Here are the quick hits and observations from Monday, August 1 at Atlanta Falcons training camp as the team prepares for the upcoming 2022 NFL season.
The Pads Are On
Arthur Smith had his team suited up in full pads for the first time this summer as the Falcons began the second week of training camp Monday. Though despite the increase in gear, the day was more of an install day for both sides of the ball that didn’t see a ton of hitting until the end of the day in a short 11 v 11. Smith has spoken on several occasions over the last week since camp began about his intention to slowly ramp up the players into higher and higher levels of intensity. Now that the pads are on, expect practices to once again start to ratchet up – perhaps following a similar trajectory to last week that culminated in some scuffles and a very high competitive level.
Smith added today that this week in particular is one which is very important for the coaching staff and players.
“We’re trying to be intentional in building these guys up, said Smith. “You want to see it day after day. I think this week’s a good proving ground. It’s a long week for these guys, and I think we’ll have a pretty good idea about people by the end of the week.”
Offensive Line Finding Consistency
After Arthur Smith declared that three of the five spots one the offensive line are “up for grabs” after the first practice of the preseason last week, the starters appear to be coalescing (though it’s still early and things can change quickly).
After playing with the starters in the opening practice, last year’s starting LG Jalen Mayfield has played with the second unit in every practice. He appears to have been jumped by Elijah Wilkinson – a versatile offensive lineman who has played every position except center and the left guard spot he finds himself competing for now.
"It doesn't tell me anything. I don't think anything is done here," Wilkinson said Saturday about his playing time with the starting unit so far. "The work is still coming. You have to bring it every day. You have to earn it every day."
At center, where Drew Dalman is battling it out with Matt Hennessy, it’s been pretty constant alternating. If I had to handicap it at this point, I’d say Dalman is slightly ahead, but this one appears to be a much tighter battle at this point in time. Dalman and Wilkinson both featured with the starters today.
As it relates to Mayfield, the second-year player out of Michigan had at least one notable false start penalty during team portion Saturday. Today, he had another false start, though it happened in the individual portion of practice.
Edwards misses practice after shoulder injury
General Manager Terry Fontenot confirmed today that WR Bryan Edwards came down awkwardly on his shoulder Saturday that forced his early exit. He was out today, but he and Arthur Smith both indicated that the issue is relatively minor, with Smith saying (we’ll take it day-by-day). Considering Edwards’ high level he’s displayed so far this preseason, the missed time is perhaps welcomed at this stage. Better to keep a locked on starter healthy, and it shouldn’t hinder him at all in being fully ready to go for the start of the preseason schedule.
First Team Offensive Line Tracker
Matthews - Wilkinson - Dalman - Lindstrom - McGary
*Last practice: Matthews - Wilkinson - Hennessy - Lindstrom - McGary