Jump to content

Falcons' Quinn Brings Hands-On Approach To Training Camp


birdz4i

Recommended Posts

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- Dan Quinn brought a hands-on coaching style to his first Atlanta Falcons' training camp on Friday.

It was most obvious when his hands were in blocking pads.

Whether sprinting from one side of the field to the other or standing in the middle of a play, deflecting pass-rushers with blocking pads on his hands, Quinn was extremely active on the opening day of training camp.

The high-energy style captured the attention of his players, including rookie outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr., who said seeing his new coach so involved ''says a lot.''

''I've never seen a head coach actually getting involved with the players,'' Beasley said. ''It's great to have him here as my coach in my corner.''

Running back Devonta Freeman said players can't go half-speed, even in the heat, when Quinn, 44, is running full-speed.

''If we look at him and see he can do it, all the years he's been coaching, and he's twice my age, why not us?'' Freeman said. ''We can go out there and do it. It's mind over matter.''

Quinn said coaches ''feed off the players, too, and the energy they bring each day for one another. It's really contagious.''

It's one thing to run from one portion of practice to another, encouraging hustle from players. Many coaches try to set that example.

It's different to see the head coach in the middle of live action, using his pads - similar to those used to train boxers - to deflect pass-rushers.

Quinn said the hand drills are designed to teach pass-rushers to quickly fend off blocks with their hands.

''I think as a rusher, that's one of the areas I can help the defensive line and the linebackers with,'' Quinn said. ''When we do those hand drills, it's for hand speed and how linemen play.''

Quinn said his active involvement should be no surprise for players who have seen his style in the offseason.

''I think they're kind of used to it by now and know I'm going to be really hands-on in the areas I can help and support the players the best,'' he said.

Quinn, the former Seattle defensive coordinator, has a major challenge in bringing improvement to an Atlanta defense which allowed the most total yards and yards passing in 2014. He said his focus is not long-term.

''This is not a rebuild in any way,'' he said. ''Everything we're doing is about right now.''

The practice lasted less than 2 hours.

''We're off to a great start,'' Quinn said. ''We've got a long way to go but for the first day, to get to where we need to, I was pleased. ... I like the mindset.''

Beasley, the first-round pick from Clemson, said ''The heat kind of got to me'' after he had cramping early in the practice. He was back on the field after stretching with a trainer.

''I think I did pretty good for my first day,'' Beasley said.

NOTES: Quinn said RT Ryan Schraeder sat out after having a ''slight strain.'' ... LT Jake Matthews appeared to be fully recovered from his offseason foot surgery. Matthews' health is especially important with backup Lamar Holmes (foot) opening camp on the physically unable to perform list. ... CB Phillip Adams intercepted a pass from backup QB T.J. Yates for the defense's only forced turnover. ... WR Leonard Hankerson drew applause from fans with a long catch over the middle. On the next snap, QB Matt Ryan just missed WR Julio Jones on a deep sideline route. Later, Jones took a slight break when trainers put more tape on his left foot.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/falcons-quinn-brings-hands-approach-training-camp-194902197--nfl.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's different to see the head coach in the middle of live action, using his pads - similar to those used to train boxers - to deflect pass-rushers.

Quinn said the hand drills are designed to teach pass-rushers to quickly fend off blocks with their hands.

''I think as a rusher, that's one of the areas I can help the defensive line and the linebackers with,'' Quinn said. ''When we do those hand drills, it's for hand speed and how linemen play.''

Quinn said his active involvement should be no surprise for players who have seen his style in the offseason.

stwoon.001.gifstwoon.001.gifstwoon.001.gifstwoon.001.gifstwoon.001.gif

I ... I love that man,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the first time I feel like we have the advantage in coaching. Not only in our division, but it starts there. The panthers have good coaching on defense, but their offense is lagging. I believe ours will prove to be great coaching on defense with Quinn and all of his assistants, and on offense with Kyle. I equate Lovie Smith with Mike Smith, both are decent DC/HC's. Koetter is good but not great. Peyton is a great OC and decent HC. I dont think their defense is well coached.

Great coaches stand on the sideline though so they need great players.Great coaches can identify great players. Moreover they can see potential in a good young player to be great and help them get there. No doubt Quinn is that great coach. Mike Smith needed great coordinators. Quinn is wise to have Kyle but that may not be for very long with success. The good thing is, Quinn knows what he wants to do on offense, so having to replace his staff members as they ascend is not as scary as it would be before. Quinn has shown an eye for skill amoung his staff before he was ever able to hand pick a player.

A key to this league is getting young players at a high level in a short time. I see a lot less draft busts and wasted picks in our future. From the high tempo/conditioning, to the loud noise/hand signal communication he plays the game every day the way they will play on sunday, so it wont be an eye opener once its too late. We will be the ones who are too much to handle for the other guys for a change. I like the talent of a lot of the rookies drafted and undrafted and many free agents too. I like that this staff has the ability to maximize the ability they amassed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When Quinn was hired, Many were doubting that a coaching change would make a difference. I hope y'all now know that it will be a night and Day comparison. It not just individual talent that wins football games but right scheme and technique designed properly by the coaching staff to best fit the players' talents.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest facelessman07

:blink: When has Mike Smith's defenses come close to what Lovie's defenses accomplished???

I think the cap tipping ratio was pretty even across the board last year

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...