J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons aren’t dwelling on a tough loss at New Orleans for two reasons:

It’s not good to get caught in the past and — more simply — there’s no time to be upset.

Playing on Monday Night Football has its pros when it comes to national attention and spotlight. But it’s a problem for resting and focusing on the next opponent.

The Falcons Thursday practice was the first of the week in preparing for the Washington Redskins. Friday will be a combination Thursday/Friday practice and Saturday will feature a light, day-before-game workout.

Though peppered with questions about Monday’s division loss in the Big Easy, Falcons players and coaches focused their attention on the next opponent.

“The vibe in the locker room is always different after a loss than it is after a win,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “But from my end it’s always about staying the course — continuing to do the same things week-in and week-out (and) trusting your preparation.”

Ryan threw three interceptions against the Saints and has fielded questions for multiple weeks about the state of the offense, which got Michael Turner back over 100 yards rushing last week but has fought a turnover bug of late.

“You have to be more judicious with the football (and) make better decisions,” Ryan said. “It’s something I ‘m working on (but) you don’t want to lose that sense of aggressiveness; you have to go out there and make some plays.”

Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, whose three touchdowns have come at home, said the Falcons must be concerned about a letdown against the 2-5 Redskins, but it’s tough to completely overlook an opponent in professional football.

“Sometimes guys will look at the other team’s record and relax a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t expect that will happen to us. Our coaching staff is too good to let us go out there and relax… It’s important we don’t take any team lightly.”

WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH

According to Head Coach Mike Smith, running back Jerious Norwood (hip) worked on a side field with trainers on Thursday while reserve running back Jason Snelling (hamstring) was limited in practice.

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Injuries forced the Falcons into some game-week roster moves, but Smith likes the players the team brought in.

Wednesday night the Falcons announced the signing of Charlie Peprah to take the place of Jamaal Fudge (injured reserve). Thursday the team put long snapper Mike Schneck on IR (broken ribs), but filled the spot with Bryan Pittman, a veteran of 92 NFL games.

“He’s done it in the NFL,” Smith said of Pittman. “He’s an experienced guy so we don’t anticipate they’ll be any problem.

“Charlie Peprah started in this league. In fact, he actually was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him… He was also a good special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Peprah could get some time on defense, but likely will get his snaps on special teams.

Defensively, the Falcons have to keep an eye on Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss, though Smith said the Redskins have not been as explosive down field in recent weeks.

Quarterback Jason Campbell has completed 66 percent of his passes but has been sacked 20 times (10 fumbles).

“They’re going to take their shots so we have to do a good job with their receivers,” cornerback Tye Hill said. “(We have to) try to manage the game well and tackle Clinton Portis, he’s still a good, Pro-Bowl caliber back.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Campbell, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Santana Moss, Tony Gonzaelz, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins