DC: We played a tough Philadelphia Eagles team yesterday and had to play some solid defense to win that game. Much respect for Coach James Bloomer for a well coached game and a competitive effort. Getting on the plane last night from Philly we reviewed the scouting data on the Vikings and started shaping some ideas on how we approach that game this weekend. I like our chances if we are able to prepare well this week.
D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: After a 31-17 loss to the Vikings last season, how will team bounce back from that disappointing result to win this week?
DC: After reviewing that scouting report, I think we have a good hand of cards we've been dealt. But as anyone who has played the card game spades knows, it's not how many kings and aces you are dealt, but how well you bid on and play the cards. In spades you earn 10 points for each trick you makes and if you bid too conservatively, there is a penalty in so-called bags for all those extra tricks you take above what you bid. Here in football, it's the same, play too cautiously and too conservative, you loose. Get too wild in taking chances, and bid too high, and you get set on your bid. Here it's a matter bidding the cards in the manner that you skillfully play them to collect the number of tricks you bid for. If we prepare better than the other team's coaching staff, and our players execute better, we have a good chance of winning.
Kevin Knight, Dirty Birds and Brews: Viking Coach Barney McDermott, asked whether his team will have a 16-0 undefeated season, told The PNFL Gazette, "We're not talking about 16-0. We're talking about Atlanta." What do you say about that answer?
DC: That exactly what I would say if I was him. Definitely the right answer.
The PNFL Gazette: A win for the Vikings this weekend moves them to 10-0 on this season, surpassing 6 other teams in PNFL history that stated with a 9-0 start. In years past, the Falcons had two 16-0 perfect seasons during the years Rich Colacino coached the team. How do feel about defending the historical legacy of a team that had two 16-0 seasons and won SEVEN straight Super Bowls?
DC: I have to keep it real, Rich Colacino is the GOAT as a PNFL coach with good reason, winning 19 Super Bowl championships over 29 seasons coaching 4 different teams. No one will surpass that record of accomplishment, and certainly not me as someone with a career winning percentage of 33 percent and just one losing super bowl appearance. The team's historical legacy is a burden to carry for a coaching staff that will not match that, and my own coaching record is baggage to carry as well. Neither of those takes the field this weekend. Our players and the current coaching staff make our best effort to play the cars we've been dealt as skillfully as we can in an effort to win.
Aaron Freeman, Locked on Falcons Podcast: I have a question about a different history. College football and the third Saturday in October of 2022 when the Tennessee Volunteers lead by QB Hendon Hooker defeated the Atlanta Crimson Tide, lead by QB Bryce Young, by a 52-49 score. Yet you are start Young at QB still when many6 Falcons fans believe you should starting Hooker instead. Why is that?
DC: Really, Aaron, this question again, for what the 25th straight week now? We trust Hendon Hooker to come in any time if needed to lead our offense, and he's won numerous player of the week awards when he was the starter. Yet again, you know this have heard this answer many times, we believe Bryce gives us the best chance to win each week with how he leads our offense. I spent three years as a graduate student at Tennessee and attended every home game except one Vanderbilt game, I assure you, if Hendon Hooker was our best option for winning, I would be starting him.
Scott Kennedy, The Falcons Podcast: Are you confident that you and your staff have figured out the secret sauce to winning games in this league?
DC: The very moment I stand here and tell the world I have the secret sauce is the exact moment that sauce turns rancid. As Nick Saban once said, over-confidence is like Rat Poison. As fast as you get a notion like that, you learn is only takes four short weeks for a 7-2 record to rapidly become 7-6.
Maggie Thornton, Atlanta Falcons Nation: As the Vikings are chasing history this week, what are the Falcons chasing?
DC: A final scoreboard that reflects our team putting up more points than the other team.
Shuggy McGilcrest, RSJ News: What can you say about the fat-shaming of Vikings cheerleader Sabrina Maxwell by OutKick host Clay Travis on his podcast this past week?
DC: Shuggy, I think you have a key game this week... I would hope you're more concerned with how many touchdown passes Fernando Mendoza will throw on your defense rather than some failed sports podcast that hardly anyone listens to anymore...
Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports: What are your comments on the news that President Trump; lifted some of the tariffs on New England Patriots merchandise imported from Canada?
DC: I guess no one told him the coach of the Patriots is from Canada but their merchandise is made right here in the United States. But I guess some of us didn't pass geography in seventh grade.
Aaron Freeman: Do you still regret trading WR Xavier Worthy to Green Bay?
DC: I never had any such regret, Tre Hawkins is a great player. Asking that ridiculous question against is like asking me if I still beat my dog when I have never done such a thing. Is this why no one listens to your podcast anymore?
Aaron Freeman: And that absurd move you made trading CB Greedy Williams to Seattle...
DC: I still remember your ludicrous prediction that QB Trey Lance would win three super bowls in Atlanta, when he replaced Justin Fields. That didn't age well for you did it?
Dave Portnoy: Are the rumors true that your players to take human growth hormones to aid in their physical training and performance?
DC: I think questions like that are why Bill Parcells once called reporters "a bunch of communists." I think our time is better spent preparing to play the Vikings. See you all next week.
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