Cornerback Dominque Foxworth
Q: Did you talk to some your former teammates?
A: “I talked to a lot of my old teammates. Most of them are my old friends.”
Q: Thoughts on Denver’s reliance on their running game:
A: “They definitely relied on the run and safe short passes, which is something that we weren’t ready for.”
Q: Is it going to be tough for the secondary to bounce back after this loss?
A: “We had a tough time with the run and short passing plays. I don’t think it’s going to be tough to bounce back as a secondary or as a defense.”
Running back Michael Turner
Q: Talk about how difficult this game was.
A: “It was a physical game. You can’t get big runs everyday. Fortunately, we were able to get some in the second half.”
Q: Were you surprised that they relied on their running game so much?
A: “I had a feeling that they were going to try and bounce back because everyone was talking bad about them this week. We just have to execute on offense and we’ll get back at it this week.”
Q: There was a lot of talk on their side of the football. Did that affect you guys?
A: “No, I don’t think so. They were just trying to pump themselves up and keep themselves in the game.”
Wide receiver Roddy White
Q: Thoughts on the incomplete pass in the fourth quarter:
A: “I have to go out there and make those plays. I feel responsible for the loss today. I had an opportunity and I didn’t take advantage of it.”
Q: Coach Smith believes that not one single-play can ever decide a game, but you feel responsible for this loss?
A: “Yes I do. When they expect me to go out there and make plays for us to win, I have to go out there and make those. It’s a tough one. We should be celebrating right now, but we have to bounce back and play hard next week.”
Linebacker Michael Boley
Q: It seemed like the defense could not get a stop today. What are your thoughts on that?
A: “They did some things that caught us off guard. As a defense we have to make those plays. It boils down to who can play the best defense.”
Q: Do you look forward to playing the Panthers (Carolina) next week?
A: “Yeah. We have to have a short memory. We will make corrections tomorrow and put this game behind us. Next week will be a tough game, but it will be up to the team to make it happen.”
Linebacker Keith Brooking
Q: What are your thoughts on Denver’s (Broncos) running game today?
A: “They were the better team today. We felt that if we could stop the run it would give our defense a good chance. We were not able to do that, but we had a lot of opportunities to win the game.”
Q: Did the Falcon’s come out flat today?
A: “Not really. I felt the energy during the game and on the sidelines. I don’t think that really had anything to do with it. In this league you have to bring your “A” game each and every week. We came out with great energy, but during a couple of plays we just couldn’t stop their momentum. It was not a lack of focus, energy, or intensity. They were just the better team today.”
Wide receiver Brian Finneran
What were your thoughts on the Denver Broncos and the game in general?
“They did a good job today running the football and keeping us out of the end zone early. We missed some plays down the field and we just couldn’t get in the flow. Overall, they played a good game and gave it to us. It’s a little disappointing and disheartening, but we’ve got to keep it going.”
What were your thoughts on your first loss at home?
“This game was tough to swallow. I haven’t felt like this in a while. After sitting out for two years, it’s tough to come back and fight as hard as we did, and not come out with a win.”
What are your thoughts on playing the Panthers next week?
“We can’t afford to waste time thinking about this loss. We have to go right back to work. You have to have a short term memory playing in the NFL. You just have to keep fighting in this league. We have a lot of good players on this squad and I know we’ll do that. We have to watch film tomorrow, make the necessary adjustments and figure out how to attack Carolina. Hopefully, we’ll bounce back, and get a win next week.”
Kicker Jason Elam
How did it feel walk out on the field against your former team?
“It felt pretty weird. I had to go out there a little, because I knew that people would be distracted by the fact that I wanted to talk to them. It took a little while for me to get comfortable, but it was good seeing everybody. I’ve got so many friends on that team and I’m disappointed for us, but I’m happy for them.”
How disappointed were you that it wasn’t a three-point game?
“Every kicker goes to bed thinking it’s going to be a game-winning kick situation. That seems to be a recurring trend in the league this year. I felt like we played better than they did in the first half, but, without a doubt, they played better than they we did in the second half. Overall, they deserved it.”
What were your thoughts on Denver’s kicker (Matt Prater)?
“Matt’s going to be a great kicker. He’s really strong. He just needs to get a few games under his belt and get his comfort level up. Once he obtains those things, he’ll be a great kicker in Denver for a long time to come.
Center Todd McClure
What were your thoughts on the game and Denver’s ability to get after you?
“Denver’s defensive line coach had those guys ready to play, and they were the better team today. They won the line of scrimmage and we just couldn’t get the running game going. We have to do that to win ball games.”
What are your thoughts on next week’s game against Carolina?
“In this league, you have to have a short term memory when it comes to losing. Next week, Is a big game for us. Hopefully, we can get out there and get this thing headed back in the right direction.”
What were your thoughts on the running game?
“It was really frustrating. We just couldn’t get out running game going. We were never able to get into a rhythm up front. Watching film, we thought it was something we were going to be able to do, but they were the better team today.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan
Opening Remarks:
“It was a tough loss today and we have to give Denver a lot of credit. We played against a very good team on both sides of the ball. I wish I could’ve had a couple throws back in the game. There were some good plays but just not enough to get the win. But, now we have to prepare for a tough divisional opponent in the Carolina Panthers. With that, we have to get to work tomorrow and we are excited to get back to the drawing board.”
On the dropped touchdown pass by WR Roddy White:
“It was a great attempt, which appeared to be wider than it needed. I threw it too much to the outside, but luckily Roddy made the adjustment and almost made the catch. Overall, we didn’t make enough plays out there to beat the Broncos. We are a good team, but we know there are always things to work on to get better.”
Did you think scoring 20 points would be enough for a win?
“We knew prior to the game that Denver was a good football team. We knew their offense was capable of scoring a lot of points. So our offense was focused on putting points on the board. And we strive to get touchdowns on each possession, but there are times we have to settle for a field goal.”
On the interception resulting in a Denver score:
“Well you always want to be aggressive and make plays for your team. But you have to be smart and make better decisions at the same time. Anytime you have a turnover which leads to points, it is not a good feeling.”
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-BRONCOS GAME:
- GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage of the Falcons loss to the Broncos
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
- GAME RECAP: Turner's touchdowns aren't enough to carry Falcons
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
- GAME BLOG: Live notes and commentary in the official game blog
- RING OF HONOR: Vote for the next member of the Falcons Ring of Honor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Abraham | White | McClure
- HIGHLIGHTS: Game highlights from NFL Network | Michael Turner Highlights
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: News and more from the AF.com Managing Editor
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Broncos
- INACTIVES: Inactives and starters from the Falcons-Broncos Game
- REVIEW AND RESPOND: Ask your questions about the game with Voices Heard
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons 24-20 loss to the Denver Broncos
- DISCUSS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
