FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Around Falcons headquarters hard hits result in big smiles.
The day after the Birds defense recorded the best all-around performance of the season players and staff couldn't help but spread leftover energy through the halls and locker room.
With a 38-14 win over Kansas City in the books and a 2-1 record, it's hard to blame them.
"After reviewing the tape one thing I thought that really stood out was that we played hard for four quarters," Head Coach Mike Smith said. "Whether you watched the first play of the game of the 58th play of the game you saw guys rolling off the football and really playing hard.
"We started fast on the defensive side of the football."
Consistent pressure from the defensive line -- including two sacks from John Abraham -- led to three interceptions. Chris Houston returned a pick for a touchdown while the other turnovers led to 10 points from the offense. The defense also forced first-time starter Tyler Thigpen into seven-straight incompletions to open the game and put up five-straight three-and-outs.
"You go out there and try to execute the game plan and try to do your job," said safety Erik Coleman, who picked up his first interception as a Falcon and was credited with a team-high 10 tackles. "Anytime it works out to the team's benefit it's a good thing. The defensive line got pressure forcing the quarterback to make some tough decisions and the corners did a good job covering."
But, thus far, Abraham gets most of the attention on the defense.
He leads the team -- and NFL -- with six sacks. He's healthy for one of the few times in his career and benefits from a coaching staff that moves him around to find the best fit.
"We're going to do whatever works," Abraham said. "We had a rookie tackle this week (Brandon Albert) but we felt like I could do better against (veteran Damion) McIntosh. It's all about matchups with us. If the matchup is better on the other side, I'll go to the other side. It's not about whether you're a rookie or a vet; it's about where the best matchup is."
"John has been very efficient rushing the passer this season," added Smith. "I think he's bought into how we're going to use him."
WIRE TO WIRE: Outside linebacker Coy Wire played extensively on defense Sunday and stepped in for Michael Boley in some of the team's base formations. He was credited with two tackles.
"Coy did a nice job stepping in and playing in our base package this week," Smith said. "Coy is a guy that's a very smart, intelligent player (that) can cross train. During the season, when you have to put a 45-man roster together, you have to have guys that can play multiple positions."
INJURY REPORT: Smith briefed the media on two injuries Monday.
Sam Baker left Sunday's game in the second half with flu-like symptoms and was excused from film study Monday.
Wide receiver Laurent Robinson injured his knee against the Chiefs. Smith called it a "sprain" but didn't comment on other details.
"I don't know anything more about Laurent Robinson," he said. "We'll be able to update you on Wednesday."
NICKNAME QUEST: One wrinkle in Sunday's game plan included running back Jerious Norwood taking direct snaps from center with Michael Turner joining him in the backfield.
The University of Arkansas employed a similar formation last season with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. The team called it the "wild hog" formation.
Through three games the Falcons don't have a name (at least a public one) for their backfield creation.
"He's looked pretty good so far when he's gotten in those situations," quarterback Matt Ryan said of Norwood. "I think that's good for our team; we can mix it up and do a couple different things and have him make some plays from the backfield.
"We don't have the 'wild hog' or anything like that. We just have the personnel grouping when he goes in... We need something cool."
"There's a number of teams that are running it," added Smith. "I think there were two or three teams that ran it this week. I think a lot of times these offensive coordinators get together in the offseason and say: 'Hey, this is going to be the flavor of the year.'"
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MORE FROM THE FALCONS-CHIEFS GAME:
- GAME RECAP: Big performances help down Chiefs, 28-14
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
- GAME CENTER: Stats and play-by-play on NFL.com game center
- GAME BLOG: Follow the action with news and updates on FalconsLIFE
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: News and commentary from the managing editor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Babineaux | Abraham | Ryan | Brooking | Grimes | White
- NFL NETWORK: Highlights | Ryan-to-White TD | Turner Run
- TAILGATE TOUR: Falcon Al hits the lots before the Chiefs game
- INACTIVES: Inactive players and starters from the Chiefs game
- TRANSCRIPTS: Smith | Falcons | Chiefs
