The Falcons completed their first stretch of training camp practices in full pads, giving us the clearest picture yet of how things are shaping up with the start to the season quickly approaching.
Atlanta's second four-day block culminated in an open practice with fans in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; it featured plenty of action. Next up for the team is a trip down to Miami for joint practices against the Dolphins head of their preseason matchup on Aug. 9.
Joint practices and the ensuing game will provide even further clarity on how the 53-man roster could come together, and our coverage will continue down in Miami. Until then, let's take a look at the biggest takeaways from the first week in pads.
Big names shine in front of fans
In their return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, some of the most important members of the team seemed right at home.
Grady Jarrett received the loudest applause of the night and continues to make strides in his return from last year's season-ending ACL injury. Younghoe Koo drilled multiple kicks from more than 50 yards out, including a 57-yarder, which tops his official career long of 54 yards in a game. The offensive and defensive lines continue to have a back-and-forth battle with both sides making its fair share of plays.
In his first appearance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kirk Cousins looked comfortable and connected to his receivers. He missed only two or three passes – depending on who did the counting – and even got knocked to the turf for the first time. Don't worry, the 12-year veteran popped right back up and looked to be completely fine. This week has been a big one for those worried about Cousins showing any ill effects from his rehab.
How camp battles are shaping up
When the pads come on, camp battles heat up. The increase in physicality is a necessary part of the evaluation process in a sport that is inherently physical. Through two weeks, it's clear that depth is a priority for this coaching staff, and they have some quality reinforcements at key positions which makes for some difficult decisions.
Initially, it looked like Nate Landman and Mike Hughes were prepared to run away with the No. 2 inside linebacker and cornerback spots, respectively. But a renewed charge by Troy Andersen and Clark Phillips III have given the coaches more options for different packages. There might be plenty of room for all four players to play key roles this season.
The newest revelation is the variety of looks Atlanta has rolled out on its defensive line. Jarrett and David Onyemata are firmly established, but we've seen looks involving Eddie Goldman, Zach Harrison, Ta'Quon Graham, Kentavius Street and even Demone Harris out there with the starting group. If there's a camp battle that will go all the way to the finish, it feels like the bottom half of the defensive line rotation could be it.
A different group of pass catchers
As Falcons receivers coach Ike Hilliard said after Friday's practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, "the idea was to bring speed around (Drake London)," because he was the only player under contract following the 2023 season. Through eight practices, that speed and agility is apparent.
Atlanta ran a series of 1-on-1 drills over the course of consecutive practices that featured the pass-catchers going up against defensive backs while starting at the goal line. The short-area drills featured a lot of physicality on the part of the defense and precise route-running from the receivers. A couple of standouts: A.J. Terrell and Kyle Pitts.
Drake London developing chemistry with Cousins
The biggest highlights during Friday's practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium came courtesy of Cousins and London, a connection that could very well define Atlanta's offense this season. Fans should be well-acquainted with London's ability to make leaping, contested catches. Well, it seems Cousins is becoming accustomed to his receiver.
There were multiple moments in front of the crowd where Cousins lofted one deep down the sideline for London only to find his confidence rewarded and the assembled crowd cheering. The trust those two are developing will hopefully pay dividends come fall.
Bralen Trice is beginning to break through
"I just got thrown out there," Rookie pass rusher Bralen Trice said after a camp practice. "I don't like to mentally drop myself or put myself at a lower level. I'm ready, whether they throw me with the 1s or the 4s. No matter what, I'm going to give it my all."
So far, Trice’s all has been impressive to watch. The third-round pick has been the quickest rookie to flash as a potential starter so far in camp, which is good news for a Falcons team counting on young players to step up. Trice led all FBS players in total pressures the last two seasons, according to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast," and he appears well situated to make an impact in Year 1.
The main reason for optimism this season
During the week, both Falcons owner Arthur Blank and general manager Terry Fontenot spoke with media members. There were plenty of topics covered, but perhaps the biggest takeaway was the renewed optimism both men seemed to have about the team. What has them feeling so hopeful?
"I think when you go out there and you see Kirk Cousins with the first team just lighting it up. And then you see (Michael) Penix come in with the next team, and he's lighting it up. That room is a little different," Fontenot said. "Just being completely transparent, that room is different, and that makes a difference."
There's no important position in sports than quarterback. Based on what Cousins – and to a lesser degree Penix – has shown, the Falcons brass have good reason to feel bullish about the future.
James Smith-Williams role coming into focus
Perhaps the first big surprise of camp was the inclusion of Smith-Williams with the starting defense. The former Washington Commanders defensive end has been running with the first-team unit in each practice, and his role for the team is becoming a bit clearer.
Smith-Williams is a bigger player on the edge in the Falcons' early down packages with the ability to reduce down to the inside on certain third-down looks. A self-described "tweener," Smith-Williams has also become a signature example of the type of "role clarity" the Falcons have discussed frequently in camp. It's incumbent upon the coaches to clearly define each player's role, and it appears they've found a good one for Smith-Williams.
Selling out for the season ahead
We'll wrap things up on a housekeeping note. The Falcons announced at the end of July that they have sold out of season tickets for the 2024 campaign, highlighting the renewed enthusiasm amongst the fan base as fall approaches.
"We've listened to our fans, implemented their feedback and invested in creating a world-class fan experience," Falcons president Greg Beadles said. "It has been an exciting offseason for the team under the leadership of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. It is evident there is a lot of great energy heading into the season, and our fans and players are ready to go."
