Q&A: Coach Mike Smith sifts through the rubble
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passes during the second quarter. AP
NEW ORLEANS — Falcons coach Mike Smith was caught off guard by his team’s woeful performance against the Saints.
“I didn’t see that coming,” Smith said.
Here’s what he had to say after the Saints routed the Falcons 45-16 on Monday night.
OPENING STATEMENT: We obviously are disappointed in the way that we played i the ball game tonight. We didn’t play well enough in any phase of the game to give ourselves a chance to win. We didn’t make enough plays. There were some opportunities early on and then it kind of got out of hand there at the end.
ON WHERE IT WENT SIDEWAYS: We were 0 for 3 in the red zone. We didn’t score touchdowns when we got down there. We really had a tough time in the first half stopping them on third down. They were 8 for 8 on third downs and we had some very favorable down and distances. Third-and-8, third-and-10, third-and-12, third-and-13 and we weren’t able to get them off the field. That was really the thing that happened there in the first half. I thought the special teams played well through the first 30 minutes. Then in the second half they gave up the real long kickoff return to Sproles. . . That’s kind of where it got out of hand and got out of whack. We had way too many penalties. The penalties were very lopsided in terms of penalties committed against our team. Some of them happened in the red zone and knocked up behind the sticks and early in the ball game as well.
ON TRYING TO RALLY IN THE SECOND HALF LIKE THEY DID AGAINST CAROLINA: No doubt about it. We knew we had to come out and play one play at a time. We went out there and got an interception on that first series defensively, but the offense had a three and out. Then the next drive I believe they went down and scored on an 80-yard drive. They had way too many long drives where they were moving the ball in chunks.
ON THE PASS DEFENSE: We had some opportunities to get them on the ground twice there in the first half and he was able to get out. If you don’t get the pressure and affect Drew, he’s going to make the throws. That’s what they did today. Unfortunately, we did not play very well today. I know that our guys are disappointed in the way that we performed.
ON IF THE SAINTS RAN UP THE SCORE AT THE END: Drew Brees has had an outstanding season in terms of the number of yards that he’s thrown for. My hat is off to Drew. That’s a longtime record here in the NFL. He accomplished that tonight against us.
ON THE STATE OF THE DEFENSE: I hope it’s an aberration in terms of the way that we’ve been playing defense. We had some opportunities there in the first half where the ball was thrown. We had opportunities to intercept it and we didn’t intercept it and they were able to continue and keep their drives alive. It happened twice in the first half. We were not on top of our game in any phase in terms of our football team in my mind. We just weren’t playing very consistently. It was just not the type of effort that you want to have when so much is on the line in terms of what the outcome could have meant to our football team.
ON HOW HE FELT COMING INTO THE GAME: I felt like we have a very good week of preparation. I though the guys handled Christmas Day and Christmas break that we had built into our schedule. I didn’t see this coming. We didn’t play Atlanta Falcons football and the scoreboard indicates that.
ON WHY THEY DIDN’T RUN MORE NO-HUDDLE: I think we ran a little bit more than that (six plays). Early in the game we moved the ball down the field. In the third drive, we jumped into our no huddle. We moved the ball down the field, but we weren’t able to put it in the end zone. Then in the second half we ran some of our no huddle out of our 21 personnel package. We were running it not out of our 3-wide set. We were running it out of two-back, one-tight end set.
ON REGROUPING: It’s just like any other week. We have to make corrections. We have to evaluate the film. Believe it or not, there’s going to be some positives that you’re going to be able to take out of this game.
ON THE TEAM BEING TOO HAPPY ABOUT BEING IN THE PLAYOFFS: There was a lot to play for in this ball game in terms of seeding in the post-season tournament. Believe me, our internal goals are much higher than just making the playoffs and being a participant in the playoff field. We knew what was at stake tonight. We knew that we didn’t have complete control, but we had an opportunity if we would have taken care of business there would have been a potential to move up in the seedings. . . we are disappointed. But no, I don’t think it had anything to do with us becoming a member of the playoff picture and securing a spot. We were fighting our tails off before the ball game to try to enhance and get our seeding a little bit higher.
