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Episode Transcript
Hey, Sean, can you take us through what went into
the decision to move on from Chase Blackburn.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Yeah, you know, really, uh, you know, very grateful and
appreciative of the you know, contributions of Chase and you know,
can't say enough good things about the human being.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
But it's as simple as it, you.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Know, really boils down to just thought this was best
for the direction of our our special teams. There's been
some things that we have to be better, better in
some critical moments, and I do feel good about the
leadership that you know will be had by by Ben
gott Weika And and we'll also bring in, uh, you know,
somebody else to be able to help him in the
(00:36):
meantime and I'll be it'll be all hands on deck.
So simply put, it was just what we felt like
was best for the collective. And that's you know, sometimes
the hard decisions that that I'm tasked with and always
try to have the best intentions for our football team.
And and that was really as simple as it gets.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
What gives you confidence that Ben will be able to
improve that work with.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Before I you know, I think, uh, you know, Ben
has done a nice job. I know his capacity, I
know the accountability. I know that the core beliefs that
he has, and you know this late in the year,
you're not naive to you know, you you're gonna keep
a lot of the foundational things. But I think there's
some things that that we want to have reflected in
our style of play and the way that we go about,
you know, just our overall approach that I think will
(01:20):
be you know, improved.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Can you tell us who will become Will someone else
be joining the staff or will someone be elevated?
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Yeah, it would be a guy named Matt Harper. You know,
we'll call him Harp.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
He's a guy that has some experience. He's been you know,
he's got a bunch of NFL experience. He's been in
places like Philadelphia, San Francisco. Ben has familiarity with them
coaching against him and then knowing him.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
And so Matt Harper will be the guy.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
And then finally for me, can you give us any
updates on Kevin Dotson and Davante in terms of their availability.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
They're making they're making good progress.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
You know, I'm not going to make any you know,
game status updates, you know, but they're both making good progress,
you know, k dot got his ankle pretty good.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
It'll be hard for him to make it this week.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Davante is making really good progress with his hamstring, and
we'll see what that looks like as the week progresses.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Thanks very much, You're welcome.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
Why did you feel like this was the moment to
make that kind of change in operation?
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Yeah, you know, it's you know, first of all, you know,
I am responsible for this, and you know, I obviously
didn't do a good enough job, you know, with my
responsibilities as a head coach. But what it really bloiled
down to, Adam was the you know, the confidence I
have in this football team and and where I think,
you know, we can head, and where I think the
areas of improvement are needed. And I think that through
(02:38):
these fifteen games, man, we've learned a lot and I
have so much confidence in this group. I'm so excited
about the response from a disappointing outcome. But it doesn't
mean that there was you know, that's an excellent football
team we played the other night. I think there's been
a lot of really good things that we've done. But
at the end of the day, this was a departure
first and foremost, it's it's my responsibility for us to
(02:58):
do better in that phase, you know. And I do
think that this is an opportunity that gives us, you know,
a chance to be able to use the last couple
of weeks and then leading into the playoffs to be
able to establish some of.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
The things that we want. And it was unique because
it offered.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Us a couple of days to really be able to
kind of digest think about it, you know, allow you know,
once you made that decision. I made that decision, you know,
right after the game, you know, on Friday morning, I
communicated that with Chase and wanted to be you know,
timely when I did feel like that was the direction
we were going to go out of respect for him.
And then it also gave Ben a few days to
(03:33):
be able to get his ducks in a row, allow
us to be able to connect and collaborate and connect
with some of our guys about the direction that we
want to head moving forward into Atlanta and into our
prep this week.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
And has there been a decision made on Robert Tyler
yet for this week?
Speaker 2 (03:49):
There's still needs some time, you know. So the answer is, yes,
they're not They're not quite ready yet.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
And on a different note, how would you describe the
friendship Jared Verst and Byron Young.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
It's awesome.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
I mean, it's I think it's it's a cool relationship
that those two have where there's a lot of love,
a lot of understanding, you know, going through the same
different you know things, you know, year in and year out,
day in and day out, with their rhythm and routine.
But you know, I kind of jokingly have said they're
like step brothers. You know, they just you know, they
love each other. They're poking at each other, but they
(04:24):
bring out the best in one another. I think Joe
does such a great job with the culture of that room.
