Falcons Audible presented by AT and T is back. We are back after three straight Falcons victories. Not only three straight victories, but three straight divisional victories. We told you we're gonna come here. We're gonna bring the fire whether we win or lose. But it's a little easier to bring the fire win when you sit on top of the division and you're feeling real good about yourself. But what does that mean? Okay, guys, let me ask you that question. What does that mean? Okay, you end up winning three straight divisional games, arch you get yourself atop the NFC South, it's still early in the season. What does it mean?

Falcons Audible presented by AT and T is back. We are back after three straight Falcons victories. Not only three straight victories, but three straight divisional victories. We told you we're gonna come here. We're gonna bring the fire whether we win or lose. But it's a little easier to bring the fire win when you sit on top of the division and you're feeling real good about yourself. But what does that mean? Okay, guys, let me ask you that question. What does that mean? Okay, you end up winning three straight divisional games, arch you get yourself atop the NFC South, it's still early in the season. What does it mean?

Well, I think it means a ton rack. I think that when you start looking at your three and you get six division games, you're three and zero in the division. You talk about a leg up. Then all of a sudden you start looking at the NFC and then that next criteria as far as playoffs, you're done playoffs. Not only six, but you're a third of the way through the season essentially. Okay, so now all of a sudden you start kind of stacking. Can you stack wins? Were those wins stacked? NFC stacked wins NFC South stacked wins. That that's money in the bank. And who doesn't want some money in the bank. I mean, we don't want a savings account, right, y'all want that checking account.

Well, I think it means a ton rack. I think that when you start looking at your three and you get six division games, you're three and zero in the division. You talk about a leg up. Then all of a sudden you start looking at the NFC and then that next criteria as far as playoffs, you're done playoffs. Not only six, but you're a third of the way through the season essentially. Okay, so now all of a sudden you start kind of stacking. Can you stack wins? Were those wins stacked? NFC stacked wins NFC South stacked wins. That that's money in the bank. And who doesn't want some money in the bank. I mean, we don't want a savings account, right, y'all want that checking account.

Look look at it. Well, that checking account looks pretty.

Look look at it. Well, that checking account looks pretty.

Good, right now, that's right, that's right, DJ. After a one and two start, you start thinking, even you know, even though it's early in the season, there's still plenty of time left. But like the cards start stacking against you, right. You start looking at the stats. You start looking at how many teams that start one and two, that start one in three actually make it to the postseason, and those percentages dip dramatically, right, But then they turned the switch, right, everything kind of settled into place a little bit. Offense has kind of found its groove over the last three games. And I saw something scrolling at the bottom of the screen the other the other day about power rankings, And this was before the completion of the Panthers game, and it had Falcons at tenth in the NFL and power rankings. Funny how things change after a few weeks.

Good, right now, that's right, that's right, DJ. After a one and two start, you start thinking, even you know, even though it's early in the season, there's still plenty of time left. But like the cards start stacking against you, right. You start looking at the stats. You start looking at how many teams that start one and two, that start one in three actually make it to the postseason, and those percentages dip dramatically, right, But then they turned the switch, right, everything kind of settled into place a little bit. Offense has kind of found its groove over the last three games. And I saw something scrolling at the bottom of the screen the other the other day about power rankings, And this was before the completion of the Panthers game, and it had Falcons at tenth in the NFL and power rankings. Funny how things change after a few weeks.

Huh Yeah, And I think I've seen some similar I saw as high as seven for the Falcons as far as what you see. But I mean the great thing about it is they've been able to put it on display in front of the entire country. And they've been obviously playing on these high profile games Sunday night, Monday night, you know, Thursday night. They've had chances to showcase who they are. And it's not just talk anymore, because I think when we came to the season, we all talked about all the new additions and how they will all come to how it would come together, and how quickly could they come together was the other part of it. And I think you watched that first game and everybody's like, whoa hold on? This may be the same old what we've seen the last few years. We just gave this guy one hundred and eighty million dollars and we can't get a touchdown. And then all of a sudden, like you mentioned, he throws for five hundred and the next week you run for a two hundred. And you're seeing all these pieces come together. You get Judne, you get Jesse. I mean, you got all these different pieces that are playing so well together. And then people can see it, actually watch it and see how these games finish and I think the biggest part is the way they have finished these games. And I think that's a big part of it too, because if you're a true Falcus fan, you've seen over the years how you've had a number of opportunities to be in this same position. If you finish ball games, and now you didn't just do it one week, You've done it two, three, four weeks, and you've been consistent with it. And that's a big part of changing the narrative of who this team is is. Yeah, they're playing better and they've done it over the years, but finishing these ball games has been a big part of how people view this team now because even verse teams that maybe they thought weren't going to be able to beat them, they've done it at.

Huh Yeah, And I think I've seen some similar I saw as high as seven for the Falcons as far as what you see. But I mean the great thing about it is they've been able to put it on display in front of the entire country. And they've been obviously playing on these high profile games Sunday night, Monday night, you know, Thursday night. They've had chances to showcase who they are. And it's not just talk anymore, because I think when we came to the season, we all talked about all the new additions and how they will all come to how it would come together, and how quickly could they come together was the other part of it. And I think you watched that first game and everybody's like, whoa hold on? This may be the same old what we've seen the last few years. We just gave this guy one hundred and eighty million dollars and we can't get a touchdown. And then all of a sudden, like you mentioned, he throws for five hundred and the next week you run for a two hundred. And you're seeing all these pieces come together. You get Judne, you get Jesse. I mean, you got all these different pieces that are playing so well together. And then people can see it, actually watch it and see how these games finish and I think the biggest part is the way they have finished these games. And I think that's a big part of it too, because if you're a true Falcus fan, you've seen over the years how you've had a number of opportunities to be in this same position. If you finish ball games, and now you didn't just do it one week, You've done it two, three, four weeks, and you've been consistent with it. And that's a big part of changing the narrative of who this team is is. Yeah, they're playing better and they've done it over the years, but finishing these ball games has been a big part of how people view this team now because even verse teams that maybe they thought weren't going to be able to beat them, they've done it at.

The end of the bey, able to finish.

The end of the bey, able to finish.

That's interesting too, And I want to ask you guys, there's always a conversation. It seems like the conversation has come up a number of times. Okay, once Kirk kind of gets Kirk gets up to speed and Zach gets up to speed offense, what is your identity on offense?

That's interesting too, And I want to ask you guys, there's always a conversation. It seems like the conversation has come up a number of times. Okay, once Kirk kind of gets Kirk gets up to speed and Zach gets up to speed offense, what is your identity on offense?

You know?

You know?

And then there's this whole being able to determine who you are on the offensive side of the football. You just talked about you just dropped the five hundred spot on Tampa. You just dropped a two hundred spot rushing to football on Carolina. Now of a sudden, if I'm trying to prepare and let's let's go to Seattle seat this week, I'm trying to pare, prepare. You only got so many times, so many hours to prepare. I mean, what are you looking at it from an identity? And I think you destruct The identity shock is they're finishers. You know you can no matter what it takes, They're going to finish. They're going to come down the stretch and go find what they need to do to finish the game, whether it's salt the game, will gain away like they did last week, or find a way to win a game in the clutches with throwing the football. And how about the defense. There's so much conversation about the offense. How about the defense and their identity of being able to finish. They've finished the last couple of weeks as well. So I think that that now of a sudden from me, if somebody asked me, what's the identity of the Facon team they're finishers.