FOLLOWUP ON IF THE SAINTS RAN UP THE SCORE TO GET BREES THE RECORD: Again, guys I’m not going to comment on that in terms of running up the score. It’s our job to go out there and stop them. I doesn’t matter if they are running the ball or throwing the ball. The job of our defense is to go out and stop them. Again, my hat is off to Drew Brees. It’s a record that’s been long-standing. He’s had a great season.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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682 comments Add your comment
ijonathan
December 27th, 2011
4:10 pm
Buffy, I’ve accomplished more than you will ever dream of. Although I’m sure most of your dreams are consumed by big athletic men with their rippling 36 inch thighs. Meoooow.
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
December 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
To: The real Falcon fans who are able to see your team as it truly is, a team thats very good and has potential, to those delusional fans who think the refs were the reason your team last night get a clue.We don’t often get a chance to watch each others team during the season, but the Saints have been lights out at home this year, so I expected the Saints to play a good game, but I was suprised that the Falcons didn’t play a better game. We been on the losing side and the doormats of the NFL for years and we are enjoying some good years and good solids wins and a championship, so forgive us if we act up some or that we may be appear to be arrogant at times we mean you no harm just excited to no longer be the doormats but the actual door for a while. Continue to support your team in good times and bad, I know a lot of Saints fans died waiting on a Superbowl let alone to go win it. Hang in there your time may come soon.
Buffy
December 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
Hawks? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Yawn zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Could care less about the NBA. Predicitng 10 year low on gate receipts (factored for the shortened season).
Buffy
December 27th, 2011
4:17 pm
There we go. He’s done it. He’s comparing his accomplishments. Like the guy taht says he was a Navy Seal. Or the kid who tells you what he’s about to tell you is true. We all know the drill on that one. Washed up sports writer for pehaps the worst excuse for a newspaper, wanna be stock broker who wouldn’t know a P/E ratio from his press pass. We still love ya IJ. Mazel Tov.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
I love how my team whipped it out and force fed it to you. We disrespected you guys so much. The Saints laughed at your pathetic Falcants all the way home. What a bunch of pathetic losers. HA HA!!!!!!!!
Grenlaw
December 27th, 2011
4:25 pm
Coming from the moron who had a brown paper bag on his head a decade ago ….. and actually thought that it was a FASHION statement !!!
Buffy
December 27th, 2011
4:27 pm
Good one Grenlaw.
“……………laughed all the way home”, hiramsaint. Surely a long ride home out of New Orleans, that sesspool.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
4:30 pm
But thats what we do. Some call it classless, but we want to humiliate our opponent, especially the falcannots. There is no sportsmanship in our game. Ice cold. Drew and Sean new they could run it up and that’s what they did you you pathetic people.
C from Marietta
December 27th, 2011
4:33 pm
To loser fans saying We this and We that. You did not play one down. Get a life. If your self worth is hanging on watch an NFL team. You really need a life.
Grenlaw
December 27th, 2011
4:35 pm
Oh …….. No. I don’t think that that’s correct. Your coach (Peyton) and your starting quarterback (Brees) actually DO have what’s called CLASS. That’s the reason they beat people but still treat them respectfully. I have no problem giving respect where respect is due. You ….. on the other hand …… are that New Orleans supporter who I have to watch out of the corner of my eye when I’m walking around in your wonderful city when the sun goes down. ‘Dirty’ doesn’t begin to describe you. ‘But that’s what we do’ ……… typical.
CGD..
December 27th, 2011
4:36 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
December 27th, 2011
4:17 am
“Can’t win shootouts when your QB can’t throw deep.”