But two guys that have great personalities that balance each
other out, that have a lot of love for one
another and really celebrate each other's successes, have fun, joke
going one another. It's it's a really just a cool
relationship to observe. But the support that they have for
(04:45):
one another and the authentic love and appreciation they have
and the celebration for each other's successes, that's one of
my favorite things that I see.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Thanks Sean, You're welcome.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
Yeah, John, you guys are playing a team on Monday
that you made a deal with during the draft. You
have their first for this for next year. It seems
like the deals kind of worked out for you both
and the player they drafted, and you guys having that pick.
I know you guys want Matthew for as long as
he wants to still be playing. But what does that
extra pick do for you either preparing for life after
(05:16):
him or just continuing to build a competitive roster with him.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, that's what it does, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
I mean, there's that that that trade long ago was
made in mind with you know, we had players that
we liked that we felt like we could still get
when we moved back, and we were able to do
that with Terrence Ferguson, and they had somebody that they
wanted and so that worked out.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
That just gives us better draft capital.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
But there wasn't anything other than that, you know, with
the thought process in mind. And that doesn't you know,
and I know that's not what you're asking, but that
doesn't have any effect on, you know, our approach to
this game.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
We're gonna do everything.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
We can to play a really good football game, have
a great week of preparation, and come out swinging on
on Monday night.
Speaker 5 (05:55):
What does that I guess you've built teams in different ways,
you and West and You're group obviously like trading way
picks for players, but also now you have accumulated that
draft capital. What does that do for you, guys is
I know you're not thinking about the offseason right now,
but as you get ready, you know, what what does
that do for you?
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Guys?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah, it just gives us more ammo to be able
to you know, upload the you know, to really upgrade
the totality of your roster. I mean, and like we've
joked about, you know, like the FM pics, we never
really felt that way. We've always looked at what are
the different avenues to create the most competitive roster that
you have with the different you know, things that you
can do, whether that be through the draft, free agency, undrafted,
(06:35):
free agency, re signing, your own drafting and developing. You know,
so we look at all avenues to try to be
able to shape shape it out the most competitive roster.
And every single year, you know, there's there's different approaches
based on all, right, what what do you have in place,
who's under contract, who's under a rookie contract, who's up
for extensions?
Speaker 3 (06:53):
And so there's.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Multiple layers, But at the end of the day, you
know where you're picking. You know, it still matters who
you know that It still is like who is that person?
Speaker 3 (07:04):
You know that that pick is is valuable.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
Then you attach a name and then it becomes really
valuable or less valuable dependent upon how that thing sorts out.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
So that's really what it boils down to.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And to be able to have, you know, two first
round picks, it gives you flexibility and the ability to
move around or identify players that you would maybe want
that you're realistically in the range that they would be
projected to go so.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Way down the line for me to even think about
that stuff right now.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
Though, How would you describe how Mathew's playing right now?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Outstanding?
Speaker 5 (07:35):
What have you? Have you seen a different the way
he was playing very well at the end of last
season too. Have you seen a difference in him or
is it just it seems like he's in the conversation
for MVP something that wasn't the case last year. I
guess Do you see any difference in him between the
two seasons?
Speaker 3 (07:52):
I think I think it would minimize the body of
work that he's had.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
He's played really well, He's played at you know what,
we would deem MVP level for us pretty consistently throughout
his tenure with us. I know, we just feel really
fortunate to have him in command and run in the show.
And his competitiveness, enjoy his enjoyment for those moments, his
ability to be at his best when his best is required,
his ability to elevate his teammates, his overall ownership of
(08:17):
what we're trying to get done with the intent, whether
that be run or pass game or protection oriented.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
He's a total G and he's been he's been that G.
I think it's just getting more recognized now, but this
isn't new to us. Thank you, You're welcome.
Speaker 6 (08:33):
Why hey, Sean, just how would you describe ben cttweek
as a coach?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
I think urgent, accountable, very clear with regards.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
To his communication style, and you know, I'm excited for
him to be able to lead the charge.
Speaker 6 (08:51):
And uh after these you know, sort of mini buys.
First of all, do you feel more arrested after what
was a chaotic week for you? And have you seen
that impact on the players in the past when you've
had these little mini buys.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Yeah, you know, I think what it is is you
maximize whatever that schedule is, and did get a chance
to get caught up on rest.
Speaker 3 (09:09):
At the same time, as a competitor, you're.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Ready to get back at it, and you know, I
couldn't have been more excited to get back in the
building and be around our players and start our preparation.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Kind of works out for us.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
The way that the week unfolds that you'll get a
bonus day today, players will be off, we'll practice on Wednesday.