And then there's this whole being able to determine who you are on the offensive side of the football. You just talked about you just dropped the five hundred spot on Tampa. You just dropped a two hundred spot rushing to football on Carolina. Now of a sudden, if I'm trying to prepare and let's let's go to Seattle seat this week, I'm trying to pare, prepare. You only got so many times, so many hours to prepare. I mean, what are you looking at it from an identity? And I think you destruct The identity shock is they're finishers. You know you can no matter what it takes, They're going to finish. They're going to come down the stretch and go find what they need to do to finish the game, whether it's salt the game, will gain away like they did last week, or find a way to win a game in the clutches with throwing the football. And how about the defense. There's so much conversation about the offense. How about the defense and their identity of being able to finish. They've finished the last couple of weeks as well. So I think that that now of a sudden from me, if somebody asked me, what's the identity of the Facon team they're finishers.

Yeah, I mean that's where we're at.

Yeah, I mean that's where we're at.

Here after that six weeks, right, The identity that you would want, yeah, I mean you could sit here and say we're a throwing team, we're a running team, we're a balanced team. If somebody says that team finishes ball, that's a pretty good identity.

Here after that six weeks, right, The identity that you would want, yeah, I mean you could sit here and say we're a throwing team, we're a running team, we're a balanced team. If somebody says that team finishes ball, that's a pretty good identity.

And I like that arch.

And I like that arch.

I mean, I think it's a great observation. If if you had to ask me what the identity of this team was, I would say last Sunday against Carolina is who I think they should be. Is the team that has that balance that they can when they want to run for two hundred yards. They got two backs in the backfield, an offensive line that they are fully capable of doing that. Should I sit here and say that they can do it every week? No, this is a National Football League, Right, You're gonna play against some really stout defenses in this league. But that's to me what they're capable of. And you can't sit here and say that we're gonna put it on Kirk Shoulders to throw for three four five yards every week. Right, But the fact that Kirk has shown that he can do that and he will do that and He'll put the team on his shoulders if need be. Is pretty encouraging.

I mean, I think it's a great observation. If if you had to ask me what the identity of this team was, I would say last Sunday against Carolina is who I think they should be. Is the team that has that balance that they can when they want to run for two hundred yards. They got two backs in the backfield, an offensive line that they are fully capable of doing that. Should I sit here and say that they can do it every week? No, this is a National Football League, Right, You're gonna play against some really stout defenses in this league. But that's to me what they're capable of. And you can't sit here and say that we're gonna put it on Kirk Shoulders to throw for three four five yards every week. Right, But the fact that Kirk has shown that he can do that and he will do that and He'll put the team on his shoulders if need be. Is pretty encouraging.

The other that we got to give a lot of credit to is Zach Robson. I think you look, we talked about throwing for five, rushing for two. I think whatever the game calls for, that's what he puts on this play. And for so many years we talk about, Okay, if this play works, why don't we ever come back to it?

The other that we got to give a lot of credit to is Zach Robson. I think you look, we talked about throwing for five, rushing for two. I think whatever the game calls for, that's what he puts on this play. And for so many years we talk about, Okay, if this play works, why don't we ever come back to it?

Well, why don't we keep doing this? Ell? If they give you something, guess what, you keep doing it.

Well, why don't we keep doing this? Ell? If they give you something, guess what, you keep doing it.

And I think Zach's are such a good job of creating that mode where okay, well they give the us the past game. We ain't got to force the run game. We can still run the football we want to. But if we having so much success throwing the rock, why go away from it?

And I think Zach's are such a good job of creating that mode where okay, well they give the us the past game. We ain't got to force the run game. We can still run the football we want to. But if we having so much success throwing the rock, why go away from it?

Oh?

Oh?

This past week, Tyler Igir was down freaking heel, Bijon Robinson was downhill. I mean tough physical runs on the goal line down there inside the five yard line, third down, you run the rock that speaks volumes for how he feels about his team. And then in that moment, this game called for let's be a team that could run the football, and they did.

This past week, Tyler Igir was down freaking heel, Bijon Robinson was downhill. I mean tough physical runs on the goal line down there inside the five yard line, third down, you run the rock that speaks volumes for how he feels about his team. And then in that moment, this game called for let's be a team that could run the football, and they did.

That I asked you guys about my opening question about this, like what does it mean? And the reason why I said that is the Falcons have started three and h in the division before, I believe last year, right Arch, they start three and h in the division last year, and we saw how things finished, right and you mentioned changing the narrative, DJ, I think it's a great thing to say that this organization, these players, this new coaching staff have to change the narrative of what it was previously right, sometimes getting off to a hot start not able to finish the season okay. And the reason why I said what does it mean? It means that you put yourself, in my opinion, in a really good position at this point in the season, and you've got some momentum and you've got some confidence. But now you've got to go win the next game. And that's it's like it's that whole like twenty four hour rule, like let's celebrate, let's enjoy this for twenty four hours. But just because the Seattle Seahawks team is coming off three straight losses doesn't mean that you've arrived and that you've automatically won this game. So before we get into Seattle, let's talk about this one a little bit more arch and first game this season after five straight games that were decided by one score, eight points or less, finally get a more comfortable victory. Going into this one, even though every team is in the National Football League has professionals on it, a one in four Carolina team, you're feeling like you gotta win this game. This is one of those must win situation. You could say that every single week, sure, but when you're facing a one in four Carolina team and you're trying to remain atop the division, it's a must win game. And it was a little bit like I had this feeling like they're kind of letting Carolina hang around for a little bit, and then the second half the finish was a lot different. What were some of the key turning points for you in this game that allowed Atlanta to escape with a little bit more of a comfortable victory.

That I asked you guys about my opening question about this, like what does it mean? And the reason why I said that is the Falcons have started three and h in the division before, I believe last year, right Arch, they start three and h in the division last year, and we saw how things finished, right and you mentioned changing the narrative, DJ, I think it's a great thing to say that this organization, these players, this new coaching staff have to change the narrative of what it was previously right, sometimes getting off to a hot start not able to finish the season okay. And the reason why I said what does it mean? It means that you put yourself, in my opinion, in a really good position at this point in the season, and you've got some momentum and you've got some confidence. But now you've got to go win the next game. And that's it's like it's that whole like twenty four hour rule, like let's celebrate, let's enjoy this for twenty four hours. But just because the Seattle Seahawks team is coming off three straight losses doesn't mean that you've arrived and that you've automatically won this game. So before we get into Seattle, let's talk about this one a little bit more arch and first game this season after five straight games that were decided by one score, eight points or less, finally get a more comfortable victory. Going into this one, even though every team is in the National Football League has professionals on it, a one in four Carolina team, you're feeling like you gotta win this game. This is one of those must win situation. You could say that every single week, sure, but when you're facing a one in four Carolina team and you're trying to remain atop the division, it's a must win game. And it was a little bit like I had this feeling like they're kind of letting Carolina hang around for a little bit, and then the second half the finish was a lot different. What were some of the key turning points for you in this game that allowed Atlanta to escape with a little bit more of a comfortable victory.

