Here’s what the Falcons had to say after the 13-7 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday:
Kemal Ishmael, Linebacker
On his first preseason with the linebackers:
"It was different. I thought it was going to be somewhat kind of easy looking from the secondary down. I thought okay, I can do that, but it is a whole different skill set. I have to use my hands more, I am down in the trenches, I am fighting linemen, and it is fun. When you are winning, it is fun. When you are beating them up and getting down and playing physical, it is fun, and I enjoy that. I will do anything for this team."
On the defense:
"We play with a lot of passion. It is still a young defense, but the guys understand what is on the line. They go out there and fight and just have a good time doing it. We added some pieces, and those pieces are making some plays. We enjoy seeing each other make plays. If somebody misses a tackle, then there is somebody else right there to hit him. We have each other's back, and we are going to make a statement with this defense. We are going to find our identity and move from there. Improve every year and get 1% better."
Eric Saubert, Tight end
On what to think about the roster cutting down to 53:
"It is going to a strain mentally but stay busy. Be around your guys, do what you have to do, and get in good rehab. Don't really think about it."
On what he plans to do while waiting to learn the final roster:
"I am going to go to the facility and get in a lift, but I will definitely find some time for myself. I have three days off. I will just reflect and relax."
On thinking if he did enough to make the final roster:
"Absolutely. I poured my heart out there, stayed late, and did what I needed to do so the chips will fall where they may now."
Ricardo Allen, free safety.
On his advice to those trying to make the roster:
"I was talking to them the whole time. I was just telling them to leave it on the field. It doesn't matter, man. Just leave it on the field because if you hold back, then that is when it comes back to bite you. That is the one that comes back to haunt you in the long run because you felt that you didn't do everything you could've. I just told them to go out there and leave it on the field because if you're not here then just play hard enough to keep yourself somewhere else in the NFL."
Chris Odom, defensive end
On how the preseason went for him specifically:
"I thought I made improvements from game to game and I thought I was productive tonight. That's all I can go off of now and just wait to see what happens in the next 48 hours."
On what he specifically brought as a defensive end to this team:
"I believe I can pass rush and set the edge, which is everything a defensive end needs to do to be a productive player. I believe I showed that tonight and I'll continue to show it as opportunities come."
On what Coach Quinn is most pleased about with his play:
"Just keep working. Like I said, I've been improving each week and keep making sure I move forward and not backwards."
On whether he feels as if he's proved enough to make the 53-man roster:
"I believe I've done everything in my power, but it's up to the coaches. I can't control their decision, I can only control mine. We'll just see what happens in the next 48 hours."
J’Terius Jones, linebacker
On the cuts that will be made over the next 48 hours:
"I'm not sure, this is my first rodeo. I'm just going to recover, try and get my body right and God is in control. Just stay prayerful and stay positive."
On his nerves heading into final cuts:
"I left it all out on the field today and during camp. I feel like I left it all out there, showed what I can do, how I can fit on this team and how I can make this team better. So like I said, it's all up to God. He's in control."
On whether he proved he is an NFL player this preseason:
"I feel like I did to that. I had some good rushes, I made some mistakes as well but I feel overall it was pretty good."
Kelvin Taylor, running back
On what advice some of the veterans have given him:
"Just take it one day at a time and take it slow. You have to be prepared for everything and stay focused, believe in yourself, and trust me, you're going to be fine. I am about to just go out and relax just like a normal night after the game. I know what I bring to the table and it's going to happen sooner or later if it doesn't happen this time, but it is what it is. I am very thankful and extremely blessed for this opportunity. I just want to thank God for everything."
On what the day is going to look like for him personally:
"I'm going to go to the facility and relax. Like I said, I am just going to go over my regular routine. I'm going to talk to my family and girlfriend, relax, and chill. It is what it is."
On the change in the locker room after final cuts are made:
"It's difficult. It's part of the NFL and part of this business. It's a tough business, but at the end of the day it's a business and you just have to keep pounding away and keep grinding hard. It will definitely be different, but you have to look forward and keep looking in the future and everything will fall in your place after a while. It's part of the NFL and you have to keep working hard every day."
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
