Q&A: Mike Mularkey discusses plans for the offense
110801 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey signals to the offense while players run through the first padded practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, in an exclusive interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, gave us his early training camp state of the offense address.
He talked about how he survived during the lockout, throwing more deep passes and rookie wide receiver Julio Jones.
Q: What did you do with the extra time during the lockout?
A: A lot of planning because of what you had to do basically was plan like it was going to be a normal offseason. Then as dates expired you had to anticipate what could happen next. We had to plan for that next thing, which was a lot of planning. All at the same time, we were kind of looking at ourselves. We always do that every year. We self-scout ourselves. What do we do good? What do we do bad? Why did we do it good? Was it the scheme? Was it the players? Was it the defense we were against? We went through the whole 2010 season and then we’ll try to make some improvements. If there are some things that maybe we don’t have the players to do, we throw it out.”
Q: What’s the plan getting rookie Julio Jones ready to play?
A: Fortunately, with the time period we had after the draft we had a chance to get him the book. At least, he has the beginning stages of the offseason. . . He’s going to always be ahead of the other rookies and he always has a chance to look ahead because he’s already had something previously. The coaches have done a great job with the others guys who didn’t get that book. They have caught them up rather quickly with the way they’ve coached them.
Q: How’s your depth at wide receiver after not re-signing Brian Finneran and releasing Michael Jenkins?
A: Obviously, with Kerry [Meier] being out with an injury last year, he still learned a lot from being in meetings. I think Harry [Douglas] got stronger. I thought he played better as the year went on and then we had the addition of Julio. We’ve got some guys. We have guys that we can move all over. They are not specifically outside. We can move them all over because they are smart enough. In our offense, we do a lot of things and you have to have the ability to play in different places. We have that ability with our guys.
Q: Were you relieved to see two of the three starting offensive linemen re-signed?
A: You’ve got some guys that have been there for the three years that we’ve been here. They will be great examples of how we do things. It’s easy for me to show tape of what’s expected of them from techniques to finishing. I think it will all come together the more we walk through. . .it will come together.
Q: What goes into scheming and creating more explosive plays (gains of 20 yards or more)? Is it just a matter of throwing more deep passes?
A: That’s part of it. It’s protecting better to get explosives plays. It’s defenses allowing us to get explosive plays. It’s players creating explosive plays by breaking a tackle or making a guy miss. There are a lot of things that go into creating explosive plays. We all have to manage that and see if we can get some explosive plays.
Q: What’s the status of the no-huddle attack?
A: Obviously, it’s a part of our offense and we’re very confident in it.
Q: What are the keys to Matt Ryan’s continued development?
A: The field, he’s seeing things. It’s getting bigger to him. He can see things that I can see from upstairs, he can already see. Before we can even have a conversation, I know that he’s going to see some things as we go forward. He’s already advanced in our protection scheme, just in the little time we’ve been together. I know Matt, he’s told me, that he spent a lot of time in the offseason studying himself, studying the offense, and studying defenses. I know that will help him this year.
Q: How’s rookie running back Jacquizz Rodgers looking?
A: He has shown some explosiveness out here. Now, he is a little behind the eight ball because he didn’t get a book as Julio did. When he’s had his opportunities, he has gotten some ‘wows’ based on some of the things he’s done. But he’s still got a ways to go, especially with the protections.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new practice rules? (Fewer padded practices, required days off and no two-a-day practices).
A: The one thing I think that Coach [Mike] Smith does, we’re always prepared for what is going to happen. I think our players know that. Nothing . . . It’s just a like a game. Nothing changes. It’s been that way for our team the last three years and more specifically about our offense, we don’t flinch. We just adjust and do whatever we have to do to it the right way. I think the rules are the rules and we’re going to abide by them. We’ve done that every year from the get-go. We’ve got team leaders. We’ve got great chemistry on this team. we all work together well. I think that’s why we have success.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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103 comments Add your comment
Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
6:53 am
I have a feeling this is going to be a great year……
SeenThisB4
August 3rd, 2011
7:10 am
Q: Who do you think will win the NFC South?
A: The Saints of course!
Jim
August 3rd, 2011
7:26 am
We`d better be able to score a lot of pionts-as it looks with our secondary right now we are going to give up a lot of points!
Marty The One Man Party
August 3rd, 2011
7:29 am
The entire NFC South is going to be the BEST division in football. It wouldn’t surprise me to see three teams to go to the playoffs from the division! But with Atlanta has done in the off-season, the Falcons are going to be darn right AMAZING this year. New Orleans has a good veteran team. Tampa Bay is going to be set for years with their young, ever improving roster and Carolina is not that far way either. I am glad the lockout is over and we are only about 6 weeks away from NFL Football. Go Falcons!
True Falcon Fan
August 3rd, 2011
7:31 am
B4 – “NO” – I Disagree!
