Here’s what Dallas coach Jason Garrett had to say to the Atlanta media in a conference call on Wednesday:
On the big win in Philly: "Obviously, it was an important game for us. Division games on the road are always critical. You and I both know that every one of them are important. I thought our team did a good job of going up there and battled through some different adversities, handled the circumstances and played well and (came out) with a win. That game is over and we're obviously on to the next challenge, which is the Falcons this Sunday."
On integrating Amari Cooper into the offense: "We like him a lot. He's certainly a very good player in this league. He's done a lot of good things for us in the two games that he's been with us. He's a very smart guy. He's got very good feel for the game. Very good instincts and he picks things up easily. We've been able to do a lot things with him in a short period of time. He doesn't really blink. He's certainly physically capable and has a great understanding."
On the play of quarterback Dak Prescott and the criticism he's received: "Well, we don't spend much on that. We spend most of our time on ourselves and what we need to do to be better. That's every one of us. Every coach. Every player and we love Dak. Dak has done some really great things for our team in the two and half years that he's been our starting quarterback. He's continuing to grow as a player. I thought he did a really good job in the other game the other night. Handled the successes and the adversities of the game and battled through them and made a lot of big plays for us at critical moments. One of the things we love most about him is that he loves the game and works very hard to get … to improve every day with every experience that he has. So, he's certainly someone that we feel really good about going forward."
On the Falcons run defense: "I think they are a very talented defense. A defense that believes in their scheme and they play it very well. They are fast and they are physical. They have a lot of good players on all three levels of their defense. They challenge you in a lot of different ways. Again, the biggest thing for us is to focus on what we need to do and have all parts of our team go and play their best game.. I had a good practice today. We'll clean it up and get back to work tomorrow."
On Deion Jones possibly playing: "Yeah, I really have no idea. Obviously, he's a really good football player, but they have other good football players as well. Again, sounds like I'm repeating myself, but we have to focus on what we need to do to play our best football. We have great respect for the respect for the Falcons and their defense."
On the play of Falcons cornerbacks (Robert Alford, Brian Poole and Desmond Trufant): "I think they have been good players for a long time. They are good man-to-man cover guys. They are good in zones. The fit well into the scheme and again, they'll challenge every time the ball is snapped."
On the play of rookie Michael Gallup (Monroe): "Michael is doing great. He really is. We were excited to be able to draft him. He's come in and has really done everything that we've asked him to do. He works very hard every day. He's improving with every experience that he has. He made a couple of big plays for us in the game the other night. He certainly is a talented guy. He's learning and he's giving himself a chance with the approach that he takes."
On how linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is coming along: "Well, we liked him a lot we drafted him in the first round. We felt really good about bringing him into our organization. I do think he's done an excellent job up until this point. He too works very hard. He's very committed to it. Ben Bloom, our linebacker coach, does an excellent job. Also, being able to watch Sean Lee each and every day, I think really can help a young player like Leighton and/or Jaylon Smith. I think they benefited from that experience and both of those guys go about it the right way. They are still learning. There is a lot they can get better at, but they are doing well. We just have to keep banging away with them."
On the play of DeMarcus Lawrence: "DeMarcus is a good player. He had a great year last year. I think he had 14 sacks. He's really continued that approach. He too works very hard, very dedicated. Loves to play football. His work ethic is outstanding. It shows up on Sundays. He's not only a good pass rusher, but he's a good run defender. His approach is really contagious along that defensive line."
On how to prepare for Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense: "He's just a great player. He has been for a long time. He can beat you is so many different ways. He's really smart and has a great understanding of their offense. A great understanding of what defenses are trying to do to him. He gets back quickly and gets the ball out of his hands. He's a great decision maker and can throw it anywhere on the field. He's one of those quarterbacks that always seem to be putting the ball in an advantageous place for the receiver to catch it and run with it and do great things. I was fortunate to be able to work with him the Pro Bowl a few years ago. I just have to utmost respect for him."
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