Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith: "We Need To Block Better"

After reviewing the game film from the Falcons’ 15-9 overtime loss to the Steelers, Mike Smith did not mince words when asked about the performance of the running game.

“We need to block better,” said Smith. “We need to sustain our blocks in the running game.”

The Falcons rushed for just 58 yards on 25 attempts, just over two yards per carry. Michael Turner was held to just 42 yards, and the team’s longest run went for seven yards.

“When it’s the running game it’s not necessarily just the offensive line or just the running back, it’s a combination of things,” said Smith. “It’s such a fine line in regards to what you have to do to be efficient in the National Football League, and it’s really about the little things. And it’s something we have to address as a coaching staff, as a team.”

Offensively, Roddy White provided a bright spot, catching 13 balls for 111 yards. Omitting the 50-yard game-winning touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall in overtime, the game was practically even, statistically. Smith cited self-inflicted errors as the reason for the loss.

“I think you‘ll see, throughout the league, the most improvement usually comes between Week 1 and Week 2,” said Smith. “Fortunately for us, we’ve got a lot of things we can improve on.”

The Falcons hope to turn in around Sunday, as they host the Cardinals at 1 p.m. EDT.

This article can also be found at www.footballnewsnow.com.