Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. provided two of the more encouraging performances for the Falcons in their preseason opener, giving the team reason to be optimistic about its young linebacker group. Daniels showed his physicality and instincts, consistently finding his way to the football while also being tasked with the green dot and the responsibility of serving as the defense's play-caller. Perkins, meanwhile, flashed the athleticism and sideline-to-sideline range that made him such an intriguing addition, showing an ability to play fast and create problems for opposing offenses. The rookie duo's performances stood out even more amid a largely disappointing showing from the rest of the team, with Daniels and Perkins providing two of the few reasons for optimism in an otherwise rough first outing.
Young LBs provide rare positives in Falcons’ first preseason game

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 14: Jonah Coleman #20 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Kendal Daniels #53 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
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