I think that their ability to answer was part of it. Early on, I thought that, you know, you had two three and outs to start the game. Neither team got off to a very good start offensively. First, Atlanta gets pressure, Richie Grant comes on a blitz and Andy Dalton throws a ball that almost gets picked off in that first.

I think that their ability to answer was part of it. Early on, I thought that, you know, you had two three and outs to start the game. Neither team got off to a very good start offensively. First, Atlanta gets pressure, Richie Grant comes on a blitz and Andy Dalton throws a ball that almost gets picked off in that first.

Series of down.

Series of down.

So you go the other side of it, and Kirk doesn't seem very settled into the game, makes a couple of really kind of poor reeds to where he throws the football. But you got an inkling because on second down b Jeon Robinson pounded one out for about six or seven yards. Thought wait a minute, there's a little something there. But then he threw it on the other two downs and he looked a little unsettled. Carolina gets it goes right down the field of scores. What does Atlanta do? Gets it goes right down the field of scores? And I thought that was the key. And again Caro give Carolina credit too. They did a good job of answering a few drives, but it was Atlanta's ability to limit their opportunities in the red zone. They only got three red zone opportunities. Atlanta had eight red zone opportunities eight right now, four of eight is not Now, let's take away the last one, say four of seven, because the last one's a kneel down. Clark hits the ground at the bottom, you know, and stops the game and doesn't allow the defense to get back on the field, which I thought was a cool play. We can talk about that, but anyway, four or seven in the red zone got to be better there. You'd like to finish, you know, one field one, one young Way coup field goal, not three of them, but I thought that was the key for me in the game. And the sequences of you know, Zach Harrison's block kick was huge. I mean, obviously AJ's interception at the end of the game was a big time play. But it's thought that their their ability to answer when when when Carolina did something offensively where it was a field goal or moved the ball, they were able to answer, and then the defense shuts the door you had. The Carolina had three possessions in the fourth quarter all ended in turn turnovers, an interception, downs in a turnover, an interception.

So you go the other side of it, and Kirk doesn't seem very settled into the game, makes a couple of really kind of poor reeds to where he throws the football. But you got an inkling because on second down b Jeon Robinson pounded one out for about six or seven yards. Thought wait a minute, there's a little something there. But then he threw it on the other two downs and he looked a little unsettled. Carolina gets it goes right down the field of scores. What does Atlanta do? Gets it goes right down the field of scores? And I thought that was the key. And again Caro give Carolina credit too. They did a good job of answering a few drives, but it was Atlanta's ability to limit their opportunities in the red zone. They only got three red zone opportunities. Atlanta had eight red zone opportunities eight right now, four of eight is not Now, let's take away the last one, say four of seven, because the last one's a kneel down. Clark hits the ground at the bottom, you know, and stops the game and doesn't allow the defense to get back on the field, which I thought was a cool play. We can talk about that, but anyway, four or seven in the red zone got to be better there. You'd like to finish, you know, one field one, one young Way coup field goal, not three of them, but I thought that was the key for me in the game. And the sequences of you know, Zach Harrison's block kick was huge. I mean, obviously AJ's interception at the end of the game was a big time play. But it's thought that their their ability to answer when when when Carolina did something offensively where it was a field goal or moved the ball, they were able to answer, and then the defense shuts the door you had. The Carolina had three possessions in the fourth quarter all ended in turn turnovers, an interception, downs in a turnover, an interception.

Yeah, and DJ, I mean, it's it's one of those deals where you know, you football is a game of momentum, and just like Arch was talking about, like there were some times where you felt like maybe Carolina had a little bit of momentum, but it's like, how do you respond not just as an offense, but as a team when when the other team has supposedly taken a little bit of the momentum, but Atlanta was able to do that just kind of like seize it right back on their side, regain the confidence, if you will, among the rest of the team. What kind of plays stuck out for you that were some turning points in the game.

Yeah, and DJ, I mean, it's it's one of those deals where you know, you football is a game of momentum, and just like Arch was talking about, like there were some times where you felt like maybe Carolina had a little bit of momentum, but it's like, how do you respond not just as an offense, but as a team when when the other team has supposedly taken a little bit of the momentum, but Atlanta was able to do that just kind of like seize it right back on their side, regain the confidence, if you will, among the rest of the team. What kind of plays stuck out for you that were some turning points in the game.

You know what, I I just look at how consistent they were on offense, and you're talking about you have eleven possessions in the game and you scored on seven of them. That's not including the first three out three and out that arts just talked about the fumble that they called by Ray Ray and then the two kneel downs. Other than that, you were consistently moving the football up and down the field, and I thought that put a lot of pressure on Carolina. It put a lot of pressure on them to respond as well. So I think you were the team that was the more aggressive in this ball game. Even if they made some plays throughout the game, it always felt like you were in a good spot and the defense made it hard. And I think that's the other part about it too, that I look at it and says, this defense is forcing teams to go earn it, like it's not just Okay, I'm gonna throw a deep ball. Here's a seven yard catch and we're in the end zone. That making these guys.

You know what, I I just look at how consistent they were on offense, and you're talking about you have eleven possessions in the game and you scored on seven of them. That's not including the first three out three and out that arts just talked about the fumble that they called by Ray Ray and then the two kneel downs. Other than that, you were consistently moving the football up and down the field, and I thought that put a lot of pressure on Carolina. It put a lot of pressure on them to respond as well. So I think you were the team that was the more aggressive in this ball game. Even if they made some plays throughout the game, it always felt like you were in a good spot and the defense made it hard. And I think that's the other part about it too, that I look at it and says, this defense is forcing teams to go earn it, like it's not just Okay, I'm gonna throw a deep ball. Here's a seven yard catch and we're in the end zone. That making these guys.

Go full field go.

Go full field go.

I think they had maybe four or five drives of seven or eight plays and more where they had to go try to get points. That's forcing them to go earn it. And then offensively, you being consistent enough to put drives together that keeps your defense off the field, but also your sustaining drives and giving everybody involved in it. So I thought just their ability to be the aggression his ball game was a big part of their success, but also allowing this team to show, Okay, we can do a lot of different things in a lot of different ways, and now you have to be the team that has to respond.

I think they had maybe four or five drives of seven or eight plays and more where they had to go try to get points. That's forcing them to go earn it. And then offensively, you being consistent enough to put drives together that keeps your defense off the field, but also your sustaining drives and giving everybody involved in it. So I thought just their ability to be the aggression his ball game was a big part of their success, but also allowing this team to show, Okay, we can do a lot of different things in a lot of different ways, and now you have to be the team that has to respond.

To us six or twelve on third down, which with fifty percent is good. It's winning football obviously, right, and we talked about the first three games was a struggle on third down. I think the fact that they had twelve opportunities shows us that the running game showed up right. And let's talk a little bit about that running game because it was easy for us to talk about Kirk in the passing game last week after the Buccaneers. But we knew coming into this season that we had a veteran offensive line that was locked up, experienced, and we had arguably the best backfield in the National Football League. Bijana has already emerged to be one of the most electric playmakers in the National Football League. And you got a Tyler Algiar who just kind of sits back there does what he does is ready to run over people when it's not.

