Quarterback Matt Ryan
Q: Opening statement
A: “I think everybody is excited about the win. It is great to win against a team of that caliber, and not to mention, a divisional foe. More importantly, we were able to execute as a team throughout the game. It is exciting that we are 6-3, and now our focus will shift to the Denver Broncos.”
Q: On the Saint’s secondary coverage:
A: “It was typical for the secondary to play-off on our receivers. That is their style of defense and they were consistent with that approach. But as the game went on, their secondary started to creep up to the box to control our running game. RB Jerious Norwood did a good job of getting yards after contact which propelled us to keep running the ball. RB Michael Turner turned in his usual performance today and almost hit the century mark in rushing yards. It was great to have both of these players in the backfield.”
Q: On the 1st half offense:
A: “I thought it was important for us to get off to a fast start. We didn’t score on the first possession although we had a great turnover from the defense. On the ensuing possession, we were able to pin them back with very good field position. We eventually scored on the next drive which was huge. Overall, it was big for us to get off to a good lead. The Saints’ offense is so powerful and has the ability to score on any given drive. It was important for us to put some points on the board and support the defense as much as possible.”
Q: How important is the win against a divisional opponent?
A: “It is great because we put ourselves in a good position to achieve our goals. It is great to be 6-3, but we know there is still a long way to go.”
Wide Receiver Michael Jenkins
Q: What are your overall thoughts on the team’s performance today?
A: “It was a great team performance. The defense came out on the first series and got an interception which set the tone. The offense came out early and put points on the board. The defense did a great job shutting down Drew Brees.”
Q: How does it feel to be undefeated at home?
A: “Everyone is excited about coming to work and we are excited about playing on Sunday. We have been on the road for the last month or so and it feels good having the home crowd behind you.”
Q: What happened on that pre snap read when you caught that long pass and what were you guys looking to get out of it?
A: “It was a no huddle play. Matt Ryan did a great job seeing the coverage and changing up the play. We had one-on-one coverage down the field and Matt threw the ball in a place where only I could catch it.”
Defensive End John Abraham
Q: Talk about the defensive effort out there today?
A: “We played well as a unit from the safeties to the front line. We did a good job making Drew Brees get rid of the ball and make quick decisions.”
Q: You guys are 6-3 in the NFC South. Is this a playoff team?
A: “Definitely. I felt that way after the first game. We are continuing to play well as a team and it shows every Sunday.”
Q: Did you guys have a chip on your shoulder about playing against Drew Brees today?
A: “We just wanted to come out and play together as a team. We did a great job getting Drew Brees out of his rhythm. We put a lot of pressure in his face and kept him moving around.”
Cornerback Domonique Foxworth
Q: Thoughts on today’s win.
A: “It was an important win for us. We all stepped up. We’re real proud of the other cornerbacks. Chevis (Jackson) had a huge play. Chris (Houston) had a huge play. Those are big plays that sometimes are real tough for young guys in pressure situations. More than anything I’m proud of those guys for stepping up.”
Q: Thoughts on stopping The Saint’s passing game.
A: “They are the best passing offense in the League. We knew coming into this game that the pressure was going to be on us. We believe in our secondary and we have been playing really well the past several weeks. We are proud to put it on display in front of the world against the best passing offense. More than anything, I’m proud of the young guys for stepping up.”
Q: Thoughts on the pressure from the Falcon’s defensive line and how it affected The Saint’s pass play.
A: “At no level have I ever played a game where the defensive line put on so much pressure. It makes our lives a lot easier. Same for them, when we are coving well, they can make a lot more sacks. The defense is so interconnected. We are all so dependent on each other.”
Cornerback Chris Houston
Q: You guys made it look so easy out there, was it that easy?
A: “No it wasn’t easy at all. It was the preparation during the week with the coaches getting a good defensive plan and us buying into it. We knew they were going to take shots down the field, so we just did our best to be physical and eliminate the deep passes.”
Q: On Chevis Jackson’s interception and touchdown.
A: “I knew he wasn’t going to get caught. That was a great job by him. He studied this week and knew they were going to go after him on third down. He made a big play for us and we’re proud of him.”
Q: Thoughts on the importance of winning a divisional game.
