Head Coach Mike Smith
Q: Opening remarks
A: “I’m very proud of the way our team started. We started very fast especially on defense. We went out and had six-straight three and outs. That’s something we talked about all week. We talked about being task masters, doing your job and starting fast. On offense I thought that Matt Ryan did a nice job throwing the explosive play. He saw the coverage and was able to complete the ball to Roddy (White). That was a big play. I was really proud of the way the offense came out in the second half and answered the score. That got the momentum back on our side. It got the fans energized. Our offense was able to run the football. That is really important. That is something that we stressed from day one when Thomas (Dimitroff) and I were hired. We said we were going to be a physical football team and be able to run the football. Michael Turner had another 100-yard day rushing. I’m excited about being 2-1. We have a lot of things that we need to clean up all across the board with offense, defense, special teams and coaching. We look forward to watching this tape tomorrow. It is a whole lot easier to make corrections with a win. Next Sunday can’t get here quick enough.”
Q: What are some of the benefits of having a fast start?
A: “It creates a confident feel for your football team when you go out there and have six three-and-outs. The other team’s offense is going to say, ‘hey it’s going to be tough sledding out there.’ It’s important for us to set that tone. Brian (VanGorder) and the defensive staff put a great game plan together. They called a great game. We want to set a standard of what we want to be defensively. We’re getting closer.”
Q: Describe the play of your young players today.
A: “Our young guys performed extremely well. Our quarterback (Matt Ryan) played well. Our left tackle (Sam Baker) played well. Chevis Jackson did some things. Kroy Biermann was in on a number of snaps. Thomas DeCoud had an opportunity to play on special teams. I feel like our young guys played well. I will have a lot better idea after watching the tape. It was a hard fought game. Coach (Herm) Edwards and his staff had their guys ready to play. It was two young teams going against each other.”
Q: Roddy White’s performance.
A: “Roddy has the skill set to be an outstanding receiver in this league. He catches the ball and he can separate from defenders. The thing that Roddy has really bought into is the thing that Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie have been selling. That is to block with our wide receivers if we’re going to have a chance to run the ball.”
Q: On Roddy White’s 70-yard touchdown reception.
A: “They had the coverage that we like to throw that route on. Matt (Ryan) made a perfect throw and Roddy came down with the ball and was hitting stride. It is good to see explosive plays.”
Q: On John Abraham’s performance.
A: “He had two big sacks. To start the game off like that, he beat the guy underneath and had a sack. Then he stripped the ball on the other sack and caused a fumble in the third quarter. It ended up being a real big play for us because they missed the field goal there at the start of the fourth quarter.”
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
