Falcons: what we learned from Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith during their first press conferences



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This afternoon, the Falcons introduced their new head coach and general manager at two separate press conferences. Since they had both just accepted the jobs, the press conferences didn’t have too much substance about staffing or coaching decisions. They just aren’t that far in the process of figuring out exactly what they plan to do in free agency, the draft, etc. However, the two have always provided a lot of little nuggets that Falcons fans should find intriguing, and I have a feeling they would love what they had to say the most.

First head coach Arthur Blank kicked off the press conference for Arthur Smith by saying he was his first choice since the start of the process. The former Titans offensive coordinator received rave reviews from everyone Blank spoke to, including Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, who worked with Smith from 2007 to 2008 while he was a coach. defensive quality control. Blank also said that Smith and Fontenot favored each other during the interview process, saying Fontenot had already done his research and started contacting potential coaches.

That says a lot about Fontenot, and the way he handled the press conference, it is exactly what I expected. William McFadden explained it perfectly in this tweet regarding Fontenot’s first performance as interim CEO.

Fontenot was so good today, and Falcons fans should be thrilled to have him as their next GM. From the moment it opened, when it paid homage to the late Vaughn Mcclure, his preparation and his bubbly personality throughout; he couldn’t have made a more perfect impression on his first appearance as Falcon.

Fontenot’s most important statement concerned the project and its approach. He says he’s strictly the best player available, mentioning the approach of the great Ozzie Newsome – the Ravens’ longtime general manager. It’s particularly intriguing, given that the Falcons currently have the fourth overall pick and could be looking to snag one of the fantastic quarterback prospects available. However, if he’s looking for the best player available, Penei Sewell or even Devonta Smith / Ja’Marr Chase could be in the cards.

Returning to Smith, he explained exactly how you’d expect a head coach to sound, preaching physicality, toughness, and responsibility. I’m not going to put too much weight in those words because I’ve heard all of this from Dan Quinn, but his already budding relationship with Fontenot is promising. The two are very excited to work together.

Like Fontenot, Smith was unwilling to comment on staff or coaches’ decisions – no matter how strong the media – but confirmed he would call the offense, which we expected. Fontenot also said he believes it is important for the team to have a “singular voice” during the season – the head coach.

Finally, Blank confirmed that Smith and Fontenot would report to Rich McKay. However, both said they saw McKay as someone to lean on based on his experience, which echoed what they were saying throughout the press conference – the Falcons are an organization world class from top to bottom – and that’s why Blank was able to hire. his first two choices.



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