Go Falcons
honest_abe
August 3rd, 2011
7:34 am
brent grime’s wife = pyscho!
hopefully this offense gets more explosive. could’ve used ronnie brown for a mil. instead of douglas and meir in the slot i would’ve rather have had the falcons draft randall cobb or greg little. then went out and got another TE.(i.e. greg olsen) but oh well, that’s all hindsight. the falcons put all their eggs in the julio basket now he needs to produce.
falconsfan
August 3rd, 2011
7:38 am
SeeThis,
What happened last year? Oh right the Saints choked and lost the South!
falconsfan
August 3rd, 2011
7:39 am
I see the Saints finishing behind the Falcons AND the Bucs this year.
They’ll lose at least 1 game to each the Falcons, Bucs and Panthers.
honest_abe
August 3rd, 2011
7:41 am
should’ve cut tony g and gotten a younger TE. could’ve signed carlos rogers to a 1 yr deal as well. rogers and robinson with grimes in nickel coverage plus two up and coming safeties and the birds would’ve had a nice secondary.
falcon1
August 3rd, 2011
8:12 am
Only way aints win the south is if buy it cause they aint doing $hitwell on the field
teamguy
August 3rd, 2011
8:16 am
Good questions, D’Led. Evasive, coach-speak answers, but at least you asked.
Falcons4Eva
August 3rd, 2011
8:17 am
.
Hurt Kurbstreit
August 3rd, 2011
8:18 am
I think this will be a better team this year than last year. However, the big problem is that the Falcons have a very difficult schedule this year. It will be tuff to get as many wins as last year. But I’ve got my season tickets and I’m ready for some football. Even looking forward to the 1st preseason game.
Falcons4Eva
August 3rd, 2011
8:20 am
Can anyone explain why some players got their playbook early right after draft and others did not? Julio Jones got his and is ahead of the curve, while Jacquiz Rodgers did not get his early and is behind. How stupid is that?
mountain_jim
August 3rd, 2011
8:24 am
I wonder if he thinks we have the people to run screens this year, or has he already thrown those out again for this season.
. (And yet I know Rodgers should be a great screen back(
Falcon Fanatic
August 3rd, 2011
8:34 am
I think we now know who wear’s the pants in the Grimes house…..
That girl is nuts, Brent good luck with that (%$*%^
rm
August 3rd, 2011
8:35 am
They still need veteran backups at RB, WR and CB. There are guys still available so I don’t understand why they aren’t signing some more vets. Are they really gonna have no RB with any experience behind Turner?
HJones
August 3rd, 2011
8:36 am
MIKE MULARKEY, CALL BETTER PLAYS, PERIOD!!!! IT’S YOUR CHOICE!
DON’T BE SO PREDICTABLE!! YOUR PHILOSOPHY IN CALLING THE SAME PLAY FOR MIKE TURNER IN THE NEW ORLEANS GAME IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR WILL NOT WIN GAMES!!
RUNNING MIKE TURNER FOR 1-2 YARDS OR NO GAIN ON FIRST AND SECOND DOWN WILL NOT WIN GAMES. THE OFFENSIVE LINE CANNOT PROTECT BETTER FOR EXPLOSIVE PLAYS IF YOU WAIT UNTIL 3RD DOWN TO TRY FOR AN EXPLOSIVE PLAY.
THE THOUGHT PROCESS HAS TOO CHANGE IN THE OFFENSIVE STRATEGY. ONLY POINTS WIN GAMES!
AlphaDawg
August 3rd, 2011
8:39 am
Falcons4Eva….Julio was at the draft and the coaches or team rep gave him the playbook after drafting him, Rogers wasn’t in NYC, and right after the draft the team had to cease all contact with their draftees.
Mr. Phil
August 3rd, 2011
8:40 am
DOL is feeling himself today. Got us an interview with some actual useful information. Let’s hope this is a developing trend.
Remarkable
August 3rd, 2011
8:42 am
Good questions D.Led. Thanks for not asking him what was in his IPOD.
Dan
August 3rd, 2011
8:54 am
Plus runningback is easy to learn just got to know what hole to run through in the line 1-6 ( 1 left of the left tackle, 2 between the left tackle and guard, 3 between the left guard and center, 4 between the center and right guard, 5 between the right guard and right tackle, and 6 outside the right tackle) I am pretty sure since he is a rookie anyway and with the playbook situation when its Jacquizz turn to run Ryan will call the play in the huddle and then turn to Jacquizz and say hole # 2.
Chad Rider
August 3rd, 2011
8:57 am
I know some say his coaching is well…a bunch of Mularkey. However, the picture that goes along with this wonderful story says it all. He is brilliant at getting back to basics. In that particular picture he tells the player- ” Okay, pretend I’m the goal post and run toward me. With some of the players he has to work with, you really have to break things down in the simplest terms. The guy is a wise communicator who can deal with the recent heat wave.
Mary L.
August 3rd, 2011
8:58 am
Another fine job of reporting D. Led! You’re awesome!
Falcon'sTalon
August 3rd, 2011
9:08 am
The first five games of the season are very critical. They could esily go 2-3 during this stretch. All the more important to give these teams a heavy dose of no huddle and matriculate the ball down the field!
