The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their first four-day block of training camp on Sunday, giving the players a well-deserved day off before the first padded session begins on Tuesday.
We entered camp with a few questions but have already learned a good deal about the 2024 Falcons in a relatively short amount of time. And yet, we've barely scratched the surface of camp. The pads will come on soon, giving us a much better sense of the trench play and defense. Following that, the trip to Miami for joint practices will uncover another layer of information, culminating with the first preseason game on Aug. 9.
In the meantime, let's dig into the biggest takeaways from the first stretch of camp.
The Kirk Cousins effect is real
If there was a through line to the start of camp, it's this: Falcons players and coaches are excited to have Cousins in the building. He's a big part of why Atlanta's offense has been able to start camp further along than a typical offense might, and his influence touches every part of the roster from Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III to his new group of wide receivers.
"Kirk is Kirk. He's had all these guys that are great receivers," Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney said after Sunday's practice. "He had (Stefon) Diggs, Adam Thielen, Jets (Justin Jefferson), DeSean Jackson, Pierre (Garçon), but out of all of those guys, Kirk has been the main guy. Kirk is the guy. He's the reason why everybody is flowing. … Kirk is the guy for sure that's making everything happen."
Per Tori McElhaney’s counting, Cousins was 15-of-17 passing during Saturday's open practice at Seckinger High School. He's quickly developed a rapport with Kyle Pitts, Ray-Ray McCloud and Darnell Mooney, and there's little reason to believe he won't get every weapon involved this season.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank used the word "deficient" to describe his team's quarterback play in 2023. Well, after the first stretch of camp, one thing is abundantly clear: Atlanta is no longer deficient at the game's most important position.
James Smith-Williams snuck up on everyone
There haven't been many surprises when it comes to Atlanta's defense so far in camp. Pretty much everyone who was a key contributor last year has remained right up at the top of the depth chart. One player who did catch everyone by surprise, however, is Smith-Williams.
"I'm probably like a plus-sized outside linebacker," Smith-Williams said when asked to describe his skill set. "So, I get some of that tweener stuff at times where I can be on the edge and do my stuff out there (but) also kind of condense down if need be."
For a defense that is expected to be multiple in its deployment, that versatility is essential. But that's no surprise, because it's a topic that has been brought up time and again with players like Richie Grant, Kaden Elliss and even a rookie like Brandon Dorlus. This feels like the biggest commitment yet to that philosophy, and it will be interesting to see what Smith-Williams can do once the pads come on.
Kyle Pitts looks like a problem for defenses
If anyone feels the need to see it before they believe it, I can't say I don't understand, but trust me when I say: Pitts looks healthy and primed for a big year in his new situation. His performance during Saturday’s open practice served as the high point of Pitts' first four days, and it illustrated how he can become the top option in an offense designed to give him plenty of opportunities.
"It's really been fun to coach him on details of routes and concepts that we've got going on, and just be helpful in that manner," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said during OTAs. "I see a young guy that's eager to learn and want more. And his 'why' is really him, his personal vendetta to get back. I love that about him because you've got to have a little edge, and he's starting to show that a little bit more every day."
Grady Jarrett feels as good as ever
The early Cousins-Pitts connection is an excellent sign for both players who faced health-related questions this offseason. So, too, is the return of Jarrett, who is the heartbeat of Atlanta and a big factor in the team's pass-rush plans.
Morris explained on the first day of practice that both Cousins and Jarrett would have slightly modified plans given their respective rehabilitations, but neither has been noticeably hampered when on the field. The real test for Jarrett will begin Tuesday when the Falcons put on the pads for the first time this camp, but he sounds confident in his recovery and ready for a big season.
"I feel strong as I've ever been," Jarrett said. "I've always been super strong, that's how I'm able to do the job that I'm able to do at my size, position – stuff like that. But, I mean, I feel strong, explosive."
A.J. Terrell focused on team amidst contract talks
There are often a handful of star players around the league who seek to create leverage in ongoing contract negotiations by sitting out his team's training camp to some degree. This year is no exception, but Terrell is. The star cornerback has been situated at his usual spot throughout offseason activities and the first four days of camp.
"That's the beauty of it, like right now I'm so focused on just being with the team and being involved and just let my agent work his moves and do what he do," Terrell said. "That's easy for me to just come out to work and not think about it and know that it's in good hands."
Terrell is an essential piece for a secondary that has continuity and an excellent group of coaches to call upon, so it’s a huge plus that he’s locked in.
Jessie Bates III has been learning in more ways than one
After a spectacular season in which he recorded a career-high six interceptions, essentially secured two victories for Atlanta and earned his first Pro Bowl invite, it might be easy for Bates to rest on his laurels. But you don't become one of the league's most respected – or best – safeties with that attitude.
Bates has undertaken two first-time experiences this offseason that he believes will make him better on the field. The first was about personal growth. Bates says he's read more about leadership and development than at any other point in his life, and Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray gifted him a special book to help with that venture.
The second involved reaching across the proverbial aisle. Bates asked if he could join Cousins for a film session to pick the quarterback’s brain during the offseason. That quickly into an open invitation from Cousins to accompany him for this early morning ritual whenever Bates desired. The two have shared their unique perspectives on specific plays, and Bates is hopeful both players will benefit.
Mike Hughes, Richie Grant emerge in camp battles
Honestly, camp battles may be overstating things a bit. So far, Hughes and Grant have clearly been running with the first-team secondary at No. 2 corner and safety, respectively.
The fit for Grant, a former second-round pick, in this defense is fairly clear: He's a versatile defender who can be moved around and plays well close to the line of scrimmage. Hughes' emergence is slightly more surprising given that he was splitting time with second-year corner Clark Phillips III this offseason. Phillips provided a nice reminder of his abilities Saturday with an interception in a full-team drill, while Hughes also had a nice punch-out for a pass breakup. We'll continue to keep an eye on these battles and any others that emerge.
