Here’s what Falcons coach Dan Quinn had to say after the 17-15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night at the Georgia Dome:
Opening Statement:
“I thought tonight’s game was loaded with resiliency, a lot of mental toughness and a bunch of versatility sprinkled in too. We asked guys to play different spots to see what they could do. I was certainly pleased at the end of the first half, especially to see the offense go regarding two minutes. We got a score out of that one. We came back and had the ball again, so I was disappointed to see the three and out. But at the end, one of the main topics we preach about is doing right longer, and there was a number of examples of that today, whether it was at the end of the half or at the end of the game. That part was there. Thomas and I certainly have some tough roster decisions ahead. Guys battled hard for that spot tonight. That’s what we’ll do over the next couple days and we’ll get together and make the decisions based best on the team so we’re looking forward to doing that as well.”
On Nick Williams:
“Well, I think the first thing about Nick that we talk about is his toughness. It just jumps out. He’s a rare competitor and it shows up in practice and the game. I thought tonight was another demonstration of that. We could put him in a number of different spots. He also has versatility as a kickoff returner and punt returner. He’s that person that you can always count on. That toughness really showed through tonight with Nick.”
On Dashon Goldson
“We wanted to get Goldson in the mix. I was pleased. You saw the physicality come to life. We know he’s a competitor. Now the communication and getting on the same page over the last three days, that was an important step for him, to get into and learn the system. He’s still got work to do in terms of learning the system, but we were pleased with the physicality. There was a very nice tackle with him on the sideline. I said ‘Welcome back’ and he kind of smiled. That’s definitely a part of his game.”
On depth a safety with Keanu Neal and Kemal Ishmael injured
“I usually look at it as more of the glass half full. Kemal will be ready and Dashon won’t, but I will say that. But that physicality that (Robenson) Therezie brought tonight, it was noticed. That part of his game has taken a big step. He was really physical in the way he played and with the tackling. He’s an important part of what we do.
On strong and free safety interchangeable
“Not always. You have to have the speed to do it for it to be interchangeable. He does. He has the speed, but generally we try to feature the guys with the things that they can do best. But when you the versatility to play more than one spot, especially when you’re not a starter, that’s what makes his role so critical.”
On Courtney Upshaw
“He really showed up over the past two games when we went back and looked at it. His ability to penetrate and cause somethings on the move. He’s a big guy. He’s almost 300 pounds and can move. He definitely is someone that job out.”
On the play of Terron Ward
“We know this guy was tough. He has a warriors mindset and he always have. So for him to come up and battle through it tonight. He was sore coming off the ankle injury. He expected to have a big load and he did. He definitely delivered. When Will (Ratelle) went we actually put McKissic in there for a little bit as well. But we were real proud of Terron and his effort tonight.”
On Ryan playing one snap
“I think it’s important that we go through everything together as a team. Whether if they play one play or a guy in Terron’s case, nearly the whole game. We are always together. That’s what we stand for as a team. If you’re able to play and you’re healthy enough to, it might be for a very short time, but I think it stands for what we believe in as a team.”
On backup quarterback Matt Simms
“Another guy that we had high hopes for coming in. He’s had a very good training camp. You’ve seen him play some in the (exhibition) season games. He really played hard. I know he’d like to have the turnover back on the fumble, on the exchange. I thought he was accurate. Two of the interceptions were (tipped) balls off of ourselves. They should have been catches. I thought he showed poised. Before the game we told him to be really clear on how we wanted to do. Sometimes he gets excited and goes on the play fast….I was pleased with Matt Simms effort tonight.”
On the impending cuts
“We are likely going to do that in two waves over the next two days.”
