Atlanta Falcons: Dan Quinn thrilled with ability to finish
Another week, and another impressive comeback victory for the Atlanta Falcons. Starting the second half down by two scores, the Falcons rallied to beat the Dallas Cowboys 39-28Â and improve to 3-0 on the season.
A theme of all three victories this season has been the team’s ability to finish. The defense came through in crunch time against Philadelphia, and Matt Ryan led the charge to fight back in New York last week. It was more of the same in Dallas; the defense held firm and the offense was unstoppable.
"“That was a total team effort,” Quinn said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the toughness. We had to battle like crazy to get back in it.“That’s what we’re looking to be. A team that has great effort, shows our toughness and knows how to finish.”"
Finish.
It’s a word Quinn so often uses, and it’s translating onto the field. This Falcons team never gives up. They fight to the end when they might have otherwise folded in previous years, and it has resulted in an unbeaten start, and Atlanta’s best since 2012. We all know how that year panned out.
Leading the charge was second-year running back Devonta Freeman. Filling in for injured rookie Tevin Coleman, Freeman tallied 141 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, and also added 52 receiving yards. It was the breakout game we all wanted to see from the player with such potential.
"“He’s just one of the most relentless competitors on our club,” Quinn said. “He just wants to battle for it, the toughness just comes through.“For us to have the run game going, and that’s a good defense, and for us to demonstrate som toughness and finish.”"
Looking at the schedule before the season started, this start looked as tough as you could ask for. Facing three NFC East teams right out of the gate, especially with the Eagles and Cowboys, looked like potential slip-ups for Quinn’s new-look team, but they have come out with the loss column intact and three wins in the bag.
"“I think when you get into those close games, it certainly builds toughness and the ability to finish and there’s a confidence that comes with that.“The harder you fight, the more times you go into those situations it just feels normal.”"
Quinn has brought a new culture to this Atlanta team. Do they own the best roster in the league? No. But they don’t care, they’re going to fight against any team right up until the end. So far, they’ve stood toe-to-toe with three tough teams and come out with three resilient victories.
Next week, the Falcons return to the comfortable environment of the Georgia Dome to take on J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans. Arian Foster could make his return, so this will be another tough challenge for Quinn.
No matter what happens, you know they will not give up.
Next: What we learned from Falcons win over Cowboys