To us six or twelve on third down, which with fifty percent is good. It's winning football obviously, right, and we talked about the first three games was a struggle on third down. I think the fact that they had twelve opportunities shows us that the running game showed up right. And let's talk a little bit about that running game because it was easy for us to talk about Kirk in the passing game last week after the Buccaneers. But we knew coming into this season that we had a veteran offensive line that was locked up, experienced, and we had arguably the best backfield in the National Football League. Bijana has already emerged to be one of the most electric playmakers in the National Football League. And you got a Tyler Algiar who just kind of sits back there does what he does is ready to run over people when it's not.

Ball of razor blades as I referred to him.

Ball of razor blades as I referred to him.

Yes, so arts, Like, how encouraging was it for you to see like that run game kind of dominate if you will, Just like the fact that it continue to break tackles, found ways to slide through holes, and it was almost like every time it was picking up six, seven, eight yards whatever they needed, they were able to do it on the ground. Well, I can tell you what a quarterback does.

Yes, so arts, Like, how encouraging was it for you to see like that run game kind of dominate if you will, Just like the fact that it continue to break tackles, found ways to slide through holes, and it was almost like every time it was picking up six, seven, eight yards whatever they needed, they were able to do it on the ground. Well, I can tell you what a quarterback does.

Wow, that is so nice.

Wow, that is so nice.

I mean because you look up and it's second and four, it's second and five, it's second and three. Is to your point, Yeah, that was outstanding. I thought that getting back to one of our original points about finishing this they had three rushing touchdowns in this game, you know, and you didn't just run it in from one yard out. Vijon ran in from a couple of times outside the five yard line and powered it in really good blocking on the perimeter and shoved it in the end zone with that physicality that that really makes you feel good as a quarterback as well. But now, all of a sudden, think about what it opens up for Zach Robinson. If you're running football like that and you want to take your shots, the play action shots or whatever you want to take. Now there's some there's some credibility to it because linebackers are being harped on on the sideline when they get off the field and they just ran. You know, you run. You run eleven plays in a drive and eight of them are run plays, and you shove it in the end zone. You can bet with the defensive coordinators talking about when that defense gets to the sideline, guys, we got to swall up against the run. I gotta come with run blitz as I've become the run dogs. Now, all a sudden, those linebackers are tangled up in the in the in the run blocking and and and then ultimately play action pass and blocking and you throw, but you throw behind them. So there are so many things that it breathes life into and one of it and a good bit of it. And I know this might be your original point, is the offensive line wants to be able to come off the ball and shorten the other people's necks on the other side of the football.

I mean because you look up and it's second and four, it's second and five, it's second and three. Is to your point, Yeah, that was outstanding. I thought that getting back to one of our original points about finishing this they had three rushing touchdowns in this game, you know, and you didn't just run it in from one yard out. Vijon ran in from a couple of times outside the five yard line and powered it in really good blocking on the perimeter and shoved it in the end zone with that physicality that that really makes you feel good as a quarterback as well. But now, all of a sudden, think about what it opens up for Zach Robinson. If you're running football like that and you want to take your shots, the play action shots or whatever you want to take. Now there's some there's some credibility to it because linebackers are being harped on on the sideline when they get off the field and they just ran. You know, you run. You run eleven plays in a drive and eight of them are run plays, and you shove it in the end zone. You can bet with the defensive coordinators talking about when that defense gets to the sideline, guys, we got to swall up against the run. I gotta come with run blitz as I've become the run dogs. Now, all a sudden, those linebackers are tangled up in the in the in the run blocking and and and then ultimately play action pass and blocking and you throw, but you throw behind them. So there are so many things that it breathes life into and one of it and a good bit of it. And I know this might be your original point, is the offensive line wants to be able to come off the ball and shorten the other people's necks on the other side of the football.

They want to.

They want to.

Come off and and that breeze life into them. That gives them confidence. And that's the thing for a quarterback is you always want guys to feel confident in their ability to do their job. It's a receiver, aligneman, whatever it is. And that's what the run game does with the offensive line.

Come off and and that breeze life into them. That gives them confidence. And that's the thing for a quarterback is you always want guys to feel confident in their ability to do their job. It's a receiver, aligneman, whatever it is. And that's what the run game does with the offensive line.

And I'll add a lot more to it. Is the offensive line big party. Obviously they have to be a big part. There were times where you saw Drake London insert and inside or Kirk telling him to come down and point you got this guy. And then the multiple ways I thought Zach Robinson got to some of these runs. There was a wham block by Charlie Warner one time coming down and win the defensive defensive tackle. I mean, you got counters that they get Bijon and Tyler on the outside. You got outside stretchs though, which that's a staple of this team. But it was tight ends, it was receivers. You see Ray Ray blocking down field. You see everybody involved in a run game. And as we know, the only way to get the run game going and for it to be successful is if you're getting those guys on the second and third level as well. So give a lot of credit to the old line, a bunch of great combo double blocks getting up to linebackers. Then you got receivers filling in going to get the most dangerous. I mean, there's so many games that you watch in entirety say man, this, when you turn them the tape a deep thing, I'll be like, well, them dudes, they gonna come in. They're gonna try to knock your head off too, just like the offensive lineman. So it was fun to watch you and the receivers get a lot of credit for the things they do with the football, but how about what they do without it is a big part too.

And I'll add a lot more to it. Is the offensive line big party. Obviously they have to be a big part. There were times where you saw Drake London insert and inside or Kirk telling him to come down and point you got this guy. And then the multiple ways I thought Zach Robinson got to some of these runs. There was a wham block by Charlie Warner one time coming down and win the defensive defensive tackle. I mean, you got counters that they get Bijon and Tyler on the outside. You got outside stretchs though, which that's a staple of this team. But it was tight ends, it was receivers. You see Ray Ray blocking down field. You see everybody involved in a run game. And as we know, the only way to get the run game going and for it to be successful is if you're getting those guys on the second and third level as well. So give a lot of credit to the old line, a bunch of great combo double blocks getting up to linebackers. Then you got receivers filling in going to get the most dangerous. I mean, there's so many games that you watch in entirety say man, this, when you turn them the tape a deep thing, I'll be like, well, them dudes, they gonna come in. They're gonna try to knock your head off too, just like the offensive lineman. So it was fun to watch you and the receivers get a lot of credit for the things they do with the football, but how about what they do without it is a big part too.

Yeah.

Yeah.

The ancillary piece of that was how many untimely penalties have we got? And we got another win in here, and there's a phantom holding call on Chris Linstrom in the game. I still I've looked at the tape three times and I can't find it he engages the linebacker, the linebacker slides off and Chris stumbles and falls on the back of his legs, and so they called it holding, which brought back a play that was down in the red zone as the lena was trying to punch one in.

The ancillary piece of that was how many untimely penalties have we got? And we got another win in here, and there's a phantom holding call on Chris Linstrom in the game. I still I've looked at the tape three times and I can't find it he engages the linebacker, the linebacker slides off and Chris stumbles and falls on the back of his legs, and so they called it holding, which brought back a play that was down in the red zone as the lena was trying to punch one in.

But for the most.

But for the most.

