RB Jerious Norwood
Q: You have done a good job not only running the ball but also being a receiver out of the backfield. Is it fun when you have the opportunity to get out in open space?
A: “Yeah. I feel like my hands are one of the best aspects of my game. As long as I can get out in the open field, I feel like I can beat any defender one on one.”
Q: What is the team’s confidence level with this win going into Carolina to play the Panthers?
A: “We just have to continue to go out and work. As long as we go out and compete throughout the week, the games should be fun. That’s when guys can go out and showcase their talents and have fun. Hopefully, we will be able to keep this train rolling and end up leading the division.
Q: How confident are you about the special team’s ability to break one play for a touchdown?
A: Kickoff returning is all about spacing and timing. If you can get your timing down and hit it full speed you have a pretty good chance of going to the house.
DE John Abraham
Q: On having a sack on the first play.
A: “They did a good job of chipping and doing certain things to try to keep me away from the quarterback. The first play I just had it in my mind to do a spin move. I didn’t know it was going to work on the first play. I guess you could say I got lucky.”
Q: On the defense having six consecutive three-and-outs to start the game.
A: “We watched a lot of film on them. We prepared ourselves very well for what they had in store. Also, we executed at the beginning of the game. We gave a lot up in the beginning of the second half. I guess that’s the only problem we had.”
Q: Did it change your mindset coming into the game knowing the Chiefs had their third string quarterback playing?
A: “No, not at all. We watched film on every quarterback they have. We did a great job preparing this week on and off the field. We played well together on the field. Special teams, offense and defense played well today.”
DT Jonathan Babineaux
Q: Thoughts on the Defense
A: “We played the run pretty well. We forced them to six-straight three and out’s, and that was really good for us on defense.”
Q: Thoughts on getting a win
A: “Anytime that you’re at home, your expected to win. Guys came out and we started fast. We kept on rolling and everybody fed off of each other. Overall, it was a good game for us.”
Q: How nice is it to play on defense when you have a lead on your opponent.
A: “It feels good, but you still have to earn it. You have to stop the run first, and then go after the passer. For the defensive line, we did a really good job for the second week in a row.”
Q: Thoughts on Larry Johnson getting 100 yards in exchange for the falcons defense forcing four turnovers and scoring.
A: “Our main objective is to not let a back (running back) get 100 yards. Even though we gave up some big plays in the third quarter, we fought back, bounced back, and didn’t give up any more yards.”
Q: Thoughts on the first quarter and this team’s ability to get off to a huge start
A: “We’re a young team. We are highly motivated. We’re anxious to get out there and fight. We’ve got some serious competitors on this team.”
S Erik Coleman
Q: How did the interception unfold?
A: “We were playing cover-two, Chris (Houston) did a good job getting underneath, the defensive line did a great job getting pressure, which forced the Chiefs quarterback to make a bad throw. I was able to look it in and catch it.”
Q: How satisfying is it to go against an inexperienced quarterback?
A: “Our defense responded well. You definitely have to take advantage of a young quarterback. I think our defensive line did a good job getting pressure. Except for that one run, we did a great job against the run, and forcing them into some situations.”
Q: Thoughts on holding the chiefs to zero points up until the half.
A: “I thought we did a great job. Every man was accountable for what was going on and everyone was buying in. I think we’re gelling well as a defense. We just have to take it to the next level from here and just continue to improve every week.”
Q: What were you looking to improve upon from last week’s game?
A: “Definitely stopping the run. We wanted to get a hold of the run situation. We also wanted to get off of the field on third down. We did a great job of doing both of those today. It’s just a credit to the coach’s game plan and our players for buying into it.”
QB Matt Ryan
Q: Opening statement
A: “I think everybody is happy with the win. It is evident that we did a couple of things well on the offensive side of the ball. We started off pretty well by putting some points on the board. That was big because it created an early lead for us. Everybody is excited about the win, but the celebration won’t last long since Carolina (Panthers) is our next opponent. With that said, we have to get back to work fast.”
Q: How were you able to establish the running game?
A: “I thought it came down to execution. Coming into the game, we had a good game plan and we were able to stick to it. The coaches put us in good position all week long in practice. Our job was then to apply today on the field, which we were able to do. It’s that plain and simple. The offensive line did their job by anchoring the front and creating holes for RB Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. It is great to have guys pushing the holes and also guys that can hit them fast. It makes for a good rushing game. It was fun as a quarterback to see all of the guys chip in.”
Q: On the RB Michael Turner’s tackle-breaking ability:
A: “It wears on a defense to have running backs bounce off tackles play after play. Michael is great with that aspect because he has the will to not go down. He has the ability to get to the secondary off broken tackles and rack up yards. It takes a toll on the defense and both Michael and Jerious showed that today.”
Q: On offensive rhythm:
A: “I got into a good rhythm after the first touchdown score. We made a couple of good plays after that. It was good to have some type of consistency on the offensive side of the ball. We had a good week of practice and we translated into execution on the field. We still have room for improvement though.”
WR Roddy White
Q: Did you notice that Kansas City came out with a little more fervor on defense, getting after you a little more after your catch in the first quarter?
A: “Going three and out gave them a lot of confidence early. We need to learn to get out there and not go three and out so much early in the game.”
Q: On his big catch in the first quarter.
A: “Yeah we practiced that play a couple of times during the week. We knew that they were going to set up in quarters, so we knew that play would work.”
Q: On the Falcon’s quick starts at home in the Georgia Dome.
A: “Yeah we want to go out there and put points up there early. It makes the other team panic. It makes them want to throw the ball. I don’t think they (Kansas City) wanted to come in the game and throw the ball that much with a back-up quarterback.”
RB Michael Turner
Q: On today’s game:
A: “It’s just one of those days again. We put a lot of work into practice. Our offensive line has been doing great.”
Q: How did you guys re-establish the run game today?
A: “We just had a better plan for it. We were taken off guard last week. We just worked on the run game in practice and it showed in our game today.”
Q: On the team’s performance today:
A: “We weren’t panicking. We have to be patient with the run and big tings can happen.”
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
