Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake is thinking outside of the box this week when it comes to finding ways to motivate his defense.
With the team’s shocking 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the rearview mirror, Lake’s unit is now looking ahead to this weekend’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.
In addition to what they’re doing on the practice field, Lake also has the players watching professional fight clips. Those included Jorge Masvidal’s 2019 clash against Ben Askren and Diego Corrales’ matchup in 2005 against Jose Luis Castillo, just to name a couple.
All of them taught a lesson in a different capacity but had the same message of attacking an opponent and bouncing back the right way. This is something that Atlanta failed to do last week against the Saints despite multiple opportunities.
“It’s just a way to relate to the players and show them something,” Lake told team reporter Terrin Waack. “No different than maybe your history teacher or your favorite teacher in high school. He had this awesome presentation, and you might still remember it to this day.”
Despite the fact Lake is a coach and indeed not a schoolteacher, there are some striking similarities if you really ponder the concept.
“That’s really what we are,” Lake continued. “We’re football teachers.”
The Falcons defense will have a chance to show just how much that resonated when they hit the field against the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET.