Part you eliminated that and to me, that's an indication of Coach Ledford working with those guys on technique, hand placement, all that kind of stuff, turning guys loose if you're on the edge while those edge blocks. When we talk outside zone, it's about how long can you hold and then get off of them? Right? And another piece that you mentioned Warner, you mentioned London. Kyle Pitts had a really good game in this In this game from a blocking standpoint, he had three grabs for what seventy yards or whatever it was. He had the big play down the sideline. But yeah, he did a really good job blocking in game. In fact, I thought he got a little charge. I saw him pump his fist one time when the when the when the bowling ball of knives went went inside of him. He got a block on the defensive end. It wasn't a linebacker. He was locked up with a big guy and he used the technique right his hands were inside and then he you know, he turned him loose. But Algier blows by and I could see I could see Kyle pump his fist, you know, in really enjoying his job right there on that play. So I thought he deserves some credit as well.

Part you eliminated that and to me, that's an indication of Coach Ledford working with those guys on technique, hand placement, all that kind of stuff, turning guys loose if you're on the edge while those edge blocks. When we talk outside zone, it's about how long can you hold and then get off of them? Right? And another piece that you mentioned Warner, you mentioned London. Kyle Pitts had a really good game in this In this game from a blocking standpoint, he had three grabs for what seventy yards or whatever it was. He had the big play down the sideline. But yeah, he did a really good job blocking in game. In fact, I thought he got a little charge. I saw him pump his fist one time when the when the when the bowling ball of knives went went inside of him. He got a block on the defensive end. It wasn't a linebacker. He was locked up with a big guy and he used the technique right his hands were inside and then he you know, he turned him loose. But Algier blows by and I could see I could see Kyle pump his fist, you know, in really enjoying his job right there on that play. So I thought he deserves some credit as well.

I mean, it's it's the fans and people watching and everything. They want to see the ball in the air, they want to see the completions. But like football gurus will tell you that when you start pounding in at somebody, it is a fun time, right everybody. And to your point, I mean, I know you guys want to sling it as quarterbacks, but sometimes it's kind of nice to like turn around and it off and then just look over and just watch people just boom boom boom boom. I seeing your guys just working their way down the field.

I mean, it's it's the fans and people watching and everything. They want to see the ball in the air, they want to see the completions. But like football gurus will tell you that when you start pounding in at somebody, it is a fun time, right everybody. And to your point, I mean, I know you guys want to sling it as quarterbacks, but sometimes it's kind of nice to like turn around and it off and then just look over and just watch people just boom boom boom boom. I seeing your guys just working their way down the field.

We don't mind taking any full thirty three. That makes it easy to do.

We don't mind taking any full thirty three. That makes it easy to do.

Yeah, think about think about you had no sacks in this game, given up And I think Kirk was credited being hit three times in the game. Now there was they were around him a few times. It made it uncomfortable, but he was knocked to the ground three times or hit three times. I think that's another piece to the run game. If you're running the football that hard, that slows everybody down up front to be able to get to your quarterback and knock your quarterback around, So that that's just another Ansley piece too, all.

Yeah, think about think about you had no sacks in this game, given up And I think Kirk was credited being hit three times in the game. Now there was they were around him a few times. It made it uncomfortable, but he was knocked to the ground three times or hit three times. I think that's another piece to the run game. If you're running the football that hard, that slows everybody down up front to be able to get to your quarterback and knock your quarterback around, So that that's just another Ansley piece too, all.

Right, So let's not sit here and focus all on the offense, guys. Let's talk a little bit about the defense. And arn't you kind of mentioned it. I'm gonna throw this out to you, guys. I'm gonna let you take it wherever you'd like to go. AJ terrell first interception since the twenty twenty one season. It actually ended up being in twenty twenty two January second January twenty twenty two. However, it was in the twenty twenty one season. I think it was thirty seven games for AJ Terrell since his last interception, So it's good to see him get his hands on the football again. And then Archie mentioned it Clark Phillips with the interception on the previous drive, and I gotta give him a lot of credit. I'm not sure I would have fell down.

Right, So let's not sit here and focus all on the offense, guys. Let's talk a little bit about the defense. And arn't you kind of mentioned it. I'm gonna throw this out to you, guys. I'm gonna let you take it wherever you'd like to go. AJ terrell first interception since the twenty twenty one season. It actually ended up being in twenty twenty two January second January twenty twenty two. However, it was in the twenty twenty one season. I think it was thirty seven games for AJ Terrell since his last interception, So it's good to see him get his hands on the football again. And then Archie mentioned it Clark Phillips with the interception on the previous drive, and I gotta give him a lot of credit. I'm not sure I would have fell down.

Into the five year my first one.

Into the five year my first one.

I mean, you're looking you're looking right at a pick six, but think about the unselfish nature of that, knowing that he slides down in the field of play, and now you've got neel downs and you don't you don't score the touchdown and put another seven points on the board. But their offense comes back on the field, right, they're probably not getting back in the game, but there's no chance of anybody else really getting hurt. And you were able to just kind of salt the game away with some kneel downs. So I just wanted to throw up the lob. This is like I'm the setter and volleyball and I just put it up for you.

I mean, you're looking you're looking right at a pick six, but think about the unselfish nature of that, knowing that he slides down in the field of play, and now you've got neel downs and you don't you don't score the touchdown and put another seven points on the board. But their offense comes back on the field, right, they're probably not getting back in the game, but there's no chance of anybody else really getting hurt. And you were able to just kind of salt the game away with some kneel downs. So I just wanted to throw up the lob. This is like I'm the setter and volleyball and I just put it up for you.

I like the crossover dribble movie for Shock and he comes in runs okay, so.

I like the crossover dribble movie for Shock and he comes in runs okay, so.

You like you've dunk instead.

You like you've dunk instead.

Okay, Ali, You've don't take it whatever way you want. Shock.

Okay, Ali, You've don't take it whatever way you want. Shock.

You know what this defense had has, you know, really been fun to watch. You look at so many ways they are able to get to a lot of different packages and the things.

You know what this defense had has, you know, really been fun to watch. You look at so many ways they are able to get to a lot of different packages and the things.

In this ball game.

In this ball game.

I remember there was a play on I think it was like third and eight or something, and you got kayten Ellis and Matthew Judong working on a et stunt together and how often you see that. We've talked about kat and Ellen's been a guy that can rush and his main job is to take two.

I remember there was a play on I think it was like third and eight or something, and you got kayten Ellis and Matthew Judong working on a et stunt together and how often you see that. We've talked about kat and Ellen's been a guy that can rush and his main job is to take two.

But Judunt comes around.

But Judunt comes around.

That guard has to come off to Judah and now Kateen Ellis gets the pressure and force the ball out of Andidlar's hands soon as they want to be. Little things like that, I think is what allows this defense to play at the level that dust and I think Jim Lan's doing a good job of being able to get these guys in spots where they can be successful, where these guys can you know, kind of you understand what they could do best. And I think Arsen missed it last week where we talked about some of the young guy I mean not the young guys, but some of the small guys putting their hat on people. When you're watching these guys be as physical, you watch these guys be thumpers. You see Mike Hughes in the pocket of Xavier Lagat running on the go route and he's right in his pocket, not giving away, not giving a p I away, or watching a j Terrell.

That guard has to come off to Judah and now Kateen Ellis gets the pressure and force the ball out of Andidlar's hands soon as they want to be. Little things like that, I think is what allows this defense to play at the level that dust and I think Jim Lan's doing a good job of being able to get these guys in spots where they can be successful, where these guys can you know, kind of you understand what they could do best. And I think Arsen missed it last week where we talked about some of the young guy I mean not the young guys, but some of the small guys putting their hat on people. When you're watching these guys be as physical, you watch these guys be thumpers. You see Mike Hughes in the pocket of Xavier Lagat running on the go route and he's right in his pocket, not giving away, not giving a p I away, or watching a j Terrell.