A: “It sets the tone for the rest of the season. We now know we can beat anybody any given Sunday. As long as we keep going to practice, working hard, and believing in each other than anything is possible.”
Safety Erik Coleman
Q: Thoughts on today’s win.
A: “We worked extremely hard and we took pride in this game. They (The Saints) have the number one passing offense in the League. We took that as a challenge and a good test to see where we are as a group. We worked hard and it’s paying off.”
Q: Thoughts on his interception.
A: “It was a big tempo changer for us. We stole the possession on the first play of the game. For us, it was a great for the momentum of the game. We have been working hard as a defense. To see it pay off was a great feeling.”
Safety Lawyer Milloy
Q: Thoughts on today’s win.
A: “We knew it was going to be a challenge and we were ready for it. That’s the type of team that we have and the type of team that we are growing towards.”
Q: Thoughts on the divisional win.
A: “We had to get a division win. Our division is tight and very competitive. We just want to be the ones with our hands up when the smoke clears. There were a lot of people doubting us at the beginning of the season and I think we are showing what we can do.”
Q: His thoughts on the secondary.
A: “Well first and foremost, they have been doing everything that I do as an older guy. They have progressively gotten better over the year and the good thing is they are going to get better.
Wide Receiver Roddy White
Q: How important was it to establish a tempo from the start?
A: “We had a good tempo going into the game. Coach wanted us to start fast, put points on the board and put pressure on the other team.”
Q: Take me through the touchdown in the 1st quarter:
A: “It was a play we drew up in practice. Matt Ryan and I connected on it all week in practice. Once coach called the play, we just ran it, giving us a chance to score.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the trust between you and Matt Ryan? It seems Matt throws the ball well before you come out of your breaks.
A: “That trust develops from habits formed in practice. Mike Jenkins and I always go out there and run full speed and help Matt with his timing. We can only get better, and hopefully next game, we can do the same thing.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the locker room? I noticed there is no excessive celebration. You guys just come in and get ready for the next week. Explain.
A: “The veterans are here teaching the young guys how to win. They are teaching the young guys how to stay focused and how to win in this league. Hopefully, we can keep it up.”
Running Back Jerious Norwood
Q: This was your first touchdown off a pass; do you enjoy catching passes for touchdowns as much as running?
A: “Yes. Whatever it takes to help the team win. If I have to catch passes for touchdowns, I’m all for it.”
Q: What were you looking to accomplish coming into this game?
A: “We wanted to impose our will on the other team. Speaking for the offense, we wanted to execute, play fundamentally sound, and have fun.”
Q: What were your thoughts on your touchdown play? It looks as if you started to celebrate a little too early.
A: “I had it under control. I knew he wasn’t going to catch me. It was a pass in the flat, and the guys down field did a great job blocking for me. Laurent Robinson made a great block on number 43, and there was another receiver on the outside that made a great block. Once I was able to get in between those two guys, I was off to the races.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Matt Ryan?
A: “Matt did a great job! The offensive line did a great job of protecting him and he seemed to make great decisions today. We just have to keep it rolling.”
Running Back Michael Turner
Q: What were your thoughts on getting a win against an NFC South Division rival?
A: “We want to win division games, but we also want to maintain our position as we make a run for the playoffs. It was also a home game, so there were a number of factors in this game that showed us that we needed to win.”
Q: Your record is six and three, are you guys thinking about the playoffs?
A: “We’re trying to take one game at a time. We want to be right in the thick of things. Playoffs are not out of the picture. It’s a definite reality, but we just have to take it one week at a time.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the offense?
A: “We’re rolling right now. We’ve got two more home games and hopefully we can keep this thing going.”
MORE ON THE FALCONS-SAINTS GAME:
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
- GAME BLOG: Live thoughts and notes in the FalconsLIFE game blog
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Houston | Foxworth | Jackson | White | Norwood
- NFL NETWORK: Falcons-Saints game highlights
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Thoughts and comment from the AF.com Managing Editor | Birdseed
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Saints
- INACTIVES: Inactives and starters from the Falcons-Saints game
- REVIEW AND RESPOND: Ask your questions about the game via Voices Heard
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons win over the New Orleans Saints
- DISCUSS: Talk about the game with other fans on the Message Boards
