Falcons coach Dan Quinn shared five things he wants to see against the Steelers in Sunday’s exhibition game:
1. Turnover margin. Quinn was not happy with an even ratio in the opener against the Dolphins, a 23-20 loss.
“One of the big topics for us is the ball,” Quinn said. “For us to come out in a zero turnover margin, we got two and we gave two away, that’s not really the style we’d like to play.
2. Line of scrimmage. Quinn was not happy with the pass rush after the opener.
“The line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Quinn said. “I don’t think we can not ever talk about that. As we are getting back into our pads, can we get our run game going? Can we hit our (holes) like we like to?”
3. Live tackling. With tackling basically eliminated from practice, some players struggle making the switch to game situations and live – to the ground – tackling.
“It’s another shot for live tackling,” Quinn said. “As we went through the first game, I was pleased with our leverage in the tackling. That part, I’m anxious to see again. What a great opportunity for guys like (rookie tight end Eric) Saubert, (Domonatee) Kazee, (Takkarist) McKinley and (Duke) Riley to get more work and more reps in the system just to name a few.”
4. Covering kickoffs. The back of the team's roster will be determined by who flourishes on special teams.
“I’m anxious to see guys cover kicks, who have not done a lot of that,” Quinn said. “Those would be guys like (running back Terron) Ward who’s playing more teams. Like (wide receiver) Nick Williams, who has a bigger role on (special) teams. There is lots to do. I love (exhibition) season games.”
5. Surprise guys. Each year there are players who flash in exhibition games and make a lasting impression. Quinn will have his eyes open for those performances.
“It’s another chance to see guys battle and compete and say I’ve really got my act together and you can trust me to do this job,” Quinn said. “When we put you out there to do that and you execute, that’s a pretty strong and powerful statement that you’re making to the team and the organization.
“It’s kind of like, ‘I’ve got your back.’ You have to make it where you have to come to us and say, I need this guy. That’s what I’m looking for from some of the players who haven’t played in regular-season games.”
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