You know, he said after the game he's.

You know, he said after the game he's.

In Cover three, but I don't know if he's in cover three running across, so.

In Cover three, but I don't know if he's in cover three running across, so.

A J said, I was like, okay, But.

A J said, I was like, okay, But.

But the fact that he probably seen that around a thousand times and have the abillity be able to undercut it and have the confidence to go get it, that's a big time play for him. Obviously, we've talked about the saying, talking about the guys up front. This is becoming a unit.

But the fact that he probably seen that around a thousand times and have the abillity be able to undercut it and have the confidence to go get it, that's a big time play for him. Obviously, we've talked about the saying, talking about the guys up front. This is becoming a unit.

I think that.

I think that.

I think Grady said after the game, they're continuing to fine tune their skills so that they can when those sacks start to come, it's gonna be a floodgate them and they're not really concerned anybout it. So I think this is a unit that that shows that they can get after people. They've shown them that they're gonna force people to go earn it. They're forcing people it to make it hard on receivers, backs, whoever it may be. Not you behover now. First half they had him under wraps. I mean on the reps he was I think he had eleven carris for thirty six yards avers three yards of carriage. Second half he got going down Yeah, seven for fifty six and average eight yards of carriage. So I know that's something they're gonna go back to the drawing board and say, okay, we got to limit some of our rush defense. But for entirety, this was a defense that made it hard on Carolina, and when they had to go force it, they went and got it.

I think Grady said after the game, they're continuing to fine tune their skills so that they can when those sacks start to come, it's gonna be a floodgate them and they're not really concerned anybout it. So I think this is a unit that that shows that they can get after people. They've shown them that they're gonna force people to go earn it. They're forcing people it to make it hard on receivers, backs, whoever it may be. Not you behover now. First half they had him under wraps. I mean on the reps he was I think he had eleven carris for thirty six yards avers three yards of carriage. Second half he got going down Yeah, seven for fifty six and average eight yards of carriage. So I know that's something they're gonna go back to the drawing board and say, okay, we got to limit some of our rush defense. But for entirety, this was a defense that made it hard on Carolina, and when they had to go force it, they went and got it.

Man, A good bit of Cuba's numbers came from one drive, if I'm not mistaken, shock they've got something going there in the fourth quarter and they got one drive where they punched it down the field and Cuba had I think three runs in there that netted him somewhere between twenty five and thirty yards on three carries. I went, I looked at the tape. There the guys in the interior are doing a much better better job from a stout standpoint. Wes nickname and give Westernham credit. He came up with the nickname the two Clemson Tigers. He called him the Tiger Twins. But he had Ruka Roo the young guy, and he got the old guy Grady Jared in there. And those two guys really did a pretty good job being stout on the interior. And let's give Nate Lambman some credit. Nate comes off of the short term I are and he led the team in tackles and he's he's the prototypical old school linebacker, six foot three two and forty two hundred and forty five pounds. We talked about his ability to come up and stack people's shed him, you know, plug holes things like that. Now, he's still got some work to do there, but I thought there was a marketable improvement in what they did there. And then Raheem talked about, hey, if we can get to a lead, we can change the dynamic of the play calling for the other side, they're going to have to start throwing the football. I thought Arnold Abakati was extremely active in this game. You go back and look, Ebikaty was around the quarterback a Ton. Now, I know everybody wants to we want to get the quarterback on the ground, but Ebikaty affected a number of throws. Talked about Richie Grant getting in his face on that first drive. There were a number of plays that made Dalton throw a make errant throws or force him out of the pocket which is uncomfortable for him to throw the ball in the move which netted the interception by aj. You got to give credit where credit's due, and those guys are pressure in the quarterback are they getting them on the ground. Not yet, and that's going to be pretty big this weekend facing Gino Smith. But I just think that there's a major progress going that direction. We talk about the progress on offense, there's really good progress on that side as well.

Man, A good bit of Cuba's numbers came from one drive, if I'm not mistaken, shock they've got something going there in the fourth quarter and they got one drive where they punched it down the field and Cuba had I think three runs in there that netted him somewhere between twenty five and thirty yards on three carries. I went, I looked at the tape. There the guys in the interior are doing a much better better job from a stout standpoint. Wes nickname and give Westernham credit. He came up with the nickname the two Clemson Tigers. He called him the Tiger Twins. But he had Ruka Roo the young guy, and he got the old guy Grady Jared in there. And those two guys really did a pretty good job being stout on the interior. And let's give Nate Lambman some credit. Nate comes off of the short term I are and he led the team in tackles and he's he's the prototypical old school linebacker, six foot three two and forty two hundred and forty five pounds. We talked about his ability to come up and stack people's shed him, you know, plug holes things like that. Now, he's still got some work to do there, but I thought there was a marketable improvement in what they did there. And then Raheem talked about, hey, if we can get to a lead, we can change the dynamic of the play calling for the other side, they're going to have to start throwing the football. I thought Arnold Abakati was extremely active in this game. You go back and look, Ebikaty was around the quarterback a Ton. Now, I know everybody wants to we want to get the quarterback on the ground, but Ebikaty affected a number of throws. Talked about Richie Grant getting in his face on that first drive. There were a number of plays that made Dalton throw a make errant throws or force him out of the pocket which is uncomfortable for him to throw the ball in the move which netted the interception by aj. You got to give credit where credit's due, and those guys are pressure in the quarterback are they getting them on the ground. Not yet, and that's going to be pretty big this weekend facing Gino Smith. But I just think that there's a major progress going that direction. We talk about the progress on offense, there's really good progress on that side as well.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Absolutely, So credit to those guys up front for not necessarily getting to the quarterback, but creating enough havoc to where, like you said, it kind of forces them into a one dimensional offense. And then give our defensive backs or corners in this game some credit. We always talk about the safeties recently with interceptions, but aj Terrell and Clark Phillips getting in on the action and getting sminter sections in this game. So before we talk about Seattle, real quick, guys we talked about at the beginning, I want to get one comment from each of you. Falcons started last year three and zero in the division. They finished three and three. They lost their last three divisional games. This is obviously not a divisional game against Seattle, But what does Atlanta have to do this year to change the narrative to where they build on this and they end up staying on top of the division, getting themselves in the postseason. Players We always want to talk about one game at a time, but in this profession we can talk about them. What do they need to do to change the narrative this year?

Absolutely, So credit to those guys up front for not necessarily getting to the quarterback, but creating enough havoc to where, like you said, it kind of forces them into a one dimensional offense. And then give our defensive backs or corners in this game some credit. We always talk about the safeties recently with interceptions, but aj Terrell and Clark Phillips getting in on the action and getting sminter sections in this game. So before we talk about Seattle, real quick, guys we talked about at the beginning, I want to get one comment from each of you. Falcons started last year three and zero in the division. They finished three and three. They lost their last three divisional games. This is obviously not a divisional game against Seattle, But what does Atlanta have to do this year to change the narrative to where they build on this and they end up staying on top of the division, getting themselves in the postseason. Players We always want to talk about one game at a time, but in this profession we can talk about them. What do they need to do to change the narrative this year?

