South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The final play of Wednesday's practice session for the Atlanta Falcons' first-team offense ended in a surprising yet fitting moment of exultation.

On a day marked by the connection between quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Drake London, it was tight end Charlie Woerner who ultimately stole the spotlight.

During the team's "mamba" period, where starters face off against starters and reserves against reserves, Cousins found himself in a challenging situation.

"It was fourth down, so ball (has) got to go somewhere," Cousins explained about his final play during the all-team period. "They drop both defensive ends. I've got (Darnell) Mooney on my left; he was kind of doubled. I was trying to get to Bijan (Robinson) on my right; he's doubled. So, I'm like 'Oh boy.'"

Cousins has maintained composure throughout his 12-year career, often stepping up when plays break down.

"So now (the play) is off schedule, right? But I think they may have only rushed three – I'm not sure; I've got to go back and watch the tape – so you've got time," Cousins said. "The O-line held up. And then it's a question of, 'OK, do I run around or do I try to find somebody from the pocket?'"

Staying behind his offensive line rather than escaping the pocket as he sometimes does in camp, Cousins continued scanning the field until he saw an unexpected matchup.

"I saw Charlie one-on-one. And I thought, 'It's fourth down; put it up,'" said Cousins. "As the ball is in the air, I thought, 'Charlie Woerner and Jessie Bates; odds aren't in our favor.'

"And then next thing you know, it's a touchdown."

The pass resulted in a perfectly placed jump ball at the front right pylon of the end zone. Despite Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates' strong defense, Woerner managed to secure the catch for a touchdown.

Atlanta's offense erupted in celebration following this competitive practice that featured numerous big plays from various players.

Drake London had an exceptional day lining up across different formations and catching contested passes smoothly. According to Terrin Waack's count, London caught six out of seven targets with four deep shots downfield.

Receivers Chris Blair and Jesse Matthews also impressed during Wednesday’s session. Blair stood out with his 41-yard reception during their first preseason game and continued building rapport with Michael Penix Jr., while Matthews connected well with Taylor Heinicke during their final period together.

Newly acquired wide receiver Jakeem Grant left practice midway through without returning.

Observations included frequent rollouts and bootlegs by quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., reflecting their respective handedness comfort levels moving around behind center.

Running back Tyler Allgeier showed decisiveness between tackles along with confidence as a receiver throughout Wednesday’s practice session.

Defensive players Kevin King made notable pass breakups while Dee Alford along Richie Grant displayed speed aggression emerging within starting defensive backfield unit alongside Arnold Ebiketie Kentavius Street flashing tandem rushes flushing out-of-pocket movements seen earlier week sessions overall strong performances observed thus far training camp practices monitoring ongoing developments upcoming season preparations continue progressing accordingly evaluated further analysis data gathered reviewed subsequently reported timely manner relevant stakeholders involved organizational decision-making processes accordingly implemented strategies achieving desired outcomes efficiently effectively optimizing resource utilization maximizing potential benefits derived efforts invested towards attaining goals objectives set forth initially planned envisaged successfully accomplished eventually realized fruition tangible results measurable indicators demonstrating progress achieved milestones 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