Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi has transitioned into his second season with the Falcons nicely, which he accounts to his improved technique and his physical and mental toughness. Now, as the preseason approaches, he says he's in a good place and is ready for him and the team to show what they've got.
"I'm in a place where I feel as though every day I need to continue to get out here and continue to get better," he said. "I'm in a place that makes me want to come out here everyday and be better with my teammates. I'm in a happy place. The good vibe around the organization and us as teammates, going into the preseason, I feel good. I feel well conditioned. I feel like I'm ready to execute."
Despite the tight competition at defensive end, Massaquoi doesn't worry about any position battles but instead takes that energy and turns into motivation.
"It's healthy competition and it's good for the spirit," Massaquoi said. "It just gives me even more of an eager drive to come out here every day and make myself better as an individual. Not only for myself but for this team and this organization."
He adds that his personal goals consist of working only on what he can control, which includes getting better mentally and getting stronger physically as well being a smart player on and off the field.
Massaquoi, who had a solid night at the 2013 Kia Motors Friday Night Lights, said the event that brought out more than 14,000 fans helped the team see their strong points while also showing them what they need to continue to work on to be fully prepared for the preseason, which starts this week.
Massaquoi is excited about Thursday night's preseason game against the Bengals, adding that the hard work he's been putting in since last year will help him continue to perform well.
"I'm looking forward to the preseason," he said. "It's another game, it's another practice. We just need to come out here, practice all week and then we're going to execute everything we've practiced on."
