Open practice count: 5 of 11 | See all dates
Most notable player: Drake London. For as solid as Penix was on Thursday, London was even better. His comeback against Terrell on the right sideline during a team period was flawless, leaving the star corner to only shake his head afterwards. London also had a quintessential acrobatic catch against Dee Alford on a rep where he lined up in a tight formation. He ran a quick fade, gained outside leverage on Alford and then leapt away from the defender while pirouetting back to the quarterback to high-point the ball. London is poised to continue his ascent in Year 4.
Say what now: “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.” – James Pearce Jr. on his strong relationship with veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd.
Song of the day: “Wanna Be A Baller” by Lil’ Troy (1999). More Impalas need 20-inch blades on them.
Roll call: Cornerback Keith Taylor was not seen at practice for the second straight day. Rookie Jalon Walker participated in individual drills but was held out of team sessions due to a minor hamstring injury. Head coach Raheem Morris explained before practice that Walker has been pushing to return to the field and that the team is being cautious with him.
— During individual work, Penix linked with the following receivers: Kyle Pitts, London, McCloud, DJ Chark and Jesse Matthews. Typically a quarterback will throw two passes to a line of receivers on one side of the field before switching with the other quarterback and throwing to a second group of receivers. Penix was accurate during the period, especially on slants and quick outs. It’s safe to assume Darnell Mooney would be in that mix were he on the field.
— There have been a few off-target snaps from the offense so far in training camp, particularly a couple low ones by Ryan Neuzil Thursday. It’s nothing that should cause major concern at this point in camp, but preseason games will be important for ironing out that part of the offense.
— Penix wasn’t the only quarterback who impressed at practice. Kirk Cousins was sharp with the second-team unit and connected with Chark on a deep crossing route for a touchdown in the high red zone. Near the very end of practice, Cousins made one of the best plays of the day. He lofted a rainbow pass to Casey Washington, which the second-year receiver hauled in against Natrone Brooks while falling to the turf. It was a nice moment of redemption for Washington, who couldn’t bring in a deep pass earlier in camp after a double move against Terrell.
— Easton Stick continues to throw a really nice ball and demonstrate comfort within this offense. Stick was one of the last players off the field Thursday as he stayed back to throw with a few receivers afterwards.
— James Pearce Jr. has given Atlanta’s second team offense problems in training camp, and that continued in the latest practice. On the starting defense’s first rep of the team period, Pearce deflected a pass from Cousins — something he’s done somewhat consistently. On the second play, he flushed Cousins from the pocket. Pearce looks right at home in a defense designed to attack and stress offensive lines by beating them off the line of scrimmage.
— Cornerbacks Natrone Brooks and Lamar Jackson have been getting consistent work on the outside with the second team, and they’ve both had standout moments so far. A good series of preseason games could help them solidify spots as key reserves.
— Dylan Drummond showed off some serious wheels on a tunnel screen. He caught the pass from Cousins on the left side before turning upfield and outrunning the defense to the end zone. Drummond was also back with Jamal Agnew as kick returner during a special teams drill.
— David Sills V has been impressive in camp so far. He had a grab on the right side of the end zone during a red-zone period that looked to be a touchdown, but it was difficult to tell from the media’s vantage point. In the absence of Darnell Mooney, Sills is a player who has stood out. He’s also got a fan in Drake London, who said after practice that he used to watch highlights of Sills while he was still in high school.
What’s next: The Falcons hold their sixth open practice Friday at IBM Performance Field.
Countdown to kickoff: There are 38 days until the Falcons’ Week 1 opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | See full schedule