Arch Well, matchups are matchups, right rack. We know each week there's going to be something different. This is going to be a presented a completely different matchup this week than they saw last weekend. But I think that the ability that we've seen over this what was it at an eight day period or about fourteen day period where you won three football games, the ability to compartmentalize the three divisional games, the maturity of the young players are showing to get ready to play on practice and flush everything behind them. I mean, if you were going to get caught up in a game, this would have been the game Carolina where you would have played sloppy. I didn't think they played sloppy. I thought Carolina maybe played better than you thought they were going to and then ultimately Atlanta stepped on them and shoved them aside. But you had two emotional wins in your own building in four days over two rivals that everybody's talking about are the teams you've got to beat to win the division. You took them out and then you get ready over a ten day period, had days off, you could have gone sat on the couch and ate chips, whatever you want to do. They got ready to play and they went in and played a solid football game. To me, that's the difference between this team and maybe a previous teams is there's a maturity level that obviously stems from Kirk and Grady and Jake, but it's a young group that's really hungry and they get ready for that next game, and maybe playing these primetime games early on got them so focused on each and every pod like you're talking about each week is different that it's a different mentality.

Arch Well, matchups are matchups, right rack. We know each week there's going to be something different. This is going to be a presented a completely different matchup this week than they saw last weekend. But I think that the ability that we've seen over this what was it at an eight day period or about fourteen day period where you won three football games, the ability to compartmentalize the three divisional games, the maturity of the young players are showing to get ready to play on practice and flush everything behind them. I mean, if you were going to get caught up in a game, this would have been the game Carolina where you would have played sloppy. I didn't think they played sloppy. I thought Carolina maybe played better than you thought they were going to and then ultimately Atlanta stepped on them and shoved them aside. But you had two emotional wins in your own building in four days over two rivals that everybody's talking about are the teams you've got to beat to win the division. You took them out and then you get ready over a ten day period, had days off, you could have gone sat on the couch and ate chips, whatever you want to do. They got ready to play and they went in and played a solid football game. To me, that's the difference between this team and maybe a previous teams is there's a maturity level that obviously stems from Kirk and Grady and Jake, but it's a young group that's really hungry and they get ready for that next game, and maybe playing these primetime games early on got them so focused on each and every pod like you're talking about each week is different that it's a different mentality.

I'm glad that you mentioned maturity level because DJ, in my opinion, this comes down to, like, how do they change the narrative? How do you end up finishing the season out on a stronger note than in previous years. It comes down to leadership from the coaching staff, leadership from your leaders on the football team, the experienced guys, and then the younger players. You talked about buying into every single piece of that to me helps change the nerve, But the players are the ones at the end of the day that have to execute it to make it all happen.

I'm glad that you mentioned maturity level because DJ, in my opinion, this comes down to, like, how do they change the narrative? How do you end up finishing the season out on a stronger note than in previous years. It comes down to leadership from the coaching staff, leadership from your leaders on the football team, the experienced guys, and then the younger players. You talked about buying into every single piece of that to me helps change the nerve, But the players are the ones at the end of the day that have to execute it to make it all happen.

Which is a great point, and ultimately we say it all the time, and I think it's a It's a good point to make because the end of the day, those are the guys who have to go out and do it. And you know, I think it starts with where you where you. Your first point was with the coaching staff, and I think it starts with the head man, my man Rod. Every time we hear him talk, everything is so focused on the here in and now, and it's not about what we did last week. We got to move on from that. Yeah it was a great game, Yeah, but we gotta worry about what's now. And after the ball game, you hear him every every week say all right, who's next, and the focus goes to that. And I think he sets such a good example for his players.

Which is a great point, and ultimately we say it all the time, and I think it's a It's a good point to make because the end of the day, those are the guys who have to go out and do it. And you know, I think it starts with where you where you. Your first point was with the coaching staff, and I think it starts with the head man, my man Rod. Every time we hear him talk, everything is so focused on the here in and now, and it's not about what we did last week. We got to move on from that. Yeah it was a great game, Yeah, but we gotta worry about what's now. And after the ball game, you hear him every every week say all right, who's next, and the focus goes to that. And I think he sets such a good example for his players.

And we all.

And we all.

Played this game and we understand sometimes you take the montre, you take the attitude, the mood of your head coach, and that's how the players go about it. And I think that's how this team has kind of been a symbol under the mood of.

Played this game and we understand sometimes you take the montre, you take the attitude, the mood of your head coach, and that's how the players go about it. And I think that's how this team has kind of been a symbol under the mood of.

The head coach.

The head coach.

And I think Rod does a good job every single week of keeping these guys focused on what is now, and these guys understand how big of a moment each and every week is, and then it goes to Okay, Roth talks a certain way.

And I think Rod does a good job every single week of keeping these guys focused on what is now, and these guys understand how big of a moment each and every week is, and then it goes to Okay, Roth talks a certain way.

Now the players have to speak it, but then you have to go.

Now the players have to speak it, but then you have to go.

Out and like you mentioned, go execute it. You have to put those words into action. And I think they go do that every single week. And they've done that from practice taking it to the game and then you can see it in their execution. And then after that, Hey, like you mentioned fourteen days, you gotta be able to wash one game and you got to be able to get ready to go to the next game. I heard Darnell Mooney talk about Kirk sends him freaking voice messages out the week and ask him how long message away? He said, yeah, he sends them to me right after the game. The longest win he got was like eleven minutes. And he's talking about things that's happened throughout.

Out and like you mentioned, go execute it. You have to put those words into action. And I think they go do that every single week. And they've done that from practice taking it to the game and then you can see it in their execution. And then after that, Hey, like you mentioned fourteen days, you gotta be able to wash one game and you got to be able to get ready to go to the next game. I heard Darnell Mooney talk about Kirk sends him freaking voice messages out the week and ask him how long message away? He said, yeah, he sends them to me right after the game. The longest win he got was like eleven minutes. And he's talking about things that's happened throughout.

The ball game.

The ball game.

And when you think about that, the first thing you say is, man, you got a guy that's keeping guys accountable.

And when you think about that, the first thing you say is, man, you got a guy that's keeping guys accountable.

Yeah, we just want a big game, but guess what we could have did.

Yeah, we just want a big game, but guess what we could have did.

This even better on that that route or this particular series and he's thinking ahead. So now when your quarterback comes to you and he's saying this kind of stuff, You're like, I gotta make sure I'm on my stuff because I'm not guess what it's going to show on our play. So I'm sure that happens all around the building, happens all from the defensive side as well, from veterans and stuff. So just one small example of how these guys continue to try to fine tune those skills to get ready. Even Kirk said after the five hundred game, everybody kept wanting to talk about it. He's like, yeah, it's great, but you know, we got to move on, you know. I mean he used a Bowl Belichick you know quote or whatever it was, and and that just tells you that, you know, even your veterans and at that the highs, they're still thinking about what's next and how do we get better.