JohnnyB
August 3rd, 2011
9:10 am
Wow, it’s after 9 AM and we’ve not had even one four letter rant on twitter from the Mrs! Oh wait, she has class and self respect. Sorry, I guess I was thinking of someone else.
Falcons King Leo
August 3rd, 2011
9:11 am
Nothing about Turner or Roddy ? The playmakers…
I hope Meier & Douglas show up every week. Falcons need some help for Roddy & Julio.
WHO DAT BLACK
August 3rd, 2011
9:17 am
Hey filthy birds,
I will give you some credit. You have a class organization and team. But, the facts are the facts. If you can’t score more than 21 points a game consistently, YOU WILL NOT WIN 13 GAMES!!!!
The Saints figured that out. Maybe we (The Saints) can’t stop Seattle from moving the ball, but we score touchdown and will be in every game. Your team may be 0-2 and it will be simply because of offensive blight. Julio is nothing more than a run blocker (I would know, we got Mark Ingram), who will catch some passes. Jacquizz Rodgers needs to be involved more in the passing game since he will probably be on the field for 3rd downs. No depth at TE or WR, as well as a predictable gameplan, means 17-20 ppg.
Finally, look at the schedule. You need to outscore teams like GB, HOU, IND, MIN, PHI, and of course, the Saints. If you can’t score, 9-7. If you can, 12-4. Good luck, break a wing!!!
AlanFalcon
August 3rd, 2011
9:17 am
Sure wish the Braves would take an example from the Falcons as to how to put together a winning team.
PMC
August 3rd, 2011
9:18 am
I kind of wanted to know what was on Mike’s Ipod
We dat black and red
August 3rd, 2011
9:50 am
“You have a class organization and team.” Never, a truer statement. After that, you slip into fantasy land. Oh well, we can all dream.
ASHCAN.
August 3rd, 2011
9:50 am
1.PACKERS 2.EAGLES 3.WHO DAT 4.DALLAS(GONNA SURPRISE) 5.BEARS(QB RISE) 6.FALCONS OK now give me your flack from the over hyped falcons me putting them in the 6th slot.I knew last year they were one and done.Defense wins championships,there secondary will still get scorched against top teams recievers expecially in the playoffs.edwards is not enough.
ASHCAN.
August 3rd, 2011
9:51 am
And if you don’t like my comment,YOU CAN KISS MY ASHCAN!!!!!!!!!!!
Stumped
August 3rd, 2011
9:53 am
What was Mike’s favorite book or food ?
Stumped
August 3rd, 2011
9:55 am
1)Eagles 2)Bears 3)Packers 4)Falcons 5)Cowgirls 6)Aints
Larry
August 3rd, 2011
9:56 am
Very nice interview DLED…good job!
Stumped
August 3rd, 2011
9:57 am
Tampa Bay or G-Men might take 6th spot.
SimpleDawg
August 3rd, 2011
9:58 am
Hey B4……you can ‘think’ in one hand and $#!+ in the other – see which one fills up first.
SeenThisB4
August 3rd, 2011
10:14 am
Obviously, the Falcon’s have a great team and will be a force in the NFL. They have probably the best receiver lineup in the NFL with Jones, White and Gonzo. Add to that Douglas and you can see where they are going to just blow the field wide open. If Ryan can get the ball the deep early and score early, I don’t thing there is one team, not even my beloved Saints, that could catch up to them. They are just too powerful. The Falcon’s have also may significant improvements on the Defense. The addtion of Ray Edwards opposite Abe, will have opposing quarterbacks shaking in their shoes. It will definetly be fun to watch this year.
D man
August 3rd, 2011
10:16 am
1) Falcons 2) who cares…….
PMC
August 3rd, 2011
10:16 am
Who Dat Black, nice to see a reasonable Saints fan on this blog. I’ve always thought of the two franchises like brothers. We fight tooth and nail but I don’t have hate really. I respect what yall do too. I will never be over the Saints winning that Superbowl first but I respect it. I want the Falcons to beat the Saints as much as any team on the schedule, but I have a lot of respect for the organization.
We dat black and red
August 3rd, 2011
10:17 am
Nice call. You are stumped.
Yeahsure
August 3rd, 2011
10:24 am
Good job D.Led. Don’t let the haters get ya. Keep getting us Falcons news.
willie g loves football
August 3rd, 2011
10:40 am
where is my comment
willie g loves football
August 3rd, 2011
10:44 am
Enter your comments here
Rey
August 3rd, 2011
10:55 am
The FALCONS schedule is WICKED, especially early on. Not sure who I fear more, the EAGLES or PACKERS. kind of like pick your poison. Sure hope we can pick up Asente Samuel.
mario jordan
August 3rd, 2011
11:32 am
Why is Miko Grimes crazy? Because she defends her husband
Seattle Falcons Fan
August 3rd, 2011
11:42 am
St. Louis is signing C. Williams…….. So Giants down, Rams down…… Snelling coming back?
Seattle Falcons Fan
August 3rd, 2011
11:44 am
I know that Franks has looked impressive…. So I’m taking it we are not trying to grab a CB? What about a safety?
seenThisB
August 3rd, 2011
11:45 am
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