(On if playing today was as easy at it looked)
“No. We knew coming into it, from an offensive standpoint, I think LA has one of the best defenses in the league, specifically the front four. It’s tough to go against and they made it difficult for us all day. I mean, we made some plays offensively, but we really benefited from some turnovers and some great field position. We were opportunistic. When we got our chances, we capitalized. But again, I was proud of the way we competed.”
(On how the offense played with WR Julio Jones out for the game)
“I thought those guys did a great job and we have a lot of belief and confidence in everybody in our building. But you talk about what (WR) Justin Hardy did today, first play in the game, catching a touchdown pass for us in one-on-one coverage with a great catch. (WR) Taylor Gabriel creating explosive plays, (WR) Aldrick Robinson coming out with some big catches for us and then (WR) Nick Williams. Nick with his first week active, coming in and creating great separation on third downs, converting big third downs for us. I am just really proud about how those guys competed, but we have a lot of confidence in them, they are good players and they played the way they are capable of playing.”
(On the first turnover in the opening kickoff)
“It was a pleasant surprise. Obviously, we were kicking off and so you are sitting down and getting into the normal routine of the game. Then, we create the turnover in the opening kickoff and then it’s I got to be on it, on it, and sharp. It’s a good way to start a game, with a little back shoulder fade to (WR) Justin Hardy, he made a great catch.”
(On the 63-yard touchdown to WR Taylor Gabriel)
“Yeah, it was just really good timing and play-call by (Offensive Coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan). Something that we had worked on all week and knew that if we got the chance, and an opportunity with that coverage, we wanted to go with that. Taylor ran a great route, but you got to have the time to do it. Our offensive line held up really well, we had everybody in the positions we needed to open up for him and I just tried to put it out there, in a spot where he could catch it, but he ran a great route.”
(On the last three games and being tied (8-5) with Tampa Bay in the NFC South)
"You know, we just have to worry about this week and when we get back to Atlanta tonight, get back to work tomorrow and try to find a way to get it done in the (Georgia) Dome next Sunday against San Francisco."
(On getting pulled out of the game in the fourth quarter because of the score)
“It’s always a good thing when you are on the right side of it, when it’s going well, but it felt good. It was really fun to see all three phases step up and make plays. I thought our defense did a phenomenal job all-day, I thought our special teams kind of set it off for us at the start of the game. It was nice to get to watch (QB) Matt Schaub go in and do a good job handing it off to our other guys.”
(On OLB Vic Beasley Jr.’s performance and his touchdown celebration)
“I didn’t see the celebration, but the play was excellent. Vic has done a great job this year. He’s come on, and played really well for us. I think his confidence continues to grow with each week, and it shows with the way he plays. He’s making a lot of really big plays for us.”
(On Rams QB Jared Goff’s performance)
“I mean for a young guy, I respect the way that he battled the entire day, stood there and kept slinging it, and he made some good throws. I mean he did, he made some good throws and he will continue to improve, that’s part of it, we’ve all gone through it. There’s the lumps that you go through, throughout your career, but I think he’s going to be a really good player.”
(On if he gave any advice to Rams QB Jared Goff after the game)
“I said to him after the game that I respected the way he kept battling and kept throwing it. I think his teammates will respect that, too. My advice to him is to keep doing what he is doing. You got to have the experiences out there, good and bad, learn from them and keep getting better.”
(On if he told WR Julio Jones we got this before the game)
“You never know how it is going to shake out before the game. He knows, we all have confidence in our other guys, too. I am really proud of how everyone stepped up with ‘Ju’ (WR Julio Jones) and ‘Mo’ (WR Mohamed Sanu) down. I thought our guys really battled and competed the way that you expect them to and played with a lot of confidence.”
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