Michael Penix Jr. demonstrated his competitive nature during the Atlanta Falcons’ fifth open practice session at AT&T Training Camp on Thursday in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The second-year quarterback showed strong decision-making and accuracy throughout much of the session, connecting with multiple receivers including KhaDarel Hodge, Drake London, and Ray-Ray McCloud.
Penix expressed confidence in the Falcons’ offensive unit following practice. “We should be the best in the league,” he said. “With the guys we have around us; we’ve got a great offensive line as well. Those guys work extremely hard in the trenches with Coach (Dwayne) Ledford out there leading those guys, doing a great job. With those guys, we should be unstoppable. That’s our goal. We want to be No. 1 in all the categories on the offensive side of the ball.”
During team drills, Penix made several notable plays but also threw an interception to Natrone Brooks after an otherwise productive drive. His reaction was immediate frustration—he slammed his helmet and took time alone on the field to reflect while special teams practiced.
Receiver Drake London described Penix’s attention to detail: “Even if Ray-Ray catches a ball he’s worrying about, ‘Oh, I didn’t put it on your front shoulder’ or something like that,” London said after practice. “That’s the type of quarterback he is, and he’s going to make sure he puts it in that perfect place every time.”
London was highlighted as one of Thursday’s most notable players for his performance against cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Dee Alford.
Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who has developed a strong relationship with veteran Leonard Floyd, spoke about their connection: “Mike Ekeler from Tennessee recruited me. He coached Leonard at Georgia. So, I’ve been hearing that since I’ve been recruited for college: ‘Leonard Floyd. Leonard Floyd.’ The chance that God lined it up for me to be able to play with him his first year here, my first year here is just incredible.”
Cornerback Keith Taylor missed his second consecutive day of practice, while rookie Jalon Walker participated only in individual drills due to a minor hamstring injury; head coach Raheem Morris stated they are being cautious with Walker’s return.
Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Easton Stick also had strong showings during practice sessions with both making accurate throws and connecting with various receivers.
Defensive player James Pearce Jr. continued to stand out by disrupting plays against Atlanta’s offense during scrimmages.
The Falcons will hold their sixth open training camp session Friday at IBM Performance Field as they prepare for their season opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
