Dan Quinn Addresses Recent Falcons' Roster Moves

Dan Quinn met with the media yesterday afternoon to address the Atlanta Falcons most recent roster moves.

The Atlanta Falcons have made several interesting roster moves since the final preseason game on Thursday night. Atlanta traded for Guard Andy Levitre from Tennessee Titans, cut prominent players like Running Back Antone Smith and Center Joe Hawley from their roster, placed Guard Jon Asamoah on Injured Reserve (hip), and signed guys like Center Gino Gradkowski.

Atlanta Falcons HC Dan Quinn took some time out of his busy day to explain the rationality behind these recent transactions affecting the Falcons’ roster. Quinn thinks that Levitre has picked up the ZBS of Kyle Shanahan very quickly and should start at Guard on Monday Night Football.

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Entering Week 1, it looks like the Atlanta Falcons are going with Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder at the Tackle spots, Levitre and Chris Chester at Guard, and Mike Person will start at Center. Expect G/C James Stone to play a bunch, too, as the likely sixth man on the offensive line.

When asked about the reason to cut RB Antone Smith and promote UDFA Terron Ward to the 53-man roster, Quinn commented that Ward’s ability to pass protect and his competitiveness won him the job over Smith. The previous regime also had their concerns with ‘Tone in pass protection, arguing that’s what kept his raw talent off the field for them.

Dan Quinn feels confident about the three tailbacks on his roster in Tevin Coleman (recently named the starter), Devonta Freeman, and Terron Ward. When asked if the organization plans to make any more changes to the RB corps, Quinn responded in a firm, “no”. So that sounds like free agent RB Montee Ball isn’t coming to Atlanta, despite many rumors of the Falcons’ supposed interest in the former All-American tailback.

Coach Quinn again spoke highly of free agent LT Jake Long, explaining to the media that the team will bring in Jake for a second tryout today. Dan Quinn said that it had been a month since Atlanta last brought in Long for a visit and wanted to see how the veteran Pro Bowl LT looks as he recovers from last year’s injury.

"“Is it uncomfortable at times? Yeah, but at the end of it, it’s the right thing to do to keep challenging to see how good we can get.” – Atlanta Falcons HC Dan Quinn on recent roster moves"

Perhaps this has something to do with Jake Long visiting Flowery Branch once again, but the Atlanta Falcons have restructured Andy Levitre’s deal to save over $3 Million against the salary cap. Does that mean another free agent acquisition is coming? I’d like to believe so.

To me, it makes since for the Atlanta Falcons to sign a player like Jake Long should he prove he’s healthy in today’s tryout. Health takes precedence over all other attributes in the Dan Quinn Era, with the organization having no issue in reaching injury settlements with players who aren’t able to play.

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Dan Quinn Addresses Recent Falcons’ Roster Moves

By John Buhler | Sep 9, 2015

Dan Quinn met with the media yesterday afternoon to address the Atlanta Falcons most recent roster moves.

More from ATL All Day