FLOWERY BRANCH — With the conclusion of the first phase of the offseason on Thursday, Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn had plenty to say about, well, just about anything Atlanta Falcons related.
They wrapped up Organized Team Activities (OTA’s) and the three-day minicamp Thursday at the Falcons Complex. The team will reconvene next month for training camp in preparation for the 2016 season.
On brand protection and the process:
“We have about five or six weeks before we come back for training camp and I told everyone to make smart decisions and protect themselves and the team. This is always a tough part of the season because guys leave town or just relax and we just have to hope that they stick to the process.”
On mental toughness:
“I was probably the most pleased overall with how few mental errors we made as a group throughout the OTA’s and minicamp. It has been an area of focus the entire offseason. I think that stems from our improved communications from all areas. Coach-to-coach, coach-to-player, and player-to-player communications has been excellent. We are much further along this year at this time.”
Team unity:
“There is a real bond on this team already. You can feel it when you hang out with them on the field. They seem to want to play for each other and it has made the practices a little more spirited. That is also translating into the guys helping each other improve, which will only help the team. It’s great to see that so early in the season.”
The 2016 draft class:
“I have really been pleased with the entire draft class so far. They have talent and they’re putting in the work. That’s all you can ask for from young players. They still have a lot to learn but so far they seem willing to listen to the coaches and some the veteran guys.”
The Matts (Ryan and Schaub):
“Those guys seem to have bonded real well, which should be beneficial for both of them. (Schaub) is a big addition for us. He has knowledge of the (offensive) system and experience that can help (Ryan) as well. Both of them have seen just about everything on the field but now we have two guys that can share that information.”
Versatility:
“That is something that we are trying to develop at several positions. We want our running backs to run and catch; the linebackers to be able to play inside and out and be involved in coverages; both lines of scrimmage guys to be able to play multiple spots; cornerbacks that can play both sides and nickle and dime packages. Versatility will give us that much more quality depth, which is key in the NFL.”
Competition:
“That is something we have stressed since we got here last year and there has been competition all over the field. The offensive line is one group that has really caught my attention. Cornerback is another with guys like (rookie Brian) Poole, C.J. (Goodwin), (DeMarcus) Van Dyke, and (Akeem) King have all had good moments. The linebackers have just been flying around the field; the receivers, tight ends spots have a lot of good players. That is what makes everyone better. It’s been great to see.”
The final day of the minicamp, which was just an abbreviated 60-minute session after a pair of 90-minute practices, did not come without some highlights:
-- The defense, which has been emphasizing takeaways, came up with its third interception in as many days when safety Kemal Ishmael made a diving grab on a tipped ball off the hands of David Glidden.
-- Rookie kicker Nick Rose booted a 52-yard field goal to cap a 2-minute drive.
-- Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub gave way to the younger QBs Matt Sims and Sean Renfree during the scrimmage session. Ryan called plays for one team and Schaub for the other. On defense, Desmond Trufant made the defensive calls for one squad while Paul Worrilow made the defensive calls for the other squad.
