Sunday Conversation in Atlanta

Q) Your Falcons are 0-6, after being swept by Tampa Bay. Coming off the 37-28 loss, how does the future look for this club?

A) Being 0-6 is nowhere how this team should be. The NFC is a tough division and we fight each and every week. It is tough for us, these last 2 seasons we have had to fight our way back to even be considered for being actual contenders. It is not totally out of the question to make a late run, but it will surely be an uphill battle.

Q) Tampa's Rookies had their way with this defense. Peter Newcomer and Demarcus Miles hooked up for 3 touchdowns, and a staggering 360 yards in the air, 16 catches for 276 yards. Where was the break down?

A) I take the blame. Bad play calls, wrong people guarding him, period. With nothing to lose, being down by 2 and 1 second left in the 4th quarter, we went for it all making laterals on the squib kick, to move the ball to the endzone. (laughs) Sadly we lateraled one to many times and it was picked up and returned for a touchdown. Bottom line is, I really under estimated this guys speed and how much of a threat he is with the long ball. We just couldn't find a answer to it. We couldn't get any pressure on the Quarterback, couldn't force a turn over. Just a really bad game. Something to sit down with the men in the film room.

Q) Adrian Peterson left early in the first quarter with a strained biscep. He did not return. What kind of impact did this have on your team, and when is he due to come back?

A) He is certainly a game changer. Cedric Benson game in and got us 2 touchdowns on the ground, which was why we brought him in here. Adrian had a MRI on Tuesday, and everything checked out well. He will be back next Sunday to face the 3-2 Cardinals.

Q) Your offense did put up 369 yards of offense, converting 75% on 3rd down and 100% in the redzone. What kind of things can we expect from this ball club?

A) Adrian leaving the game, was a game plan change. Ced came in and did a great job pounding the ball. This team can put up some points, defensively we're having a hard time. No turnovers, No sacks, and not getting off the field on 3rd down, holding them to 50%. We will be woring with these defensive backs to see who is right for the job. Our linebackers are the center piece of this defense. Sean Weatherspoon, Curtis Lofton, and Defensive Rookie of the year contender Taylor Terry, are a solid foundation to build around. Look for big things from these 3 guys in many years to come.

Q) What kind of things should we be looking for?

A) Different packages. Pure and simple. All 3 can get to the Quaterback, and cause disruption in the backfield. see more aggressive things come from the center of the field. First, we have to get the Defensive backs on the same page, so they don't need Linebacker help.