This even better on that that route or this particular series and he's thinking ahead. So now when your quarterback comes to you and he's saying this kind of stuff, You're like, I gotta make sure I'm on my stuff because I'm not guess what it's going to show on our play. So I'm sure that happens all around the building, happens all from the defensive side as well, from veterans and stuff. So just one small example of how these guys continue to try to fine tune those skills to get ready. Even Kirk said after the five hundred game, everybody kept wanting to talk about it. He's like, yeah, it's great, but you know, we got to move on, you know. I mean he used a Bowl Belichick you know quote or whatever it was, and and that just tells you that, you know, even your veterans and at that the highs, they're still thinking about what's next and how do we get better.

Yeah, just the echo what Shaq's saying about what raw, what Raheem has done from a building atmosphere and attitude after the game. I'm fortunate to be in there as they because the players are coming in and they do their little postgame talk, and Raheem is immediately saying this is who we are, Who's next? I mean, that's exactly exactly the way Shock described it. That's the way he is about, Hey, this is a great win, guys, gives out a couple of game balls. Boom, this is who we are, this is who's next. It's like, you know, we're on to Seattle. I mean, that's that's immediately who he is. And and the players have completely sunk their teeth into that, and and cousins and some of these guys, these veteran players that are calling and saying, think about it. You know, I was thinking this on this route, you know, and he's leaving him a message on the way home from the game. You know, I was thinking, maybe you're gonna shut it down there.

Yeah, just the echo what Shaq's saying about what raw, what Raheem has done from a building atmosphere and attitude after the game. I'm fortunate to be in there as they because the players are coming in and they do their little postgame talk, and Raheem is immediately saying this is who we are, Who's next? I mean, that's exactly exactly the way Shock described it. That's the way he is about, Hey, this is a great win, guys, gives out a couple of game balls. Boom, this is who we are, this is who's next. It's like, you know, we're on to Seattle. I mean, that's that's immediately who he is. And and the players have completely sunk their teeth into that, and and cousins and some of these guys, these veteran players that are calling and saying, think about it. You know, I was thinking this on this route, you know, and he's leaving him a message on the way home from the game. You know, I was thinking, maybe you're gonna shut it down there.

And that was my bad.

And that was my bad.

I threw the ball in the wrong it was it's really good stuff.

I threw the ball in the wrong it was it's really good stuff.

Looking to cash in the next time missed opportunities from the previous game. So real quick, guys, here and now let's talk about it. Who's next? Seattle's next? Anybody paying attention, Seattle played on Thursday night football last week, so they had a few extra days rest. Let's just kind of talk dive into arch here.

Looking to cash in the next time missed opportunities from the previous game. So real quick, guys, here and now let's talk about it. Who's next? Seattle's next? Anybody paying attention, Seattle played on Thursday night football last week, so they had a few extra days rest. Let's just kind of talk dive into arch here.

What Seattle?

What Seattle?

Who Seattle is?

Who Seattle is?

Right?

Right?

Now they've kind of turned into more of a pass heavy team. They can score points, got off to a great start this year three and zero, and then they lost their last three games. So you got to feel like they're in desperation mode coming across the country to play Atlanta at our place, feeling like they want to get back on track. They're going to sling the ball through the air. They they can pressure the quarterback. Kind of give the people a little bit of background of what Seattle brings to the table and the challenges that presents for Atlanta.

Now they've kind of turned into more of a pass heavy team. They can score points, got off to a great start this year three and zero, and then they lost their last three games. So you got to feel like they're in desperation mode coming across the country to play Atlanta at our place, feeling like they want to get back on track. They're going to sling the ball through the air. They they can pressure the quarterback. Kind of give the people a little bit of background of what Seattle brings to the table and the challenges that presents for Atlanta.

Well, unless you've had your head under a rock, this is a really good receiving corps coming in here. You know, Jackson Specting Smith, Ninjiga, who you did a lot of his games at Ohio State. Obviously, Tyler Lockett, the veteran DK Metcalf. You're talking about three receivers can flat go get it. Gino has really settled into his second opportunity. Gino Smith is taken over as the quarterback. He's one of the top passers in the league. They're throwing the football effect they're passing offense is number one in the NFL right now. They're number seven in total offense. And that's what out really using Kenneth Walker. They're a really good running back out of Michigan State Slash wake Forest, who had a really good year last year, has been banged up a little bit this year. He missed a couple of games and they have not given him the ball very much. He touched the ball I think twenty times is the first game of the year, got banged up, and over the last couple of games since he's been healthy, he's only carried the ball like ten times. You got to figure they're seeing what we've seen on tape that you're going to get a little diet of Kenneth Walker running the football and they're going to test this a little bit. But make no mistakes about it. It's like you said, Rack, this is a team that wants to drop and throw it. They've got outstanding wide receivers and Smith is in a really Gino's in a really good place from an offensive standpoint.

Well, unless you've had your head under a rock, this is a really good receiving corps coming in here. You know, Jackson Specting Smith, Ninjiga, who you did a lot of his games at Ohio State. Obviously, Tyler Lockett, the veteran DK Metcalf. You're talking about three receivers can flat go get it. Gino has really settled into his second opportunity. Gino Smith is taken over as the quarterback. He's one of the top passers in the league. They're throwing the football effect they're passing offense is number one in the NFL right now. They're number seven in total offense. And that's what out really using Kenneth Walker. They're a really good running back out of Michigan State Slash wake Forest, who had a really good year last year, has been banged up a little bit this year. He missed a couple of games and they have not given him the ball very much. He touched the ball I think twenty times is the first game of the year, got banged up, and over the last couple of games since he's been healthy, he's only carried the ball like ten times. You got to figure they're seeing what we've seen on tape that you're going to get a little diet of Kenneth Walker running the football and they're going to test this a little bit. But make no mistakes about it. It's like you said, Rack, this is a team that wants to drop and throw it. They've got outstanding wide receivers and Smith is in a really Gino's in a really good place from an offensive standpoint.

We asked you guys this question not to say that you look forward to people throwing on you, but djes, if that game plan holds true, if they don't necessarily pound the football like they did last year, and they start throwing it against Atlanta more than they're going to run the football. Does it play into Atlanta's favor or not? Necessarily?

We asked you guys this question not to say that you look forward to people throwing on you, but djes, if that game plan holds true, if they don't necessarily pound the football like they did last year, and they start throwing it against Atlanta more than they're going to run the football. Does it play into Atlanta's favor or not? Necessarily?

I think this defense has made for either or, And I'll be honest, I think obviously you think about this secondary, you think about the backers, you think about the depth you have up front.

I think this defense has made for either or, And I'll be honest, I think obviously you think about this secondary, you think about the backers, you think about the depth you have up front.

I think it works fine either way.

I think it works fine either way.

They want to run the football all throw, but you look at their first six ball games, their mo has been throwing the rock and that's who they've been. That's what they're about. The other thing that gives you maybe a little excitement if you're this Falcons defense is Genal's been sacking nineteen times. You got sack seven times versus the Broncos. That tells you guess what he's given up. And they've given up three sacks and three other ballgames, so that tells you they've had some issues. But obviously, when you're throwing the ball forty sometimes every ball game, there's gonna be opportunities to get after them. So with if I'm aj Terrell, if I'm you know, Clark Phillips, if I'm you know Mike Hughes, I'm looking at my chops this week because there's gonna be more opportunities for us down the field to make plays. Now, obviously those three guys who are just named are big time players. And I think when it comes into this ball and the thing that the Falcons have to do best is they got to be to tackle.