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Training Camp Takeaways

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From Michael Penix Jr.'s debut to the defensive line's splash plays: 6 things we learned during a week in Miami

A closer look into the details and developments that defined the Falcons' third week of training camp and first preseason game against the Dolphins. 

The Falcons will resume practice on Monday following a week in Miami for joint practices that culminated in a 20-13 loss in their first preseason game. It was a week that revealed some positive developments about the team but will ultimately be remembered for the cost of those revelations.

Let's go ahead and jump right into the details that defined Atlanta's third week of training camp.

Three injuries nobody wanted to see

The relative good fortune the Falcons had enjoyed to start camp came to an end in Miami. Wide receiver Rondale Moore injured his right knee during the teams' second joint practice, which resulted in the fourth-year player being carted off the field. The injury appeared serious in the moment – the two teams decided to end practice in the immediate aftermath – and the Falcons confirmed that severity by placing him on injured reserve Thursday.

On Friday night, two more key figures exited the action due to injures. Safety DeMarcco Hellams, who has been competing for a starting role alongside Jessie Bates III, injured his left leg on Atlanta's second defensive snap of the game and did not return.

Late in the second quarter, rookie edge defender Bralen Trice also departed the game after injuring his left leg. Trice has been a standout player thus far in camp, and he had been having a good outing against the Dolphins when the injury occurred.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said after the game that the team hoped to have a better idea of the two players' outlook when they could evaluate them Saturday. As of Sunday morning, no official update has been provided.

Michael Penix Jr.'s debut making waves

With Kirk Cousins held out of the preseason action, the starting snaps on Friday night belonged to the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. And Penix did not disappoint. He looked as comfortable as you'd want a first-round pick to look. Sure, there was a throw or two he'd probably like back – Morris said as much after the game – but Penix displayed his arm talent, pocket mobility and command of route progressions.

That combo package is exactly why the Falcons decided to select him where they did. At the game's most important position, Penix possess a combination of traits that is reminiscent of other quarterback greats. There's still a ways to go, and the Falcons aren't going to rush things, but the early returns have been promising. He officially finished the game 9 of 16 for 104 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

In the aftermath of the game, the NFL's film-crunching crowd were quick to laud the rookie for his debut. It should give fans confidence that others around the league see the same things in Penix the Falcons did back in April.

Defensive front set a new standard in Miami

For many of the Falcons' camp sessions at their practice facility, the new-look offense has been the main takeaway. When the team headed south, the script flipped. Not to say Atlanta's offense didn't have its moments, it's just that the defense maintained a level of play that was truly impressive. From the first joint practice through the preseason game, the Falcons' front largely controlled their gaps against the run and generated a consistent amount of pressure on Miami's quarterbacks. They wanted to set a standard during the trip, and it certainly felt like they did.

Grady Jarrett was a standout in joint work and continues to impress in his return to play after last year's season-ending injury. He was among the many starters who didn't play Friday night, but that only allowed reserve pieces like Kentavius Street, Demone Harris and Tommy Togaia to put some good reps on tape. Second-year defensive lineman Zach Harrison is another player who played well in the exhibition game. He's bulked up this offseason for a different type of role in 2024, but the former 5-star recruit and third-round draft pick could be a key young piece for Atlanta's defense.

Kirk Cousins challenging Kyle Pitts

One revelation that should excite Falcons fans and fantasy football heads, alike, was just how hard Cousins is pushing his newest weapon at tight end. Pitts is entering an important year, and it's clear from the work he's put in during camp that he's aware of that fact. Cousins is the most established quarterback Pitts has worked with since Matt Ryan in 2021, and he's using that credibility to demand the most of the former No. 4 pick.

"I always say, 'Did you run as fast as you possibly can and did you snag it with your hands aggressive?'" Cousins said. "Those are the two things I challenge him on. I said, 'If you do that, the production can't help but happen.'"

That wasn't the only revelation Cousins shared. Although he didn't play in Atlanta's first preseason game – and it remains to be seen if he'll play at all before Week 1 – Cousins did reflect upon his debut in such a game back in 2012.

The TEs not named Pitts are doing OK, too

A pretty fun down-depth-chart competition taking place in training camp features the tight ends behind Pitts. Charlie Woerner, who did not play against the Dolphins on Friday night, is listed on the team's depth chart as a starter at the second tight end spot, but two other players have really surfaced since work began.

Those would be John FitzPatrick and Ross Dwelley. Fans may not be intimately familiar with those two, and that's kind of the point. They are exactly the bring-your-lunch-pail-to-work type of players coaches often love at a position that has to stick its nose in the mix at times. The trio is also developing a great bond, one strengthened by relationships forged before coming to Atlanta.

Carlos Washington is ready to run in Year 2

The Falcons are as set as a team can be with their top two running backs. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are a duo any offense would love. Behind those two, however, Atlanta will have a decision to make. The Falcons drafted Jase McClellan out of the University in Alabama in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, and he looked sharp on Friday night, but Washington is finding his place too.

He spent last season on the Falcons' practice squad, and it has paid dividends for Washington. Entering Year 2, he’s got a better mindset. There's less internal pressure. The distracting voices are quieter.

Against the Dolphins, Washington got plenty of looks. He played 39 snaps, fifth-most among offensive players, and led the team with 16 carries on the night. He gained 25 yards on those attempts, including a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and also caught one pass for 13 yards. He'll look to have more production in the next game, but the opportunities are there.

Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium during Preseason Week 1.

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