Head Coach Mike Smith
I really can’t tell you how proud I am of this football team. They went out and played extremely hard. We have talked about from the very beginning that this is a process that we are going through. The guys really have adone a great job. Now we have secured a playoff spot. I told them early today that it doesn’t mean we are done with the process. We are going to continue to work. We have a lot of things that we need to do and we need to get ready for St. Louis. We are going to enjoy this one tonight and go back and get ready to go to work. With that I will open it up for questions.
Q: When did it hit you that the job was done today on the sidelines?
A: When I saw us taking a knee at the end. It was a great play. The defense stepped up when they had to. The four turnovers were huge. We were in a situation where we felt like we had to attack the football. I thought we did it throughout the game. The four turnovers were big for us and something we haven’t done in the last four or five weeks. But, we did a nice job today.
Q: The 10 points off turnovers made a difference on the scoreboard too?
A: Without a doubt. The 10 points that we were able to get off the turners were huge. Possession of the football is nine-tenths of the game. We preach that all of the time. We want to protect the ball and when get opportunities to attack it we need to attack it. That is what our football team did today.
Q: Talk about starting fast scoring with the first drive and going no huddle?
A: I think it is very important to start fast. When we start fast we are very successful. I believe we are 10-1 when we jump out to a lead. I think that is very important. Also, when we are leading at halftime, we are very successful. It was very important even though it was going to be a loud environment. We felt like we wanted to jump into that right away. I thought Matt and the offensive players did an outstanding executing it in a very hostile environment. One of the loudest environments in the league.
Q: Can you talking about Lawyer Millroy leadership he has provided for you on defense?
A: Lawyer has been solid for us all year. We have the over thirty club, Daryl that you are aware of. I can’t say enough about those men because they can disseminate that message and what we are trying to get out of the coaching staff. I want to all say that this coaching staff, there is not doubt in my mind that they are the best coaching staff in the NFL. These guys have worked there tails off and coached these guys up and I am very happy for them as well.
Q: Matt (Ryan) looks like he did a good job handling the pressure of the Vikings defensive line, where you happy with the way he played?
A: Yes, I thought Matt did a very good job. That is one of the best defenses. That front seven, shoot it could be one of the best of all time when it is all said and done. They have some very fine players. We were able to do some things to negate it for the most part. But, I thought Matt was very good feeling the pressure and stepping out and getting out of the way.
Q: Adrian Petersen has had some problems fumbling lately, how much of the game plan was that for you guys to key on?
A: Well, we want to attack the football every opportunity we have. Whether a player has had fumbles or not, it is the game plan every week. We were aware of that but we want to make sure that we are attacking the football with the second and third guy in to make sure we get that ball out.
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-VIKINGS GAME:
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Metrodome press box
- GAME RECAP: Falcons lock up playoff berth with victory
- FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- GAME BLOG: In-game thoughts on FalconsLIFE from "It's a Mod's Life"
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: More thoughts from the AF.com Managing Editor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Quarterback Matt Ryan
- NFL NETWORK: Highlights | Michael Turner | Matt Ryan | Falcons in the Playoffs
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Vikings
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons victory at Minnesota
- INACTIVES: Inactive players and starters from the Falcons-Vikings game
