Arthur Blank Likes Dan Quinn’s Energy and Enthusiasm
By John Buhler
Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank met with the media after yesterday’s practice during Military Appreciation Day. Arthur gave thanks to all five branches of the US Military as well as his first impressions of Dan Quinn as a head coach, the ongoing discussions about WR Julio Jones‘ new deal, and the prospects of Team President Rich McKay’s reinstatement to the competition committee after Noisegate.
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Arthur Blank said about Coach Quinn, “I think it’s going really well. I think you can see the energy of the coaches transmitting to the players. That’s exactly what we hoped for and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.” Blank believes that the players are responding to Quinn’s high-energy, hands-on coaching style which is a great endorsement coming from the owner. Arthur also stated, “Be prepared for some loud music, non-stop.”
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When asked about the ongoing negotiations between the Atlanta Falcons front office and Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Julio Jones, Arthur Blank reiterated, “We expect Julio to be a lifer for the Atlanta Falcons. We are moving forward and have every reason to be positive and to be enthusiastic about it.” Blank likes Jones’ conditioning and positive attitude and feels confident that a deal will get done between the Falcons front office and his agent Jimmy Sexton.
Though Arthur Blank agrees that the market sets the tone for negotiations, he feels that where Julio Jones is in his contract as a rising fifth year player, “his length of contract will be different” than what both Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys and Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos received this offseason. But Blank views Jones as a Top 5 wideout in the league and will pay him like one hopefully sooner than later.
Blank likes how well GM Thomas Dimitroff and Assistant GM Scott Pioli are working together in the newly structured Atlanta front office where Pioli is more focused on the draft and scouting while Dimitroff deals more with internal affairs like lineup construction and free agent acquisitions.
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When asked about Team President Rich McKay’s request for reinstatement to the NFL’s Competition Committee after being vacated of that position in the fallout of the Noisegate Scandal, Blank endorses McKay’s return to the committee as the Atlanta Falcons have been fully cooperative during the investigation. Atlanta didn’t appeal losing a pick in next year’s draft and newly elected Pro Football Hall of Famer Executive Bill Polian talked about his working relationship with guys like Rich McKay in his induction speech.
Arthur Blank seems like he is in good spirits as his Atlanta Falcons football team is certainly trending in the right direction. More on your Atlanta Falcons all season long as the Dirty Birds get ready to take on the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome on Friday night for their first preseason game. Until next time, Rise Up, ATL!
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