Defensive End John Abraham
Q: What were your thoughts on the defense, and the team as a whole?
A: “We did a good job. We didn’t stop and we played the whole game. We had ups and downs on the defense, but the offense played extremely well. Even though we have a few things we need to work on for the defense, I think we played well as a team overall.”
Q: What were your thoughts on the first half of the game?
A: “We have to credit the offense. They did such a good job of putting the ball in the end zone and it gave the defense time to relax, pin our ears back and play football. Lawyer (Milloy) did a good job of making the interception which put us (the defense) in the position we were looking for.”
Linebacker Michael Boley
Q: What were your thoughts on today’s game?
A: “The game went pretty well. It started out fast and finished fast. I still think we’ve got some small things to clean up in a lot of different areas, but overall, I’m impressed on how we did today as a team.”
Q: What were your thoughts on holding the Lions scoreless in the first and majority of the second quarter?
A: “It was big. That was one of our keys coming into the game. Keeping (the Lions) out of the end zone early was our goal, and I think we did a pretty good job of that.”
Q: How did you prepare during practice in preparation for this game and what were some of your main objectives?
“First and foremost our objective was to stop the run. Anytime a team can come in and run the ball, it’s going to cause some difficult problems for you. Other than that, we wanted to contain their play makers. They’ve got two big receivers out there that can make or break a game at any moment. We really just wanted to control those two, and overall, I think we did an effective job.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan
Q: Opening statement.
A: “I think everybody is excited to come out with the win today. We were very pleased with our fast start in the first half. The offensive line and receivers made some good plays out there. RB Michael Turner did a great job in the running game with his performance. Overall, it was a great team effort, but we all know that there is a lot of work ahead of us.”
Q: On wide receiver Michael Jenkins’ play call and touchdown reception.
A: “It was a great play call from Coach Mike Mularkey. It was a play we have worked on in practice the entire week. We got a look specific for that play from Detroit, and Michael did a great job with the route and finding the end zone. He was able to outrun everybody. It’s great to have players of his caliber that can run with the ball and make those types of plays. He makes my position a lot of fun. It was a good start for all of us.”
Q: How was offensive line’s play?
A: “I thought they did a heck of a job out there. It was spearheaded by C Todd McClure. He is the veteran of that bunch and takes the other guys under his wing. Then there is Harvey Dahl and Justin Blalock at the two guards, who both were very physical out there in the running game. They were able to set the pace for the entire offense. And for the passing game, our tackles, Tyson Clabo and Sam Baker held the fort down. They were able to contain the defensive ends for Detroit. They all helped set the single-game rushing record, so kudos to all of them.”
Q: On Running back Michael Turner’s performance
A: “We knew what we had in him since day one. I am impressed with the way he breaks tackles and does not want to go down. I often find myself sitting back watching him run the ball and it’s a great pleasure. It is evident that he is a player coming into his own. And I am glad to be his teammate.”
Safety Erik Coleman
Q: Thoughts on tonight’s win.
A: “I was a great win for us to start off the season on a positive note. It feels good. I think everybody worked extremely hard and it showed. The offensive line came out and played very well. The running backs did a great job and Matt (Ryan) showed a lot of maturity today.”
Q: Thoughts on the Falcon’s defense and the overall performance of today’s game.
A: “We played really well. Abraham did a great job putting pressure on the quarterback. We have some things to work on, but every week we take the same approach. We watch the film and make the corrections.”
Safety Lawyer Milloy
Q: Thoughts on today’s game.
A “It was a great win for our team. I know that there are not a lot of people that have high expectations for our team, but we have expectations for ourselves and I thought that we showed that effort.”
Q: Thoughts on Michael Turner’s 220-yard debut performance.
A: “It’s good for us to have a running game because it keeps the defense fresh.”
Q: Thoughts on his interception and how he thought it changed the game.
A: “They had the momentum. They scored two drives before the half. It was a good play. I’m just trying to do my part.”
Running Back Jerious Norwood
Q: How does it feel to be that explosive guy that has been needed for a while, along with RB Michael Turner? What do you think your role is going to be in the future?
A: “I just need to continue to do what I do. I need to go out every day and give it all I’ve got and contribute to this team in any way I can. I’ll do whatever coach wants me to do, and I’ll come out on Sundays, compete and have fun. That’s all I can do.”
Q: Do you feel like the defense was wearing down a bit with Michael Turner pounding it and then you?
A: “Yeah they started to wear down in the second quarter. You could see it on their faces and in their body language. That’s one of our biggest things we want to do. We want to impose our will on the other team. I feel like we did that tonight.”
Running Back Michael Turner
Q: Opening Statement.
A: “I’d just like to say that we got off to a fast start today, and that’s important for this organization, to get a win behind us. The offensive line played great, the defense played great and It was a team effort.”
Q: Did you ever dream you’d have a game like this?
A: “Yes I did. Being behind LaDainian Tomlinson and seeing him break records all of the time, I always wondered what it would be like to break a record. I didn’t even know I was close to breaking a record today. It was just something that happed.”
Q: Did you talk to Gerald Riggs about breaking the record after the game?
A: “Yes. We did a TV interview together. He’s a great guy and he did a lot of things here in Atlanta. He set the tone and now I have to chase him.”
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-LIONS GAME:
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
- GAME RECAP: Turner leads Falcons to opening victory
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
- GAME BLOG: Live notes from Mod's FalconsLIFE blog
- J. MIKE'S BLOG: More coverage and thoughts from the AF.com managing editor
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Lions
- INACTIVES: Game inactives and starters from Falcons-Lions
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Michael Turner | Matt Ryan | Lawyer Milloy
- VIDEO: John Abraham | Sam Baker | Michael Jenkins
- NFL NETWORK: Ryan Highlights | Turner Highlights
- TAILGATE TOUR: Falcon Al tours the tailgates before the game
