not all players who've played at a really high level can do that. He is one that is able to articulate those things. It's the standard that he has from all the way through as a ball player. He's able to transfer it into him. I'm pleased that he's able to be his authentic self. The connection as a first year coach with a group takes time to build that trust. The group and him have built a good bond already."

On how the defensive line has improved from last training camp to now:
"I don't generally compare from that to now, but I can say that I'm feeling that unit developing into one. I will be pumped to see where they can go to and the vision of where we can take it. We have a long way to go still. We know that we haven't even been to our first preseason game yet. We've got to find out about a lot of guys and make sure they're working together. We've added some new parts to that group. It will take some time to work that in and the only way you do it is at practice and in the preseason games. You can't just talk about it. At that position there's some feel that goes on. It's not just reading it in a manual or watching it on the film. It has to actually be in concert with the other guys. I'm happy with Young. I'm also happy with the communication that's going up and down the line with the group."

On Matt Ryan's communication with his receivers:
"It's part of the job description and it's a part that he's good at. He's really clear on where he expects a player to be for the throw and the player's communication has to be 'I know Matt needs to put the ball here, so this is why I can't cut the route short'. It's that player to player communication that is so critical. It's our role as coaches to players and it's also the role of players to players to have that good feedback. He's one of the very best at that."

On what he's looking for from Steve Sarkisian in the first preseason game:
"It's been real intentional that we've had less scripted plays and more move the ball. I wanted Sarkisian and Marquand Manuel to be in the game calling mode. It was really by design. We had quite a few move the ball situations and a competition in the red zone. The last few days we've played the first quarter and then two minute halves. We played a third quarter. We're trying to create those environments for the guys. It will take work to get there, but we'll get there. That type of communication we need to go through the exercises and keep doing them."

On determining playing time for starters in the preseason:
"I know no matter how many years you're together, you need turns and calls to get back into the rhythm. No change on our approach as we go through the play time."

On the players being evaluated for the tackle spot:
"Well it's really wide open. Kevin Graf has been one for that and he was kind of the lead dog as we are going. We're totally keeping that open. Daniel Brunskill is someone that got our attention for sure and then past that we're letting it rip. As we get into the games, we will have a better evaluation. This is an important time for these guys to put their best foot forward and go for it. Chris Morgan has does a nice job of moving guys, right tackle and left tackle. As a swing person, you have to have the versatility to play both sides."

On Eric Saubert's place at tight end:
"The tight end spot is a critical one in our offense. It's the play action pass game that we do. The keepers are a factor on third down as well. Austin Hooper is involved and working Levine Toilolo in. The we have this big battle going on with Saubert and Josh Perkins. They're both different and how do we feature them? We've been impressed by Saubert so far. We can't wait to get him in. I think he has a role on this team based on his speed. We're throwing a lot at him and he wants to keep coming at it. Hooper's been a nice connection for him. Both of them are football junkies. If you walk past the tight end room, you'll see them in there watching other guys, studying other routes, doing this, and making cuts. Mentoring can take place at all levels. Although they're the same age, Hooper came out early and Saubert is here, you can mentor at any spot."

On who stood out on offense:
"I thought the offensive line in general. I was looking for real intent in the run game and I saw a few of those take place where there was some good room for Devonta Freeman, especially on a couple runs in the last practice. They were doing a nice job with the last blocks in the screen game. The offensive line, they're straining and coming along. Passed that, we are throwing a lot of guys in at receiver, so Brian Hill has been someone that has caught our attention and Terron Ward at the running back spot as well."

On Jermaine Grace coming back from his time in Miami:
"Well let's talk about off the field first. Grace is going for it in every way. He's got the ideal coach to help somebody develop at linebacker. If I had a son, I'd want him to play for Jeff Ulbrich. He's that type of leader and that type of teacher. There couldn't be a better spot for a guy to come into and learn. The off-field portion is coming along well. It's his speed that jumps out. We are anxious to see if he's somebody that has special teams value. We know we've got a long way to go, but we feel his speed at practice so far."

On preparing for the first preseason game:
"We generally don't treat it the same as in season. We are in training camp mode and then we go battle for it and really get evaluations on players. It's critical in the preseason. You're trying to not only get your skills sharp, but also find out about a lot of new players and see where their skills are at and what versatility they have. We don't do the game planning part of it to get ready. It's really more about us in the highest sense."