Tag: Dan Quinn

Falcons coach Dan Quinn uses Myles Garrett suspension as teaching moment

Thursday night’s controversial finish to the AFC South matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers has possibly overtaken Colin Kaepernick’s workout as the NFL’s biggest story.

The Falcons have been uncharacteristically quiet for a 2-7 team with a coach on the hot seat. Outside of Devonta Freeman’s skirmish with Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, there hasn’t been a lot of drama or division in the locker room.

Thursday night’s controversial finish to the AFC South matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers has possibly overtaken Colin Kaepernick’s workout as the NFL’s biggest story.

Browns DE Myles Garrett was suspended for the remainder of the year for swinging his helmet at Steelers QB Mason Rudolph after the two got tied up on the ground:

As reported by Falcons reporter William McFadden, head coach Dan Quinn said he spoke to the team about the incident at Friday’s practice, emphasizing the need for the players to keep their cool during high-intensity division games:

We talked about division games, and they’re more heated for sure. Both teams know each other so well. The term we use sometimes is you’ve got to stare right into the face of temptation, and have that poise to do that at the end, even when it’s really hard.

Atlanta plays NFC South rival Carolina in Week 11, so this message is coming at a perfect time for the team as it tries to build on last week’s win over the Saints.

The Falcons are currently 5.5-point underdogs for Sunday’s road matchup with the Panthers.

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Watch: Jeff Ulbrich downplays defensive play-calling changes

Just before the kickoff of Sunday’s game against the Saints, it was reported that Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich would take over the team’s defensive play-calling duties.

Just before the kickoff of Sunday’s game against the Saints, it was reported that Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich would take over the team’s defensive play-calling duties.

After holding New Orleans to just nine points, Ulbrich was quickly credited for the team’s defensive turnaround. It was later explained that assistant coach Raheem Morris had called plays on third downs, while Ulbrich called them on first and second downs.

Speaking to the media on Wendesday, Ulbrich downplayed the coaching changes as a key factor in the Falcons’ performance.

Instead, he credited the players and head coach Dan Quinn, which you can watch below in a tweet from ESPN’s Vaughn McClure:

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Dan Quinn impressed with Kaleb McGary’s fight against Cam Jordan

Prior to the Falcons’ Week 10 defensive outburst, they had recorded just seven total sacks through their first eight games. In contrast, Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan had personally tallied eight sacks entering Sunday’s game.

Prior to the Falcons’ Week 10 defensive outburst, they had recorded just seven total sacks through their first eight games. In contrast, Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan had personally tallied eight sacks entering Sunday’s contest.

Atlanta’s shocking six-sack performance become the biggest headline from the team’s 26-9 upset win over New Orleans, although the offensive line deserves some credit as well.

The Falcons kept the Saints’ powerful offense off of the field by winning the time of possession battle, thanks in large part to the way they played up front against one of the best defenses in the NFL this season.

Atlanta’s offensive line allowed just one sack and kept an injured Matt Ryan upright for most of the day. Rookie right tackle Kaleb McGary has been solid for most of the year, but was especially good on Sunday.

He held Jordan in check and never once shied away from the challenge. Watch for yourself as Brian Baldinger breaks down the team’s offensive line play below:

Falcons coach Dan Quinn noticed as well, appreciating the way McGary battled against one of the league’s best defensive ends.

Atlanta could get their other first-round pick, guard Chris Lindstrom, back in a few weeks, although it may take another season to know what the team has in the former Boston College standout.

For now, the Falcons have to feel pretty good about what they’ve seen from McGary.

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Dan Quinn says he has a lot of respect for Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey

When a player totals 1,385 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in just nine games, he ought to earn the respect of just about everyone.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey has set the NFL on fire in 2019, racking up 1,385 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns through just nine games.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, who sees McCaffrey twice a year, is just as impressed as everyone else.

Speaking on Monday ahead of Atlanta’s Week 11 matchup with Carolina, Quinn said he was most impressed with McCaffrey’s growth as an every-down back.

Coming into the draft a few years ago, many labeled McCaffrey as a third-down back that was not worthy of a high draft pick. The Panthers ignored those critics and took the talented all-purpose back in the first round.

The move would pay off as McCaffrey is legitimately in the MVP discussion this season. The Falcons, despite a 2-7 start, will look to win their second straight NFC South game when they take on Carolina this Sunday.

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