What Dirk Koetter had to say about the Falcons
Here’s what Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter had to say to the Atlanta media during a conference call on Wednesday (For some reason, Falcons coach Dan Quinn press conference and Koetter’s conference call were scheduled at the same time):
On his relationship with the Falcons organization. "Caught me off guard with that one. Whoever you're competing against you want to beat them. I have a lot of respect for the Falcons organization. They do things in a first class manner, but we want to beat them on Sunday."
On quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. "He's done a good job. Teams aren't dying to play their backup quarterbacks, but our backup quarterback, much like the (Falcons), has a lot of experience and 118 starts under his belt. He's gone in there and he's done a good job. He's 2-0 as a starter."
On what Fitzpatrick brings to the offense. "Toughness. Smarts. Competitiveness. Desire to win. Calming influence. How's that off the top of my head."
On the passing game with new additions in DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard: "It's been inconsistent. That's not based on the people. We haven't got the ball to DeSean Jackson as much as we would have liked to. Our first round pick, O.J. Howard has definitely shown…he's doing fine. He's made some spectacular plays. He's learning the difference between college football and pro football. Above average rookie progression and he's loaded with talent. He's going to be a really good player."
On Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant. "Trufant is a heck of a player. He's got really good quickness. Really good awareness. He's a competitive guy. I think he plays good every week. He's one of the better corners in the league. If they decide to match him up with Michael (Evans) all over the field, that wouldn't surprise me. I think (Robert) Alford is playing good for them on the other side, too. They don't usually like to match guys up, but they are playing a lot more man now. We'll have to see. That will be a really good matchup if he matches Mike."
On the Falcons offense. "They are tough to match up with because they have the reigning MVP in Matt. You've got three really good running backs. Their receiving corps is deep. Of course, Julio (Jones) is fantastic. Sanu has played really good. They are tough to match up with. We'll have our hands full. We have a pretty good game wrecker in the middle of our defense in Gerald McCoy. Our linebacker Lavonta David and Kwon Alexander are playing well right now. We have a pretty good corner of our own in Brett Grimes. But let's face it, Atlanta's offense, when they are rolling, they are tough to stop."
On Matt Ryan, any differences from the 2012-14 Matt Ryan: "It looks like he's getting coached a lot better (laughs). Matt is a heck of a player. Matt is a great guy. Terrific player. Fantastic competitor and congratulations I understand that he and his wife are expecting twins. So congrats to him."
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
