SE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons faced an unexpected power outage early Wednesday morning, causing a shift in their practice schedule. Despite the disruption, the team proceeded with an action-packed session.

Practice was initially set for 9:30 a.m. but moved to 8:15 a.m. due to the power issues. "In my head, I'm like, 'OK, this is a lot different,'" said outside linebacker Bralen Trice. "But I just wanted to lock in." By 7:30 a.m., power was restored.

The sixth practice of the camp and second in pads saw nearly full attendance from the 90-man roster, with wide receiver Chris Blair as the only absentee.

Friday's practice will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and open to fans with purchased tickets from 6-8:30 p.m., marking the only public practice of this training camp.

During Wednesday's session, the defense recorded six sacks in 11-on-11 play. Although quarterbacks wore non-contact jerseys, notable defensive players included Trice, Grady Jarrett, Kentavius Street, Milo Eifler, Troy Andersen, and Kaden Elliss.

Kirk Cousins completed 18 of his 27 passes while Michael Penix Jr. completed 11 of his 15 attempts. Penix appeared to limp after a near-sack by Trice.

"I thought it was a practice that tested us," Cousins said. "We're getting better and learning."

Head coach Raheem Morris provided direct feedback during goal-line drills involving quarterbacks and wide receivers. He praised Casey Washington's route but critiqued his execution for stepping out of bounds. Dylan Drummond later executed the same route correctly under Morris' guidance.

Tight end Ross Dwelley made two standout catches during team drills delivered by Penix against both first-team and second-team defenses.

"There has been talk about Ray-Ray McCloud III being WR3 behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney," Morris noted on Tuesday regarding position battles among wide receivers. Rondale Moore earned more reps with the first-team offense during Wednesday's session.

In additional observations:

- A referee lost a shoe during scrimmage but continued officiating.

- Eddie Goldman has shown improved conditioning since returning for offseason training.

- Kirk Cousins praised Darnell Mooney’s skills and work ethic.

- Mike Hughes has been favored over Clark Phillips III as CB2 opposite A.J. Terrell.

Tori McElhaney highlighted Eddie Goldman's improved shape and Kirk Cousins' growing rapport with Darnell Mooney. Will McFadden noted strong defensive plays from A.J. Terrell and Ray-Ray McCloud III’s one-handed catch against Antonio Hamilton Sr., among other key moments from Wednesday’s practice.