We'll be able to give them off on Thursday for Christmas,
and then use Friday as an nd season Thursday plan
on Monday nights.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
So I think the timing of the rest, letting guys bodies.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Turn over a little bit and then also coinciding with
the week of Christmas kind of works itself out. And
you know what we're going to do is we're going
to maximize every single day that we have to continue
to improve to try to have the appropriate urgency and
enjoyment and play our best ball as we move forward
and anytime, any place is what we're looking forward to.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Thank you, you got it.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Bronck into with finishing with Dennis.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
H Sean. So for the Falcons, of course, Jon Robinson
is such a dynamic that had almost one hundred and
seventy total yards last week. How does he impact going
against him from a defense standpoint, and what do you
see from him overall as a player.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Oh, he's unbelievable. I mean it's a tremendous impact and
you have to be aware of him. But you know,
I mean they got great skill everywhere. You know, Kirk
does a great job running the show.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Obviously.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Bijan is so unique, I mean, very similar to Jamir Gibbs,
and they can beat you in a variety of ways.
Every time they touch the football, they're a threat to score.
He's got such great field contact, balance, spaceial awareness, explosion,
you name a trait that's desirable for a running back.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
This guy's checking the box. Oh and by the way,
you do the same thing for a receiver. He checks
those boxes too. He's special, got a ton of respect.
I've obviously watched him.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Closely, you know, just because of the relationship you have
with a lot of coaches on that staff. I think
Pitts is playing the best ball of his career. Drake
London is a total stud you know. I think Algiers
is an excellent running back to behind him and and
they do an excellent job up front, you know, being
in being coordinated, really well coached with what they're trying
(11:15):
to get done in both protection and in the run game.
And so it's an excellent challenge. But Bijon is as
good as it gets.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
And you know, we've we've we've got our hands full.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Earlier this year at the Combine, Raheem Worries, of course
a lot of familiarity familiarity there, stated that he believed
Chris Shula would be a head coach in twenty twenty six.
For you, what's it like to see a person on
your tree talk about a guy could that could potentially
add to that out of branch.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I'm happy for you know, whether it's Raheem, whether it's
Kevin O'Connell, you know, like you name it, like Liam.
I mean, I'm so happy for all these guys.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
You know.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
I was so fortunate to be able to get an
opportunity to be in this role.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
I don't take it for granted. It's a real blessing.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
And I've been really even more fortunate to be around
really special coaches that have made this play special, and
Chris is certainly one of them. We got a handful
of guys that are on our current staff that I
think have all the makings and all the traits and
characteristics you're looking for for guys to be really good
head coaches and to.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
Be able to lead.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
But in the in the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy being
able to work with him and continue to watch him
do a great job leading our defense. And if those
things come to fruition, nobody would be happier for those guys,
whether it be Chris or some of the other people
that I think we'll get some opportunities.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
But it's a special thing.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
And one of the things that I think you're as
you know, happy or proud of, if you will, is
watching the success that people have had from doing a
phenomenal job and making a tremendous impact on me and
our building, and then getting an opportunity to be able to,
you know, go run the show, you know in other places,
and then go.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Shine as well. Thank you, You're welcome, Dennis, I'm good.
How are you great?
Speaker 1 (12:56):
What has allowed your tight ends to be so effective
in the red zone this season?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Well, I think I think overall execution, I think Matthew's
done a great job, and then I think, you know,
just their ability to be able to contribute in both phases.
You can create some run pass conflicts, but but really,
you know, the players deserve a ton of credit. You know,
whether it's Tyler Higbee, Kobe Parkinson, Davis Allen. It's cool
to see Terrence Ferguson make some plays the other night,
and so you know, just really proud of those guys.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
Scooter up does a great.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Job with that room as a whole, and Matthew running
the show. So you know, just overall, you know, body
of work, you know, the players, and then just their
consistency in terms of their approach and their brilliant their
ability to execute in those critical moments, which is you
know what the red zone entails.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Follow up, how would he describe Terrence's growth this season.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
I think it's been steady, and I think it's you know,
I think it's been you know, something that you're really
excited about how bright his future is because all he's
doing is getting better. He's so coachable, he's secure enough
to be able to acknowledge the areas that he can improve.
I think he's got great examples of these veterans around him.
Of being able to see what it looks like to
do right and then and he's getting a bunch of experience.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
You know, you guys have heard me say it all
the time. Repetition is the mother of learning.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
He's playing a lot of meaningful snaps in some big
time games and some big time atmospheres. That's only going
to continue to serve him well. And I think the
best is yet to come for him. Like I've talked
to you guys about, Thank you cook awesome, Thank you guys.
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