Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White wants more touches, but while first-year head coach Dan Quinn is receptive to White’s request, that doesn’t mean it’ll change.
Per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, Quinn said he’ll have “an easy conversation” with the disgruntled White but won’t commit to a larger role for the veteran target.
“I wouldn’t say [more touches is] a point of emphasis. We’ve got great respect for Roddy and all the unique things that he brings to our team. But we don’t generally go into this or that to make it happen.”
Quinn addressed this situation perfectly, considering the veteran White has played a major role throughout most of the last decade. He’s tallied at least 80 receptions in seven of the last eight seasons, including a pair of seasons with 100-plus catches.
However, the 33-year-old has just 13 targets after four games of the 2015 season, and the Falcons doesn’t need to rely on White.
White has taken a tertiary pass-catching role behind superstar Julio Jones and his emerging complement, Leonard Hankerson. Plus, running back Devonta Freeman has ripped off two consecutive three-touchdown games.
Slowly removing responsibilities from one of the franchise’s most important players for the last decade isn’t easily done, but Quinn is doing so in a respectful manner. White’s best days are behind him, while Jones is entering the prime of his career.
White won’t have many opportunities this season, so he must accept the decreased role and be ready to take advantage of limited chances, because Quinn isn’t focused on White’s individual success.