Head Coach Mike Smith
Opening Remarks:
“That was a typical hard fought NFC South football game. It reminded me of a heavyweight fight. We started fast on offense, defense and special teams. The fast start allowed us to go out to a 17-3 lead. We knew that Carolina was a good football team. We knew they would come back, have their surge and counter. We were able to withstand that in the second half. When it became 24-21, our guys came out and took care of business. It was a good win for our football team.”
On fourth and goal on the one-yard line:
“It was an easy decision in terms of having confidence in your football team. We had the ball down on the one-yard line and felt like we could punch it in. There was no other choice. A field goal would have only given us a six-point lead. I felt we could score a touchdown.”
On wide receiver Harry Douglas:
“He had a very nice game. He had a big pass reception to get us down there on the goal line. He had a beautiful punt return. He’s one of these young guys that we drafted this past draft class. He’s doing a heck of a job for us. He’s maturing, like a lot of our guys, beyond his years. That’s a tribute to Thomas (Dimitroff) and the personnel staff. They get players in here that can come and compete early.”
On running the ball:
“Mike (Mularkey) and the offensive staff put together a really good plan. The players went out and executed it. We blocked better. We ran with more desire and passion. That was the difference. Those guys knew that we would have tough sledding at some point in the game and went out and did a nice job.”
On the defense:
“In the first half the defense played an outstanding game. They only gave up one third down conversion. In the second half, we got on a run where we were not able to get the third down conversion that we really needed. But, I felt like the defense played well. This (Carolina) team is an outstanding football team. They came in here with an 8-2 record. We knew we would have a big challenge. We are pleased with all three phases of our football team. They did an outstanding job today.”
On defensive end Chauncey Davis:
“He had a big sack in the third quarter. That was a huge play.”
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-PANTHERS GAME:
- GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
- GAME RECAP: Falcons use big plays to send Panthers home with loss
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes directly from the Georgia Dome press box
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Thoughts and news from the AF.com managing editor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Turner | Douglas | Davis | Coleman
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Panthers
- NFL NETWORK: Highlights | Can't Miss Play | Douglas Punt Return | Scoreboard
- TOURING THE TAILGATES: "Falcon Al" checks in on Falcons fans
- INACTIVES: Inactives and starters from the Falcons-Panthers game
- REVIEW AND RESPOND: Ask questions via Voices Heard
- RING OF HONOR: Vote for the next member of the Falcons Ring of Honor
- DISCUSS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons victory over Carolina