Aint that the Truth Davenpoop! YOU CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
4:36 pm
Poor baby, your team got it’s but handed to them. Actually, we mounted your head on a wall. Never did we take the brakes off. NEVER!!!!!
Grenlaw
December 27th, 2011
4:38 pm
Oh …. and it’s ‘knew’ not ‘new.’ And I have absolutely no idea what you you means.
CGD..
December 27th, 2011
4:42 pm
Rosenberg vs. Buffy! Rosenberg has met his match!!!! LMFAO
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:44 pm
HiramSaint:
You are a classless turd. Just like people who run up the score to break a record.
The worm will turn, turd.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
HiramSaint:
I guess your point is that sportsmanship has no place in the NFL. Is that your point?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
hiramsaint, where did you go?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
hiramsaint, answer my question you coward.
truthbtold
December 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
The Saints still continuing to score in the 4th quarter “is” the difference between contenders and pretenders. If the Falcons had the lead on the Saints, they would have tried to run out the clock the entire 4th quarter by running the ball and just trying to get first downs. They would have had “No Interest” in getting in the end zone. This is the problem with this team. They play to win the game, not beat the other team. No killer instinct at all. If you get a lead on the Falcons, they’re toast. They only go after the end zone when backed into a corner (when it’s too late). Mr Dimitroff and Mr Blank should see this clearly.
Grenlaw
December 27th, 2011
4:47 pm
He had to get back to work and stop using his bosses computer while he was cleaning his office.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:47 pm
I’ll ask it again. Can you read?
HiramSaint:
I guess your point is that sportsmanship has no place in the NFL. Is that your point?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:48 pm
Exactly, Grenlaw.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
yoohoo! hiramsaint. where are you?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
hiramsaint, you’re a pig.
FEATURED ARTICLE: Q&A: Coach Mike Smith sifts through the rubble « Falcons – NFC South Daily
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Falcons [...]
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:51 pm
I guess hiramsaint’s point is that sportsmanship has no place in the NFL. Gee, what’s that penalty called? Unsportsmanlike conduct, right?
Putting a bow on the ball? Classless. Completely and utterly classless, like New Orleans.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:51 pm
The “Big Greasy,” that’s what they call it right?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:52 pm
hiramsaint, when you are finished cleaning the toilets where you work, get back on here and answer me.
truthbtold
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
The cameras must have shown Mike Smith 30 times last night, and not 1 single time did you see him talking to anyone – coach or player, or speaking into his headset. This guy just stands emotionless on the sidelines the entire game. What kind of coaching is this? He has a defense that can’t tackle, no pass rush, poor coverage on special teams, no chance ever of blocking a punt or a kick. Just a bung of guys playing uninspired ball with poor play calling.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
hiramsaint, maybe your point is this–if you win the game, if you back it up with quality of play, it’s OK to act like a jackass. Is that the rule of conduct in New Orleans? Apparently it is.
hiramsaint, why does it always smell bad in New Orleans?
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:56 pm
Yeah, the smell, where does that come from? Can you help me with that? Always wondered.
old man
December 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
hiramsaint:
I just got it–the smell–you are a classless turd. Are there more like you down there? That would explain the smell, right? What do you think?
Hiramsaint's Mom
December 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Hiram, thank you for getting off the internet. Your middle school teachers are concerned about your failing grades in all your classes. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, please stay off the Falcon fan website. Yes, it’s a pity we don’t have one for you to spend a LITTLE time on here, but that’s the state of affairs in our fair city. I better not see you back on here the rest of the day. You have homework to do and then your ballet lessons early tonight. I’d have your daddy talk to you if I knew who he was!!!!!!!
Buffy
December 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
IJ Rosenberg bails out, score stands at:
Buffy 1
Journalist Formerly Known as Bear Stearns 0
JMC350
December 27th, 2011
5:02 pm
Quit with the cesspool talk; you’re just showing that you don’t understand the world-class character, history, and culture of New Orleans. For sure, New Orleans has its share of poor sports, who all seem to have posted on this blog, but don’t judge the city by those folks. The shoes have been on the other foot and probably will be again one day.
