Head Coach Tony Dungy
Initial Statement:
“This was the kind of night where we could be happy about a lot of individual performances especially from some of our younger guys. We still didn’t get the show we were looking for from our first units, offensively and defensively. Offensively, we are still having a little trouble in the red zone punching the ball in when we get down there. Defensively, we had some breakdowns in the run game early. We did keep them out of the end zone. We forced five turnovers. We kicked very well and also covered very well. We have some thing to build on, but the big thing is that we have got to be a lot sharper with our first offense and defense.”
Q: Didn’t the guys make a nice break at the ball? Isn’t that something you like to see?
A: “Yes. They did a good job of hanging in there. They didn’t panic even though we had a few situations like the big runs early. That two minute drive we kept alive with penalties and some bad plays. But if you get in there and don’t give up touchdowns, then you have a chance to make something happen. Obviously the biggest part of the game was that ten-point turnaround.”
Q: Were the two long runs a result of the players being out of position?
A: “No, it was just guys not doing the right thing. Not doing what they are suppose to causes holes and turnovers. We have seen all that before where you don’t go the right way. I guess that is the good news. (laughing) We caught him both times this year.”
Q: How do you think Curtis Johnson performed?
A: “Curtis had a very good game. Unfortunately, he banged up his shoulder a little bit at the end. He did some good things in the running game. He really had a nice night for what he was there to do. He has been impressive for us.”
Q: Can you comment on the long drives your offense is producing?
A: “We are moving the ball. We are making first downs. We haven’t had a lot of big play. We had 12, 14 and 16 play drives of really moving the ball and not turning it over. We have got to be a little sharper when we get to the scoring zone.”
Quarterback Jim Sorgi
Q: On not finishing the long drives.
A: “It’s great to have long drives. We had one where we started inside the 15-yard line and drove all the way down to their five-yard line, but we have to put it in (the end zone). We’ll figure it out and put some points on the board next week.”
Q: On having a better start this week.
A: “This week we had a good 11-play drive on the first drive that resulted in a punt. The next drive resulted in a field goal. Then we had a 16 or 17-play drive that started deep in our territory. We took that into their territory and took a lot of time off of the clock. We just need to score touchdowns instead of field goals. When we get the ball we need to sustain drives and get touchdowns.”
Q: On his diving for a first down in the first drive.
A: “It wasn’t the smartest thing to do. You aren’t thinking about it being a preseason game. You are just thinking about trying to stay on the field. I got my bell run pretty good. I’m not going to lie. It took me a minute to get back.”
Running Back Joseph Addai
Q: On making some plays early on.
A: “The biggest thing in the preseason is just working on technique. In training camp you are working on fundamentals. Getting some good looks early in the preseason helps you get ready for the regular season.”
Q: On the first team offense not getting the ball in the end zone.
A: “You want to win the game, but you want to fine tune things and get people into the game. That’s the ultimate goal of the preseason.”
Q: On getting home after three straight games on the road.
A: “Camp is not bad, but camp is camp. We have a chance to get in our beds and not the dorms. You are able to get away from football a little bit, which is always good.”
Defensive Back Kelvin Hayden
Q: It had to feel good making a break on that ball in the first half and then taking it to the house.
A: “Yeah, it was a good moment. But really it’s about going out there and doing your job.”
Q: What is your take on the first team defense and Michael Turner’s runs?
A: “Well, it’s about bending, but not breaking. There are some things we must correct. Those big runs we can’t have in games. That’s why the preseason is the preseason. It’s the time to get better and I think we will.”
Linebacker Gary Brackett
Q: Talk about the first team defense and Michael Turner’s runs.
A: “Obviously, you don’t want them to have those runs. We still have to make some corrections in our defense. But when they got down into the red zone, we didn’t let them get into the end zone. That’s the most important part. We kept the (Falcons) to kicking field goals. All in all, we could do better. But you can’t take anything for granted in this league.”
Q: Are you feeling better after your third preseason game?
A: “Obviously, we’re still making mistakes. Guys are getting out there for the first time and adjusting to how we do things on the offensive side of the ball.”
Q: Talk about Michael Turner moving around at will in those first few series.
A: “He is a very talented back. But really, it was more of what we did or didn’t do, not really what (the Falcons) did. That being said, when we did get down into the red zone, we stepped it up and kept those guys out of the end zone. The problems we faced can all be corrected. If we get a little more experience, we’ll be fine.”
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
