From quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. to rookie class expectations and finding a pass rush, everything we learned from the Atlanta Falcons' preseason.
began their first period of training camp walkthroughs July 25 at IBM Performance Field, the hit song "Rags2Riches" blared over the loud speaker.
"There was a lot of times where we were in full pads two, three times in a row and guys were sore and they just came out and kept working," backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke said postgame. "I'm sure every guy in that locker room will tell you it was a little rough, but we got better -- every day you could see it."
From on-field rhythm to off-field chemistry, the leadership and attention to detail Cousins has brought to the Falcons' offense is legitimate. The four-time Pro Bowler has been precise and efficient throughout camp, and he's shown no signs of last year's Achilles injury lingering into this season. Another key question entering camp centered around the starting No. 2 corner opposite A.J. Terrell, but former first-round pick Mike Hughes has been the answer from the beginning. Second-year pro Clark Phillips III was thought to have the lead during OTAs, and while Phillips had a good camp, Hughes never relenquished the job.
The biggest qualm with how Atlanta approached this idea is the element of predictability. Some players, like defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and outside linebacker James Smith-Williams, were employed significantly in base packages and in early-down settings. Fifth-round pick J.D. Bertrand cemented his spot as the No. 4 linebacker with a strong summer, and he'll likely play a considerable role on special teams. Taking the field on defense will be difficult, as Atlanta likes its linebacker trio of Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman and Troy Andersen.
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