The full squad is now in Flower Branch, ready to begin AT&T training camp in earnest Wednesday morning with the first full practice. Pads come a little later and then, well, it’s on.
One of the NFL’s most interesting training camps will feature many positions, with starting spots and rotation roles up for grabs. There are more questions than definitive statements you can make about the Falcons depth chart, which will add import and intrigue to this summer’s proceedings.
The Falcons will hold joint practices against the host New York Jets in mid-August and welcome Jacksonville for more such sessions later in the month.
And, following an offseason theme that will carry into the summer and beyond, the Falcons will have to go prove it. They will have to earn respect. Individuals will compete for prominent spots on a team in transition, looking for players to step up and establish themselves as long-term solutions.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the Falcons in person, and AtlantaFalcons.com will have you covered every step of the way, with what you need to know during camp. Here are some key dates and stories to follow as we head into the regular season.
Falcons Camp Calendar
July 26 – players officially report to training camp This may interest you : Cheerleaders of the Week – Week 4: Meadowdale High School – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio.
July 27 – The first official practice takes place in Flowery Branch
July 29 – First open practice at IBM Performance Field
August 1 – Falcons practice for the first time in pads
August 12 – Preseason game: Falcons vs. Detroit Lions at Ford Field
August 15 – Dirty Birds Open Practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 6:30 p.m. (click here for tickets)
August 16 – Falcons must trim roster to 85 players
August 22 – Preseason game: Falcons vs. New York Jets at MetLife Stadium
August 23 – Falcons must trim roster to 80 players
Aug. 24-25 – Joint practices at IBM Performance Field with Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.
August 27 – Preseason game: Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (click here for tickets)
Aug 30. – Falcons must cut roster to 53-man regular season limit
Open practice dates at IBM Performance Field: (July 29, July 30, August 1, August 2, August 3, August 5 , August 6, August 8, August 9, August 10, August 24, August 25; click here for more information
Keep an eye on…
1. O-Line Battles: There will be plenty of competition on the offensive line, at right tackle, left guard and center. This may interest you : Cheerleaders and Dance Team – Pitt Panthers #H2P. It’s possible returning starters Kaleb McGary, Jalen Mayfield and Matt Hennessy keep their jobs, but they’ll be pushed hard all summer as coaches try to find the best starting five and enough blocking/protection to help a talented group of skill players thrive.
2. Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder: The Falcons haven’t had quarterback drama in a long time. It’s been more than a dozen years since the starting spot was challenged, with Matt Ryan as the obvious, presumptive starter. It certainly seems like Marcus Mariota has the best chance to start the season as QB1, but nothing is set in stone. Rookie Desmond Ridder impressed in practice during the offseason program and will push for early playing time this summer.
3. New faces = more pressure?: The Falcons pass must generate more passes than in recent seasons. must That’s why they drafted Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone. That’s why they brought in Lorenzo Carter, looking for guys who can get after the quarterback without blitzing. The Falcons aren’t going to go from 18 sacks to No. 1 in the league, but they’re looking for better and promising flashes from a young rotation with a great chance to get there.
4. Drake London and a revamped WR corps: The Falcons drafted Drake London at No. 8 overall for a reason. The guy has talent. He won’t realize vast potential in one training camp, but it will be interesting to see how he looks in Arthur Smith’s offense, blending in with Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson and new guys Bryan Edwards and Auden Tate. This receiver has a lot of high and some deep threats. If they can mesh well with the quarterbacks, the Falcons could have a much more explosive offense in 2022.
5. What’s up with Deion Jones?: The standout inside linebacker has recovered from reported shoulder surgery. Will he come back and be a key player on the interior defense once he is cleared to practice? Or will he be traded, as some media outlets suggest? It’s an evolution to watch as we move forward.
