Interim Head Coach Emmitt Thomas
Q: How has the team responded following a tough outing against Tampa Bay?
A: “We are going to put that behind us, prepare as hard as we can this week and try to get a win in Arizona. We had a couple of bad plays early in the game and we kind of lost our composure. That’s behind us now and I think the guys will come in this week and respond.”
Q: How disappointed were you when some of the guys did lose their composure last Sunday?
A: “It was very disappointing for the organization, myself, the players themselves and their families. Sometimes when you are in the heat of the game that happens. I can’t throw stones because as an ex player, I went through some of those things. I think that’s behind us and I think they’ll respond and go forward.”
Q: Do you have any personnel changes you are making for the upcoming game?
A: “No different schemes or changes. Chris Redman will be the quarterback and Warrick Dunn will remain at tailback. We are going to stay status quo.”
Q: Do you have a time frame for when Justin Blalock will get back on the field?
A: “We addressed that the other day. I’m going to sit down with the coordinators and coach (Mike Summers). I think it could be Sunday, but I can’t answer just yet.”
Q: Has Blalock hit a rookie wall?
A: “We drafted him in the second round and I think there is a high ceiling for this man. Because of the length of the season, we think it hit him. We wanted to give him a little rest.”
Q: Can you talk about Chris Redman and what he needs to be successful?
A: “I think it’s an effort of everyone. That includes coaches, players, blockers and receivers. We have to run better, block better and call better plays to get the ball out of his hands. I think that will happen this week.”
Q: How have the players been handling the speculation of Bill Parcells coming to the Falcons?
A: “It’s gossip and we don’t have an answer for that. We had a good practice today. We’ll look at the tape and have a meeting and see. We’re not going to worry about the things we can’t control.”
