Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian spoke to the media on Thursday.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the operation of the offense in game one: "I thought the operation went well. We've had that line of communication as a staff for the four (exhibition) season games and then with the quarterbacks throughout practice. I thought having all of the players every snap running 50 some odd snaps, I thought operationally it went well. I thought the biggest adjustment was just playing all 55 plays, all four quarters."
On not running and bootlegs against Chicago: "I think in every game we analyze our opponent really well. We know the things that we do well and you put together a game plan that best suits the opponent. In that game, that aspect of our offense, we just didn't think was going to be a huge component. It didn't come that game, that's not to say it won't come in others. That is a piece to the offense that we value. But we also have other pieces of our offense that we really value that we go to play, what we think, is to our advantage for that game to go out and win it."
On the offense being a work in progress: "I think it's progressing well. As I said in camp, things had gone really well and there have been obstacles to overcome along the way and there's going to be more to come. I think each game is going to present something new, something different for us, but I think the good thing is that both Matt and I are really flexible with the line of communication... We are both highly competitive guys so we want to get everything right as we keep moving forward. So, that hasn't change one bit."
On the run game: "I think there were a lot of factors to it. One, you have to give Chicago a lot of credit. We knew going into it that was a really good defensive front. Very well coached and I think they were top five in rush defense last year. We knew it would be a big challenge. With that being said, we are not accepting the fact that we didn't run the ball the way we wanted to. In our run game, there are a lot of pieces that make our run game go. I felt like we were just off on each play at one spot or one issue or one thing. All and all, back to work. Continue to grind on it. Continue to get better. I thought so far, for two days being out here on the field, the guys have worked extremely hard to get it to the level that we want it to be it."
On facing the Packers defense:
“Very talented front. When you start talking about (Mike) Daniels, (Clay) Matthews, (Nick) Perry and that whole crew that they have up front. Then you kind of have the diversity in their personnel packages that they have defensively and that can create a challenge. If you don’t run the ball against them they really start doubling on all of your wide outs and doubling on all of your guys so you have to find a way to run the football and stay committed to it. So, that’s all a part of the plan. Coach (Dom) Capers is a heck of a coach. He’s going to have a good game plan for us that we’re going to have to combat.”
On the Packers’ dime defense (The Nitro Package):
“It gives them a lot of versatility. I think that’s the biggest thing that it gives them. When you are putting six (defensive backs) on the field. All very interchangeable. All have the skill set to cover wide receivers and play down in the box, play deep half safety or blitz the quarterback. It can create some problems identifying (the defense). It can create some problems on (the notion of) are they committed to the run or are they committed to pass. Then what’s our plan to go attack that? It causes issues. I think for us, we are fortunate to have a veteran group starting with our quarterback and you go to Alex (Mack) at center. We have guys who have played a lot of football. They’ve played this defense. They’ve seen some stuff. They feel confident in recognizing things. But again, coach Capers is a heck of a coach. They are going to have some things that are new for us Sunday night and we’re going to have to adjust to in-game.”
On Packers star safety Morgan Burnett:
“He’s part of that package whether if they are in their dime or their nickel. He’s probably one of the biggest keys of identifying. Where he’s at? They do a lot with him. He’s probably the most versatile of all of them. That’s not to take anything away from (Ha-Ha) Clinton-Dix or any of the other nickels and safeties that are interchangeable in there and not to take anything away from their front. They are very versatile, too. But I think Burnett is the guy who gives them the most versatility who’s going to be key for us to identify Sunday night.”
On getting more opportunities for Julio Jones: "After every game I always critique myself first. There's always plays where (you say) 'I would have done that one differently.' Sometimes the play is a success. I would have done this different. Or, I would have done that different. That's playing Monday morning quarterback on myself, too. Yeah, sure there were a few shots I thought this might have been a better call here or there. But all in all, credit to Julio, five targets, four catches for 60 yards and some big plays for us and (he came) right back out and practiced like crazy for the last two days. I think that just shows his professionalism. He knows the ball is going to come his way. I'd be foolish not to try to get him the ball. Every game is different and we're going to need him to be the special player that he is for us to have the kind of success that we want to have."
On how Green Bay has tried to defend Julio Jones: "Like every week, he garners a lot of attention. They pay a lot of attention to him. I think about couple of times last year when he got single coverage, he made some pretty big plays against them. We'll see what happens Sunday night."
About the Author
