The Falcons wrapped up their first round of full-pad sessions at training camp, providing us with the best look yet at how things are coming together as the season draws near.
The final practice of Atlanta’s second four-day block took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of spectators, and there was a lot of action. The team’s next assignment is to go to Miami for combined practices with the Dolphins before to their preseason game on August 9.
Our coverage will continue down in Miami. Joint practices and the following game will provide even more light on how the 53-man roster may come together. Let’s examine the most important lessons learned from the first week of pads in the meantime.
Upon their return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a few of the team’s most significant players appeared completely at ease.
The crowd’s greatest cheer of the evening went to Grady Jarrett, who is still making progress in his comeback from the ACL injury that ended last season. Younghoe Koo surpassed his official career high of 54 yards in a contest with many kicks from more than 50 yards out, including a 57-yarder. Both the offensive and defensive lines are making their fair share of plays as they continue their back-and-forth fight.
Kirk Cousins appeared at ease and in tune with his receivers during his debut at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Depending on who was counting, he only missed two or three passes and was even knocked to the ground for the first time. Rest assured, the 12-year veteran reappeared with a flawless appearance. If you were concerned that Cousins would not be recovering well from his rehab, this week has been very significant.
Camp fights get hotter when the pads come on. In a sport that is fundamentally physical, the heightened physicality is an essential component of the assessment procedure. After two weeks, it’s evident that this coaching staff prioritizes depth, and they have some excellent reinforcements at critical places, which forces them to make some tough choices.
At first, it appeared as though Mike Hughes and Nate Landman were ready to take the No. 2 cornerback and inside linebacker slots, respectively, by storm. However, Troy Andersen and Clark Phillips III’s renewed push has offered the coaches additional choices for various combinations. All four players might have plenty of space to have significant roles this season.
The range of looks Atlanta’s defensive line has used is the most recent surprise. Although Eddie Goldman, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham, Kentavius Street, and even Demone Harris have been spotted with the starting group, Jarrett and David Onyemata are clearly the team’s leaders. The bottom half of the defensive line rotation seems like it may be the game in a camp fight that goes all the way to the end.
“The idea was to bring speed around (Drake London),” Falcons receivers coach Ike Hilliard stated during Friday’s practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, given that London was the lone player with a contract that ended in 2023. After eight practices, that agility and quickness are evident.
Over the course of many practices, Atlanta executed a series of 1-on-1 drills in which the pass-catchers faced defensive backs while beginning near the goal line. The defense used a lot of toughness in the short-area drills, while the receivers ran accurate routes. Two notable individuals are A.J. Terrell and Kyle Pitts.
Atlanta’s offense this season may very well be defined by the connection between Cousins and London, who provided the greatest highlights of Friday’s practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. London’s ability to make leaping, contested catches should be no secret to fans. Cousins appears to be getting used to new receiver, though.
Several times in front of the spectators, Cousins lofted one deep down the sideline for London, only to have the packed throng applaud and his faith rewarded. Hopefully, the trust that two are building will pay off in the autumn.
Rookie pass rusher Bralen Trice stated, “I just got thrown out there,” following a camp workout. “I dislike lowering myself to a lesser mental state or level. Whether they give me the 1s or the 4s, I’m prepared. I will give it everything I have, no matter what.”
Everything about Trice has been amazing to see thus far. It’s encouraging for a Falcons club that depends on young players to step up that the third-round selection has shown himself to be the most rapid rookie to flash as a possible starter thus far in camp. According to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast,” Trice topped all FBS players in total pressures the previous two seasons, and he seems well-positioned to contribute in Year 1.
“I believe it’s amazing to watch Kirk Cousins leading the first team on the field. The next squad is led by (Michael) Penix, who is then seen entering and lighting it up. It’s a bit different in that space,” Fontenot added. “Just being completely transparent, that room is different, and that makes a difference.”
In athletics, there is no position more crucial than quarterback. The Falcons brass has strong cause to be optimistic about the future based on what Cousins and, to a lesser extent, Penix, have demonstrated.
