Backup rookie quarterback Kurt Benkert made his NFL debut in the Falcons’ 17-0 loss to the Jets on Friday at MetLife Stadium.
Benkert came on in the third quarter after Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub played.
His first pass went for a 27-yard gain by wide receiver Dontez Byrd. He completed 9 of 17 passes for 125 yards and had one interception.
Wide receiver Devin Gray had four catches for 83 yards and linebacker Jonathan Celestin had the Falcons only sack.
Here’s what Benkert, Gray and Celestin, who played at Mundy’s Mill High, had to say after the game:
KURT BENKERT, quarterback
On his play: "It was fun. I had a lot of fun out there. I made some plays and didn't make some plays. (There are) some good things to learn from. I think it's a good starting point to use as a stepping-stone to start my career."
On his first play, a 27-yard completion: "Besides an 80-yard touchdown, you couldn't script it much better than that. He just ended up coming open late and he did a good job of saving space for me on the sidelines so it was a play that we knew would be there if we got the right look."
On not converting in the red zone: "I think that's the most disappointing thing about this game is getting down there and not being able to convert. I have to do a better job of giving them a chance to make a catch and make a play on that ball, whether if it's a jump ball or back shoulder. We didn't get the call we were looking for, but we'll regroup for next week."
DEVIN GRAY, wide receiver
On Benkert: "He can really throw the ball. He's been great all camp. Really, the whole team, we'd like to do better out there."
On the fade on fourth down: "It was a really good ball. It was just, I could have made a better adjustment. It was a perfect ball. We'll practice it this week and we'll get it next time."
JONATHAN CELESTIN, linebacker
On his first NFL game: "It was a great feeling to be out there and play the game of football with my teammates."
On finally getting into camp and going undrafted: "It was tough at first. I just keep my head high and kept working out. I was waiting for a call and for somebody to give my a chance. I was just thankful that my hometown, where I'm from, was able to give me a chance."
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