Quarterback Joey Harrington
Q: Describe your play in the first quarter of the game.
A: “Honestly, it was probably one of the easiest quarters of football I have ever played. The way we ran the ball made my job as a quarterback easy. There were a couple of times when I handed the ball off, looked back inside and saw the offensive line had created a pretty big hole. The offensive line did a great job up front and Michael (Turner) did a great job running the ball.”
Q: How did you feel after your play tonight?
A: “I felt really good.”
Running Back Michael Turner
Q: Talk about your two long runs in the first quarter.
A: “The offensive line did a great job opening up the holes and they made my job easy.
Q: Talk about the offense being able to move the ball down the field tonight.
A: “It was good, but we have to score touchdowns. We can’t get down to the red zone and settle for two field goals like we did.”
Q: You had some pretty big holes to run through tonight.
A: “The holes were huge up there. Couch Smith could have ran through those holes, but you have to give credit to those guys up front for creating those holes”
Q: When you start talking about confidence as an offensive unit, you got a little confidence with Matt (Ryan) last week; you had some decent runs this week. Do you think the offense is gaining confidence?
A: “Were just trying to put it all together. We can’t have spurts to where we play well here and there. We have to put it all together at one time.”
Q: Even though Matt Ryan didn’t play as well as he did last week, how do you feel he is progressing?
A: “He’s coming along. There is going to be some ups and downs, but he is a rookie. He is showing nice progress though.”
Safety Lawyer Milloy
Q: What did it feel like inside the Georgia Dome tonight?
A: “It’s a new dome and it was a great atmosphere tonight. It was good to see our fans come out and support us. I like the new colors of the dome.”
Q: Talk about the defense tonight.
A: “We’re progressing nicely. It’s a totally different look. Our coach (Brian VanGorder) brings a lot of energy and we worked hard in training camp. This game gives us a good chance to see where are at right now.”
Q: How do you think training camp went for this team as a whole?
A: “I think we are moving forward. We’ve underachieved the past couples of years and now I think we’ve gotten over that. We have some young talent and they are ready to step up and play this year. They came in with a good attitude and they worked hard in the offseason.”
Cornerback Brent Grimes
Q: How do the veteran players on the team help you out?
A: “They’ll help you out with anything you ask them. They’ll help you with questions on technique, and where you should be on certain plays. They just know a lot and they’ll help you out.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan
Q: What are your thoughts on the offense and the game overall?
A: “I thought we did some good things as an offense, but I thought we made a couple of mistakes. All and all, I think we got some good things on tape. I’m disappointed with the outcome of the game, but hopefully we can learn from it and get better heading into the regular season.”
Q: Talk about the drive during the first quarter, the interception and the confidence it gave you to perform.
A: “I think we made some good plays during that drive. We started off at the five-yard line and my teammates made a couple of good catches. I just didn’t make a good decision throwing the ball during that interception. You just have to learn from it. Hopefully, I can take something away from that drive and allow it to benefit me in the future.”
Q: On his play before throwing the interception.
A: “There were a lot of good things we did during that drive, but at the same time, you can’t turn the football over as a quarterback. That’s something I’m going to work on. Overall, there were some good things to take away from it (the drive). It’s going to be nice to watch the tape and get back out on the practice field.”
Linebacker Keith Brooking
Q: What are your thoughts on the game?
A: “It’s frustrating because we play to win. I think there were a lot of positive things, but obviously, given the circumstances, we came up short. We have to do a better job creating more turnovers defensively and eliminating the turnovers offensively. We had four or five turnovers tonight. You can’t win ball games in the NFL that way.”
Q: Talk about training camp.
A: “Training camp is going well. This is my 11th one. We progressed and got better each and every day. I feel the chemistry building, and it’s (the team) going in a very positive direction. I still feel as if we have a lot of work to do. We have two preseason games left to tighten up even more, but all in all, I feel that it’s going well. A lot of the games in the NFL come down to the last minutes. Fifty percent of the games are going to be tight games like this and we need to find a way to make the plays to win. Overall, we just need to learn how to win ball games.”
Tackle Sam Baker
Q: On his performance:
A: “I felt good out there although I got off to a bad start. I am still learning out there and will remain optimistic about picking up the necessary small things. I want to be the best I can for myself and for this team.”
Q: Thoughts on Michael Turner and his two long run plays
A: “It is great to see him run the ball the way he did. All the guys executed out there, which enabled the hole to open up the way it did. Michael did a great job of exploding through the holes and running hard. It definitely helps our psyche to see him have long runs like his performance tonight.”
Q: Thoughts on QB Joey Harrington and his veteran leadership
A: “It is great to have a seasoned quarterback out in the huddle. He carries swagger that all of us pick up. He has the ability to command the young guys and making sure all of us are on the same wavelength. It is really helpful.”
Wide receiver Michael Jenkins
Q: Opening statement:
A: “We had too many turnovers tonight. On the other hand, Michael Turner had a great day tonight with his long runs. It is great to have his presence back there because he has the potential to do that on every play. We did get on him because he didn’t break them for a touchdown, but we still love his energy.”
Q: On the preseason games versus regular season:
A: “We can’t show all of our cards in the preseason. We have to save some for the opener against Detroit. There are so many parts to our offense and I am excited for the opportunity to showcase this season.”
Quarterback Joey Harrington
Q: You didn’t play as much time as you thought you would, but you are cashing in your opportunities.
A: “Well, I played the whole first quarter and that’s all I could really expect tonight. To be honest, it was one of the easiest quarters I’ve ever played. Michael Turner did a great job running the ball. The offensive line did a great job of opening up holes. We have to finish once we get into the red zone though. We did some nice things as a unit, but we have to be able to get that one-yard when we need it.”
Q: How do you feel about the chemistry of that unit now? Is it coming together some?
A: “Absolutely. I think the offensive line and the running game is starting to develop. That is one thing that we have been really missing for a while.”
MORE FROM THE COLTS-FALCONS GAME:
- GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AF.com
- GAME RECAP: Turner's runs christen new-look Georgia Dome
- GAME BLOG: Live notes on the Colts-Falcons game
- J. MIKE'S BLOG: Additional thoughts on the preseason home opener
- QUOTABLE: Players | Mike Smith | Opponents
- GAME NOTES: News and injury updates from the press box
- FALCONS LIFE: Discuss the game on the message boards
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan | Michael Turner
- NFL NETWORK HIGHLIGHTS: Matt Ryan | Michael Turner | Colts-Falcons
