Head Coach Mike Smith, Aug. 20
Q: What do you think about Matt Ryan and his first start this week with the Atlanta Falcons?
A: “Well, when we started the process here at training camp we talked about trying to get all of our quarterbacks to work with the first team. This will be Matt’s first opportunity to do that. He will also get the opportunity to come out from halftime, which he was able to do in last week’s game. We are trying to expose Matt and all of our young guys to as many different situations as we can. I think it will be a great learning experience for him this week against what I consider to be one of the stronger defenses.”
Q: Do you think he is chomping at the bit to get out there to show what he can do?
A: “I think that Matt is a competitor like all of the guys on our football team. They are excited about the opportunity to get out there. I know for Matt this is a great opportunity. We want to make sure that he has a good experience.”
Q: Are there any veterans, such as Todd Weiner, that you are going to try to get back in this week?
A: “It is our intention to get Todd in this week. Just like we got Todd McClure in last week, we are planning on giving Todd an opportunity to work with his unit so we can see what they can do. We want to get him in there with the guys who could possibly be our starters. Todd will definitely get some work in this week. I don’t know how long he will go, but he will definitely be in there.”
Q: The defense didn’t give up a touchdown against the Colts. Could you talk about Vince Young and what he is going to throw at you?
A: “He is a different dynamic. Those quarterbacks that we faced last week are not guys who can really run and move around in the pocket. The thing that we have got to be prepared for as a defense is to cover longer and rush longer. When the integrity of a play breaks down, Vince can make it happen. It is probably when he is at his best. It is important for us to rush a little bit longer and cover a little bit longer because of his ability to run.”
Q: For your process of evaluation, is that a good thing for your staff?
A: “I think it is. I think you are not only getting the opportunity to see the athleticism of guys, but how they can handle chasing guys in space and playing against speed. It is also important to see how we handle conditioning and endurance. This is also an opportunity to see how our defensive linemen are going to be able to play in a rotation.”
Q: How is Jamaal Anderson doing in his second year?
A: “He is progressing. He is a guy that is pressed a little bit, but it was nice to see in the first game that he recorded a sack. He also had a nice play on an underneath pass rush. He has progressed well. We really want to get a good look at Jamaal in extended play. I think that is important that we play these guys through the third quarter.”
Q: Has (Ben) Hartsock done what you have expected?
A: “Yes, he has. Ben has worked extremely hard and is where we anticipated he would be. He is a guy that can move the chains with our run game.”
Q: With the release of (Isaac) Brown and (Joe) Horn, do you think that helps you get closer to your 75-man squad?
A: “It sure does. In terms of going from an 85-man roster to a 75-man roster, we have made a couple of moves early. That will allow us not to have to make as many moves as we normally have to.”
Q: Are you planning on releasing any guys early?
A: “I think that we are going to have to get in there on Sunday and evaluate the film. If there is somewhere we feel like there is clarity and that is a direction we need to go, then we will make that decision at that time.”
Q: With Laurent (Robinson) coming back this week, do you think you may allow him more playing time this week?
A: “Last week, Laurent did not come in and play until the second half of the ballgame. We will see him in the rotation this week. With his injury, he missed some time early on. We eased him into it last week, but we anticipate him getting some playing time early in the game this week.”
Q: Do you see David Irons playing this week?
A: “David will be a game time decision. As a skill guy and a guy that has to run, we have to be very careful. He is still nursing that hamstring injury and so we will have to see how he feels at game time. Ron (Medlin) will take him out two hours before the game and work him out. We will then make our decision based on how he looks there.”
Q: With Martrez Milner out, who do you see trying to win that spot?
A: “It has been a great opportunity for the guys behind them. George Cooper has made some great plays. Also, Keith Zinger has had an opportunity to play just like Jason Rader. Those three guys have really had an opportunity since Martrez has not been able to be out on the field.”
RELATED LINKS:
- FEATURE: Lofton having solid preseason
- J. MIKE'S BLOG: Weiner Likely to Play Friday Night
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Jamaal Anderson | Todd McClure
- FALCONCAST: Matt Ryan stops by the Falconcast Studio
- FALCON AL'S BLOG: Matt Ryan on Falconcast (Video)
- TWIG'S BLOG: Props to Matt Ryan
- BIRDSEED: J. Mike reviews and comments on Falcons news
- NEWS: Falcons waive injured linebacker, release Horn
