Making new changes and reinventing themselves is what defines the Atlanta Falcons. After much controversy on the team with the situation of Michael Vick, many thought of the Atlanta Falcons as a team that’s confused with no answer to bounce back. Come to find out the Falcons proved many to be wrong making the right moves. Starting with the hiring of coach Mike Smith and the drafting of quarterback Matt Ryan the Atlanta Falcons finished last season at an outstanding 11-5 which lead them to the playoffs reaching the postseason for the first time in four years. Wanting to continue the success and reach dominance Falcons linebacker Chauncey Davis checks in with QTHEQUESTION.COM on what it took for the big turnaround, the vision of coach Smith, and the love for quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Falcons is considered to be one of the best teams in the NFC this year. With that being sound how does it feel to start the season with a fresh start?

CD: Well, now that I am answering this question, coming off of a great win against the 49ers, it great. I feel the team is coming together very well. We all are working well with the coaching staff and with each other. After each game, we learn from our mistakes…even when we win, there are ways to improve. Our coaches are working to get the best out of us…pushing us towards perfection.

Aside from what many insiders and experts say about the team, how do you feel the Atlanta Falcons improved this year as a team, especially on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball?

CD: On the defense side, we are working well with each other. We got some great guys out there who are giving it their all. We also have a talented group of new guys who have been working just as hard to make our defense be the best in the league. Abraham and Babineaux are great leaders on the defense. On offense, we got some great ones-Ryan, Gonzalez, White, Turner and on. We have the talent and depth on the team. We just have to get out there and do what we know we can do.

Each and every year many players make changes to their game to improve in upcoming seasons. Your considered one of the dominant linebackers in the NFL, what did you do during the offseason to perfect your game and continue to make the Falcons a dominant defense in the NFL?

I treated the off season like the “on” season. I worked out consistently with a personal trainer to increase strength, speed and more. I looked at what I was eating and my overall diet. I set a goal and just did what I needed to do to be in the best shape for the 2009-10 season.

The team made the postseason for the first time in four years. A lot of credit is given to coach Mike Smith coming in with a great philosophy and motivating the team to a bright future. As a player under Coach Smith what’s your take on what he brings to the team?

CD: He brings a new vision and energy for the team and a new understanding on how to execute a winning strategy. He’s a great coach that understands how to get the most out of his players. He expects greatness every time you step on the field.

How did you feel personally when you first found out that Mike Smith was named the 2008 Coach of the year?

CD:We all were excited. I think for the ones that knew of his coaching style and credentials, we knew it would be a great fit for the team. I was excited and I still am.

We all know of the situation has to what happened with Michael Vick. In regards to that, Matt Ryan was said to face much pressure to fill the shoes of Vick, but he is doing a impeccable job. What your take on Ryan accepting the leadership role performing at such a high level, something which many didn’t expect?

CD:The whole team had to move forward and Ryan brought in a new perspective to the game. Even in his first year, he handled himself like a vet. He’s calm under pressure, works will with his receivers and understands the game. We are glad to have him in a Falcons uniform.

Getting back to to last season the team finished the season 11-5 which was great especially coming from a competitive division such as the NFC south. That improved record lead to a playoff berth, in which ya’ll were defeated by the Arizona Cardinals last year. What is the whole mindset of the team this season as far as how far ya’ll want to go, just a playoff win for the Superbowl?

CD: We always keep the Superbowl in mind, but what we do is build upon our record and build upon our strengths. We set our goals game by game and team by team. We are constantly looking to get better and move the team in a positive direction. The fans what a winning team and we want to be that winning team.

They say one thing to succeed as a team in the NFL is to dominate your division. The NFC South is said to be very tough this year. Of course you guys will be good, the Carolina Panthers is a solid team, but the New Orleans Saints is said to make some noise this year. Drew Brees is expected to have a great year as well. What’s your take on the NFC South this year and what it will take to win the division?

CD:There are some great teams in the division but it goes back to us accomplishing our goals game by game and team by team. The Falcons are eating all elephants one bite at a time.

One thing I always wondered about players was their take on playing a National game on Monday or Sunday night, or just a rather Sunday afternoon game. As a professional player in the NFL, what do you like most, National televised games when the team is expected to put on a great performance or just the regular Sunday early afternoon game time?

CD: National Television. You are the only game that is on and everyone in the country is watching you. The pressure is on…time to deliver.

Outside of football, many players in the National Football League have charity events in which they realize the importance of giving back. Speaking of yourself you run the Chauncey Davis Early Bird Foundation. The organizations mission is to educate youth and give awareness about health and wellness. As the founder of this well-respected organization, why you strongly felt it was important to get the message out there?

CD:Well, my mother was personally affected by Diabetes and had to have her leg amputated as a result of diabetes, poor eating, and living habits. For years, I was able to always turn around and see my mom in the stands cheering me on. Since the amputation, things have changed. So with that, I am committed seeing that young people learn about diabetes, explore healthy eating/living habits and work towards living a healthy life. As you know, type 2 diabetes can be prevent in various cases through diet, exercise, etc. I want young people to know that there are healthy options to explore in their daily lives. I want to be apart of the change that saves lives down the line.

When you look back at the positive things your doing with your organization how does it make you feel as an individual that your giving hope to kids to contribute good things to society?

When I was younger, my house burned down. My family lost everything. It was NBA star and Auburndale native Tracey McGrady that stepped in and gave of his time and resources to help my family out. I made a pledge to myself that if I was in a position to make a difference, I would. So that’s another motivation behind me making a difference. I know how is feels to need help…I know how it feels when you receive help. God has blessed me to be in a place where I can give back and impact the lives of young people and families. That’s the most important thing.

Appreciate the interview and do you have a final message for the fans of the Atlanta Falcons and what the expect from this 2009 season?

CD: Look for the Falcons at the top! We are a strong team that will build upon last season.