Steve Scarnecchia Chief Of Staff, Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
Steve Scarnecchia Chief Of Staff, Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
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.
Three injuries occurred during the training camp. Wide receiver Rondale Moore injured his right knee during the teams' second joint practice, resulting in him being carted off the field and placed on injured reserve. Safety DeMarcco Hellams, 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. Rookie edge defender Bralen Trice also departed after injuring his left leg late in the second quarter.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said after the game that they 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., the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his debut with Kirk Cousins held out of preseason action. Penix displayed arm talent, pocket mobility, and command of route progressions, finishing 9 of 16 for 104 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The NFL's film-crunching crowd lauded Penix for his debut.
The Falcons' defensive front set a new standard during their time in Miami. From the first joint practice through the preseason game, they controlled gaps against the run and generated consistent pressure on Miami's quarterbacks. Grady Jarrett stood out in joint work while reserve pieces like Kentavius Street, Demone Harris, and Tommy Togaia put good reps on tape during Friday night's game.
Kirk Cousins is pushing tight end Kyle Pitts hard during training camp. "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."
A competition is taking place among tight ends behind Pitts. Charlie Woerner is listed as a starter at the second tight end spot but John FitzPatrick and Ross Dwelley have surfaced since work began.
Carlos Washington is finding his place entering Year 2 after spending last season on the Falcons' practice squad. Against the Dolphins, he played 39 snaps and led with 16 carries for 25 yards including a touchdown run.
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