FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After enduring the rain Monday, weather forced the Atlanta Falcons to move Tuesday's eighth open practice of training camp indoors. That closed it to fans but not media. However, the indoor practice facility makes visibility difficult.
Head coach Raheem Morris did not address the media prior to practice, either. He is scheduled to speak Wednesday before the Falcons' first full-team scrimmage.
So, let's jump right into the details.
Open practice count: 8 of 11 (though it was ultimately closed to the public) | See all dates
Most notable player: Drake London. The wide receiver caught all five of his targets during 11-on-11 work, which was easily the most among the first team. His ability to go and get the ball was on full display, too.
Say what now: "Kaden Elliss. That's their alpha. He drives the energy. Obviously, they all do. But when Kaden is on and he's bringing the energy, they're different. They're a different defense. And good thing for them: He brings it every single day," running back Bijan Robinson on who stands out across the line of scrimmage.
Song of the day: "Po' Me Up Some Mo" by F.P.J. Definitely caught tight end Feleipe Franks dancing along to the 2022 song in the huddle.
Roll call: Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (expected), cornerback Keith Taylor (unknown), inside linebacker Malik Verdon (Non-Football Injury list), inside linebacker Troy Andersen (Physically Unable to Perform list) and offensive lineman Storm Norton (unknown).
General observations:
-- There were 1-on-1 matchups between the wide receivers and defensive backs for the first time in training camp, as far as I have seen. It was super entertaining seeing the two position groups go at it. They were in full pads, so the contact was both goodhearted and competitive, especially after Monday's helmets-only practice. All of the throws were either in the red zone or end zone, too, so there was some good ribbing when one player beat the other. For example, wide receiver Nick Nash had an impressive one-handed catch against cornerback Dee Alford in the end zone. Nash ran off holding the ball above his head, while Alford jogged over to assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray presumably for feedback. Gray was giving instructions from the sideline, while secondary coach Justin Hood hovered near the goal post.
-- Safety Xavier Watts and edge rusher Jalon Walker were present, took part in position drills but did not partake in 11-on-11 work. This doesn't come as a surprise after Morris shared his "preventative maintenance" plan for those two prior to Monday's practice. Inside linebacker JD Bertrand was wearing a yellow non-contact jersey. Unsure what's going on with him, but given his participation levels have been a lot like that of Watts and Walker, it's likely the Falcons are just being safe with Bertrand, too.
-- Cornerback Clark Phillips III had an injury scare after colliding with inside linebacker Josh Woods during 11-on-11 work. Athletic trainers had a moment with Phillips on the field. But Phillips never went to the sideline nor fully left practice, so it doesn't seem to be anything of concern.
-- Jack Nelson ran with the first team at right tackle Tuesday with Norton still absent. Brandon Parker was the first-team left tackle Tuesday. Elijah Wilkinson filled in at right tackle for the second-team offense. It is more than likely starters Kaleb McGary and Jake Matthews were simply taking a rest day. It is also never a bad idea to cultivate depth.
-- About to share the quarterback stats from 11-on-11 work, but a quick reminder that it was very difficult to see plays clearly indoors. So, with that said, by my count Michael Penix Jr. completed 13 of his 18 passes. Kirk Cousins was 13-of-17. Easton Stick completed his sole pass attempt, and Emory Jones did the same. Morris said Monday that neither Penix nor Cousins will play in Friday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Stick and Jones will share snaps.
-- Though Drake London was Penix's favorite target, fellow wide receiver Casey Washington continued to take significant reps with the first-team offense, just like he did Monday. During Penix's first series against the second-team defense, Washington had one really clutch catch, maintaining control of a pass en route to the ground and thrown in double coverage. His speed was truly shown, however, during a special teams drill in which Washington completely outran two players down half the field or so.
-- Three interceptions were thrown Tuesday. It was difficult to pinpoint who the intended targets were for any of them, so not going to throw anyone under an unclear bus. Nonetheless, cornerback Mike Ford Jr. picked off a pass that bounced off a receiver's hands. safety DeMarcco Hellams picked off a pass in the red zone, and safety Josh Thompson picked off a pass that was tough to follow.
What's next: The Falcons hold their ninth open practice Wednesday at IBM Performance Field. According to The Weather Channel, there's only a 24% chance of rain in the morning, so the team could be back outside for the scrimmage.
Countdown to kickoff: There are 33 days until the Falcons' Week 1 opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | See full schedule
