Head Coach Bobby Petrino
Opening Statement:
“I was happy with the win. We did not play our starters, but I really liked the way our guys competed. I thought we played hard. I would like to be more efficient offensively as far as scoring points, but they moved the ball well. I think defensively we had guys flying around. We rushed the passer pretty well. It was good to get those two turnovers in the fourth quarter. We have been preaching about turnovers so it was nice to see that happen. Overall, I think we built a decent foundation throughout the preseason, but now we get ready for the real deal. We are all excited about that. Tomorrow morning will be real tough on everybody, but it is just some business we have to take care of.”
What kind of cohesiveness have you developed on offense and defense?
“I think offensively our offensive front worked together the whole time. I think we feel good about where we are there. I believe we have established some depth, which is nice. I am not real sure if we have established our total identity yet because we have not had Warrick (Dunn) or Alge (Crumpler) in there. I am still getting to know them and how to utilize them to the best of their ability. I like the way Joey (Harrington) has run the offense. I like the way he has picked things up quickly and has taken command. I think the players have responded well to that. Defensively, I think we have a lot of confidence in our front four and our ability to stop the run. We are playing well on the edge. We certainly welcome back Rod (Coleman) because we know we are going to need him inside. Not only to stop the run, but to rush the passer as well. I think he also leads the NFL in batted passes so that is a nice luxury. Our linebacking corps is fast. With Demorrio (Williams) and (Stephen) Nicholas we have depth at that position. I think Tony Taylor and (Jordan) Beck have competed hard for the Mike position. I feel comfortable with our linebackers. In the secondary, I think (Chris) Crocker and Jimmy (Williams) have competed hard at free safety. Crocker should be ready to practice next week. The corners have taken care of themselves and we are young. We have great leadership back there with Lawyer Milloy and we are very young in our back-ups. We are young and talented so that is not a bad thing.”
How do you think QB Chris Redman played tonight?
“I liked the way Chris played. I thought he moved the ball well and did a nice job of moving in the pocket. He made some plays when things broke down, which is a luxury anytime a quarterback can do that. He looked comfortable executing the offense. We would like to work at a quicker tempo and not be over the ball so long at the line of scrimmage. We will continue to work on that. Chris has had a pretty good preseason for us.”
Quarterback Chris Redman
Opening statement:
“It felt good, but I wish I was able to get in the endzone a few more times. In the beginning, we kind of shot ourselves in the foot and didn’t punch it in. But, it was good to be able to get in the endzone one time.”
On creating a rhythm with the receivers:
“Those guys worked really hard out there and it was good to see them get in a rhythm. It just takes some time because we work with everybody throughout training camp. I try to get in sync with each of the receivers because I want each guy to get a chance to show what they have.”
Wide Receiver Vincent Marshall
How did you feel after tonight’s performance?
“I was trying to get out there and give it all I had because this was the last preseason game. I am just working to get a job and make this team. Since there are no promises in the NFL, you just have to work hard every day like it’s your last.”
On the bobble after the reception:
“I wasn’t able to tuck the ball after the catch so that’s when it slipped out of my hands. I was fortunate to keep the ball in my possession.”
Quarterback Casey Bramlet
Opening statement:
“It was good to get out there and finally get a chance to face some game action. After being here only a couple of weeks, it feels nice to have a grasp of the offense. It was good to take some hits and experience what a normal game feels like.”
Running Back Jerious Norwood
On his touchdown reception:
“That play really wasn’t designed for the quarterback to throw the ball to me. I went backside to pick up a blitz and the defender kind of slid on the inside of me. When he did that, I felt the quarterback rolling out, so I rolled out too and it just so happened that he threw it to me and I ran around the end for the touchdown. I thought the quarterback was going to run it and I was going to be his lead blocker.”
On the play of the Falcons offense:
“I feel like we played pretty well. We still have a lot of work and improving to do, but as a team I feel we played pretty stable tonight.”
On the preseason being over and getting ready for the regular season:
“We just have to prepare ourselves this coming week and get ready for Minnesota. We’ve got to hit all of the points and get all of the tips that we can and go out and play hard.”
Cornerback Chris Houston
On the play of the Falcons defense:
“We were just out there trying to get better. In previous games, we got put in there for two quarters, but tonight we played the whole game. We were just out there trying to get a feel for it and trying to become pros.”
On his interception late in the game to preserve the Falcons win:
“They were catching balls on me when I was in tight coverage, but as a corner you’ve got to keep on playing. So, I just kept on playing and I knew pretty soon the ball was going to come my way. I was going to make a play.”
On the preseason being over and getting ready for the regular season:
“It’s serious now. We’ve been working hard. The team’s been working hard to speed up things in practice and go a little bit harder. We’ll be studying a little bit more and getting ready.”
Running Back Jason Snelling
On his thoughts on the game:
“This is the last evaluation game. Everybody’s going out there to prove what they can do for the coaches, but the most important thing is that we went out there and got the win.”
On grading yourself and the team thus far:
“I’m not sure what grade I would give myself. I played well and I ran hard, but there is always room for improvement. I had a couple of situations with technique and pass protection, but overall, I did a good job. I knew my assignments and I ran hard, so I think I did pretty well.”
On things to work on for next game:
“We need to come closer together as a team. We just need to get together on Monday, study some tape on Minnesota and see what they’re going to do. Overall, I think we’re ready to go and play in the regular season.”
Fullback Corey McIntyre
On his contributions on special teams:
“I think I’ve done enough to impress the coaches, but it’s all up in God’s hands right now. It’s their decision. Whatever decision they make, I just have to run with it.”
On his tackle during the first punt:
“It was wide open. I guess nobody saw me. I just went down there.”