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:03 pm
hiramsaint
“Never did we take the brakes off. NEVER!!!!!” What does that mean. You never took the brakes off? That means you always had the brakes on, for the whole game. OK, so you were trying not to score? So you’re a classless liar in addition to a classless turd. Or are you just stupid and did not know how to type your post? Honestly, if I were you I would stay off this board. Aren’t you embarrassed? You’ve admitted to being either dishonest or stupid.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
all those above post were not me . whoever it is , find your own username but i must say , i agree on all points. we did make the failclowns look pretty silly out there last night and 5150 -sorry i was wrong on my 17 pt prediction but being i’m a nice guy , i’m gonna let you slide on that c-note this timeplus the fact i made $18,300 last night with that same prediction against guys like you who know it all
BigBobbles
December 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
RU all kneejerked stupid? We played a most likely meaningless game. We played a vanilla worthless defense for a reason. We knew we might get beat playing that way. But if you are the head coach, would you play like the game meant for all of the marbles? Would you show any surprises to Brees and Peyton B4 a possible playoff matchup? ThIs is called chess. The Saints have nothing to work on B4 they play us again. Do you want to show Dallas or NYG anything. Get over it. And comparing this bunch to the crap I had to watch in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and Glanvile 90’s(B4 Reeves) is assinine. One last thing; Do you prefer Playoffs, or not watching “Your Aweful Team” in two weeks? Growup and enjoy what you have.
The frigging front office knows the problems this team has………….be fans and not crybabies…geez
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:06 pm
Toilets, turds, and cesspools.
hiramsaint just brings out the best in everybody.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
5:08 pm
old man- those earlier post were done by someone other than me.
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:08 pm
hiramsaint:
Don’t try to kiss and make up. You can’t polish a turd. No way to make you shine.
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:09 pm
OK hiramsaint.
I apologize for losing my temper. I take what you say at face value. It was an imposter.
Saints once again classless
December 27th, 2011
5:11 pm
Between Saints players mockingly fake peeing on Atlanta’s field after game last year, Joe Horn wannabes pulling stuff out of their pants (selfishly costing own team a penalty) to get personal attention in a team game. These Saints have become the most classless organization in football.
Too bad Falcons didn’t give the Saints offense the ball on their 20 yard line instead of 33 last drive.
At least that would have prevented enough yards for record. Of course running up score to get it instead of next week, was also classless.
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:11 pm
I thought some of my posts were pretty funny.
My 10 year old son and I visited NO a month before Katrina, took the Southern Crescent. Great trip, great town.
But I still don’t like the bow on the football.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
5:12 pm
fine then old man but whatever was said by my pirating friend is true. we made the failclowns look like a highschool team last night and the bad part for you is we’ve got a can full of it left to throw on y’all again . bad part for us – y’all will choke in the first game …again and we’ll have to save it for next year —10 of 12 = domination of the dirty turds
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:13 pm
And I think there will be some hard hits in NO in two weeks, regardless of who wins. Really hard hits. We’re gonna knock that dang wart slap off the side of Brees’s head.
Saints can't help it....
December 27th, 2011
5:13 pm
Them and their fans are ghetto and “swamp people” all rolled into one.
old man
December 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
Now hiramsaint, why did you have to go do that? You’re pissing me off again.
NO is a great town. But the Saints are a bunch of classless turds, and so are you.
hiramsaint
December 27th, 2011
5:15 pm
sorry old man to late to try and kiss and make up now. i was being sympathetic to y’all by not posting today but a pirate has made that an impossibility
WhoDat4Eva
December 27th, 2011
5:17 pm
old man you’re just mad cause your team got a bonified ass whipping on national tv, HAHAHAHAHA
One and out in the playoffs for the Falclowns…. wanna bet? HAHAHAHA
WHODAT!! WHODAT!!