Linebacker Keith Brooking
Q: What are your thoughts on today’s win?
A: “We stayed strong and we really set the tone at the beginning of the game. We came out in the second half and were a little bit slow. It’s frustrating, but you have to give those guys (Carolina) credit. But at the end of the day, when they (Carolina) had a little momentum we were able to get it back. That says a lot about this football team and the character of these guys.”
Q: How does this win rank against the rest of the games you guys have won?
A: “Every game is a must win. I have been around long enough to where I can look at the big picture and not be distracted. At the end of the day, this is a huge statement game for us. We came in two games behind them. If it didn’t go our way, we would have dug ourselves into a big hole and it would have been hard to climb out of. It feels really good right now. We are a team. The guys are pulling together. The chemistry that we have can go along way in this league.”
Safety Eric Coleman
Q: What are your thoughts on today’s win?
A: “This was a huge win for us. Our division is tough and Carolina and Tampa Bay are playing good ball. We have to try and take care of our own destiny and get as many wins as possible. We played well through all phases of the game.”
Q: What are your thoughts of the Falcons defensive play in today’s win?
A: “The defense did a great job. They were putting pressure on the quarterback all day. The secondary covered well. They (Carolina) made some great catches, but when it counted, we got off the field and our offense and special teams did a great job.”
Q: How important was this divisional win?
A: “Division wins are big especially because of the way the division is playing right now. All of the teams in our division are playing well. We are going to keep fighting and getting better each and every week.”
Running Back Michael Turner
Q: What are your thoughts on today’s win?
A: “It was a total team effort today. We came out with a big win today.”
Q: Talk about the touchdown on fourth down.
A: “It was an attitude thing. We had to get it in there. We didn’t want to settle for a field goal at that time because they were still in the game.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the Falcons fast start to the game?
A: “It was very important. Last week, we came out flat and it came back to haunt us. We had to bounce back this week. It was a great team we were playing against so we had to start off fast.”
Defensive End Chauncey Davis
Q: You had two sacks today. What are your thoughts on that?
A: “The first time we played against Jake Delhomme, we didn’t get any sacks. We knew we needed to stay in his face and get a lot of pressure.”
Q: Are you surprised how the team bounced back after the loss against the Denver Broncos?
A: “Head Coach Mike Smith did a great job this week getting our mind off the loss. We knew this was a must win game and we had a great week at practice. We went out there and accomplished our objectives.”
Linebacker Michael Boley
Q: What does this win mean for the team?
A: “It means a lot. We defeated our division rivals here at home. It’s a big win for us and it puts us back in the mix of things.”
Q: Talk about the first half of the game?
A: “Our game plan was to come out and be physical on offense, defense, and special teams. We did a good job starting the game and we maintained that momentum throughout the game. During the second half, we started out slow but as the game slowed down we got back into a rhythm.”
Q: What happened in the second half? Did the team come out flat?
A: “It was just some things they did. They are a good team and they came out and made some good plays. We just had to step up and try to keep the big plays to a minimum.”
Q: How confident is this team after getting this win here at home?
A: “It helps our confidence a lot. It says a lot about our team coming off the tough loss last week. We were able to bounce back against a real good football team and get a win.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan
Opening Remarks:
“I think everybody was excited for the win today. The games are of huge magnitude anytime you go against a division opponent. It was definitely a good win against a great Carolina Panthers team. At the start, guys were fired up in the locker room and it feels even better that we were able to pull off the win. The effort was great from every side of the ball today, which we were able to maintain throughout all four quarters. We will enjoy it tonight and then get ready for the San Diego Chargers next week.”
On the fourth and goal score in the fourth quarter:
“It was strictly the coach’s decision on the call on fourth down. But it was a great time for the team and a huge confidence builder. It was a good sight to see all of the offensive lineman and their facial expressions. We were all determined to get in the end zone. Our coaching staff prepared us well for those types of experiences and it was even better to execute when the game was on the line. We had the right attitude in that situation and it was a unique experience to be part of the huddle.”
On the performance of Michael Turner:
“It is great to have a guy that can run and break tackles like Mike. His effort was phenomenal out there and all of us were behind him. His four touchdowns speak for itself. It’s a joy to hand the ball off. He continues to run the ball hard play after play and he is hard to bring down. It’s a huge advantage for us to hand the ball to Mike on fourth down plays like the fourth quarter play.”
On the overall offensive performance:
“It was great to get off to a good start and score 17 points. For the most part, we were able to maintain our ebb and flow on the offensive side of the ball. Our defense stepped up and did a heck of a job keeping Carolina from making big plays. I didn’t think we would score 45 points, but I’ll take that any day.”
Wide Receiver Harry Douglas
Q: How do you feel, after playing such a big part of this win for the Falcons?
A: “I’m feeling good. I’m a little exhausted right now, but I’m feeling really good. I’m just happy to get the victory. After last week’s game, we wanted to get back on track. Throughout all of our practices and meetings, we were really focused on winning this game. I really want to commend my teammates for all their hard work and dedication. I love being around these guys."
Q: In past games, some of the throws were sporadic and it seemed as if you didn’t get the ball as much. What were your thoughts on Matt’s trust in you to make plays throughout this game?
A: “You just have to stay humble and no matter what, you have to run your routes full speed. You can never give up. If you don’t get the ball, you have to expect to get it on the next play. You can never say you’re not going to get the ball. Matt’s a great quarter back and he’s going to distribute the ball. He placed me in a good position to make some plays and I didn’t want to disappoint him or my team.”
Q: What were your thoughts on the punt return for a touchdown?
A: “When I caught it, I was going half speed to the left, but I knew what I was doing. The guys up front did a great job of giving me a block to follow. So, I made a quick cut back, and the middle was wide open.”
Q: What are you thoughts on scoring your first touchdowns in the NFL?
A: “It felt really good, especially in a game of this magnitude. Carolina was 8-2, and it was a home game against a division rival. It doesn’t get much bigger than that. It felt really good to get my first two touchdowns in this game.”
Wide Receiver Roddy White
Q: What were your thoughts on the game and on Harry Douglas’ performance?
A: “We really wanted to get on the board early against these guys. We wanted to put them behind the eight-ball. Overall, we came out and did a great job today. Harry came out there, and gave us a great spark. His returns gave us great field position throughout the game and overall, he really helped the offense.”
Q: Did the first game against Carolina affect Harry’s performance in the second game?
A: “In the first game, I told him not to worry. We all drop balls. I drop balls almost every game. I told him, once you drop a ball, you have to put it behind you and get back into the mix. You’re always going to be out there and Matt will always put you into a position to make plays. Harry is a play maker.”
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-PANTHERS GAME:
- GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
- GAME RECAP: Falcons use big plays to send Panthers home with loss
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes directly from the Georgia Dome press box
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Thoughts and news from the AF.com managing editor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Turner | Douglas | Davis | Coleman
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Panthers
- NFL NETWORK: Highlights | Can't Miss Play | Douglas Punt Return | Scoreboard
- TOURING THE TAILGATES: "Falcon Al" checks in on Falcons fans
- INACTIVES: Inactives and starters from the Falcons-Panthers game
- REVIEW AND RESPOND: Ask questions via Voices Heard
- RING OF HONOR: Vote for the next member of the Falcons Ring of Honor
- DISCUSS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons victory over Carolina
