NFC Notes: Falcons, Packers, Vikings

Falcons

Falcons OC Steve Sarkisian said he does not feel the need to “validate” himself when asked if he must improve in order to retain his job.

“I never feel the need to validate myself to anybody outside of our building,” Sarkisian said, via Vaughn McClure of ESPN. “I work for Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Dan Quinn, and I worked for these players. And I do the best I can do for them every single day. One week doesn’t change how I prepare or what I do. You put the work in. You feel good about the work. And when you do, you’re able to go to sleep at night knowing you did your job”

Packers

Packers OLB Clay Matthews, who is in the final year of his contract, says he would “love” to finish his career in Green Bay if possible.

“This is all new to me,” Matthews said, via PackersNews.com. “Hopefully, we don’t get there, but if it does everything will be evaluated, especially when you’re at this point of your career.

“I’d love to finish my career here. My family has taken to the city, my kids are thriving. Furthermore, I’d just like to finish here.”

• Rob Demovsky reports that the Packers worked out LS Zach Triner, but it appears as though LS Hunter Bradley‘s ankle injury isn’t that bad because they didn’t sign him to a contract.

Vikings

Vikings OC John DeFilippo said they “absolutely” need to get RB Dalvin Cook more carries.

“Yes, we would like to see (Cook) carry the ball more,” DeFilippo said, via the Pioneer Press. “Absolutely.”

According to DeFilippo, he and HC Mike Zimmer are “in constant communication of how to make this offense better.’’

“I went back and self-scouted myself,” DeFilippo said. “There were two or three instances where we threw the football … that we probably should have run the football. I made that aware to (Zimmer) and my thoughts on that. … I look to go out each week and improve myself.”

• Vikings have ruled out TE David Morgan (knee), WR Chad Beebe (hamstring) and CB Trae Waynes (concussion), while LB Eric Kendricks (rib) is questionable.
• Zimmer said Kendricks “will be fine” to play in Monday’s game. (Chris Tomasson)