What Cardinals coach Steve Wilks had to say about the Falcons

Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals walks on the field during warm ups for the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

Credit: Jennifer Stewart

Credit: Jennifer Stewart

Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals walks on the field during warm ups for the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

Here’s what Arizona coach Steve Wilks had to say on a conference call with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s game against the Falcons.

On what the Cardinals are trying to achieve down the stretch: "We definitely want to try to finish up on a positive note. That also starts with winning. When you look at some of the young guys we have out there, starting with our quarterback, Josh Rosen, just the continual improvement. Being able to handle certain looks. I think the important thing is just the development here down the stretch for some of these young guys."

On Robert Nkemdiche's injury: "It was tough. I just spoke with him probably about 10 minutes ago. He's having surgery (on Thursday). Coming off the Chargers game, it was probably one of the best games of his career. Then he came back the following week and played well. It's tough to see him go down. He was playing and progressing in the right direction."

On if his six years at Carolina helps while preparing for the Falcons: "I think it has. Just being in that division and competing against those guys, you talk about Matt Ryan, one of the top (players) at that position and all of the weapons that he has around him. The great job that Dan Quinn and his staff does."

On what he sees from the Falcons on tape: "No. 1, I think even though, (Devonta) Freeman is out, the run game is very effective with (Tevin) Coleman. Those guys do such a great job with their play action. I think the ball handling with Matt Ryan is tremendous. Then they have the ability to get down the field Julio (Jones)."

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